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BASEBALL CARDS PRICE GUIDE 1989 DONRUSS

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The 1989 Donruss baseball card set was released at the tail end of the junk wax era, but still contained some valuable rookie cards and stars of the day that have held their value well over 30 years later. Let’s take an in-depth look at the key cards from the ’89 Donruss set and what they tend to sell for based on grade and condition.

The biggest star and most valuable card from the 1989 Donruss set is the Ken Griffey Jr. rookie card. Widely considered one of if not the best rookie card of all time, even low graded Griffey Jr. rookies command big money. In a PSA 10 gem mint condition, the Griffey Jr. rookie has sold for well over $10,000. In a PSA 9 near mint condition, it still fetches $1,000-2,000. Even in a PSA 8 very good condition, the Griffey Jr. rookie will sell for $300-500. For a PSA 7 good condition, expect $150-250. In lower grades of PSA 6 or below, the Griffey Jr. rookie is still worth $50-100 due to its iconic status.

Another highly valuable rookie card from the ’89 Donruss set is Greg Maddux. Like Griffey Jr., even lower graded Maddux rookies hold significant value. A PSA 10 Maddux rookie has sold for over $3,000. In a PSA 9, it sells for $500-800. A PSA 8 will go for $200-300. PSA 7 is around $100-150. Lower PSA grades of 6 or below still sell in the $50-75 range for the Maddux rookie card.

In addition to rookie cards, stars performing well in 1989 also carried premium prices. Perhaps the biggest star of that season was Ken Griffey Sr. of the Seattle Mariners. While not as valuable as his son’s rookie, Griffey Sr.’s 1989 Donruss card still holds value. A PSA 10 sells for $150-250. PSA 9 is $50-75. PSA 8 goes for $25-35. PSA 7 is around $15-20.

Another star of 1989 was Oakland A’s slugger Jose Canseco. Known for his mammoth home runs and muscular physique, Canseco was one of the most popular players of his era. His ’89 Donruss card commands a premium as well. A PSA 10 sells for around $75-100. PSA 9 is $30-50. PSA 8 goes for $15-25. PSA 7 is $10-15. Even a lowly PSA 6 Canseco will sell in the $5-8 range.

Two other stars whose 1989 Donruss cards retain value are Nolan Ryan and Ozzie Smith. Ryan was still in his twilight years with the Texas Rangers but was legendary for his fastball and strikeouts. A PSA 10 1989 Ryan Donruss sells for around $50-75. PSA 9 is $25-35. PSA 8 is $15-20. PSA 7 goes for $10-12. On the other hand, Ozzie Smith was in his prime as the Wizard of Oz and a 13x Gold Glove shortstop. His ’89 Donruss PSA 10 sells for $35-50. PSA 9 is $15-25. PSA 8 is $10-15. PSA 7 goes for $7-10.

While the biggest stars and rookies drive the highest prices, there are also several other notable players whose 1989 Donruss cards have retained collectible value based on player performance and career milestones:

Tom Glavine Rookie (Braves): PSA 10 ($150-250), PSA 9 ($50-75), PSA 8 ($25-35)

Randy Johnson Rookie (Mariners): PSA 10 ($100-150), PSA 9 ($40-60), PSA 8 ($20-30)

Barry Bonds Rookie (Pirates): PSA 10 ($75-100), PSA 9 ($30-50), PSA 8 ($15-25)

Mark McGwire Rookie (A’s): PSA 10 ($75-100), PSA 9 ($30-50), PSA 8 ($15-25)

Cal Ripken Jr. (Orioles): PSA 10 ($35-50), PSA 9 ($15-25), PSA 8 ($10-15)

Wade Boggs (Red Sox): PSA 10 ($25-35), PSA 9 ($10-15), PSA 8 ($7-10)

Kirby Puckett (Twins): PSA 10 ($25-35), PSA 9 ($10-15), PSA 8 ($7-10)

While 1989 Donruss cards on the whole hold little value outside of high grades for stars, there are still numerous rookie cards and stars from that season that collectors actively seek out and are willing to pay premium prices for based on the player pedigree and scarcity/condition of the individual card. The Griffey Jr. and Maddux rookies especially continue to be bright spots in an otherwise dim era of baseball card production and remain must-have cards for enthusiasts of the era.

DONRUSS 1982 BASEBALL CARDS

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The 1982 Donruss baseball card set was a significant release that marked both the brand’s expansion and baseball card collecting’s growth in popularity. Issued at the height of the early 1980s baseball card boom, the 1982 Donruss set showcased the stars of the day on attractive and innovative designs that captured collectors’ imaginations.

Donruss had entered the baseball card market in 1981 with a humble 100-card set but made a major statement with its 1982 offering. The base set swelled to a then-sizable 398 cards and featured multiple parallel subsets that increased collecting options. Beyond the expanded checklist, Donruss made its mark with creative card designs that broke from tradition. Gone were the drab team-colored borders of the past – instead, 1982 Donruss cards featured bright, solid colors and eye-catching graphics.

Perhaps the most notable design element was the cartoon-style player portraits on the fronts. Rendered in a caricature-like style, the illustrations brought new life to the players and made the cards instantly recognizable. Meanwhile, the solid-colored borders and large action photos on the backs gave the designs a modern, graphic pop. These innovative touches helped 1982 Donruss cards stand out on the rack amidst competition from industry giants Topps and Fleer.

The base set checklist was loaded with future Hall of Famers and superstars who defined the era, such as Nolan Ryan, Mike Schmidt, Reggie Jackson, and Rickey Henderson. Rookies who would go on to have outstanding careers, like Wade Boggs, Dwight Gooden, and Darryl Strawberry, also debuted in the set. The designs did an excellent job of showcasing these larger-than-life players through the caricature portraits and action shots on the backs.

Beyond the base cards, Donruss introduced several popular parallel insert sets in 1982. The “Diamond Kings” subset featured 25 cards highlighting some of the game’s biggest sluggers in diamond-encrusted borders. “Super Veterans” paid tribute to aging stars like Pete Rose and Steve Carlton with a 50-card insert set. And the “Record Breakers” subset celebrated milestone achievements with cards for players like Tom Seaver and Nolan Ryan. These inserts added value, scarcity and collecting variety.

The 1982 Donruss set was also notable for several innovative promotional inserts. “Traded” cards featured players who had switched teams that year, like Dave Kingman and Bob Horner. “Team Cards” showcased entire club rosters. And “Managers” and “Coaches” cards profiled the bench bosses. These non-player cards provided a more complete snapshot of the season and teams.

In terms of production, the 1982 Donruss set marked the brand’s transition to using the photo-lithograph printing process. This gave the cards a sharper, more colorful printed image compared to the previous year’s less defined process but did result in some print lines and dots that are visible on many examples today. Gum was still included, as was the case for most early ’80s issues.

When first released in 1982, the Donruss baseball card set was an immediate success that helped take the brand to new heights. Collectors embraced the creative designs, star-studded base checklist and supplemental inserts. Today, well-preserved 1982 Donruss rookie cards remain some of the most coveted and valuable from the entire decade. Names like Gooden, Strawberry and Boggs are consistently in high demand. Even common base cards featuring superstars command premium prices.

The 1982 Donruss issue left an indelible mark on the hobby as both an innovative, eye-catching design achievement and a release that captured the excitement of the era on the field. Its creative designs, exciting players and supplementary inserts combined to create a memorable and highly collected set that remains a cornerstone in the brand’s history and a favorite of vintage collectors. The impact of the 1982 Donruss baseball cards resonates to this day as one of the most iconic sports card sets ever produced.

TOP 1983 DONRUSS BASEBALL CARDS

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The 1983 Donruss baseball set was released at the tail end of the ‘junk wax’ era, when sports cards were mass produced and easily obtainable. While not as highly sought after as earlier sets from the 1970s, the ’83 Donruss roster featured many aging legends in their final seasons as well as up-and-coming young stars who would go on to have Hall of Fame careers. With 792 total cards in the base set, here is a look at some of the most notable and valuable from the 1983 Donruss release:

Nolan Ryan (#1): As the active career strikeout king at the time, Nolan Ryan’s card led off the ’83 Donruss set as the #1 card. In his 16th MLB season with the Houston Astros, Ryan was still overpowering hitters at age 36 with a blazing fastball. His card remains one of the most recognizable and sought after from the entire junk wax era. A PSA 10 Gem Mint copy recently sold for over $1,000, showing its staying power despite the large print run.

Cal Ripken Jr. (#73): In just his third big league season, Cal Ripken Jr. was already emerging as a franchise cornerstone for the Baltimore Orioles. ’83 was Ripken’s first All-Star appearance and he won the Silver Slugger Award, hinting at the Hall of Fame career still to come. His rookie card from ’81 is one of the most iconic in the modern era, making his third year Donruss card very desirable as well for Orioles and Ripken PC collectors.

Robin Yount (#104): The 1982 AL MVP and shortstop for the Milwaukee Brewers, Robin Yount was in the midst of a twelve straight Gold Glove season. He made the All-Star team again in ’83 while demonstrating his five-tool talents. Yount’s career would eventually see him move to center field, where he won another MVP, cementing his place in the Baseball Hall of Fame. High grade copies of his ’83 Donruss are quite valuable for Brewers and Yount aficionados alike.

Mike Schmidt (#168): Approaching the end of his illustrious Phillies career, ‘Schmitty’ was still raking in ’83 with his 10th 30+ home run season. The three-time NL MVP and future first-ballot Hall of Famer was the heart and soul of some of the Philly teams in the late 1970s and early 80s. His power and longevity make any Schmidt card, including his ’83 Donruss, a highly-coveted piece for serious collectors.

Dave Winfield (#212): Winfield was in his prime with the hometown San Diego Padres during the 1983 season, batting .283 with 31 HR and 103 RBI’s en route to his 6th All-Star nod. At 31, he was still producing at an elite level and his star power made him one of the more popular young players of the era. As a fan favorite ’83 Padre, Dave Winfield’s issue in the set remains a chase card for collectors into the modern day.

Kirby Puckett (#225): In just his second full season, Kirby Puckett was already bursting onto the national scene in 1983 with the Minnesota Twins. The speedy and sure-handed center fielder batted .296 with 28 stolen bases and played like a budding superstar. Puckett would go on to have a Hall of Fame career in Minneapolis, making his rising-star ’83 Donruss one that has greatly appreciated in value posthumously since his passing.

More Key Cards/Players from the 1983 Donruss Set:

George Brett (#29): Future Hall of Famer was in his prime with the Kansas City Royals.

Ryne Sandberg (#49): The 1984 NL MVP was blossoming into a star for the Cubs.

Tom Seaver (#61): The Hall of Fame righthander was with the Chicago White Sox at the end of his career.

Jim Palmer (#91): Future Hall of Famer and longtime Oriole pitching ace was winding down.

Tony Gwynn (#194): The future 8-time batting champion’s card from his sophomore Padres season.

Keith Hernandez (#209): The 1983 NL batting champ with the Cardinals gets top billing that year.

Rickey Henderson (#235): Already stealing bases at a record pace in his 3rd full season with the A’s.

While obtainable in high quantities, the 1983 Donruss set remains popular with collectors today due to the star power of aging legends and future Hall of Famers throughout the checklist. Being one of the last true “junk wax” era releases, the nostalgia has taken hold as well with ’80s kids who enjoy reliving their childhood collections. With a multitude of high-quality short prints and rookie cards mixed in, 1983 Donruss endures as one of the iconic baseball card sets from that decade.

1993 DONRUSS ELITE BASEBALL CARDS

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The 1993 Donruss Elite baseball card set was one of the most highly anticipated card releases of the early 1990s. Coming off the immense popularity of 1992 Donruss Elite, collectors and investors were eager to see what the next iteration would bring. Donruss did not disappoint, delivering another premium product chock full of all-star rookies, future Hall of Famers, and paralyzing short prints.

1993 Donruss Elite would contain 480 total cards divided into two series of 240 cards each. The set featured vibrant photography and traditional white borders around each image. On the front of each card was a full body or head shot of the player along with their name, team, and position. On the back was their vital stats from the prior season as well as a short biography. What set Donruss Elite apart from other releases was the superior stock and coating used for the cardboard. The cards had a thick, high gloss finish that really made the photos pop.

Series One was released in March 1993 and collectors went wild chasing the rookie cards of future stars like Derek Jeter, Jason Giambi, Nomar Garciaparra, and Todd Helton. But the true spectacle was Tracking# 165 – a one-of-one sketch card hand drawn by San Francisco Giants pitcher Dave Burba. This coveted short print became the most iconic card in the set and still fetches tens of thousands of dollars to this day at auction.

Other difficult Series One hit cards included Blue Refractors #/150 of Ken Griffey Jr., Barry Bonds, and Frank Thomas. The Black parallels #/100 were equally as scarce featuring stars like Cal Ripken Jr., Greg Maddux, and Tony Gwynn. Rounding out the short prints were the ultra-rare Golds numbered to only 10 copies depicting legends like Nolan Ryan, Wade Boggs, and Tom Glavine. With such an array of stars and short printed parallels, the secondary market for Series One exploded.

Donruss upped the ante even further for Series Two, released that Summer. Rookie sensations like Jason Kendall, Dante Bichette, and Moises Alou now had their official rookie cards. The insert card choices got more creative with Dimensional Photographs, Action Images, and All-Star Closeups showing different aspects of each ballplayer. And the chase was on again for the impossible to locate parallel versions.

The Gold parallels in Series Two paid tribute to retiring legends by featuring Orel Hershiser, Tim Raines, and Dave Stewart in their final season uniforms. Only 10 of each of these cards existed. Similarly rare were the Black parallels of Kirby Puckett, Steve Avery, and David Justice at 100 copies a piece. But the true masterstroke was Tracking# 405 – a one-of-one sketch by Chicago Cubs outfielder Kevin Bass. This sensational short print joined Burba’s #165 as the two most noteworthy unique cards across the entire Elite set.

With rookies continuing their success, stars cementing their Hall of Fame legacies, and a seemingly unending chase for the scarce parallel versions, 1993 Donruss Elite carved out a spot as one of the most coveted releases of the 1990s bubble era. While production numbers are unknown, the set is considered among the lowest printed sports card products of all-time. Values skyrocketed as availability became nil soon after release. Today near-complete sets sell for tens of thousands of dollars even in average condition. Individual key cards can exchange hands for over $10,000 each.

Yet for all the numbers, stats, and investment aspects – at its core 1993 Donruss Elite was beloved for capturing the raw excitement of stars from that magical 1993 MLB season. FromJeter and Giambi’s rookie acts to Bonds chasing the home run record, Ripken owning the Iron Man streak, and the retirement of all-time greats – this set perfectly commemorated one of baseball’s most memorable years. Nearly 30 years later, it remains a pinnacle achievement in the card designing world and a collecting highlight for enthusiasts of the early 90scard boom era. With its brilliant photographs, legendary short prints, and timeless tribute to a brilliant season – 1993 Donruss Elite has rightly earned its place among the most revered modern issues in the hobby.

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.

1988 DONRUSS BASEBALL CARDS MOST EXPENSIVE

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The 1988 Donruss baseball card set is one of the most iconic and valuable issues in the modern era of the hobby. While it lacked the star power and rookie cards of flagship brands like Topps, the set became a cult favorite among collectors for its bold designs and photography. Several factors have contributed to key 1988 Donruss cards greatly increasing in value over the decades.

One of the most expensive 1988 Donruss cards is the Ken Griffey Jr. rookie. Widely considered one of the best players of his generation, Griffey was already showing immense talent and potential as a 19-year-old rookie for the Seattle Mariners in 1988. His smooth left-handed swing and effortless athleticism capturing performing in the outfield made him a fan favorite. The Griffey rookie has long been one of the most desirable in the hobby. In pristine mint condition, graded and encased by Professional Sports Authenticator (PSA), the Griffey rookie has recently sold for over $10,000 and pushed $15,000 at auction. Even well-worn, played copies still fetch hundreds due to the player’s enduring popularity and status as a true legend of the game.

Other highly sought rookie cards from the 1988 Donruss set include Mark McGwire, Randy Johnson, and Tom Glavine. McGwire’s monster home run prowess made him a star and his rookie card has sold for over $4,000 PSA graded. Randy Johnson, aka “The Big Unit”, went on to record over 4,800 strikeouts in his Hall of Fame career. His intimidating 6’10 stature and 100 mph fastballs, along with five Cy Young Awards, have kept his rookie in high demand at over $1,000 graded. Braves legend Tom Glavine, a two-time Cy Young winner, still plays in old timer’s games beloved by Atlanta fans. Even after over 500 career wins, his rookie has traded hands for close to $1,000 in top condition.

Veteran star cards can also hold significant collector value from the 1988 Donruss set. A PSA 10 mint Ozzie Smith back flipped through the air card reached an amazing $36,000 at auction in 2016. Widely considered the greatest defensive shortstop ever with 15 Gold Gloves to his name, “The Wizard” was a fan favorite known for his acrobatic plays. The iconic pose and photo on this card resonated with collectors. A PSA 9 brings over $5,000 today. A PSA 10 graded Jose Canseco card from the set’s “line drive” subset sold for $6,750 in 2018. Prior to McGwire, Canseco was one of the first true “sluggers” in baseball known for monster home runs. He led the league twice in the late 1980s, making this a key Athletics card at the time.

Rookie phenoms like Cal Ripken Jr. and Nomar Garciaparra also make the 1988 Donruss set valuable. While Ripken spent his entire career with the Baltimore Orioles, winning two MVPs along the way, his rookie card can eclipse $2,000 graded. Nomar blossomed into one of the game’s smoothest shortstops as a cornerstone of Red Sox clubs that reached the ALCS multiple times. A PSA 10 is worth over $1,000 due to his Boston legacy. Pitching stars also do well, as a Todd Stottlemyre rookie recently sold for over $700 in top condition after a solid big league career mostly with the Cardinals.

The elusive 1988 Donruss Frank Thomas rookie rounds out some of the set’s most sought cards. “The Big Hurt” went on to legendary status with the White Sox, racking up over 500 home runs and two MVPs. High-grade copies are exceptionally rare, with only a handful known to exist. A 1997 Beckett marketplace analysis priced a PSA 10 at $500,000. While condition challenges and lower population reports have seen estimates fall to the $50,000 range today, any decent Thomas rookie remains a substantial get.

Strong player performance careers, popular teams, iconic photography, and difficult production all contribute to key 1988 Donruss cards substantially increasing in value over the past 30-plus years. While it may never achieve the fame of seminal wax like ‘52 Topps or ‘57 Topps, the set remains an affordable vintage investment for collectors pursuing Hall of Famers and inductees before they debuted. The visual nostalgia of 1980s cardboard designs also gives it lasting cult appeal among enthusiasts of the modern era.

1992 DONRUSS BASEBALL CARDS ERROR CARDS

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The 1992 Donruss baseball card set is one of the most iconic and wildly collected of the “junk wax era” of the late 1980s and early 1990s. Nestled among the mass produced cardboard of the oversized 7 1/2 x 10 5/8 cards were a handful of errors and variations that make certain 1992 Donruss cards quite valuable today for collectors. Let’s take an in-depth look at some of the more notable error cards from the 1992 Donruss baseball release.

One of the biggest errors in the 1992 Donruss set involved Tigers starting pitcher Bill Gullickson’s card (#375). On Gullickson’s standard issue card, his first name is misspelled as “Billl” with an extra L. This single letter typo makes the “Billl Gullickson” error card one of the most sought after and valuable from the entire set. In top graded condition, an PSA/BGS 10 error example can sell for over $1,000. What’s interesting about this error is some 1990 Donruss prototypes were uncovered that also had the extra L in Gullickson’s first name, showing the mistake may have originated years earlier.

Another standout error from 1992 Donruss involves Reds’ second baseman Bill Doran’s card (#313). On certain Doran cards, the team logo on his uniform was left off, making for a very unique omission. Like the Gullickson error, finding a Doran missing logo in pristine mint condition greatly increases the card’s worth. A PSA 10 example in recent years sold for around $500. Some theorize the logo was simply forgotten to be added during the printing process due to late design changes or flaws.

One of the more visually stunning errors is the blank backed Frank DiPino rookie card (#687). Due to a glitch during manufacturing, a small batch of Cardinals reliever DiPino’s rookie cards were printed without any stats, caption or graphics on the back. Only a handful are known to exist today. An ungraded example in excellent shape recently sold for nearly $900 due to its scarcity and the mystery of how this anomaly even occurred.

A subtle yet important error found among Mike Bielecki Cardinals cards (#155) regards a missing apostrophe. On some Bielecki issues, the ‘ is absent from the player’s last name when displayed as “Bielecki’s”. To the untrained eye, it may go unnoticed, but to sharp-eyed collectors it makes all the difference. A PSA/BGS 10 example of this error could reach $300-400. Again, how did this tiny typographical mistake happen?

One of the more recently discovered errors from the large 1992 Donruss production involves Indians starter Charles Nagy’s card (#383). On a small subset of issued Nagy cards, his first name is misprinted as “Oharles”. This major typo had eluded collectors for years, but now several have been reported. In high grade, a PSA 10 “Oharles Nagy” commands $500-700. Obviously quite uncommon, it’s a surprise this significant error wasn’t caught beforehand.

Perhaps the most visually jarring error found across all of 1992 Donruss is the blank faced Ozzie Smith card (#619). A minuscule quantity of printed sheets contained Smith cards missing his photo completely, leaving only a white square. Given Ozzie’s star status, finding one of these phantom portrait cards would be an unbelievable achievement. Just one is known to exist in a collectors’ hands today, valued well into the thousands. Its origins are forever shrouded in mystery.

While the oversized 1990s Donruss cards were mass produced on an unprecedented scale, leaving many collectors disenchanted, the set inadvertently yielded some true oddball errors that stand out today. Especially in pristine condition, 1992 error variations like “Billl Gullickson”, missing logo “Bill Doran”, blank back “Frank DiPino” rookie and others provide value, intrigue and mystery for those who appreciate the quirks in sports card production from decades past. With the right eye and perseverance, undiscovered errors could still remain buried within the Junk Wax Era.

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.

DONRUSS BASEBALL CARDS 87

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The 1987 Donruss baseball card set was released at the height of the baseball card boom of the 1980s. Like most sets from that era, it featured a large checklist of over 700 cards and included many popular rookie cards and stars of the day. The 1987 Donruss set showcased the talent from both the American and National Leagues during the peak of the steroid era.

Some of the biggest names in baseball at the time who had prominent rookie or star cards in the 1987 Donruss set included Mark McGwire, Barry Bonds, Roger Clemens, Wade Boggs, Jose Canseco, Ozzie Smith, and Nolan Ryan. McGwire’s rookie card in particular is one of the most iconic and valuable from the late 1980s. His powerful swing and prodigious home run talent made him a fan favorite from the start of his career.

Bonds was also in the early stages of his Hall of Fame career with the Pittsburgh Pirates in 1987. His smooth left-handed swing and five-tool talent were already evident on his Donruss rookie card. Clemens and Ryan were established aces at the top of their games as well. Clemens was in his prime with the Boston Red Sox and already establishing himself as one of the greatest pitchers ever. Ryan was still overpowering hitters as a 40-year-old with the Houston Astros, defying age with his blazing fastball.

Boggs and Ozzie Smith were perennial Gold Glove winners and among the best defensive players of their generation. Boggs was a hitting machine for the Red Sox, regularly batting over .300 while Smith was a wizard at shortstop for the St. Louis Cardinals. Canseco had just broken onto the scene in spectacular fashion with the Oakland A’s, slugging 33 home runs and driving in 117 runs as a rookie in 1986. His powerful physique and home run prowess made him a rising star.

The 1987 Donruss set also included stars of the day like Kirby Puckett, Dwight Gooden, Darryl Strawberry, Tim Raines, Jack Morris, and Dave Stewart. Puckett was already establishing himself as a fan favorite in Minnesota while Gooden, Strawberry, and Raines formed a potent young core for the New York Mets. Morris and Stewart were aces who led their respective teams, the Detroit Tigers and Oakland A’s, to many victories.

Rookies featured beyond McGwire and Canseco included future stars like Tom Glavine, David Justice, and Greg Maddux. Glavine and Maddux would go on to have Hall of Fame careers mostly with the Atlanta Braves while Justice emerged as a power-hitting corner outfielder. Other notable young players included Will Clark, Terry Pendleton, and Lenny Dykstra, who all went on to have productive MLB careers after debuting in the late 1980s.

In addition to the player photography on the cards, Donruss sets from this era were known for their creative color schemes, logos, and borders on each card. The 1987 Donruss set featured a primarily red, white, and blue color scheme with stars and stripes patterns. Their logo of a capital D with a baseball stitched on top remained their trademark design. The borders on each card were ornate and colorful.

The 1987 Donruss set had a print run estimated around 1.2 billion series one packs produced. While a large print run, sets from the late 1980s are still popular with collectors today given they captured the stars and future Hall of Famers from that exciting “Steroid Era” of baseball. Key rookie cards like McGwire, Bonds, Glavine, and Justice remain some of the most iconic and valuable from the entire decade. The visual designs and photography also create a nostalgic connection with fans who collected cards in the 1980s.

For dedicated baseball card collectors, finding a complete 1987 Donruss set in high graded condition can be a prized possession. Individual high-grade rookie cards also command top dollar prices. For example, a PSA 10 graded Mark McGwire rookie card recently sold at auction for over $100,000. Even common cards from stars like Clemens, Boggs, and Puckett retain value due to the popularity of players from that era. The 1987 Donruss set endures as one of the most memorable and collected issues from the height of the baseball card boom period. It captured a who’s who of talent from the late 1980s and early steroid era of Major League Baseball.