The 1990 Donruss baseball card set is widely considered one of the most iconic and valuable issues from the late 80s-early 90s boom period. While it does not contain the true rookie cards of superstar talents like Barry Bonds, Ken Griffey Jr., or Frank Thomas like some previous years, the 1990 Donruss set still features several highly coveted rookie and star player cards that have grown exponentially in value over the past few decades. Here are some of the most expensive and sought-after 1990 Donruss baseball cards collectors hunt for today:
Ken Griffey Jr. (#1): You can’t talk about valuable 1990 Donruss cards without starting with “The Kid” Ken Griffey Jr. Though not his true rookie card since he debuted in 1989 Topps, Griffey’s card #1 remained one of the most iconic images of his early career. In top graded Gem Mint 10 condition, this card now sells for $1,000-1,500. Even well-centered near-mint copies can fetch $150-300. Griffey was already one of the game’s brightest young stars by 1990 and this iconic Donruss issue only added to his legend.
Brady Anderson (#217): Brady Anderson’s rookie card is one of the biggest surprises from the 1990 Donruss set. Anderson had a relatively unremarkable career but hit 50 home runs in 1996, which made this card extremely desirable at the time. Today Brady Anderson rookie cards still sell well due to their scarcity and nostalgia factor. Near-mint copies sell in the $75-150 range while pristine mint grades can reach $400-600.
Roger Clemens (#48): By 1990, Roger Clemens was already one of the game’s dominant ace pitchers but his intimidating glare on the ’90 Donruss design became an iconic baseball image. High-grade Clemens rookies from his debut season in 1984 are wildly expensive but even this later Donruss issue with him as a flame-throwing Red Sox star retains great value. Near-mint copies change hands for $50-100 and mint examples reach $200-300.
Walt Weiss (#212): Though not exactly a superstar player, Weiss’ rookie card is highly coveted among Rangers and ’90s collectors alike. The shortstop had a long, steady big league career but this Donruss issue was his true rookie card. Near-mint grades sell in the $50-75 range while gem mint 10s have sold for over $400. Scarcity adds to the value of this under-the-radar rookie.
Frank Thomas (#260): Five years before his back-to-back AL MVP awards, a 21-year old Frank Thomas starred on his rookie card in the 1990 Donruss set. While not his official Topps rookie from 1990 either, this popular Donruss issue holds tremendous nostalgia. Near-mint ‘Big Hurt’ rookie cards sell between $60-100, and gem mint examples have topped $400.
Ken Caminiti (#400): Winner of the 1996 NL MVP award while with the Padres, Ken Caminiti’s rookie card flies under the radar but is highly sought after. As the 400th and final base card in the 1990 Donruss set, it possesses great scarcity value as well. Near-mint Caminiti rookies sell in the $40-75 range while a flawless gem mint 10 has realized over $600 at auction.
Ben McDonald (#247): The first overall pick in the 1989 MLB Draft, Ben McDonald was destined for stardom coming out of LSU. Arm troubles slowed his career but this McDonald rookie is a coveted piece among Orioles and late 80s/early 90s collectors. Near-mint copies trade hands for $30-60 depending on centering while high-grade examples have sold for as much as $250.
Additional notables from the 1990 Donruss set worth mentioning include star rookie cards like Juan Gonzalez (#234), Moises Alou (#275), and Terry Mulholland (#370). These and other key rookie and star cards from ’90 Donruss have grown steadily in value as the era becomes ever more nostalgic for a generation of collectors. Whether raw or professionally graded, the gem mint and near-mint premium rookie and star cards from this classic set will no doubt continue appreciating over the long run.
