Mark McGwire blasted onto the scene in the late 1980s and quickly became one of the most prolific home run hitters in Major League Baseball history. As a result, his rookie cards from that era are among the most sought after and valuable trading cards for collectors. Let’s take an in-depth look at some of the priciest McGwire baseball cards on the market today.
1987 Topps Traded #2 Mark McGwire (Rookie Card): This is considered McGwire’s true rookie card as it was from his first full season in 1987 after a late-season call up in 1986. The card features a colorful action photo of McGwire swinging the bat with “Oakland A’s” across the top. Graded mint condition examples in PSA 10 or BGS 9.5 regularly sell for $5,000 or more at auction. Even well-centred, near-mint copies in PSA 8 or BGS 8.5 condition can fetch $1,000-$2,000. The card remains highly coveted by collectors due to its scarcity and status as McGwire’s first true rookie appearance.
1987 Donruss #494 Mark McGwire: McGwire’s Donruss rookie from 1987 is also one of his key early issue cards. Like the Topps Traded card above, it shows McGwire unleashing a mighty swing. High-grade PSA 10 or BGS 9.5 copies can sell for $2,000-$4,000 depending on the market. Mint versions have been known to exceed $5,000. Even well-worn examples still pull in $200-$500 for collectors given the card’s rookie pedigree.
1989 Fleer Update #U-25 Mark McGwire: This update card from 1989 holds significance as the first card to feature McGwire’s massive home run feat – smashing 49 home runs as a rookie in 1987. It depicts McGwire gripping the bat with “49 HR Rookie Season” directly underneath. Pristine PSA 10 or BGS 9.5 examples have sold for over $2,000. Near-mint PSA 9 copies still attract bids north of $1,000. The card commemorates McGwire’s record-shattering debut and remains a must-have for serious collectors.
1989 Bowman #493 Mark McGwire: Bowman was the highest print run brand in the late 1980s and McGwire’s issue from that year remained among the more common in his early run. Pristine specimens still hold great value for collectors. A PSA 10 recently sold for over $1,000 while a gem mint BGS 9.5+ fetched close to $800. Though plentiful in lower grades, high-grade 1969 Bowman McGwire cards remain a key piece in any collection.
1991 Score #1 Mark McGwire: McGwire’s 1991 Score rookie was released after a breakout 1990 season where he blasted 33 home runs. It features a close-up action shot of McGwire’s fierce swing. Mint PSA 10 or BGS 9.5 copies have sold for $700-$1,000, reflecting strong collector demand for McGwire’s early career releases. Even well-centred PSA 9s can attract $300-$500 bids. The card highlighted McGwire as a star on the rise heading into his epic home run race with Sosa nearly a decade later.
1998 Score #116 Mark McGwire: McGwire’s 1998 Score issue stands out for commemorating his record-setting 70-home run campaign in the epic chase with Sammy Sosa. The dramatic card shows McGwire rounding the bases with confetti flying in celebration. PSA Gem Mint 10 examples have sold for over $900 online while a BGS 9.5+ fetched $700. Slabbed NM-MT 9 copies still sell in the $300-$500 range, proving the card’s iconic status amongst collectors. It captured McGwire’s breakthrough season just as interest in the sport was peaking nationwide.
2001 Topps Archives #334 Mark McGwire: Released shortly after McGwire admitted using performance-enhancing drugs, his 2001 Archives card reflects on McGwire’s accomplishments from earlier in the decade. The retro-styled issue depicts McGwire mid-swing from his A’s days. High-grade PSA 10 copies have exceeded $900 at auction. Even an eye-appealing BGS 9.5+ can attract $500-$700. The card nods to McGwire’s on-field heroics prior to his fall from grace and remains an intriguing piece in collections today.
1998 Pinnacle #195 Mark McGwire: McGwire’s main issue from Pinnacle’s prestigious 1998 set ranks among his most aesthetically striking cards ever printed. It features a mosaic-styled close-up of McGwire’s intense eyes right before contact. Gem Mint PSA 10 examples have sold for over $700. Near-mint PSA 9s still garner $250-$400. The uniquely crafted card captured McGwire at the peak of his popularity amid one of the most-watched seasons in baseball history.
As this overview shows, Mark McGwire’s best and most recognized baseball cards from his rookie and record-setting campaigns in the late 1980s and 1990s remain highly sought after and valuable amongst collectors today. Even twenty-plus years later, pristine examples of McGwire’s legendary achievements continue to break sales records. His iconic cardboard continues to stir passion amongst sports card aficionados looking to commemorate Major League Baseball’s single-season home run king.
