While rare vintage baseball cards in near-mint or gem mint condition can sell for millions, there are also many “common” cards from the 1980s and 1990s that have achieved extremely high prices in recent auction sales. The exploding popularity of collecting sports memorabilia has pushed up values across the entire hobby. Here are some of the most expensive common baseball cards that can still be found in many collections:
1989 Bowman Ken Griffey Jr. PSA 10 – $373,040
The 1989 Bowman Ken Griffey Jr. rookie card is arguably the most iconic baseball card of the modern era. Griffey was one of the brightest young stars in baseball and his rookie card became immensely popular. In a PSA 10 gem mint condition, these cards now sell for over $350,000 due to Griffey’s Hall of Fame career and the card’s iconic design. Even raw copies in excellent shape can bring $10,000-$15,000.
1992 Bowman Ken Griffey Jr. #1 PSA 10 – $350,100
Just like his 1989 rookie, Griffey’s 1992 Bowman #1 update issue card has become hugely valuable in top condition. It features similar artwork and is also incredibly scarce in perfect PSA 10 grade. The most expensive sale was $350,100 in 2020, showing its status among collectors as one of the best modern cards. Raw copies still sell for $15,000+ when sharp.
1998 Bowman Chrome Refractor Miguel Cabrera PSA 10 – $197,299
Among the true ” Commons” on this list, the 1998 Bowman Chrome Refractor Miguel Cabrera card reaches tremendous values in pristine condition. Cabrera went on to have a Hall of Fame career and win multiple batting titles. In a perfect PSA 10 with colorful refractor technology, this sold for nearly $200,000 in early 2022. Ungraded cards can sell for $5,000-7,000.
1998 Bowman’s Best Refractor Chipper Jones PSA 10 – $130,350
Another star 3rd baseman with a long, productive MLB tenure is Chipper Jones. Like Cabrera, his 1998 Bowman’s Best refractor shares the traits of being very collectible in top grade despite widespread distribution initially. Condition rules with most 1990s inserts and parallels, and a black label PSA 10 brought over $130,000 at auction.
1992 Ultra Ken Griffey Jr. PSA 10 – $120,000
From the early ’90s subset “Ultra” famous for its die-cut technology, Griffey’s design and rookie status again leads to exceptional prices in perfect condition. Very tricky cards to grade due to alignment issues, a flawless example from 1992 Ultra sold for $120,000 USD through PWCC in late 2021. Most raw copies sell for $5-7K depending on centering.
1997 Bowman’s Best Refractor Chipper Jones PSA 10 – $110,600
Chipper just wouldn’t stop as one of the most valuable mid-late 90s rookies/stars. This gold parallel refractor from 1997 Bowman’s Best fetched over $110,000 in a PSA 10, showing his enduring appeal. Just above Miguel Cabrera for most expensive 90s common refractor.
2003 Bowman Draft Pujols Patch Autograph PSA 9 – $100,800
While most patches don’t carry huge values, Albert Pujols remained a hot commodity throughout the 2000s. This rare 1/1 patch autograph from his 2003 Bowman Draft rookie set broke $100K in a PSA 9, no doubt aided by his amazing career stats. One of the costliest 1990s-2000s patch autograph cards.
1995 Bowman Derek Jeter PSA 9 – $94,500
Jeter’s iconic rookie card from 1995 Bowman in a pristine PSA 9 condition reached nearly $95,000 in early 2022. It remains among the most sought after and valuable 90s rookie cards, along with Griffey and Chipper Jones issues. Any PSA/BGS 9.5 or 10 examples can rival some truly rare vintage cards in price.
1997 Bowman’s Best Refractors Chipper Jones #147 BGS 9.5 – $84,450
This gold refractor parallel shows it was just one of several Chipper Jones 90s rookie cards that exploded in value. Graded nearly perfect by BGS, this one hit $84K+ due to his unique talent and legend status with the Braves. Most 97 BB refractor raw copies sell between $5-7,000.
1998 SP Authentic Mark McGwire PSA 10 – $75,150
The race to break Roger Maris’ single season home run record between Mark McGwire and Sammy Sosa captivated the world in 1998. As a result, McGwire’s cards from that year are highly sought after by collectors. His incredible staring images make it one of the top 90s inserts in top shape.
Vintage cards from the 80s and 90s of all-time great players like Griffey, Jeter, Pujols, Jones and McGwire take on investment qualities due to their careers and the modern boom in collectibles. Condition is everything, with high-grade examples routinely blowing past $50,000+ at auction. With values still rising exponentially, these “common” cards provide a fascinating alternative to ultra-rare 19th century tobacco issues.
