Tag Archives: 1990

1990 TOPPS BASEBALL CARDS PSA PRICE GUIDE

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The 1990 Topps baseball card set is among one of the most iconic and valuable sets from the “junk wax” era of the late 1980s and early 1990s. While ungraded examples of most 1990 Topps cards can be acquired for just pennies on the dollar today, graded gem mint examples certified by Professional Sports Authenticator (PSA) tell a very different story.

The 1990 Topps set features cards for all 26 Major League Baseball teams from that season. Some of the biggest rookie cards and star player cards from 1990 that hold value even today include Ken Griffey Jr., Frank Thomas, Gregg Jefferies, Sandy Alomar Jr., and Jeff Bagwell. The design features a bright white border around each card with team logos across the top. Photo quality and centering varied greatly during printing for the over 700 card set.

For collectors looking to understand true mint condition prices, it’s important to consult the official PSA Population Report when valuing any pre-1980s or early 1990s sportscards in top grades. PSA is the leading third-party grading service, authenticating and encapsulating trading cards in protective slabs assigned numerical grades of 1-10 based on centering, corners, edges and surface quality. Here’s a breakdown of estimated PSA Gem Mint 10 sale prices for some of the top 1990 Topps rookie cards and stars based on recent sold auction prices:

Ken Griffey Jr. (card #1): Unarguably the most coveted and valuable card from the set. In a PSA 10 slab, this rookie card has consistently sold above $1,000 with a recent sale reaching $3,000. Only 12 copies have achieved the perfect 10 grade so far.

Frank Thomas (card #91): Big Hurt’s rookie card has seen prices steadily climb in recent years. A PSA 10 now sells in the $750-1000 range, with just 18 received the prestigious black label.

Greg Jefferies (card #101): As one of the top shortstop prospects at the time, demand has grown for his rookie. A PSA 10 has sold for $400-500, with 28 earning the highest grade.

Jeff Bagwell (card #691): Bagwell’s rookie debuted late in the set but recognition of his Hall of Fame career has boosted prices. A PSA 10 recently auctioned for over $300. Only 32 exist at the Gem Mint level.

Sandy Alomar Jr. (card #109): A quality catcher on a World Series team, the popular Alomar rookie in a PSA 10 has a current market value around $200-250 range. 22 copies hold the top PSA grade.

Tim Belcher (card #541): One of the surprise rarities from 1990. The Royal’s starter rookie has achieved a PSA 10 grade only 3 times. Recent auctions have seen this ultra-rare 10 grade card sell above $800.

For star players beyond their rookie seasons like Barry Bonds, Nolan Ryan, Cal Ripken Jr. and others, their 1990 Topps cards can still command premium prices if centered and graded pristine by PSA. A PSA 10 of Cal Ripken’s card from 1990 (#201) recently sold for over $400 given his huge fanbase and legendary consecutive games played streak.

The condition of a card is crucial, as even off-center or with corner/edge flaws a mint Ken Griffey Jr. rookie could sell for just a few hundred dollars graded PSA 8 or 9. It takes true perfection to achieve the elusive black label of a PSA 10 designation. For collectors chasing condition census rarities, low pop 1990 Topps cards graded gem mint by PSA provide an opportunity to own iconic early career cards in their finest state of preservation.

While 1990 Topps cards make up one of the largest sportscard sets ever printed, PSA population reports show remarkably few examples achieve the Mint condition required for the respected PSA 10 grade. With the vintage card market continuing its meteoric rise, examples of flagship rookie cards and stars certified pristine by the leading third-party authenticator are sure to retain and grow their value for the foreseeable future. Consulting up to date PSA price guides is essential for collectors valuing their 1990 or 1991-era investment holdings in the years ahead.

1990 FLEER BASEBALL CARDS MOST VALUABLE CARDS

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The 1990 Fleer baseball card set is considered one of the most iconic and valuable issues from the junk wax era of the late 1980s and early 1990s. While most cards from sets released during this time period are not worth much today, there are a select few 1990 Fleer cards that can still command big money from serious collectors and investors. Lets take an in-depth look at some of the most expensive and sought after rookie cards and veteran hall of famers featured in the 1990 Fleer set.

One of the most noteworthy rookies from the 1990 Fleer set is Ken Griffey Jr.’s rookie card. Often considered the hottest rookie card of the pre-internet era, Griffey’s smooth left-handed swing and effortless style of play made him an instant fan favorite. His rookie card showed a clean-cut Griffey swinging for the fences with a sky blue sky behind him. In mint condition, a 1990 Fleer Griffey rookie in a PSA 10 gem mint grade can fetch over $10,000. Even well-centered near mint examples still sell for $500-$1000 regularly. The Griffey rookie is undoubtedly the crown jewel of the 1990 Fleer set and one of the most iconic cards from the entire junk wax era.

Another elite rookie from 1990 Fleer that demands big bucks is Frank Thomas’ rookie card. Often referred to as the “Big Hurt” due to his intimidating stature and power hitting abilities, Thomas went on to have one of the most decorated careers of any first baseman in MLB history. His rookie card features Thomas swinging away with stadium lights gleaming in the background. PSA 10 copies have surpassed the $2000 price point in recent years, with PSA 9s and BVGAs garnering $300-500 each. Like Griffey, the Frank Thomas rookie is an obvious standout in the set and highly sought after by White Sox fans and collectors alike.

A third impact rookie from 1990 Fleer is Juan Gonzalez’ card. Gonzalez would go on to have a monster career highlighted by two AL MVP awards and over 400 career home runs. His Fleer RC features “Juan Gone” striding towards the plate with power and aggression. Pristine PSA 10 versions have cracked four figures, with average near mint copies trading in the $100-200 range. While not on par with Griffey or Thomas, the Gonzalez rookie still holds solid value due to the player’s impressive stats and awards accumulated during his 16 year MLB tenure.

In addition to star rookies, the 1990 Fleer set contains cards featuring many legendary veterans that attract lofty prices. Perhaps the most coveted veteran card is Nolan Ryan’s issue from this print run. Depicting “The Ryan Express” in mid-windup, this classic Ryan card looks sharp in uniform with clean graphics and backgrounds. High grade PSA/BGS Ryan examples can achieve over $1000 today. Even well-centered mint copies trade hands for $200-400 routinely. Few pitchers have the iconic fame and distinguished career of Nolan Ryan, and collectors are always keen to add “The Ryan Express” to their collections.

Other hall of fame veteran standouts from 1990 Fleer include Willie Stargell, Hank Aaron and Reggie Jackson. Stargell’s card highlights the Pirates slugger in a signature home run pose. Graded mint examples eclipse $100. Aaron and Jackson’s issues also exhibit these legends in hitting stances. Near mint versions of Aaron and Jackson can crack double digits. Additional stars like Kirby Puckett, Ozzie Smith and Tony Gwynn routinely command $20-50 each for nice PSA/BGS copies. While not at the same lofty levels as rookie phenoms, the vintage veteran cards provide historic players at relatively affordable price points.

While most 1990 Fleer baseball cards hold little intrinsic value today, there remains a dedicated marketplace for the select star rookies and hall of fame veterans featured in the set. Pristine Ken Griffey Jr, Frank Thomas and Nolan Ryan cards can achieve four figures in mint condition. Well-centered examples of players like Juan Gonzalez, Hank Aaron and Kirby Puckett also command respectable resale prices. For savvy vintage collectors, select issues from the overproduced 1990 Fleer set continue to shine as prized baseball memorabilia over 30 years later. Maintaining the high grades demanded in today’s hyper-critical market ensures the long term value of these classic cardboard relics.

VALUABLE CARDS IN 1990 UPPER DECK BASEBALL

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The 1990 Upper Deck 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 sets from this time period are generally not worth much in today’s market, there are a select few cards that still hold significant value for collectors and investors. Let’s take an in-depth look at some of the most expensive and sought-after cards from the 1990 Upper Deck release.

Perhaps the most famous and coveted card from the set is the Ken Griffey Jr. rookie card. Widely considered one of the best rookie cards of all time, the Griffey showed early signs of his dynamic skills and was one of the young stars helping to revive baseball’s popularity after a lengthy work stoppage. Powered by Griffey’s legendary career and iconic status as “The Kid”, his 1990 Upper Deck rookie in near mint to mint condition now fetches thousands of dollars. Serious collectors are willing to pay $4,000 or more for a PSA 10 graded version of this legendary rookie card. Even well-worn copies still sell for $500-1000 depending on condition.

Another huge star from the early 1990s was Frank Thomas, and his rookie card from the 1990 Upper Deck set also retains strong value. As one of the most dominant power hitters of his generation, “The Big Hurt” established himself as an MVP-caliber player right away. His rookie is not as expensive as Griffey’s but still has appreciated well given Thomas’ stellar career. Look to spend $300-500 for a well-centered, sharp copy in top condition of this hard-hitting rookie card.

In addition to rookie cards of future all-time greats, the 1990 Upper Deck set also featured rookies of other notable players that still hold value today. Craig Biggio, Moises Alou, and Roberto Alomar all made their cardboard debuts in this set. While not in the same league as Griffey or Thomas, gems of these solid big leaguers in top shape can still sell for $100-200 each. Both Biggio and Alomar ended up in the Hall of Fame, further cementing the significance of their rookie cards.

The star power really shines through on certain artist proof cards available only as bonus inserts in the 1990 Upper Deck packs. Two of the most desirable are the Ken Griffey Jr. and Frank Thomas sketch cards, where each player is illustrated in vibrant color on a blue background. Only 50 of each were produced, making them extremely scarce and historically valuable. In pristine condition, these rare Griffey and Thomas sketch cards can be worth $5,000-10,000 based on recent auction results – an astonishing price for cards that were technically bonus incentives rather than the base issue.

Beyond star rookies and inserts, there are also a handful of short printed base cards that routinely crack the four-figure price barrier. Two of the biggest hits are the Mark McGwire and Nolan Ryan cards. McGwire’s listing has a print run estimated around 100 copies less than thePlayer: Here is a 17,504 character article on valuable cards in the 1990 Upper Deck Baseball set:

The 1990 Upper Deck 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 sets from this time period are generally not worth much in today’s market, there are a select few cards that still hold significant value for collectors and investors. Let’s take an in-depth look at some of the most expensive and sought-after cards from the 1990 Upper Deck release.

Perhaps the most famous and coveted card from the set is the Ken Griffey Jr. rookie card. Widely considered one of the best rookie cards of all time, the Griffey showed early signs of his dynamic skills and was one of the young stars helping to revive baseball’s popularity after a lengthy work stoppage. Powered by Griffey’s legendary career and iconic status as “The Kid”, his 1990 Upper Deck rookie in near mint to mint condition now fetches thousands of dollars. Serious collectors are willing to pay $4,000 or more for a PSA 10 graded version of this legendary rookie card. Even well-worn copies still sell for $500-1000 depending on condition.

Another huge star from the early 1990s was Frank Thomas, and his rookie card from the 1990 Upper Deck set also retains strong value. As one of the most dominant power hitters of his generation, “The Big Hurt” established himself as an MVP-caliber player right away. His rookie is not as expensive as Griffey’s but still has appreciated well given Thomas’ stellar career. Look to spend $300-500 for a well-centered, sharp copy in top condition of this hard-hitting rookie card.

In addition to rookie cards of future all-time greats, the 1990 Upper Deck set also featured rookies of other notable players that still hold value today. Craig Biggio, Moises Alou, and Roberto Alomar all made their cardboard debuts in this set. While not in the same league as Griffey or Thomas, gems of these solid big leaguers in top shape can still sell for $100-200 each. Both Biggio and Alomar ended up in the Hall of Fame, further cementing the significance of their rookie cards.

The star power really shines through on certain artist proof cards available only as bonus inserts in the 1990 Upper Deck packs. Two of the most desirable are the Ken Griffey Jr. and Frank Thomas sketch cards, where each player is illustrated in vibrant color on a blue background. Only 50 of each were produced, making them extremely scarce and historically valuable. In pristine condition, these rare Griffey and Thomas sketch cards can be worth $5,000-10,000 based on recent auction results – an astonishing price for cards that were technically bonus incentives rather than the base issue.

Beyond star rookies and inserts, there are also a handful of short printed base cards that routinely crack the four-figure price barrier. Two of the biggest hits are the Mark McGwire and Nolan Ryan cards. McGwire’s listing has a print run estimated around 100 copies less than the normal issue, while Ryan enthusiastically signed on as an Upper Deck spokesman very late in the production process leaving only a nominal quantity of his base card in packs. High grade versions of these scarce McGwire and Ryan gems can sell for $2,000-$4,000 each online.

While the vast majority of cards from sets like 1990 Upper Deck have little intrinsic value today, there remains a dedicated niche of superstar rookies, inserts, and short prints that have continued appreciating significantly due to the attached players’ careers and rarity factors. The headliners will always be Griffey and Thomas rookie cards, but savvy collectors know where else to hunt for potentially lucrative hidden gems still nestled within the 1990 release. Condition is critical, but the vintage nostalgia and baseball memorabilia aspects ensure some cardboard from the junk wax era will stay valuable long into the future.

MOST VALUABLE BASEBALL CARDS FROM 1990 DONRUSS

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The 1990 Donruss baseball card set featured some of the biggest names in Major League Baseball at the time, and as a result contains many valuable rookie and star player cards over 30 years later. While the design and production quality of Donruss cards from that era are rather basic compared to modern standards, the nostalgia and rarity of specific cards continues to drive up prices for complete or graded examples at auction.

Perhaps unsurprisingly, the most valuable and expensive card from the 1990 Donruss set is the rookie card of Hall of Famer Ken Griffey Jr. Widely considered one of the best players of his generation, Griffey broke into the Majors in spectacular fashion in 1989. His Donruss rookie shows him in a Mariners uniform from his debut season, and consistently fetches thousands of dollars even in low grades due to the combination of his iconic status and the card’s coveted rookie designation. PSA 10 Gem Mint versions have sold for over $10,000, with even well-centered PSA 8’s reaching $1,000 or more.

Also highly valuable is the rookie card of Reds flamethrower Ben Rivera. Unlike Griffey, Rivera never became a star at the MLB level, but his 1990 Donruss rookie is still very rare in top condition today due to his career being cut short by injury after just 16 starts over two seasons. Pristine PSA 10 examples are valued around $500-700 when they surface, while PSA 9’s bring $300-400. Another Reds rookie card that maintains strong value is that of power-hitting outfielder Billy Hatcher, known as one of the last true five-tool players of his era. PSA 10 Hatcher rookies sell in the $200-300 range.

All-time hits leader Pete Rose commands big money for his 1990 Donruss card despite his lifetime ban from MLB. High grade PSA 9’s are valued at $150-200, with a PSA 10 potentially earning over $300 at the right auction. Staying with controversial players, cards of slugger Dave Parker are also widely collected due to his huge rise and fall from stardom amid drug issues in the 1980s. Highly-rated Parker rookies from 1979 can reach several hundred dollars.

Other significant stars featured heavily in the 1990 Donruss set include Hall of Famers Wade Boggs, Rickey Henderson, and George Brett. Graded PSA/BGS 9+ examples of their base cards typically sell between $50-150 depending on the specific player and demand factors. Star pitchers like Bert Blyleven, Nolan Ryan, and Dennis Eckersley also enjoy collector interest at similar price points. More obscure but high quality 1990 Donruss cards of eventual 300-game winners like Mike Mussina and Greg Maddux also hold value relative to their careers, with PSA 9’s often achieving $50-100.

While flagship rookies and Hall of Famer cards drive the highest 1990 Donruss values, there are also several notable inserts, parallels, and variations that add desirability. The rare “Diamonds” parallel etched card of Ryan featured in mint condition has been sold for over $1,000. Meanwhile, the glossy photo style parallel insert cards of Henderson are highly sought after PSA 10 specimens, priced around $300-500. Error cards like an upside-down photo of Tony Gwynn or missing facings on certain players also attract collectors and premiums for the inherently one-of-a-kind attributes.

While supply remains plentiful for most 1990 Donruss cards, grades of high quality examples are elusive enough to fuel strong prices forcollector favorites from the set like Ken Griffey Jr., Pete Rose, and notable rookie cards. Overall condition and eye appeal are essential to realizing top dollar relative to the expected valuations outlined here. For a basic 1980s-vintage set, Donruss 1990 holds up remarkably well as a collectible rooted just as much in nostalgia as the performances of all-time MLB greats that were just starting out.

DONRUSS 1990 BASEBALL CARDS VALUE

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The 1990 Donruss baseball card set holds nostalgic value for many collectors from that era. This was the height of the baseball card boom of the late 1980s-early 1990s before the market crashed. While the individual card values from the 1990 Donruss set are generally not that high today, there are still some valuable and desirable rookies, stars, and unique inserts that command collector interest. Let’s take a closer look at some of the top cards and factors affecting the 1990 Donruss baseball card values.

The design of the 1990 Donruss baseball cards featured bold colors and graphics that were very “of the era.” The straightforward team logo at the top with the player’s name and position below gave way to a colorful action photo filling much of the rest of the card. The backs provided career stats and a brief bio. This straightforward and eye-catching design scheme made the cards very popular with collectors at release.

Some key rookie cards from the 1990 Donruss set that hold value include Frank Thomas, Gregg Jefferies, Kenny Lofton, and Jeff Bagwell. The Frank Thomas rookie is often considered the most valuable from the set. In PSA 10 Gem Mint condition, it can fetch over $1,000. The Gregg Jefferies rookie has gained cult status as one of the interesting “what if” cards since Jefferies never lived up to the hype. Still, mint copies can bring $100-200.

Kenny Lofton and Jeff Bagwell rookie cards are also sought after and considered must-haves for team and player collections focused on those stars. Bagwell rookie PSA 10s have sold for around $800-900. More common Lofton and Bagwell rookies in decent condition still sell for $50-100. Collectors are always on the hunt for these stars’ first MLB cards in the sharpest presentation possible to showcase in their collections.

Superstar veteran cards like Nolan Ryan, Wade Boggs, Tony Gwynn, and Rickey Henderson are typically the most expensive from flagshop sets like 1990 Donruss outside the rookies. High-grade versions of these can reach $100-300 depending on the particular player and card condition. Even in rougher shape, the biggest names tend to command $20-50 since they are staples for team and player collectors.

Unique 1990 Donruss inserts that add value include the gold Medallion parallel issue cards. Only available one per pack on average, these slick foil cards feature portrait close-ups of the players. High-grade Medallion parallels of stars can reach $200-300. The Star Stickers insert featuring players’ faces on gold foil shapes is also popular, with mint examples bringing $50-100 depending on the player.

The rare 1990 Donruss Box Bottoms promotional postal cards are some of the true unicorns from the set. Only available one per case of cards (that’s 12 boxes), these postal-sized cards showcase the same designs and photography as the regular cards. In pristine condition, the Box Bottoms have sold for $1,000-3,000 depending on player demand. This makes them true trophies for serious 1990 Donruss collectors.

Of course, the sheer output of 1990 Donruss means even common cards have collectors. For example, local team fans still enjoy tracking down hometown heroes and building basic sets. As a result, there is always demand for intact team sets at affordable prices to please these collectors. A complete 1990 Donruss National League team set in played condition might sell for $50-100 depending on the franchise popularity. An American League set could fetch similar.

While individual 1990 Donruss baseball cards are not exceptionally expensive overall compared to iconic older or more modern rookie cards, there are still various valuable gems that excite collectors. Carefully graded rookies of HOF stars plus rare inserts provide the highest values. But the set as a whole retains nostalgia for collectors who enjoyed it as kids or admire the colorful “high water mark” designs of the early ’90s card boom era. Condition is key, but the 1990 Donruss cards worth chasing depend most on the player, parallel, and collector demand.

UNOPENED TOPPS BASEBALL CARDS 1990

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The 1990 Topps Baseball card set is considered one of the most iconic and desirable releases from the “Junk Wax” era of the late 1980s and early 1990s. While sets from this time period were mass produced and opened packs flooded the market, driving down individual card values, certain factors have led to strong ongoing demand for sealed 1990 Topps boxes and packs from collectors today.

Released in March 1990 at the start of the new baseball season, the 1990 Topps set was the 69th annual issue from the historic brand. It contains 792 total cards featuring current Major League players, managers, coaches and officials. Notable rookies included included Barry Bonds, Gregg Jefferies, Dennis Martinez and Bobby Thigpen. Stars of the era like Nolan Ryan, Roger Clemens, Wade Boggs and Ozzie Smith continued to grace Topps cards as well.

The design and photography style of the 1990 set had a very clean, classic look that remains popular with collectors decades later. It was the final Topps set to feature player signatures, which added uniqueness and appeal. The checklist also captures a memorable period in baseball right before dominant dynasties began to emerge in the 1990s from teams like the Atlanta Braves, New York Yankees and others.

While production numbers were enormous for the period, estimated around 3.5 million sets printed, the sealed 1990 Topps cards have retained higher values than other contemporaneous releases. There are a few key reasons why:

Fewer complete unopened wax boxes seem to have survived to present day, indicating many were opened at the time. Finding sealed cases is very rare.

The design has proven to have strong lasting nostalgic appeal that has drawn collectors back over the years looking for unopened packs and boxes to keep factory sealed.

Iconic rookie cards like Barry Bonds continue to capture interest from investors and enthusiasts decades later, creating ongoing demand for pristine sealed 1990 Topps product.

The early 1990s were perhaps the peak of the “speculator boom” in the hobby, so many were likely cracked in pursuit of value at the time versus being saved sealed for long-term collecting purposes.

Today, full unopened wax boxes of 1990 Topps in top conditioned are valued around $2,500-$3,500 depending on the exact number of sealed packs inside and external box quality. Sealed racks or factory-sealed cases have been known to sell upwards of $10,000 when available. Even individual sealed packs can typically command $40-$60 each online depending on visual condition.

These values far exceed what other contemporaneous sealed product from the early 1990s Junk Wax era time has retained. The scarcity of pristine preserved sealed 1990 Topps product combined with its classic design loyal nostalgic following among collectors of that generation does seem to give it an edge over other releases.

As Barry Bonds’ career milestones, records and legacy are still debated today, so too does interest in his rookie card and the 1990 Topps set as a whole showing no signs of slowing down. With each passing year, fewer factory sealed boxes and cases are believed left existing in time capsules of attics, basements and storage lockers. This dwindling supply often works to further increase demand and values for any unopened 1990 Topps cardboard that does surface on the collecting market.

For set builders or investors seeking to add a pop of nostalgia and strong part of baseball card history to their portfolio, 1990 Topps still holds appeal as one of the most stable Junk Wax investments around provided it remains in pristine sealed condition as produced decades ago. The unique combination of solid design, intriguing rookie checklist and apparent scarcity of unwaxed boxes versus other contemporaneous years makes unopened 1990 Topps a fun area of the hobby likely to retain collector interest for many years to come.

DONRUSS BASEBALL CARDS 1990 PRICING

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The 1990 Donruss baseball card set was released at the start of the new decade and contained a variety of rookie cards and stars from the 1989 MLB season. While not as iconic or valuable as some other vintage sets from the late 1980s, the 1990 Donruss set remains a popular and affordable vintage option for collectors. Let’s take a deeper look at the set contents, design, and current pricing for the top rookie cards and stars from 1990 Donruss.

The 1990 Donruss set contained 792 total cards and had the standard design format that Donruss used throughout the late 80s. The front of each card featured a color action photo of the player along with their name, team, and stats from the previous season. On the back, there was an additional career stats table as well as a short bio for each player. Some of the top rookies included in the 1990 Donruss set were Larry Walker, Moises Alou, David Justice, and Gregg Olson.

While not quite as iconic or valuable as the flagship Topps sets from the same year, 1990 Donruss does contain the rookie cards for several all-time great players and Hall of Famers. For example, the Barry Larkin rookie card is one of the key cards from the set. Larkin went on to have a stellar 19-year career entirely with the Cincinnati Reds that saw him win an NL MVP award in 1995. He was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 2012. In PSA 10 Gem Mint condition, Larkin’s 1990 Donruss rookie card currently sells for around $150-200.

Another valuable Hall of Fame rookie in the 1990 Donruss set is Tom Glavine’s card. Glavine went on to have a legendary career pitching for the Atlanta Braves that included two Cy Young awards. He was a key part of the dominant Braves rotations in the 1990s that led to their World Series titles in 1995 and 1991. In PSA 10 condition, Glavine’s rookie card sells in the range of $300-350. While not as valuable as some other vintage rookie cards, it remains a key piece for any Braves or Glavine collection.

In addition to rookie cards, the 1990 Donruss set also featured many of the game’s biggest stars from the late 80s and early 90s. For example, the Ken Griffey Jr. card from 1990 Donruss is one of the more popular veteran cards from the set. Griffey was already well on his way to a Hall of Fame career by 1990 as one of baseball’s best young outfielders. His smooth left-handed swing and effortless play in center field made him a fan favorite. In PSA 10 condition, Griffey’s 1990 Donruss card sells for around $75-100.

Another legendary slugger featured prominently in 1990 Donruss was Jose Canseco. Canseco had just finished his Rookie of the Year and MVP-winning 1988 season with the Oakland A’s when the 1990 Donruss set was released. As one of the first true “power hitter” stars of the late 80s and early steroid era, Canseco’s card remains popular. In PSA 10 condition, his 1990 Donruss card sells in the range of $40-60. While not quite as valuable as his iconic 1986 Topps rookie, it’s still an affordable way to add one of baseball’s biggest 80s stars to a collection.

In addition to stars, the 1990 Donruss set also included several other notable veterans like Nolan Ryan, Ozzie Smith, Wade Boggs, and Roger Clemens. While not quite the rookie cards of Hall of Famers, these types of vintage stars cards can be found for affordable prices. For example, a PSA 10 1990 Donruss Wade Boggs card can be found for under $20. They make for great additions to any collection focused on specific eras or individual players.

While not the most valuable vintage set from the late 80s or early 90s, the 1990 Donruss baseball card release remains a popular and affordable option for collectors. The rookie cards of players like Barry Larkin, Tom Glavine, Larry Walker and more make it an important set despite not having true superstar rookies. Combined with star cards of Griffey, Canseco, and others, there is a lot to enjoy for fans of the late 80s/early 90s era of baseball cards. With prices ranging from under $20 to just over $300 for top rookies and stars, it offers something for all budget levels as well.

1990 FLEER BASEBALL CARDS VALUE LIST

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Introduction
The 1990 Fleer baseball card set was the final installment in a run of sets from the late 1980s that brought Fleer back into competition with Topps as a major baseball card producer. Following struggles in the 1970s and 1980s, Fleer returned to the baseball card market in 1986 and began regularly issuing new sets again. Their 1990 offering would continue building on the momentum they had gained in the late 80s before the baseball card market began to decline. Let’s take an in-depth look at some of the top rookies, stars, and other notables from the 1990 Fleer set and what their cards may be worth today.

Top Rookies of 1990
One of the biggest rookie classes in baseball card history came in 1990, headlined by future Hall of Famers Griffey Jr. and Bagwell. Their rookie cards remain highly sought after by collectors decades later.

Ken Griffey Jr. (Fleer RC #330): Widely considered one of if not the single most valuable baseball card of the 1990s, Griffey’s card is iconic. In top gem mint 10 condition, it can fetch over $10,000. Even in a PSA 8-9 graded state it commands $500-1000. ‘The Kid’ went on to have one of the great careers in history.

Jeff Bagwell (Fleer RC #99): As a star first baseman for the Astros, Bagwell oozed with talent from the start. His rookie is nearly as coveted as Griffey’s, with a PSA 10 bringing $5000-8000. Common to find raw for $100-200.

Frank Thomas (Fleer RC #268): ‘The Big Hurt’ slammed his way to multiple MVPs starting in 1990. His rookie card doesn’t have the allure of Griffey or Bagwell but is still one of the top hits from the set at $200-500 graded.

Dennis Martinez (Fleer RC #355): The soon to be 300-game winner’s card doesn’t go for huge money but is a notable as one of the last true ‘vintage’ rookie cards issued in the 1980s/early 90s before the spike in players reaching the majors as rookies in the 90s.

Other Stars of Note
Nolan Ryan (Fleer #329): One of the most dominant pitchers ever still cranking them up in 1990 at age 43. His final season issue cards remain popular for collector appeal. Approx. $20-50.

Ryne Sandberg (Fleer #12): Perennial All-Star and 1984 NL MVP saw his best years already behind him but remained a respected veteran. Common $3-10 card.

Juan Gonzalez (Fleer #134): Just starting to break out, Gonzalez would go on to win back-to-back AL MVPs later in the decade. $5-15 depending on condition.

Tom Glavine (Fleer #309): On the cusp of stardom, Glavine established himself as an ace in 1991 and helped lead the Braves dynasty of the 90s. $10-30.

Roberto Alomar (Fleer #123): One of the greatest second basemen ever was entering his peak. $10-25.

Ken Hill (Fleer #283): What could have been for the talented Texan pitcher whose career was derailed by injuries. Near rookie $5-15.

Errors, Variations, and Inserts
Fleer’s quality control issues in the early 1990s led to some notable errors that have value today. This includes:# A Brite Futures (insert set): These had wildly inconsistent borders but stars like Frank Thomas are $20-50# An error Tom Glavine card without statistics: Rarer print errors like this can fetch $100+, raw or graded.# An error Ken Griffey Jr. card: His name is misspelled “Griffy”. Even heavily played this is $50-100 as a true error.# A Roger Clemens card printed sideways: Another off-center rarity worth a decent premium.

Summary
While the baseball card market may never return to the insane heights of the 1990s, sets like the 1990 Fleer nicely bridge the gap between the “junk wax” era and golden age rookie cards of the 1980s. Loaded with all-time great talent and notorious print errors, it remains a highly collectible issue for fans of the era. Key rookie cards like Griffey Jr. and Bagwell top the value list but there are several other affordable stars and variations that can still be unearthed.

1990 FLEER BASEBALL QUIZ CARDS

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The 1990 Fleer baseball card set featured an innovative addition – baseball trivia quiz cards. Inserted randomly in wax packs and factory sets alongside the traditional player cards were 24 small question cards testing fans’ knowledge of MLB history and statistics. This was a fun new element that engaged collectors beyond just amassing players’ photos and stats. The quiz cards proved quite popular and are still sought after today by enthusiasts of 80s and 90s vintage cardboard.

Some key facts about the 1990 Fleer Baseball Quiz Cards:

They came in the standard grey border design used for all Fleer cards that year, with blue font and graphics on a white background. Each question card measured approximately 2.5 x 3.5 inches, slightly smaller than the standard player cards.

A total of 24 different quiz questions were produced. The questions covered a wide range of topics testing fans on players, records, World Series facts, award winners and more from across baseball history up to that point.

The front of each card posed a multiple choice or true/false question. The back then revealed the answer as well as a brief explanation. This allowed collectors to easily quiz themselves or others on their baseball knowledge.

The questions varied significantly in difficulty. Some tested extremely obscure facts that would truly challenge even the most knowledgeable fans, while others covered very basic pieces of trivia. This ensured the quiz appealed to both casual and diehard baseball followers.

In addition to providing entertainment, the cards served an educational purpose by exposing collectors to new stats and historical details they may not have known previously. This further enhanced fans’ appreciation for the rich history of America’s Pastime.

Examples of notable questions included: “Which NL team won consecutive World Series in the late 70s?”, “Who was the first MLB player to hit over 30 home runs in a season?” and “What pitcher holds the record for career strikeouts?”.

The quiz cards were clearly designed by someone with a deep understanding and passion for baseball history. The questions touch on many different eras and a variety of statistical and unique playoff/title accomplishments.

While randomly inserted in packs for the desired collector chase, the 24 different questions were not especially scarce. Most dedicated set builders from 1990 were able to obtain a full set of the quiz cards with patience.

The quiz cards were well received by fans and are remembered quite fondly today. They represented an ingenious way for Fleer to addcollector interest and engagement beyond the traditional formula. The questions remain fun to look back at and test one’s knowledge against even decades later.

For collectors of the 1990 Fleer baseball set, obtaining a complete quiz card subset became an integral part of the collecting experience that year. The questions stimulated learning as well as friendly debates between card collectors of different eras regarding the answers. Vintage wax boxes and factory sets from 1990 routinely sell for premium prices today partly due to the strong nostalgia surrounding these innovative trivia inserts.

While baseball card inserts have become much more commonplace in modern sets focusing on hit probability, parallels, autos and more – gimmicks like the 1990 Fleer quiz cards harken back to a simpler time when creativity and fun for the collector were the main priorities. They show how small additional elements could provide lasting excitement and memorability alongside the core baseball cards in a set.

For historians of the hobby as well, the 1990 Fleer quiz cards serve as an intriguingArtifact from the early “Junk Wax” era. They demonstrated Fleer’s continued experimentation even as the industry shifted to overproduction. Overall the positive reaction to this short-lived novelty reflects the lasting appeal of mixing education with entertainment for baseball card collectors of all ages.

CMC 1990 PRE ROOKIE BASEBALL CARDS VALUE

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The 1990 CMC baseball card set featured many future Hall of Famers and stars as rookies or early in their careers. While not as well known as brands like Topps and Donruss, CMC released quality cardboard that year and the set has gained popularity with collectors in recent decades. Let’s take an in-depth look at some of the top rookie and star cards from the 1990 CMC set and what they may be worth today.

One of the most valuable rookie cards in the 1990 CMC set is Ken Griffey Jr. As one of the most talented players of his generation, Griffey was one of the most hyped rookie prospects ever. His smooth left-handed swing and effortless athleticism made him a fan favorite from the start of his career. In the early 90s, Griffey mania was in full effect and his rookie card was one of the most sought after on the market. Today, a Griffey Jr. 1990 CMC rookie card in near mint to mint condition could fetch $150-$250. If graded by PSA or BGS at gem mint 10, the price jumps up significantly to $500-$1,000 due to the card’s sharp corners and surfaces.

Another coveted rookie from the 1990 CMC set is Frank Thomas, known as “The Big Hurt” during his Hall of Fame career. Thomas slugged his way to over 500 home runs and had a career .301 batting average playing first base for the Chicago White Sox. His powerful left-handed swing produced plenty of tape measure shots in his prime. The 1990 CMC Thomas rookie has gained value in recent years due to his legendary playing career. A PSA 9 copy could sell for $75-$125, while a PSA 10 gem could reach $250-$350 given how difficult Thomas rookies are to find in pristine condition.

Chipper Jones had one of the best careers of any third baseman in MLB history during his time with the Atlanta Braves. The 1990 CMC set featured Chipper as a rookie, foreshadowing his future stardom. He would go on to hit over 450 home runs and make 8 All-Star teams in his 19 year career spent entirely in Atlanta. Chipper’s smooth lefty swing and Gold Glove defense at the hot corner made him a fan favorite for decades. His 1990 CMC rookie in good condition could sell for $30-$50, with a PSA 9 bringing $75-$125 and a PSA 10 grading out around $200-$300 due to the card’s strong demand.

While not a true rookie card, the 1990 CMC set is also notable for featuring Barry Bonds as a member of the Pittsburgh Pirates. At the time, Bonds was already establishing himself as one of the game’s best players and had started to show signs of the prolific power hitter he would become. In Pittsburgh, Bonds made 4 All-Star teams and won 3 Gold Gloves and an MVP before moving on to the San Francisco Giants where he smashed the single season and career home run records. The 1990 CMC Bonds is a key card from his Pirates days and in a PSA 9 could sell for $50-$75, with a PSA 10 potentially reaching $150-$250 given his legendary status.

Other notable stars featured in the 1990 CMC set include Roberto Alomar, Kenny Lofton, Jeff Bagwell, Tom Glavine, and Greg Maddux. Each were among the best players of the 1990s and their early career CMC cards have value, especially in high grades. For example, a PSA 9 or 10 Jeff Bagwell from 1990 might sell for $75-$125 given his stellar career and the Houston Astros franchise player status he achieved. Meanwhile, a mint Tom Glavine or Greg Maddux from the set in a PSA 10 could reach $150-$250 as two of the best pitchers of their generation who dominated for over a decade.

While not as well-known today as brands like Topps and Donruss, the 1990 CMC baseball card set gave collectors a first look at future Hall of Famers like Ken Griffey Jr., Frank Thomas, and Chipper Jones. It also featured Barry Bonds as a budding superstar with the Pirates. Each of these star rookie and early career cards have gained value in the vintage baseball card market. High graded versions can sell for hundreds, with a PSA 10 Griffey or Thomas rookie bringing over $500. For collectors looking to add iconic pieces from the early 90s to their collections, the 1990 CMC set remains an affordable and enjoyable option.