The 1990 Topps baseball card set was the 69th annual issue by Topps and featured cards of players from that year’s Major League Baseball season. While not one of the most iconic or sought-after vintage sets, the 1990 Topps cards do feature some valuable rookie cards and stars from that era that have stood the test of time. Let’s take a look at some of the most valuable and sought-after individual cards from the 792-card set.
One of the holy grails for collectors of 1990 Topps is the Ken Griffey Jr. rookie card. Widely considered one of if not the best player of his generation, Griffey’s rookie exploded in value in recent years as his Hall of Fame career has cemented his legacy. PSA 10 gem mint copies of Griffey’s rookie now routinely sell for well over $10,000 with some examples cracking $20,000. Even lower graded copies in the PSA 8-9 range still demand $1,000-3,000. The combination of Griffey’s stature in the game and the high demand for any of his rookie cards, especially in pristine condition, is why this particular 1990 Topps card is arguably the set’s most coveted piece.
Another massive hitter who also had an iconic rookie card in 1990 was Barry Bonds. While Bonds is a far more polarizing figure now due to steroids, his talent both before and during the PED era is undeniable. High-grade copies of Bonds’ rookie similarly demand big money, with PSA 10 examples selling in the $3,000-$5,000 range in recent years. Even PSA 9s still pull in over $1,000. The rarity and prominence of Bonds’ rookie makes it highly sought-after by collectors.
Staying on the theme of all-time great sluggers, the 1990 Topps card of Mark McGwire also maintains strong value both raw or professionally graded. Before the home run chase and steroid controversy, Big Mac was already well on his way as a a superstar first baseman. PSA 10s have sold for $2,000-3,000 recently with most PSA 9s and BVGAs still reaching at least $500-1,000 depending on condition. McGwire’s prodigious home run totals before steroid allegations remain a huge draw for collectors pursuing one of his iconic early career cards.
Shifting from Hall of Fame sluggers to ace hurlers, Tom Glavine’s 1990 Topps rookie also ranks among the set’s most valuable individual cards. The longtime Braves and Mets ace was a workhorse who racked up over 300 wins, rendering his premiere card quite coveted. Top graded PSA 10 examples have sold for as much as $1,500-$2,000 in recent memory with most PSA 9s pulling between $500 to $1,000 as well. Glavine’s career accomplishments and the allure of his rookie continue to induce high prices for this particular issue.
Rounding out the true blue chip cards from 1990 Topps would be the Kirby Puckett rookie. The beloved Twins legend put together a stellar career cut short by injury, making his first Topps appearance a cherished find. PSA 10 Puckett rookies commonly sell for $1,000-1,500 with most PSA 9s reaching $500-800. Collectors hold Puckett’s career and impact on the Minnesota franchise in high regard, fueling steady demand for high grade copies of his bow.
Beyond the true whale cards are some other notable 1990 Topps issues that maintain four-figure value in top condition as well. The rookie of Brewers great Robin Yount, for instance, has seen PSA 10 examples sell in the $800-1,200 range in recent months. Yount’s excellence lends significant appeal to his first Topps issue. The debut card of Phillies legend Darren Daulton is another that typically sells for $500-800 in PSA 9-10.
While stars like Cal Ripken Jr., Ozzie Smith, and Rickey Henderson had appeared in prior sets, finding pristine copies of their 1990 Topps update cards in the midst of their primes are also highly sought trophies. Overall condition is especially important, as truly flawless PSA 10 Gem Mint or BGS Black Label 10 examples can yield $500-1,000 due to hardcore collector demand.
While not the most famous or valuable set from the junk wax era on the whole, the 1990 Topps baseball card release does feature some true blue chip cards that maintain serious value fitting of the all-time greats profiled. Headlined by the rookie cards of Griffey, Bonds, McGwire, Glavine, and Puckett, along with stars like Ripken and Smith, the most elite examples from ’90 Topps continue to thrill collectors and investors alike decades after the fact. With the venerable careers most of these players enjoyed, their premier issues will remain destination cards in collections for many years to come.
