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DONRUSS BASEBALL CARDS RATED ROOKIES 1987

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The 1987 Donruss baseball card set is one of the most iconic releases in the history of the hobby. While it may not be the flashiest or most aesthetically pleasing design compared to some other years, the 1987 Donruss set stands out most for the quality of the rookie cards it featured. Chief among them was the group labeled as “Rated Rookies,” highlighting some true future superstars just starting their MLB careers. This crop of rookies helped propel the 1987 Donruss set to legendary status among collectors and enthusiasts.

Some key context – 1987 was right in the middle of the baseball card boom of the late 1980s. Donruss had emerged as one of the top brands alongside Topps. Their designs were starting to get a bit busy and lose some of the classic simplicity of earlier years. They made up for it by really focusing on rookie cards and new players. The “Rated Rookies” subset was Donruss’ way of drawing extra attention to the top prospects. They selected 12 rookies to include in the subset and gave each a “rating” from 50-80 based on their potential.

Some of the names in that 1987 Donruss Rated Rookies subset would go on to have incredible Hall of Fame careers: Ken Griffey Jr. (rated 80), Barry Larkin (rated 75), Mark McGwire (rated 75), and Tom Glavine (rated 70). But it wasn’t just those headliners – the entire group proved to be an extremely talented collection of future all-stars. Gregg Olson, Scott Cooper, Jeff Treadway, and Jeff Gray had solid MLB tenures. Even players like Darren Daulton and Dave Martinez who didn’t post huge numbers were effective major leaguers for many years.

For collectors and investors, these rated rookies took on immense popularity and value. Griffey and McGwire in particular seemed to be destined for stardom very early on. Their rookie cards quickly became among the most coveted and expensive in the hobby. Even secondary players like Olson and Cooper gained value as interest in the full set increased. The designs were cleanly illustrated and photo centered, letting the players’ faces and talents shine through.

In the decades since, the 1987 Donruss Rated Rookies have only grown further in esteem. Griffey and McGwire lived up to their potential by putting together two of the greatest power-hitting careers ever. Barry Larkin proved himself as perhaps the best shortstop of his generation. Glavine won over 300 games and two Cy Young awards as one of the best pitchers of the 1990s. The subset has become synonymous with identifying true superstar talent at the earliest stages.

Grading and preservation has also played a major role in the 1987 Donruss Rated Rookies increased popularity. More carefully stored and maintained copies have achieved gem mint grades like MT-10 that accentuate the brilliant colors and sharpness of the original designs. These high-grade examples have reached auction prices over $10,000 USD for the headliner rookies. Even secondary players like Cooper and Gray can sell for thousands in top condition.

While other vintage sets may have flashier artwork or more memorable designs, few can match the 1987 Donruss Rated Rookies for identifying true future baseball legends in their earliest professional seasons. The subset combines iconic players, attractive yet understated designs, and sharp focus on top prospects. Nearly 35 years later, it remains one of the most valuable and desirable rookie card releases in the entire hobby. Whether for collecting, investing or just reminiscing about the great players of that era, the 1987 Donruss Rated Rookies will always have a cherished place in the history of baseball cards.

MOST VALUABLE BASEBALL CARDS 1989 DONRUSS

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The 1989 Donruss baseball card set is considered one of the most iconic issues in the modern era of the hobby. While it didn’t have the star rookies or short print parallels of some other years, the ’89 Donruss set holds a special place in the hearts of many collectors due to its classic design aesthetic. Among the 762 total cards in the base set are several that have grown to become extremely valuable over the past 30+ years. Here are some of the most coveted and expensive 1989 Donruss baseball cards:

Ken Griffey Jr. – Widely considered one of the best pure ballplayers of all time, Griffey’s rookie card from the ’89 Donruss set is the undisputed crown jewel. While the standard version isn’t too difficult to acquire in high grade, graded mint copies consistently sell in the $100-500 range. Pristine flawless examples certified PSA 10 however, have climbed into the thousands. One such card fetched $10,560 in a December 2020 Goldin Auctions sale, showing no signs of slowing down as Griffey enters the Hall of Fame.

Nolan Ryan – The all-time strikeout king’s card has grown rapidly in demand and price over the past decade. Ryan’s playing career was winding down in ’89, making his Donruss issue one of the last affordable options for collectors. Mint PSA 10 copies now sell for $800-1200 depending on market conditions. Even well-centred but more played copies still command $150-300 demonstrating Ryan’s enduring popularity.

Barry Bonds – Arguably the greatest pure hitter of all-time, the young Barry Bonds rookie from ’89 Donruss has seen rising interest. Pristine PSA 10 examples consistently sell for $500-1000 at major auctions as Bonds’ career home run record is chased. Still accessible grades like PSA 8 trade around $100-200, representing solid long term investment potential despite Bond’s controversies later in his career.

Mark McGwire – Soon-to-be slugger McGwire’s rookie remains one of the most visually striking in the set due to its bold color palette and design elements. High grades between PSA 8-10 typically sell for $150-500 with the sky being the limit for true mint 10s. Like Bonds, McGwire’s is considered an affordable classic rookie from the late 80s boom.

Rickey Henderson – ‘The Man of Steal’s’ iconic photo and record-breaking speed made his ’89 issue very memorable. While not quite in Griffey or McGwire territory, a PSA 10 still sells for $300-600 long term. Most pristine 10s you’ll find are holder grades, but solid mid-range copies stick around $75-150.

Greg Maddux – The crafty righty’s dominant peak was still ahead, but savvy collectors recognized his special talent. PSA 10 Maddux rookies now bring in $300-600 depending on the day. Well-centered examples still command $100-200 demonstrating strong long term potential.

Beyond the above headliners, sharp-eyed collectors will want to seek out star rookies like Sandy Alomar Jr., Tom Glavine, and David Justice. Short prints and parallels also hold great value, especially the elusive photo variation cards only found 1 in every 13 packs. The ’89 Donruss set is a true classic of the modern era worthy of any collector’s attention. The combination of design, stars, and affordability made it a launch pad for the entire sport’s card boom later that decade. Both short and long term, it remains a sound foundation for any investment portfolio.

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DONRUSS BASEBALL CARDS WIKI

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Donruss is a brand of trading cards produced by The Donruss Company and Panini America. Donruss first started producing baseball cards in 1981 and their cards became very popular throughout the 1980s and early 1990s. Some key facts and details about Donruss baseball cards:

The Donruss brand was founded in 1954 by Lester “Mike” Donruss as a manufacturer and distributor of paper products. Donruss got into the baseball card business in 1981 after the popularity of the original Topps cards in the 1950s and 1960s had begun to decline.

Some of the biggest stars featured on early Donruss cards included Nolan Ryan, George Brett, Robin Yount, and Cal Ripken Jr. Like Topps, Donruss signed exclusive contracts with Major League Baseball players so they were the only company producing licensed cards during this time period.

One of the most notable designs used by Donruss in the 1980s was their “Traded” set, which featured players photographed in the uniforms of the teams they had been traded to even if they had not yet played a game for the new club. This added an element of surprise for collectors.

Other popular Donruss sets from the 1980s included “Diamond Kings”, which featured borderless photos of stars on a textured diamond background, and “On-Field”, which was one of the first baseball card sets to feature action shots taken during actual games.

In the late 1980s, Donruss began experimenting with new technologies and materials for their cards. Some examples include “Foilboards”, which had a metallic foil stamp on the front, and the short-lived “ProCards” line that were produced on a thicker, semi-rigid plastic material.

The 1990 Donruss set is considered one of the most iconic in the brand’s history. It featured player photography and designs that are still admired today. The set also marked the debut of rookie cards for future Hall of Famers like Frank Thomas, Gregg Maddux, and Mo Vaughn.

Through the early 1990s, Donruss remained the second biggest baseball card producer behind Topps. The baseball card market started to crash in the mid-1990s due to an overproduction of cards that caused a loss of collector interest and plummeting values.

In 1995, Donruss lost its MLB license to produce official cards to Fleer. They continued making sets using minor league and retired players but interest and sales declined significantly. Pacific Trading Cards acquired Donruss in 1997.

In 2001, Donruss re-emerged with licenses from MLB and the players association after Fleer left the baseball card market. Sales were still weak compared to the 1980s/early 90s boom period. The brand continued on through several more owners.

Panini America acquired the Donruss brand in 2008 and has since incorporated some retro-style Donruss designs into its current baseball card releases each year. While not as large as in the past, Donruss remains a recognizable name for collectors of vintage 1980s/90s cards in particular.

In summary, Donruss was a pioneering brand that helped grow the baseball card hobby during its peak in the 1980s and early 1990s. While the company and market have both faced challenges since, Donruss continues to produce new cards and appeal to collectors nostalgic for its classic designs. The iconic players, sets, and innovations from that era secure Donruss’s place in the history of sports card collecting.

1991 DONRUSS SERIES 1 BASEBALL CARDS VALUE

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The 1991 Donruss Series 1 baseball card set is considered a classic among collectors. Issued at the peak of the baseball card boom in the early 1990s, the 1991 Donruss cards featured sharp photography and designs that projected a retro, nostalgic feel. While the sheer volume of cards printed at the time means most individual commons have little value today, there are still several notable rookie and star player cards that can fetch respectable prices from collectors.

The biggest money cards from the 1991 Donruss Series 1 set are the highly sought after rookie cards. Chief among them is the Chipper Jones rookie card. As one of the premier young stars of the 1990s, Jones went on to have a Hall of Fame career with the Atlanta Braves. His iconic rookie card from this set is the most valuable, routinely fetching well over $100 in near mint condition. Graded gem mint 10 examples have sold for upwards of $1,000. Another premier rookie from 1991 was Pat Riley, who had a standout year with the Toronto Blue Jays. Barring any flaws, his Donruss rookie card can sell for $50-75.

Other top rookie cards that bring strong returns include Jermaine Dye ($30-50), Tony Fernandez ($15-25), and David Justice ($10-15). Less heralded rookies like Russ Davis, Aaron Small, and Jeff Conine can still command $5-10 each. And for truecompletists, even more obscure first year player cards like Chris James, Paul Sorrento, and Bob Patterson hold value at $2-5 a piece. The rarity of some of these lesser known rookie names makes them appealing to dedicated collectors looking to finish their 1991 Donruss sets.

In addition to rookies, star players cards from established veterans are also strong sellers from Series 1. Perhaps not surprisingly, cards featuring members of the dynasty 1990s Braves hold significant value. Hammerin’ Hank Aaron’s card regularly sells for $15-25 due to his legendary Hall of Fame status. Other Braves like David Justice, Tom Glavine, and John Smoltz can each fetch $10-15. High profile stars from other clubs also maintain demand. Nolan Ryan, whose pitching career stretched into the early 90s, has a $10-15 Donruss card. Ken Griffey Jr, the superstar of the Seattle Mariners, commands $8-12 for his issue.

Condition is key when determining value for the most expensive 1991 Donruss cards. Near mint to mint copies will typically be worth 2-3 times as much as heavily played or good condition examples. For cards priced over $20, gradings from authentication services like PSA or BGS help secure top dollar. Even receiving a 9 instead of a 10 can halve or quarter the worth. Of course, the rarest finds like miscuts, oddball parallels, or autographs exponentially increase value. With so many packs opened in 1991, unopened wax boxes and factory sets have become quite collectible as well, selling in the $100-200 range.

While mass produced in the millions, savvy collectors know there is still solid value to be realized from digging through boxes of 1991 Donruss Series 1 cards. With the nostalgia and retro designs still in high favor among hobbyists, combined with starring rookie cards of future Hall of Famers, this set endures as a foundation of any vintage collection. Prices seem poised to climb steadily as the generation that grew up with these cards enters advanced collecting years with more disposable income. For uncovering hidden gems or completing a coveted personal collection, spending time sorting and researching a bucket of 1991 Donruss remains a worthwhile investment of time and money for old school card collectors.

DONRUSS BASEBALL CARDS 1983

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The 1983 Donruss baseball card set was one of the most popular and memorable issues from the brand during the 1980s. Issued at the tail end of Donruss’ run as a major baseball card manufacturer, the ’83 set showcased another year of creative and innovative design from the company.

Donruss had been producing baseball cards since 1981 and was one of the top brands alongside Topps during this era. Their sets were known for colorful photography and unique artistic treatments that set them apart from Topps’ more traditional designs. The 1983 issue continued this trend with a memorable border and layout.

All cards in the set featured a blue and white border with the team name arched across the top. Player names were printed vertically down the left side with statistics on the right. Photography took up most of the central space and showed action shots from the previous season. Backs included additional stats and a brief career summary. The set totaled 792 cards and had the standard mix of stars, rookies, and commons that collectors hoped to find.

Some of the top rookie cards in the ’83 Donruss set included Ryne Sandberg, Dave Stieb, and Dwight Gooden. Sandberg’s exciting debut with the Cubs made his one of the most sought-after rookie cards from the issue. Gooden’s dominant rookie season and two Cy Young awards later in his career also gave his card strong lasting appeal. Stieb only played a few seasons but his card remains a key piece for set builders.

Veteran stars featured included Mike Schmidt, Eddie Murray, and Nolan Ryan. Schmidt was in his prime with the Phillies and put up another huge season. Murray was also in his prime with the Orioles and put up excellent numbers. Ryan’s card, showing him in an Astros uniform, highlighted his record-setting career even at an advanced age. These cards of established stars were some of the most popular pulls from packs.

Beyond the main 792-card base set, Donruss also issued additional sets that year as inserts in wax packs. The “Glossy Sendbacks” featured additional glossy photos on card fronts of over 100 players. “Team Leaders” highlighted stats leaders for each franchise. “Traded” cards noted offseason trades with a new team logo overlaid on the main photo. Insert sets added collecting and trading excitement beyond the base cards.

Production and design quality was high throughout the 1983 Donruss set. Sharp color photography popped against the clean blue borders. Stats and bios on the backs provided key career details. The size, shape, and feel of the cards closely matched Topps, making them a seamless addition to collections. While not quite as iconic as some other vintage issues, ’83 Donruss cards represented the brand well and remain popular with collectors today.

In subsequent years, Donruss lost the MLB license to Fleer and Upper Deck. But their final baseball issues, including 1983, left a memorable mark and remain some of the most iconic vintage cardboard from the early 1980s. The creative designs, star players, and exciting rookie cards made opening a pack of ’83 Donruss a thrill that collectors still remember and chase cards from to this day. Over 35 years later, these innovative and well-made cards continue capturing the nostalgia and allure that made the Donruss brand a hit during baseball’s cardboard classic era.

1982 DONRUSS BASEBALL CARDS PRICE GUIDE

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1982 Donruss Baseball Cards Price Guide

The 1982 Donruss baseball card set was the third year for the brand after they entered the baseball card market in 1981. While not considered one of the premiere card sets of the early 1980s, the 1982 Donruss cards are still highly collectible today for both casual collectors and serious vintage baseball card investors. Let’s take an in-depth look at the 1982 Donruss set and provide a price guide for the top rookie cards, star players, and chase cards from the collection.

The 1982 Donruss set contains 204 total baseball cards and is considered the third largest issuance that year behind Topps and Fleer. The design features team action shots for most players on a plain white background. Stat lines are included on the back along with a write up about the player. One of the unique aspects of the 1982 Donruss design is the inclusion of NBC Sports logo since they had broadcast rights that season. Rarity doesn’t play too big of a factor in this set, but there are some short prints and chase cards that command premium prices.

Grading is important when considering values for 1980s-era vintage cards. In near mint to mint condition (Grades NM-MT 8 or higher on the 10 point Sheets scale), common player cards can be purchased for under $10. There are always exceptions when it comes to the star players and rookies. Here’s a breakdown of some key cards and their values across different grades:

Ryne Sandberg RC (Card #48): One of the true icons of the 1980s and a future Hall of Famer. In NM-MT 8 condition, his rookie fetches $150-$200. A pristine MT 10 grade commands $1,000+.

Cal Ripken Jr. (Card #87): Even in his second season, Ripken was recognized as a future star. NM-MT 8 condition is $50-75.

Wade Boggs (Card #89): Consistently one of the top hitters of the decade. NM-MT 8 around $30-40.

Fernando Valenzuela RC (Card #7): The debut of “Fernandomania” in 1981 put him on the map. Even in EX-MT 6 condition, his rookie sells for $125-150 due to popularity.

Ozzie Smith RC (Card #131): Arguably the best defensive shortstop ever. High end NM-MT 8 grade fetches $250-300 for this rookie card.

Goose Gossage (Card #99): One of the premier closers of his era who made the save an art form. Near mint copies sell for $40-50.

Steve Carlton (Card #160): Perennial Cy Young caliber pitcher who won 4 of them. NM-MT 8 grade around $15-20.

Reggie Jackson (Card #111): Even after leaving Yankees, still huge name recognition. NM-MT 8 sells for $25-35.

In addition to stars, there are several short prints and errors that can increase rarity and value significantly. Here are a few:

Edgar Martinez SP (Card #81): Print run may be 1/10 of normal. NM-MT 8 worth $250 due to scarcity.

Darrel Evans Printing Plate: Official printing plate from Donruss numbered to 99. Just a few are known to exist. Value around $1,500 in top condition.

Robin Yount SP (Card #167): May be 1/3 as produced as other cards. NM-MT 8 has sold for $100-125.

Pete Rose Error: Shows as Phillie but was Reds at time. Rare error that has sold for over $2,000.

Gary Matthews SP (Card #113): Only a few hundred produced according to rumors. Near mint over $200.

While not as iconic as flagship issues like Topps or as innovative as Fleer, the 1982 Donruss set remains highly sought after by collectors both old and new. Combining star power from the decade mixed with fun 1980s aesthetic makes it a vibrant but affordable vintage checklist to collect. With patience and care taken to acquire high grades, there is potential for strong long term appreciation especially for rookie cards, stars and errors/variations in this important early Donruss release.

1992 DONRUSS BASEBALL CARDS ERRORS

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The 1992 Donruss baseball card set is one of the most iconic and sought after issues in the hobby due to the numerous production errors found throughout. While errors and variations add interest for collectors, the level of mistakes in the ’92 Donruss set is quite remarkable. Let’s take a deeper look at some of the more well-known errors from this release.

One of the highest profile errors is found on the card of pitcher David Cone (#216). On the original printing, his last name is misspelled as “Coen”. This simple typo transformed Cone’s base card from a common issue into one of the most coveted error cards from the early ’90s. In near-mint condition, uncorrected “Coen” versions can sell for thousands of dollars.

Another famous flub involves active player tracker lines on the backs of cards. These were intended to list stats from the previous season. Multiple players like Bret Saberhagen (#233) list stats from 2 seasons prior instead of 1991. Frank Thomas’ (#290) card cites his rank among AL rookies as #1, but neglects to mention he won the league’s MVP award that year.

Moving beyond typos, there were also numerous photo and design mixups. A batch of Ken Griffey Jr. cards (#211) were printed with teammate Randy Johnson’s facial photo obliviously pasted over Griffey’s body. The same thing occurred with Terry Pendleton’s (#368) card, which has pitcher Tom Glavine’s face photo on it. Additional photo swap errors exist featuring the faces of players like Dave Justice and Jeff Blauser.

Speaking of photos, some were downright bizarre choices. On José Rijo’s (#531) card, the snapshot depicts him with the Reds even though he played for the Reds only in 1992 after spending 1985-1991 with the Athletics and Mets. The image is clearly from a different season. Ozzie Smith’s (#557) card portrays him with the Padres even though he was traded from San Diego to the Cardinals prior to the ’92 season.

Moving beyond photos, the design and stats on the back of Roger Clemens’ (#184) card lists him playing for the Red Sox – but he was traded to the Blue Jays midway through the 1991 season. Another mishap features Braves reliever Jeff Reardon (#426) with his stats and information relating to his tenure with the Twins, despite being dealt from Minnesota to Atlanta in 1991.

Perhaps the most head-scratching error comes on Rex Hudler’s (#450) card, where his listed position is “DH/P.” Hudler was never a pitcher in the majors – he was strictly an outfielder and pinch hitter. What’s more, the blurb on his back mentions his selection to the American League All-Star team, except he only played in the National League.

Beyond player-specific mistakes, entire roster and team checklist errors abound in the set as well. When the complete Kansas City roster is tabulated, it adds up to 27 players when they only had 25 on their active roster in 1992. The Chicago White Sox checklist inexplicably lists an additional player, bringing their total to 27 despite having only 25.

The 1992 Donruss release will always be renown not just for the standout rookie cards it features, but also for the tremendous amount of production mistakes and anomalies it contained. Some errors like the Cone misspelling only enhanced interest, but the sheer volume and level of flaws show a notable lack of proofreading on Donruss’s part for that year. While imperfect, it’s this colorful history of errors that adds to the legendary mystique of the ’92 Donruss issue for collectors today.

DONRUSS BASEBALL CARDS 89

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The 1989 Donruss baseball card set was released at the tail end of the baseball card boom of the late 1980s. Produced by the Donruss company, the 1989 set marked their seventh year producing major league baseball cards after starting in 1983. The 1989 Donruss set featured 660 total cards and included rookie cards of future Hall of Famers such as Barry Larkin, Tom Glavine, and Greg Maddux.

Some key details and highlights about the 1989 Donruss baseball card set include:

Design and Photography: The 1989 Donruss cards featured a simple yet classic design with a white border surrounding each player photo. The photos were in color and of generally good quality, though some were a bit dark. The front of each card displayed the player’s name, team, and position below the photo.

Rookies: As mentioned, the set included rookie cards for future stars Barry Larkin, Tom Glavine, and Greg Maddux. Other notable rookies included Scott Cooper, Gregg Olson, and Jeff Russell. Of these, Larkin and Maddux went on to have Hall of Fame careers while Glavine, Olson, and Russell also enjoyed long, productive MLB tenures.

Serial Numbers: Each 1989 Donruss card carried a unique four-digit serial number printed on the bottom front of the card. This was the last Donruss set to feature serial numbers, as they were dropped starting in 1990. Serial numbers from this set in pristine condition can add value for collectors.

Checklists and Inserts: The 1989 Donruss set included checklists, manager/coach cards, and “Diamond Kings” insert cards showing players in action shots. There was also a “Diamond Gems” parallel subset with glossy photos and a blue border/tint. These inserts provided collector variety beyond the base cards.

Star Players: The 1989 Donruss set included base cards for the game’s biggest stars of the late 1980s such as Roger Clemens, Wade Boggs, Ozzie Smith, Kirby Puckett, and Jose Canseco. This was the height of the “Wax Pack Era” and these stars were extremely popular. Their rookie cards from past years were highly sought after by collectors.

Design Changes: Compared to previous years, the 1989 Donruss design had a cleaner, less busy look. Statistics were removed from the back of the cards in favor of short bios. Card stock was thinner but of high quality. Overall the set had a classic, understated MLB card aesthetic.

Production: It’s estimated that around 180 million 1989 Donruss cards were printed, which was actually lower than previous years as the market began to correct from its speculative peak. The set had widespread retail distribution through hobby shops, drug stores, and supermarkets.

In terms of the high-end hobby market, several key 1989 Donruss rookies and stars carry premium values when graded and preserved in mint condition. Some examples include:

Barry Larkin rookie (PSA 10): $2,000+
Tom Glavine rookie (PSA 10): $1,000+
Greg Maddux rookie (PSA 10): $800+
Ken Griffey Jr. (PSA 10): $300-500
Roger Clemens (PSA 10): $150-250
Bo Jackson (PSA 10): $100-200

Most common copies in played/good condition can be acquired for $1-5. The 1989 Donruss set remains very accessible and affordable for collectors, especially compared to some of the ultra-high prices seen for vintage 1950s/1960s cards.

The 1989 Donruss baseball card set was produced during the waning years of the “junk wax” era. It featured some of the most iconic rookies of the 1990s and captured star players from an exciting era in MLB history. The set retains a classic, understated design that has endured for collectors. Key rookies can be quite valuable when graded and preserved well, making this an important release from the tail end of the boom period in baseball cards.

VALUE OF 1987 DONRUSS BASEBALL CARDS

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The 1987 Donruss baseball card set holds significant nostalgia and value for collectors and fans of the period. Issued at the height of the junk wax era, the cards were mass produced and readily available. Over 30 years later, key rookie cards and stars of the era have gained appreciation from collectors.

The 1987 Donruss set totals 792 cards including future Hall of Famers like Nolan Ryan, George Brett, Mike Schmidt, and Carlton Fisk. The design features a bold photograph on a colored border along with statistics on the reverse. While production numbers were enormous, grading has allowed top condition examples of stars to maintain and increase in worth.

Rookie cards are always of high interest to collectors seeking to capitalize on a player’s career accomplishments years later. The 1987 Donruss set featured the rookie cards of several future all-time greats like Tom Glavine, Gregg Maddux, and Ken Griffey Jr. Griffey’s iconic upper deck rookie is the most valuable card of the era, but his Donruss rookie also holds value due to his status as a true superstar and MLB home run king. Near mint to mint condition copies in the $200-400 range reflect his consistent high demand.

Maddux and Glavine also found enormous success winning a combined 8 Cy Young awards between 1992-2008. Their rookie cards have seen appreciation mirroring their brilliant careers. A PSA 9 or BGS 9 graded Maddux fetches $75-150 while a similar graded Glavine brings $50-100 due to his slightly lesser Hall of Fame resume. Collectors recognize these cards as capturing the beginning of legends. Also debuting in 1987 was Terry Pendleton, who won the 1991 NL MVP award. His rookie remains fairly affordable around $15-25.

Of course, the true elite veterans and superstars of the 1980s hold the most value in the 1987 Donruss set as well. Condition is key, as lower grade copies can be obtained cheaply. A PSA 10 Nolan Ryan is worth $1,500-3,000 given his status a pitching icon and still holder of many career records. An uncommon PSA 10 or SGC 10 1988 traded Mark McGwire rookie would sell for over $5,000 reflecting the rarity of high end graded versions of his first card.

Other stars with expensive gem mint copies include Mike Schmidt PSA 10 ($1,000), George Brett PSA/SGC 10 ($800), Don Mattingly PSA 10 ($700), Wade Boggs PSA 10 ($400), and Rickey Henderson PSA 10 ($350). Two-time MVP winner Ryne Sandberg has a PSA 10 valued at $250-400. Collectors appreciate true time-capsule specimens of these all-time great players in pristine condition.

Overall team and subset cards add diversity and often hold value attached to accomplishments. The Boston Red Sox 1987 Donruss team card is particularly sought after by collectors for capturing the World Series championship squad. A high grade PSA/BGS 9 fetches $150-250 given their storied franchise history and unique capturing of a title year. The Diamond Kings subset also endures as a premium vintage subset with key Hall of Famers like Cal Ripken in top condition worth around $100 raw.

While 1987 Donruss cards flooded the market during the era, the lasting results of certain players’ careers have allowed top rookies, stars, and accomplished teams/subsets to retain relevance and appreciate over the decades. As one of the most widely produced vintage sets, condition is paramount, with PSA/BGS/SGC slabbing further validating high grade examples. For fans of the 1980s and those collecting career milestones, the 1987 Donruss set yields affordable keys with long term potential linked to baseball history from that memorable period.

1995 DONRUSS BASEBALL CARDS VALUES

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The 1995 Donruss baseball card set is a classic from the golden age of the 1990s baseball card boom. During this time, Donruss was one of the top brands putting out high quality and popular sets each year. The 1995 Donruss set contains over 700 cards and features some of the greatest players of that era such as Ken Griffey Jr., Frank Thomas, Greg Maddux, Barry Bonds, and many more. While not as valuable as some of the ultra-rare rookie cards from the 1980s, there are still several standout cards from the 1995 Donruss set that hold sought-after value for collectors.

One of the marquee rookie cards from 1995 Donruss is Derek Jeter’s rookie #148 card. As one of the greatest shortstops of all time and a symbol of the dynastic Yankees teams he played for, Jeter’s rookie cards are highly coveted by collectors. In gem mint condition, his 1995 Donruss RC can fetch prices upwards of $800-1000. Another elite rookie from that year is Sammy Sosa’s #230 card from his dominant playing days with the Cubs. In top condition, Sosa’s rookie has sold for over $300. And while he didn’t become a true star until later in his career, Miguel Tejada’s 1995 Donruss rookie #573 has also done well, with PSA 10 copies selling in the $200 range.

For cards featuring established stars, one of the most valuable from 1995 Donruss is Ken Griffey Jr’s #107 regular issue card. As one of the most naturally gifted players ever to pick up a bat and have a glorious career cut short by injuries, Griffey is a fan favorite. His excellent baseball skills translated to immense card popularity too. In gem mint condition, his 1995 Donruss card has sold recently for over $800. Another superstar with a valuable base card is Frank Thomas and his #245 issue. The Big Hurt’s smooth left-handed swing made him a consistent force at the plate throughout the 1990s. His 1995 Donruss sells for around $150-200 in top shape. And while 1995 was before his dominant home run seasons, a PSA 10 copy of Barry Bonds’ #272 card has sold for $175 given his all-time great status.

Switching gears to pitching greats, a perennial Cy Young candidate throughout the 1990s was Atlanta’s Greg Maddux. His pinpoint control and ability to consistently outthink hitters made him one of the sport’s best ever. His 1995 Donruss issue #416 reflects that with near mint to mint copies selling for $75-100 range. Another future Hall of Famer hurler featured is Randy Johnson and his #531 card as a member of the Mariners. While with Seattle, “The Big Unit” was already displaying his overpowering stuff on a consistent basis. A PSA 9 of his 1995 Donruss has achieved $80 in sales. And for a stellar closer, the 1995 Donruss #660 issue of John Wetteland as a member of the New York Yankees holds a near mint value of around $50 given his dominance in the late innings.

While it may lack some of the true high-end hits of other vintage sets, there is still notable value to be found across several key rookie and star player cards within the 1995 Donruss baseball release. Names like Jeter, Griffey, Thomas, Maddux, and others continue to drive collector demand and pricing for their respective issue cards from that set. For players and teams especially popular during the dynamic 1990s era of baseball, their 1995 Donruss cards represent an accessible and fun collection segment with room for appreciation over time.