The 1990 Donruss baseball card set is considered one of the most iconic and valuable sets from the ‘junk wax’ era of the late 1980s and early 1990s. While the sheer numbers printed made most common cards worth just pennies, there are still some highly coveted rookie cards and stars from this set that have retained and even increased in value over the past 30+ years. Let’s take an in-depth look at some of the most valuable Donruss 1990 cards that collectors are willing to pay top dollar for today.

Ken Griffey Jr. Rookie Card (Card #121)
Griffey’s iconic smiling rookie is arguably the most sought-after card from the 1990 Donruss set. Widely considered one of the best five-tool players of all-time, Griffey was already generating huge buzz and excitement around his pro potential even as a rookie in 1990. His cards were hot commodities back then and interest has only grown stronger over time. Today, in pristine mint condition, Griffey’s rookie commonly fetches over $1,000 and the highest grades can sell for $4,000 or more. Even well-centered, sharp examples in EX/NM condition can sell in the $300-500 range. Griffey turned out to be everything advertized and more on the field, cementing this as one of the definitive rookie cards from the junk wax era.

Frank Thomas Rookie Card (Card #74)
Like Griffey, Frank Thomas established himself as one of the game’s all-time great sluggers and his rookie card has retained solid value. Often considered the second most desirable rookie behind Griffey from this set, a PSA 10 Gem Mint Thomas rookie can reach $800-1000. Most graded 9’s sell in the $300-500 range while raw near-mint copies trade hands for $150-250 depending on centering and corners. Thomas was an absolute hitting machine throughout his Hall of Fame career and his rookie remains one of the crown jewels for any 90’s collection, showing that even in a mass-produced era some rookies could stand out.

Tom Glavine Rookie Card (Card #344)
As a two-time Cy Young winner and beloved 300-game winner, Tom Glavine proved to be one of the most successful left-handed pitchers of the modern era. His rookie card, while not in the same stratosphere as Griffey or Thomas, is still a key piece for any Atlanta Braves or 90’s collector. PSA 10 Glavine rookies have sold for upward of $500 with most 9’s in the $150-250 range. Even raw near-mint or better copies can bring $75-150 depending on eye appeal. For a pedigree arm like Glavine who had a long, productive career, his rookie maintains relevance and value relative to other hallmarks from the junk wax period.

Barry Bonds (Card #239)
Bonds may be a controversial figure now but during the 1990 season he was already establishing himself as a perennial All-Star and one of the game’s best outfielders. His second year Donruss card from 1990 remains one of the most aesthetically pleasing vintage cards thanks to its classic vertical style photo. High-grade Bonds from this set can reach astonishing prices thanks to his pedigree and iconic status, with PSA 10’s selling in the $500-1000 range. Most PSA 9’s trade in the $200-400 range and sharp, well-centered raw copies can sell for $75-$150. Bonds is a cornerstone of any vintage collection and his 1990 Donruss maintains strong valuations.

Nolan Ryan (Card #375)
The “Ryan Express” was already in the twilight of his legendary career during the 1990 season but his intimidating on-field presence classed his cards among the set’s most sought-after veterans. High-grade examples of the Ryan from this set can reach the $150-300 range depending on condition gradients. Even well-centered raw copies can sell for $50-$100 today. As one of the most renowned power pitchers in MLB history with record strikeouts and no-hitters, Ryan memorabilia remains highly collected. This iconic vertical portrait captures the dominance and intimidation that made him a fan favorite during his 27-year MLB tenure.

Ken Caminiti (Card #383)
While not a Hall of Famer like the names above, Ken Caminiti had a solid MLB career and his 1990 Donruss rookie card has gained cult status among collectors. As arguably the most undervalued and overlooked gem from the set, crisp PSA 10 examples have topped $1000 with most 9’s in the $300-500 range. Even well-centered raw copies can sell for $100-250. Caminiti went on to win the 1996 NL MVP award so his rookie holds implications as a predictor of future success. For Caminiti disciples, this remains a must-have piece and the ultimate RGB (riser, grinder, believer) pick from the 1990 set.

Ozzie Smith (Card #378)
As one of the greatest defensive shortstops ever with 15 Gold Gloves, Ozzie Smith was entering his athletic prime during the 1990 season. His sharp horizontal framed card highlights his cunning smile and muscular build. high-grade Smith’s can reach $150-300 depending on condition with most PSA 9’s settling in the $75-150 range. Even raw very sharp copies trade hands for $30-75. A mainstay with the Padres and Cardinals, Smith was already a fan favorite by 1990 making this one of the set’s most popular veteran selections other than Nolan Ryan.

Roberto Alomar Rookie Card (Card #384)
Unlike Griffey/Thomas/Glavine, Alomar didn’t fully realize his potential until later in his career. His nimble second base skills, switch-hit ability and personality made his rookie card a hot ticket item in 1990 pack pulls. Today sharp examples still sell strongly, with PSA 10’s reaching $300-500 depending on market demands. Most 9’s fall in the $150-300 range and raw near-mint copies sell in the $75-150 territory. Alomar was a season away from greatness but proved to be one of the most complete and marketable stars of the 1990s and 2000s. His rookie retains nostalgic appeal.

So in summary – while production numbers relegate most 1990 Donruss commons to scrapbook filler status, there are still elite rookie cards and star veterans that hold significant collector value after 30+ years. Ken Griffey Jr’s impressive smile and Frank Thomas’s chiseled photo remain the undisputed blue-chip cards of the set. Meanwhile, other stars like Barry Bonds, Nolan Ryan and Ozzie Smith satisfy demand from dedicated collectors. With the baseball card market still robust, cards from this era may yet realize further appreciate depending on condition, popularity and future Hall of Fame inductees like Bonds. The 1990 Donruss release was massive but some cards were truly meant to stand the test of time more than others.