The late 1980s and early 1990s marked somewhat of a golden age for collectible baseball cards. Interest in the hobby had exploded following the release of the coveted 1987 Topps Traded Ken Griffey Jr. rookie card and prices were soaring for scarce autographed and serially numbered “insert” cards found in factory-sealed wax packs.

While no card from this era approaches the record-setting prices fetched by vintage cards like the iconic 1952 Topps Mickey Mantle, several issues published between 1988-1993 feature hugely valuable rookie cards, serially numbered parallels, and coveted autographed versions that can sell for thousands or even tens of thousands today in top grades. Here are some of the most valuable baseball cards produced during this peak period of the hobby’s popularity:

1992 Upper Deck Ken Griffey Jr. #1 – Widely considered one of the finest conditioned rookie cards ever produced, Griffey’s debut in the innovative Upper Deck set is the top card of the era. PSA 10 Gem Mint copies routinely sell for over $10,000 while a BGS 9.5 recently brought close to $14,000. Even well-centered PSA 8s will fetch $1,000 or more due to Griffey’s iconic status.

1992 Bowman Chipper Jones RC #1 – As the #1 overall pick in the 1990 draft, expectations were sky high for Chipper Jones entering pro ball. His rookie in the revival of the classic Bowman set is one of the most coveted RCs from the early ’90s. A PSA 10 can sell for $3,000-5,000 while PSA 9s are around $800-1500 depending on demand.

1992 Bowman Derek Jeter RC #221 – Although not the flashiest design, Jeter’s first card has quietly gained value over the years to become a true keys RC for collectors. Top-graded PSA Gems in the $3,000 range aren’t unheard of with most PSA 9s selling between $1,000-1500.

1990 Upper Deck Ken Griffey Jr. RC #1 – While the ’92 Upper Deck card gets more attention, Griffey’s true first is also hugely valuable, especially in top PSA 10 condition. Recently a BGS 9.5 Gem Mint sold for over $7,500. Most PSA 9s sell around $500-800 still.

1992 Leaf Frank Thomas #91 – While not exactly a rookie card, this serially-numbered insert from Leaf’s premium set features Frank Thomas in one of his sweet Yankees uniforms. Numbered to only 1991 copies, high-grade PSA 10 versions recently brought north of $4,000 at auction with most PSA 9s selling near $1,200.

1991 Stadium Club Chipper Jones RC #305 – An overlooked but very beautiful rookie card design, this was Chipper’s first true “hit” card. PSA 10s top $1,000, with most PSA 9s selling between $500-800 depending on recent comps.

1991 Upper Deck Barry Bonds #1 – Perhaps the single most famous non-rookie card of the era, Bonds’ iconic first UD issue is hugely popular to this day. PSA 10 Gems have sold for over $7,000 recently with most PSA 9s going for around the $1,500 mark.

1992 Topps Gold Ken Griffey Jr. #93 – Serial-numbered to only 1992 copies, this coveted “Gold Ticket” parallel features one of the cleanest Griffey designs ever. PSA 10s have cracked $5,000 while most high-grade 9s sell around $2,000.

1992 Bowman’s Best Frank Thomas #B1 – One of the rarestThomas parallels from ’92 Bowman, this is limited to only 750 copies worldwide. A true six-figure card in PSA 10 condition, known examples in PSA 9 have cracked five-figures as well showing the insane demand for high grades of this parallel.

1992 Score Ken Griffey Jr. Star Rookie #621 – The rookie “Star” parallel from Score is one of Griffey’s best looking cards from ’92. PSA 10s have sold for north of $3,500, with most high-end 9s bringing around $1,000-1500.

1991 Topps Traded Barry Larkin #T79 – Larkin’s solo traded card issue from ’91 Topps holds cult status as one of the premier Cincinnati Reds cards ever produced. PSA 10s have cracked $2,000 barrier recently while most high-grade 9s sell around $800.

1991 Studio Ken Griffey Jr. #41 – An insert parallel with a stunning photography-focused design, this Griffey parallel is limited to only 5,000 copies making it quite rare in high grades. Seen the $700-1000 range for PSA 9s.

1992 Stadium Club Frank Thomas RC #90 – Perhaps the single most aesthetically pleasing Frank Thomas rookie, this Stadium Club issue is quite tough to grade due to the delicate foil coating. PSA 10 Gems sell for north of $2,500 typically while 9s go for $800-1200 depending on centering qualities seen.

1992 Donruss Ken Griffey Jr. Gold Medallion #102 – One of the harder Griffey parallels to find in prestige condition, this is limited to only 1000 copies. PSA 10s exceptionally rare but have reached $2,000+ when available. PSA 9s usually around $800.

1988 Fleer Update Ken Griffey Jr. RC #U-1 – While very tough to grade high due to poor centering on Griffey rookies of the era, a true PSA 10 of this would shatter records being a true “first” card. Even solid 9s sell for $500-800.

1988 Donruss Ken Griffey Jr. RC #76 – Griffey’s true big league debut card is very iconic but plagued by centering issues. Still highly desirable in top grades, with PSA 9s usually near $500. A 10 could reach $2000+.

This covers many of the most valuable baseball cards from the golden era of late 1980s to early 1990s issues when the hobby was exploding with young stars like Griffey, Bonds, Frank Thomas, and rookies of Chipper Jones, Jeter, Larkin that have held their value extremely well decades later. Top graded PSA/BGS Gems of these select cards can sell for thousands, often tens of thousands today showing how icons from this period hold tremendous nostalgia and demand from collectors.