The 1990 Topps baseball card set is one of the most valuable and iconic sets from the modern era. While not the flashiest design compared to some others from the late 1980s and early 1990s, the 1990 Topps set featured some major stars and rookie cards that have stood the test of time. As with any vintage set, certain rare and highly sought after cards command prices far above the others. Let’s take a look at some of the most expensive 1990 Topps baseball cards that have sold for over $10,000.

Ken Griffey Jr. rookie card (card #1) – Widely considered one of if not the best baseball card rookie of all time, the Griffey Jr. rookie from the 1990 Topps set is the undisputed crown jewel. In near-mint to mint condition, examples of this card in a PSA 10 gem mint state have sold for over $100,000. Even well-centered raw copies in excellent condition can fetch $10,000+. Griffey was already one of the most anticipated rookie debuts ever and he lived up to the hype with a ROY award winning season. The exquisite photography, design, and subject combined to make this the card that started the modern baseball card boom.

Frank Thomas rookie card (card #91) – As one of the most dominant hitters of the 1990s, Frank Thomas established himself right away with a stellar rookie campaign. His powerful rookie card reflects the excitement around his debut and is one of the more valuable non-Griffey cards from the ’90 Topps set. PSA 10 examples have sold for around $15,000 while even raw near-mint copies can reach $5,000+.

Greg Maddux rookie card (card #138) – Maddux emerged as one of the best pitchers of his generation and won 4 Cy Young awards. His rookie card isn’t quite as hyped as Thomas or Griffey but still holds great significance. PSA 10 versions have crossed the $10,000 mark on occasion while raw near-mint copies sell for $3,000-$5,000 depending on quality.

Roberto Alomar rookie card (card #169) – As a rookie, Alomar made an immediate impact winning both the ROY award and a Gold Glove. He went on to have a Hall of Fame career and his rookie card remains one of the marquee cards from the set outside the big three. PSA 10 grades have sold for over $15,000 and raw copies still fetch $3,000-$5,000 in top condition.

Eric Davis (card #105) – Davis’ 1990 campaign was one of the best offensive seasons of the late 80s/early 90s. He hit .295 with 32 home runs, 100 RBI, and 22 steals. His eye-popping stats and All-Star excellence made his base card very desirable. PSA 10 examples have crossed the $10,000 mark on a few occasions.

Darryl Strawberry (card #145) – As one of the true superstars of the 1980s, Strawberry’s popularity endured well into the 90s. His formidable 1985 and 1987 seasons in particular solidified him as a legend of the game. Top graded PSA 10 copies have exceeded $10,000 at auction.

Nolan Ryan (card #233) – Even in the late stages of his career, Ryan captivated fans and maintained iconic status. His no-hitter in 1990 at age 43 only added to the legend. PSA 10 versions have reached $15,000 while raw gems can bring $5,000.

Barry Bonds (card #192) – Bonds was still in the early stages of his career transitioning from Pittsburgh to San Francisco. But even then, his rare blend of power and patience was on display. PSA 10 examples have sold for over $10,000.

Wade Boggs (card #161) – One of the most consistent hitters and a five-time batting champ, Boggs maintained Hall of Fame caliber seasons throughout the late 80s. His pristine statistics and accomplishment led his core card to reach over $10,000 in PSA 10 condition as well.

David Justice (card #259) – Justice broke out with Atlanta in 1990 batting .319 with 18 homers in his sophomore campaign. This fueled demand for his cardboard and graded versions have eclipsed $10,000 at auction.

Meanwhile, stars like Will Clark (card #50), Mark McGwire (card #200), and Bobby Thigpen (card #556) have seen PSA 10s reach $5,000-$8,000 each as well given their significance during this era. Overall condition, centering and grading are major factors but these cards demonstrates how elite vintage star power can command the most value from the iconic 1990 Topps design. While not quite pristine specimens, even very nicely centered raw copies of the biggest names can still fetch $3,000-5,000 for avid collectors almost 30 years later.