The 1990 Donruss baseball card set is considered one of the top vintage issues from the late 80s/early 90s junk wax era. While it doesn’t contain the true rookie cards of superstars like Griffey Jr. and Bonds like the 1989 Topps set, it does feature several young stars on the rise that would go on to Hall of Fame careers. The design is clean and classic with a solid photo on the front and stats on the back. Despite the large print runs common during the junk wax era, certain short printed and rookie cards have stood the test of time and maintain strong values today. Here are some of the most valuable 1990 Donruss baseball cards to look out for:
Ken Griffey Jr. – At just 20 years old in 1990, Griffey was already widely considered a future superstar and living up to the hype. His Donruss card from that year remains one of the most iconic and sought after from the entire Junk Wax era. PSA 10 Gem Mint copies regularly sell for well over $1000. Even lower graded copies in PSA 8 or BVG 8 still demand $100-300. Griffey’s marketability, talent, and Hall of Fame career have made this one of the most expensive 1990 Donruss cards and a true vintage grail piece for collectors.
Frank Thomas – Like Griffey, Thomas’ 1990 Donruss rookie announced his arrival as one of baseball’s next great sluggers. His sweet left-handed swing and prodigious power made him a fan favorite. PSA 10 Gem Mint copies can reach $500-800 depending on recent sales comps. Slightly played copies still attract $50-150 for collectors wanting this HOF’er’s first card in their PC.
Greg Maddux – Maddux was already establishing himself as an ace starting pitcher by 1990 with Atlanta. His pinpoint control and crafty pitching style would lead to a Hall of Fame career and 4 Cy Young awards. High grade PSA 10 copies of his 1990 Donruss card have sold for $350-500. Look for PSA 8s in the $75-150 range.
Randy Johnson – “The Big Unit” was in his early days with Montreal in 1990 but already possessed one of the nastiest fastballs the game had ever seen. Copies in PSA 10 Gem Mint can reach $300-400 due to his eventual success and HOF plaque. PSA 8s hold value around $75-150.
Moises Alou – The son of former MLB player Felipe Alou, Moises’ huge 1990 Donruss rookie is among the scarcer short prints from that year’s set. PSA 10 examples have topped $250 at auction due to the rarity factor. Expect to pay $75-150 for a well-centered PSA 8.
Willie Randolph – As a veteran with a stellar MLB career already behind him, Randolph’s 1990 Donruss card isn’t exactly a “rookie.” It remains one of the toughest pulls from the set due to an extremely limited print run. High grades in PSA 10 can sell for upwards of $250. Even PSA 8s command $100-175 based on the card’s scarcity alone.
Eric Davis – Injury problems would eventually derail his career, but “Fire” was still in his prime with Cincinnati in 1990. Copies of his action shot card in PSA 10 Gem Mint condition have brought over $200 before. Look for PSA 8s in the $50-100 range.
Jeff Bagwell – Bagwell was just a rookie first baseman with Houston in 1990 but offered early glimpses of the prolific power/average combo that would make him a superstar. Mint PSA 10 examples sell around $150-250. PSA 8s in the $50-100 range are more attainable.
Tim Salmon – One of the tougher Angel rookies to find, Salmon’s big upside had scouts excited in 1990. Mint PSA 10 versions sell around $150-250 due to their rarity alongside Bagwell, Griffey Jr. etc. Copies in PSA 8 hold steady value at $50-100.
Edgar Martinez – Martínez was already near the peak of his storied career and putting up huge offensive numbers by 1990. Pristine PSA 10 examples change hands for $150-250. Solid PSA 8s still attract $50-100 despite the huge print runs.
Ken Caminiti – Similar to Randolph, Caminiti wasn’t a true rookie in 1990 but rather a veteran 3B enjoying success with San Diego. His card was still one of the scarcer pulls that year. Top grades in PSA 10 can sell for over $150 based solely on rarity. Expect to pay $50-100 for well-centered PSA 8s.
Bobby Thigpen – Thigpen set the then-single season record for saves with Chicago in 1990 with 57, capturing the NL Rolaids Relief award. PSA 10 copies reflect his enduring record and have sold for over $150 on occasion. PSA 8s in the $50-100 range remain solid investments.
In summary – while not as legendary as rookie cards from the late 80s/early 90s flagship issues like Topps and Upper Deck, the 1990 Donruss set offers an affordable alternative for completing vintage team/player collections and holds hidden gems. Short printed rookies of eventual superstars like Griffey, Bagwell, and Thomas paired with scarcer veterans make specific high grade copies very collectible and valuable to this day despite the era’s larger print runs. For collectors on a budget, finding solid mid-grade versions in the $50-150 range of the above highlighted cards offers an enjoyable way to build a vintage PC without breaking the bank. Graded mint copies of Frank Thomas, Ken Griffey Jr., and other rookies are true crown jewels for collectors with deeper pockets, maintaining 4-figure prices even today. Overall the 1990 Donruss set remains a must for collectors of the junk wax era wanting a taste of that time period at reasonable prices.
