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1988 DONRUSS BASEBALL CARDS VALUES

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1988 Donruss Baseball Card Values and Price Guide

The 1988 Donruss baseball card set is considered by many collectors to be one of the most iconic and valuable issues from the late 1980s. With its eye-catching design and inclusion of some of the greatest players from that era, the ’88 Donruss set remains a highly sought after vintage release over 30 years later. In this in-depth guide, we’ll take a look at the most valuable and desirable cards from the 1988 Donruss set as well as factors that influence their prices in today’s market.

Released in late 1987 as the flagship baseball card offering from Donruss for 1988, the base set consists of 792 cards spanning all 26 Major League Baseball franchises at the time. Some notable rookie cards included in the set are Barry Larkin, Benito Santiago, Tim Belcher, and Gregg Olson. The design features a vertical photo of the player on a textured cardboard-style background, with their name and team printed across the bottom. Overall condition and centering are crucial in determining the value of any given ’88 Donruss card on the secondary market.

One of the most iconic and desirable rookie cards found in the 1988 Donruss set is that of Hall of Fame shortstop Barry Larkin of the Cincinnati Reds. Even in low-grade examples, Larkin’s rookie fetches a strong premium compared to his contemporaries featured in the set due to his eventual induction into Cooperstown. A PSA 8 Larkin rookie can sell for around $150-200, while a PSA 10 Gem Mint example has sold for over $1000. Other top rookie cards that command four-figure prices in pristine condition include Benito Santiago ($650 PSA 10), Tim Belcher ($500 PSA 10), and Gregg Olson ($400 PSA 10).

When it comes to star veterans featured in the 1988 Donruss set, the most valuable cards unsurprisingly revolve around legends of the game who were in their primes during the late 80s. A PSA 10 mint condition Kirby Puckett card routinely sells for $250-350 given his 12 All-Star appearances and 6 batting titles. Likewise, a PSA 10 Wade Boggs fetches $150-250 due to his remarkable consistency and 5 batting titles during the time period. Other stellar veterans whose ’88 Donruss cards can reach the $100-200 range in a PSA 10 slab include Ozzie Smith, Rickey Henderson, Tom Seaver, and Nolan Ryan.

Without question, the crown jewel card of the entire 1988 Donruss set is that of Chicago Cubs superstar and NL MVP Ryne Sandberg. Even in low grades, Sandberg’s card outperforms most other options available. A PSA 8 routinely brings $500-700 on the current market. Meanwhile, locating a true PSA 10 Gem Mint Sandberg is extremely difficult, with the handful that come up for auction selling in the $3,000-5,000 range. His iconic status as one of the 1980s Cubs’ best players sustains immense collector demand for this ultra-rare card.

Beyond base rookie cards and star veterans, there are also several valuable inserts and parallels found within 1988 Donruss packs and boxes. The elusive ‘Manager’ parallel features photo variations of MLB skippers like Whitey Herzog and Tommy Lasorda. Even in low grades, these seldom-seen parallel cards can garner $150-300 due to their surprise insert rarity. Other notable inserts include ‘Diamond Kings’ featuring superstar sluggers, as well as ‘Diamond Anniversary’ retrospective cards celebrating greats of the past. Both of these parallel inserts command premiums over base cards in pristine condition.

While the extensive 792-card base set of 1988 Donruss contains many collectible and affordable vintage cardboard options, it’s the marquee rookie cards of future Hall of Famers along with powerful parallel hits that truly drive value 34 years after initial release. Overall set completion remains challenging but worthwhile for dedicated baseball card collectors to this day. With immaculate examples of Sandberg, Larkin, Puckett, and Boggs continuing to break records at auction, the 1988 Donruss brand remains as strong as ever in the hobby.

1982 DONRUSS BASEBALL CARDS COMPLETE SET

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The 1982 Donruss baseball card set was the second release from Donruss and remains one of the most iconic and popular sets from the 1980s. Following the success of their debut 1981 set, Donruss built upon that foundation and delivered another outstanding release that baseball card collectors around the world still admire to this day. Let’s take a deeper look at what made the 1982 Donruss set so special.

The 1982 set consists of 330 cards featuring players from both the American and National Leagues. Like the 1981 set before it, the design features a colorful team logo at the top with the player’s picture below. An improvement from the previous year was better production quality with sharper images and bolder colors that made the cards really pop. Another nice touch was the inclusion of the player’s position listed directly under their picture.

One of the most exciting aspects for collectors was that the majority of the top MLB stars of the early 1980s were included, from Hank Aaron’s last season to rookie phenoms like Darryl Strawberry. Iconic players featured include Nolan Ryan, Ozzie Smith, Eddie Murray, Wade Boggs, George Brett, and Robin Yount. Completing the base set presents a Who’s Who of the era. Beyond the main 330 cards, checklist cards were also included showing future additions.

In addition to the base cards, Donruss also offered several parallel and insert sets to add to the excitement and chase for collectors. Among the most coveted were the “U.S. Olympians” subset honoring baseball players who competed in the 1980 Olympics like Rick Sutcliffe, which were inserted one per packet. Other popular specialty inserts included “Record Breakers”, “League Leaders”, and “All-Stars”. The highlight for many, though, was tracking down the incredibly scarce “1982 Donruss Teddy Roosevelt” promotion card which was randomly inserted at an incredibly low rate.

For young collectors in 1982, ripping open a fresh pack of these cards was a true thrill. The bubblegum was a nice bonus too! Finding stars or chase cards provided endless excitement. While production technology has certainly advanced in the decades since, the classic retro design of these cards has stood the test of time. Their eye-catching colors and photos perfectly captured the players and era and always look great in any collection. Completing the set today remains a very fun and worthwhile challenge for collectors of all ages too.

In the realm of baseball cards from the 1980s, the 1982 Donruss set holds a special place due to its immense popularity at the time of release as one of the most widely collected issues of the decade. Its vibrant designs showing the games legends like Aaron and Mays really popped off the racks at card shops and drug stores. The fact that it was only the company’s second year of producing cards also adds to its appeal. When combined with short prints and buyback promotions like the elusive Teddy Roosevelt card, it provided an element of randomness and chase that kids and adults alike loved.

While production numbers for the 1982 Donruss set were high compared to modern issuing, finding high grade specimens in recent years has become tougher as many have understandably been loved extensively in collections for decades. Pristine mint condition copies of stars in particular now demand strong premiums. This is only natural considering how passionate fans were about collecting and interacting with these classic cards during baseball’s golden age in the 1980s as kids. Their history and memories attached make gems from the set a wonderful collectible for any sports or pop culture enthusiast to this day.

In the decades since its release, the 1982 Donruss set has achieved legendary status. It succeeded in accomplishing Donruss’ goal of producing an exciting, visually appealing, and widely collected issue that perfectly captured the sport during that period. Modern production techniques may be sleeker, but these cards retained their vintage appeal. The designs remain bold and punchy. Most importantly, the set beautifully showcased the mega stars and personalities that enticed a generation of baseball fans. For these reasons, the 1982 Donruss baseball card set stands out as one of the most revered in the hobby’s history.

BEST CARDS IN 1990 DONRUSS BASEBALL

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The 1990 Donruss baseball 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 produced cards in extremely high numbers, flooding the market, some standouts have emerged that are still highly sought after by collectors today. The following cards were among the most notable rookies, future Hall of Famers, and star players featured in the 792 card 1990 Donruss set.

One of the biggest rookie cards in the set is Ken Griffey Jr. As one of the most talented players of his generation, Griffey Jr. went on to have a legendary career and is considered one of the greatest outfielders of all time. His 1990 Donruss rookie card, while common in the millions printed, still holds value due to his iconic status in the game. PSA 10 Gem Mint examples have sold for over $1,000 showing the card’s enduring popularity. Another major rookie is Frank Thomas, who would go on to have a Hall of Fame career winning two MVP awards. Thomas’ rookie is one of the more valuable from the set, with PSA 10s selling in the $300 range.

Two of the biggest stars of the late 80s and 90s are featured prominently, Barry Bonds and Mark McGwire. Bonds was already establishing himself as one of the game’s best players, and his card remains one of the most iconic from the era. McGwire on the other hand was still early in his career before exploding onto the scene in the late 90s. His power potential was evident even in 1990 though, and both stars’ cards hold value for collectors. Another star outfielder featured is Dwight Evans, in his final season before retirement. Known as “Dewey” he had one of the strongest arms in the game, and his career .268 average with over 300 home runs make his card a nice addition for Red Sox fans.

On the pitching side, one of the biggest names is Nolan Ryan. As arguably the hardest thrower in baseball history, Ryan’s express train fastball was still going strong in 1990 for the Texas Rangers at the age of 43. His card remains a highly sought after piece for any collection. Another future Hall of Famer is Tom Glavine, in his rookie year with the Atlanta Braves. Glavine would go on to win 305 games and two Cy Young awards over his storied career. His rookie card from the 1990 set is a strong long term investment piece. Dennis Eckersley is also prominently featured, coming off his first season closing for the Oakland A’s after converting from a starter. Eckersley dominated as a reliever, winning the AL Cy Young and MVP in 1992, cementing his card’s status in the set.

Some other notable veterans in the set include Don Mattingly, still in his prime for the Yankees, and Ozzie Smith, known as the best defensive shortstop of all time. Both were perennial All-Stars that added prestige to the Donruss brand. Dave Stewart is included, fresh off winning the 1989 World Series MVP and Cy Young award with the A’s. And the set pays tribute to the late, great Roberto Clemente, including a special photo variation card in his honor for collectors.

In terms of parallel and insert cards, the 1990 Donruss set included several exciting chase cards as well. The gold parallel cards, limited to one per case, were hotly pursued. Pulling a gold parallel of a star like Bonds or Griffey was a major hit. Other parallels like the black-bordered “Team Heroes” cards added another layer of rarity. Multi-player inserts like “Diamond Kings” and “League Leaders” were also popular subsets. And the coveted “Diamond Anniversary” parallel cards numbered to only 30 copies each made for true treasure hunt cards.

While produced in enormous quantities, time has shown that some of the rookies and stars featured in the 1990 Donruss set still hold significant collector value today. Sets from the junk wax era are no longer just for basic set building. Examples graded gem mint can still command four-figure prices for the right players. The allure of pulling a rookie card of Ken Griffey Jr. or Frank Thomas still captivates collectors and investors alike. And vintage cards of legends like Nolan Ryan and Tom Glavine will always be in high demand. The 1990 Donruss baseball release was truly a special time capsule capturing the greats of that era, cementing its status as one of the most iconic modern issues.

1987 DONRUSS BASEBALL CARDS SET

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The 1987 Donruss baseball card set was one of the most iconic and valuable releases from the company during the junk wax era of the late 1980s. While sets from that time period are generally not worth much in today’s market due to massive production numbers that saturated the collecting hobby, the ’87 Donruss set stands out amongst its peers as one containing several highly valuable and desirable vintage cards.

Released in March of 1987, the base set included designs on 792 player and manager cards plus additional inserts. A couple things set this Donruss release apart from others of the time – it was the last set to feature the original photo on the front design that Donruss had used since they entered the baseball card market in 1981, as well as being the last set to feature yellow borders on the front of the cards before switching to white starting in 1988.

While reselling individual common cards from the ’87 Donruss issue for high dollar amounts today would be unrealistic given the printing quantities during the junk wax era, there are certainly stand-out rookie and star player cards that maintain strong vintage collector demand and value. Near the top of the list would be the highly coveted Ken Griffey Jr. rookie card, which was the true “main event” hit of the set. Graded examples in pristine gem mint condition have sold for upwards of $10,000 in recent years, showing the enduring popularity of this all-time great player’s first Bowman issue.

Other notable rookies that can stillfetch respectable prices depending on grade include Gregg Maddux, Tom Glavine, and John Smoltz, who all went on to have hall of fame careers. Power hitters like Mark McGwire, Darryl Strawberry, and Will Clark also have cards that maintain collector interest from this release due to their prolific stats and accomplishments at the major league level. The flashy style of cards made by Donruss during this period is also part of what draws fans back to appreciate the designs and photography years later.

Often overlooked but another aspect that adds to the intrigue and collectibility of the 1987 Donruss issue are the coveted test print/proof cards that are extremely rare and sought after by enthusiasts. There are only a handful known to exist of select players like Bo Jackson, Barry Bonds, and Cory Snyder among others that were experimental test prints made before the official production process. Examples that surface at auction can sell for five-figure or even six-figure sums depending on condition and eye appeal.

While repack boxes and unopened wax packs containing this set are relatively easy to find today listed by sellers online since millions were originally produced, the 1987 Donruss issue remains one of the true “premium vintage” releases that maintained stronger long-term demand and investment potential compared to many of its peers. This is a result of featuring rookie cards of future hall of famers, attractive photo and design elements, and the cache attached to being the last Donruss baseball design before changes were made starting the following year. For avid collectors three decades later, hunting down high-grade examples of stars from this classic set never loses its appeal.

While sometimes overlooked due to being produced during the heyday of the junk wax era, the 1987 Donruss baseball card set stands out as a memorable and landmark release due to housing rookie cards of some of the game’s all-time greatest players. Featuring the last usage of Donruss’ original hallmark design fronts also adds nostalgia and intrigue. While obtaining individual commons for profit is unrealistic today, key rookie and star cards maintain strong vintage collector demand and have proven to retain value better than most other similar sets from the late 1980s boom period. The allure of seeking out elusive test print variants as well as the fun, flashy photography further cement this Donruss issue as a true favorite for aficionados of late 80s/early 90s vintage memorabilia and card culture.

1990 DONRUSS BASEBALL CARDS

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The 1990 Donruss baseball card set was the eleventh installment in the popular Donruss brand. They followed the success of previous sets in showcasing the best players and rookies in colorful and visually appealing designs. Some key things to know about the 1990 Donruss baseball cards include:

The set totaled 792 cards and had the same standard base cards format that Donruss was known for at the time. Each card depicted a current major leaguer in action with their team logo prominently featured along the bottom border. Player stats and a brief career recap were included on the back of each card. Like prior years, the 1990 Donruss cards featured traditional white borders around colorful action photos of the players.

Rookie cards in the set included future Hall of Famers Frank Thomas, Gregg Maddux, and Robin Ventura. Thomas became the cover athlete for the 1990 Donruss update and rookie card inserts. His impressive major league debut winning the American League Rookie of the Year award made his rookie cards some of the most sought after from the set. Other top prospects like Barry Larkin, Willie McGee, and Bobby Bonilla also had their first baseball cards included.

Veteran superstars featured included Nolan Ryan, Ozzie Smith, Wade Boggs, Kirby Puckett, and Ryne Sandberg. Don Mattingly was one of the most popular players in baseball at the time and his cards remain some of the most iconic from the late 80s and early 90s era. Star pitchers such as Roger Clemens, Dwight Gooden, and Fernando Valenzuela rounded out the collection of all-time great players showcased.

Insert sets within the massive main 792 card base included Traded sets, Special Delivery parallels, Hobby exclusive parallel cards, and Stadium Club inserts. Other promotional subsets included Future Stars, Diamond Kings parallels, and variations of stars on Topps cards inserted randomly. Overall condition and centering of 1990 Donruss cards was below average compared to competitors due to poorer quality control during printing.

The biggest draw and chase cards came in the form of limited serially numbered parallels. Gold parallels were inserted one per pack and serially numbered to only 250 copies making them extremely difficult to pull. A single gold parallel of Frank Thomas’s rookie card remains one of the most desirable 1990 Donruss cards to this day. All-time star cards like Clemens, Ripken, and Jordan were also highly sought after in the ultra-rare gold variation.

Beyond the base 792 card standard issue set, Donruss produced factory sets, mini-sets distributed through magazines, and special team sets focused on teams like the Athletics, Reds, and Mets. Inserts included multi-player puzzles that could be combined into team photos. Although the set lacked the postseason and World Series highlight inserts of competitors like Topps, 1990 Donruss gave collectors an extensive array of players, rookies, and inserts to chase.

For young collectors in 1990, Donruss baseball cards were an affordable option compared to the pricier but more recognized Topps brand. With shopkeepers like Woolworth’s and K-Mart stocking full boxes from the distributor rack packs, it was easy for kids to start their own collections and trade duplicates with friends. Two decades later, many of those childhood 1990 Donruss collections have been saved and gained value among today’s enthusiasts and investors. Keys cards like Frank Thomas rookie gold parallels have appreciated enormously, making a complete master set a worthwhile investment graded and preserved long-term.

Through its memorable colorful photography, key rookie cards, and exciting chase parallels, the 1990 Donruss baseball card set holds a beloved place among collectors and remains a fun representation of the players and teams from that summer of baseball. Its extensive 792 card base issue along with dozens of insert variations provide many options for today’s collectors to discover, complete, or curate a focused collection from this all-time classic vintage sports card series. The 1990 Donruss brand brought the game to life in homes across America and cemented its legacy among the best and most collectible card sets in the industry’s history.

1993 DONRUSS BASEBALL ERROR CARDS

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The 1993 Donruss baseball card set is one of the most popular and sought after vintage card sets for collectors. Not only did it feature stars of the era like Ken Griffey Jr. and Barry Bonds on the cusp of their primes, but it also contained several famous and valuable error cards that have captivated the collecting community for decades. While errors have always been a part of the card production process, some of the mistakes made in the 1993 Donruss set stand out as particularly significant. Let’s take an in-depth look at some of the most notable and expensive 1993 Donruss error cards.

One of the earliest discovered errors from the ’93 Donruss set is the Stephen Jordan error card, also sometimes referred to as the Jordan/Jordan error. On this card, Stephen Jordan of the Milwaukee Brewers somehow had his first name mistakenly duplicated as “Stephen Stephen”. Only a small number of these are believed to exist in collectors’ hands, making it one of the rarest Donruss errors. In gem mint condition, a Stephen Stephen Jordan card can sell for upwards of $4,000. Some speculate that fewer than 10 of these unique misprints were ever printed.

Another extremely valuable error is the Jose Offerman card with no player name on the front. Jose Offerman played for the Kansas City Royals and Los Angeles Dodgers during his career, but on this mistake pressing, his name is completely missing from where it should be printed above his picture. The card was still issued with the standard Offerman statistics and information on the back, it just lacked identifying him on the front. This anomaly regularly fetches over $10,000 in pristine condition. It’s believed only 1-3 of the nameless Jose Offerman cards were produced, making it the most valuable 1993 Donruss error in existence today.

Another famous error involves Cleveland Indians pitcher Steve Olin, who tragically passed away in an boating accident in 1993 before the season began. Due to the tight production timelines of card companies, Olin still had several cards released depicting him as an active player even after his sudden death. One version of his Donruss card made an eerie mistake – it listed his team as “CGV” instead of “CLE” for Cleveland. Speculation around the meaning of “CGV” added mystery and intrigue to this already noteworthy error involving a player’s untimely demise. In top condition, an Olin “CGV” card can sell for $2,000-$3,000. While not quite as scarce as the previous two mentions, it remains a highly sought error card from the ’93 Donruss set.

Another star player who appeared without his name on his base card was Baltimore Orioles first baseman Glenn Davis. Like Offerman above, all player information appears correctly on the back of the card, it just lacked “Glenn Davis” above his photo on the front. These nameless Glenn Davis errors seem to be a bit more plentiful than the Offerman equivalent, with estimated surviving populations in the 8-15 range. Still, any collector would be thrilled to find one, as in pristine condition it can still garner over $1,000 at auction. Davis was a powerful hitter for the Astros earlier in the decade before injury troubles derailed his career.

Perhaps the most peculiar error card from the 1993 Donruss assortment involves Mets reliever John Franco. During card production, Franco’s photo somehow got placed onto the back of reliever John Candelaria’s regular base card instead of its intended location on the front. Meanwhile, Candelaria’s statistics and info wound up on the back of what was now John Franco’s blank front of the card. Needless to say, finding a Franco/Candelaria combo error will stop any collector in their tracks. Fewer than five are believed to exist, and in top shape its value approaches the rarer previously mentioned errors at $8,000+. Unique roster mistakes don’t get much more baffling than this unlikely Franco/Candelaria pairing error.

Now let’s examine a famous team-related error card. Due to an error in portfolio assembly, 12 California Angels team cards were accidentally produced without any players visible on the front. The backs contained the proper team stats and roster as normal. Blank team fronts are extremely unusual however, and the 1993 Donruss version has always been one of the hottest modern team error cards sought by collectors. In top condition, a nameless California Angels team card can bring in $2,000-$2,500. Some estimates hint that 10 or fewer of these one-of-a-kind team cards were created, which drives serious demand from set builders and Angel collectors alike. The exclusion of star outfielder Jim Edmonds only adds to its cachet.

There were also a few select error variations that saw players printed with switched or missing hat logos entirely. San Francisco Giants pitcher Kelly Downs had his home crooked “SF” logo completely absent on one error front. This opened him up to logomania collectors seeking rare logo omissions as well. In nice shape, Downs’ missing “SF” error sells in the $750 range. Toronto Blue Jays first baseman John Olerud also saw some issues, as roughly 15-20 copies were mistakenly made displaying Olerud in a New York Mets cap rather than Toronto’s traditional interlocking “T” and “B” logo. The rarity and randomness of these hat/logo switcheroos make them highly touted mistakes within the set’s error community three decades later.

While many print errors went unnoticed at the time of the 1993 Donruss release, enhanced scanning tools and online communities have enabled more of these anomalies to surface in recent years. Prices for even run-of-the-mill commons from the set have climbed due to ’90s nostalgia as well as growing awareness of existing errors waiting to be identified. With sharp collectors continuing to plumb the depths of their old collections and unsealed wax boxes, more rare 1993 Donruss error cards are certain to enter collector hands and capture headlines in the future. The surprises and intrigues hidden within a single mass-produced sports card release continue fascinating collectors long after initial packaging and distribution.

The 1993 Donruss baseball card set holds a hallowed place in card history not only for its memorable rookie class, but also for birthing some true anomalies in production that captivate and amaze to this day. From blank fronts to swapped names and unforgettable logos glitches, the oddball mistakes still linger as vivid treasures over 25 years later. With their scarce populations and historical significance, these errors define what it means to hunt the extraordinary within the ordinary. They remind us of both the imperfect humanity and lasting allure behind even the most mundane of childhood pastimes. As long as collectors remain, so too will fascination for the strange, serendipitous snafus of the 1993 Donruss set continue their hold over the nostalgic memories of a generation.

2023 DONRUSS BASEBALL CARDS CHECKLIST

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The 2023 Donruss baseball card set is one of the most anticipated releases each year from Panini America. While not as large in scope as some other mainstream brands, Donruss offers affordable wax boxes, blasters, and hangers along with memorable retro designs that invoke nostalgia for the hobby. Let’s take an in-depth look at what to expect from the 2023 Donruss baseball cards checklist.

The base set will feature 250 cards as usual, covering all 30 MLB teams from the 2022 season. Rookies and prospects to watch for include Bobby Witt Jr., Julio Rodriguez, Spencer Torkelson, C.J. Abrams, and Riley Greene who all had impressive debut campaigns in 2022 and could see their rookie cards gain value. Also be on the lookout for 2023 breakout candidates like Oneil Cruz, Adley Rutschman, and George Kirby.

Veteran superstars highlighted in the base set will include Shohei Ohtani, Aaron Judge, Mookie Betts, Juan Soto, and Mike Trout. Parallels and short prints are always a fun aspect of Donruss sets too, with expect variations like Black, Green, Gold, Silver, and Red parallels available throughout the base checklist.

When it comes to inserts, Donruss always delivers memorable retro-style cards that pay homage to the original late 80s/early 90s Donruss designs. In 2023, look for “Then and Now” inserts comparing current players to their rookie or early career looks. Other popular inserts returning include “Diamond Kings”, “League Leaders”, and “Rookie Ticket” highlighting top first year players.

New for 2023, Donruss will feature a “League Greats” insert set spotlighting all-time MLB stars from each franchise throughout history. This offers a cool new vintage-style card that baseball card collectors will enjoy. Numbered parallels can be found throughout the inserts as well to chase.

Autograph and memorabilia cards are where Donruss really differentiates their product from the competition by offering affordable hit odds. The base “Diamond Kings” autographs will include 1:6 packs containing swatches or signatures of current stars. Premium “Diamond Kings Signature Series” hits can be found at 1:24 packs.

For the first time, Donruss will feature dual autographed cards as part of their premium “Diamond Kings Duals” hits available at extremely low 1:144 packs. This provides a truly unique dual auto relic card that will excite collectors. Numbered parallels also exist for all Diamond Kings inserts, further adding to the chase.

Additional memorabilia cards to be on the lookout for include “League Threads” jersey cards at 1:12 packs. For collectors seeking a true one-of-one treasure, extremely low odds “Diamond Kings Trifecta” triple autographed cards can be pulled at 1:288 packs or less. With such attainable hit odds, Donruss products are always a fun gamble for the chance at history.

While not confirmed yet, past Donruss releases have also included special retail-exclusive parallels available through select retailers. Walmart Blues, Target Reds, Meijer Greens and more have been inserted in special packs sold at those locations. These parallel cards command a premium due to their limited print runs.

In terms of inserts outside of the base checklist, hobby boxes are expected to contain around 12 total inserts on average. Blaster boxes should carry around 3-5 inserts depending on pack counts. Hangers will include 1-2 inserts. As for autographs and memorabilia cards, hobby boxes are projected to have 2 Diamond Kings hits per box.

The 2023 Donruss baseball release shapes up to be another affordable yet memorable release for collectors of all levels. With its classic designs, abundance of parallels, and attainable autograph odds – Donruss continues to provide a fun vintage feel that remains popular in the hobby. Be sure to check with your local card shop or retailer for release info on when 2023 Donruss baseball cards go on sale starting in late February/early March 2023.

DONRUSS 2023 BASEBALL CARDS AUTOGRAPHS

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Donruss is one of the most iconic brands in the baseball card industry and their 2023 offering is highly anticipated by collectors. After taking a year off from producing cards in 2022, Donruss is returning with their trademark retro design style and a strong focus on autograph cards. Their autograph checklist for the upcoming release provides collectors with opportunities to obtain the signatures of many star players and top prospects.

Some of the biggest names that will be featured in autographed form include Shohei Ohtani, Juan Soto, Ronald Acuña Jr., Mookie Betts, Fernando Tatis Jr., and Mike Trout. Collectors will no doubt be chasing these superstar signatures, which will be scarce parallels found at low print runs. Ohtani, in particular, remains one of the most in-demand modern players and his autographed Donruss cards from the 2023 set are sure to be hot commodities.

In addition to current MLB standouts, Donruss is including many of the game’s rising stars and top prospects in their autograph checklist. Signatures to watch for from up-and-coming talents include Bobby Witt Jr., Julio Rodriguez, Adley Rutschman, C.J. Abrams, and Riley Greene. These young players made their MLB debuts in 2022 and immediately began generating buzz, so their autographed rookie cards will be highly sought after long-term holdings.

Prospect hounds will also have opportunities to obtain the Johnyons from top prospects still climbing the minor league ranks like Druw Jones, Termarr Johnson, and Jackson Holliday. While these players have yet to reach the majors, their autographs carry immense long-term potential if they develop into impact big leaguers as expected. The Donruss release will enable collectors to get in early on acquiring their signatures in card form.

In a nod to retro design, Donruss is including autographed reprints of stars from the 1980s and 90s in their 2023 offering. Fans of the vintage era will be able to attempt to pull the signatures of all-time greats like Ken Griffey Jr., Cal Ripken Jr., Tony Gwynn, and Greg Maddux. These reprint autographs on classic Donruss stock have an old-school appeal that is sure to draw significant interest from collectors with nostalgia for the brand’s early releases.

To obtain the autographed cards, collectors will have several product options to pursue from Donruss. The high-end releases where the rarest parallels and serial-numbered autographs can be found include Donruss Elite Extra Edition and Diamond Kings. These luxury boxes carry steep price tags but offer the best odds of landing a coveted autograph.

For those seeking autographs at a more affordable level, the Donruss Blaster and Hanger Boxes are the way to go. While the autographed hits will be more common in these lower-priced formats, they still provide a fun way to potentially pull signatures of current stars or prospects. Hobby boxes of the standard Donruss release will also have autographs throughout and provide the overall best value for the cost.

Collectors can try their luck at obtaining autographs through special promotional lottery programs and giveaways being run on the official Donruss social media channels in the lead-up to release date. These no-purchase-necessary opportunities offer another avenue to land a coveted signed card without having to purchase expensive hobby product.

When looking at the expansive autograph checklist and various product levels, it’s clear Donruss aims to make collecting autographed cards from their 2023 set accessible and exciting for all types of fans and budgets. From established MLB greats to the games future stars, their autograph offerings will give collectors numerous chances to pull coveted signed cards to hold long-term. With Donruss returning after a one-year hiatus, their 2023 release is highly anticipated and their focus on autographs makes the release one of the most collector-friendly in the current baseball card landscape.

1987 DONRUSS BASEBALL CARDS PRICE GUIDE

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The 1987 Donruss baseball card set is considered one of the iconic and coveted releases from the late 1980s. With lively designs, vibrant photography, and highlighting stars from that era, the 1987 Donruss set remains a fan favorite today among collectors. Let’s take a closer look at the various cards, key rookies, grading factors, and estimated values based on the latest price guides.

The base set for 1987 Donruss totals 792 cards spanning all 26 Major League teams at the time. Some notable stars featured include Roger Clemens, Wade Boggs, Ozzie Smith, Vince Coleman, and Kirby Puckett. The design theme is very flashy with colorful borders, team logos, and action shots of the players. On the front is the player photo along with their name and team written in a bold font. On the back is the standard career stats and biography section common in cards from that era.

Condition is extremely important when determining the value of any older issued card. For 1987 Donruss, the most sharply cut and centered cards that also maintain bright colors with no creases, bends, or edge wear will demand the highest prices. Anything graded Gem Mint 10 by professional companies like PSA or BGS can sometimes fetch over $100 for certain stars. Most common players in top- graded condition may sell in the $5-10 range. For raw, uncirted cards still in near mint state, expect $1-3 each on average.

Some key rookie cards from the 1987 Donruss set that drew much attention include Gregg Maddux, Tom Glavine, and Mark McGwire. Maddux’s famously low card number at #498 has made his one of the most iconic in the hobby. A PSA 10 grade would value around $1,500-2,000 today, while a high-grade raw copy may reach $100-200. Glavine at #661 and McGwire at #490 are also highly sought by collectors, with PSA 10’s of each around $300-500. Even in very nice near mint to mint condition, these rookie gems still demand $50-100 each.

A couple insert sets were also included with the base 1987 Donruss issue. The “Glossy Sendbacks” promotion included 33 short printed parallel puzzle backs to complete. Values range widely based on the particular player, from $3-10 for most common to $50-100 for stars. The Cup O’ Joe collector’s edition boxes also provided autographed cards of the 1987 Red Sox. In any grade, these autographed inserts reach $50-150 depending on the signed player.

There were also team leader subset cards mixed into factory wax packs that year. Highlighting the top playerstats on each club, stars featured included Wade Boggs for the Red Sox and Ozzie Smith for the Cardinals. As short prints, these parallel cards hold slightly more value than base versions. Even in well-loved condition, expect $3-15 each based on the player featured and specific grade.

When it comes to the truly rare and one-of-a-kind gems from 1987 Donruss, error cards and test issues take the cake. A miscut Mike Schmidt with part of the next card showing fetches well over $500. Test product promo samples of eventual starters like Mark McGwire number drastically less, running $100-250. Then ultra-rare proofs without statistics on the back bring massive sums upwards of $1,000-3,000 for elite talent in pristine condition. Considered the true “holy grails” by collectors.

The 1987 Donruss baseball card set remains a pillar of the vintage era that defined the hobby’s boom. Future Hall of Famers like Maddux and Glavine cemented their early careers with iconic rookie cards. Classic designs coupled with the excitement of the time period enshrined ’87 Donruss at the table of coveted sets from decades past. While common base cards hover around a few dollars or less, grading and short prints boost value significantly. The true gems approach price tags rivaling the rarest modern parallels. Condition is king, so preserving these vintage pieces properly honors their enduring legacy in the cardboard collecting world.

UNOPENED BOX OF 1990 DONRUSS BASEBALL CARDS

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An unopened box of 1990 Donruss baseball cards is a treasure trove of some of the biggest names in baseball from that era sealed in wax packs waiting to be discovered. The 1990 Donruss set is one of the most iconic and sought after of the entire “junk wax” era of the late 1980s and early 1990s due to its historical significance and inclusion of many future Hall of Famers.

Issued in 1990 by Donruss, this 792 card base set featured every player on a major league roster at the time of issue. While it may have lacked some modern parallels and inserted “hits” to chase, the 1990 Donruss checklist was stacked with talent and potential legends in the making that makes it a favorite among collectors and investors today seeking to grab onto a time capsule of stars from yesteryear.

Some of the huge names that rookie collectors in 1990 could pull from packs included Ken Griffey Jr, Gary Sheffield, Sandy Alomar Jr, Chuck Knoblauch, Larry Walker, Cliff Floyd, Jeff Bagwell, and Frank Thomas – nearly all of whom would go one to have Hall of Fame caliber careers. Veterans featured include Nolan Ryan, Rickey Henderson, Roger Clemens, Wade Boggs, Ozzie Smith, and Tony Gwynn among many others. The thrill of possibly pulling one of these budding superstars or established legends out of a new wax pack is part of what makes an unopened box so intriguing today.

Packs of 1990 Donruss cards would have originally retailed for around $1-2 each and boxes could be found on shelves of sporting goods and card stores across America in the early 1990s. Many of these boxes sat forgotten and were never opened by the original purchaser, meaning they remain sealed time capsules waiting to be investigated. Today finding one of these sealed boxes in pristine condition is quite a rare occurrence. While many were lost to time, damaged, or had packs searched, complete boxes have become highly coveted collectibles.

The supply of unsearched 1990 Donruss wax boxes available today is exceedingly low and demand is high among both nostalgic collectors and savvy investors. A few reasons for their current appeal and value include:

Nostalgia for the “junk wax” era: Many collectors who grew up in the late 80s/early 90s have fond memories of ripping packs as kids and want to recapture that nostalgia.

Historical significance: This is one of the most historically notable and referenced sets from the peak of baseball card mass production. It’s a touchstone release.

Star power in the checklist: Rosters were loaded with future Hall of Famers, mostly in their rookie or early prime years. Huge chase names.

Scarcity increases value: Most boxes were opened, searched and in the hands of collectors as kids. Few remain sealed long term.

Investment potential: With demand high and supply very low, sealed boxes are appreciating collectors assets. They can be purchased and stored for future resale value.

In the current market, a 1990 Donruss wax box that has never been searched or tampered with can sell for thousands of dollars depending on its grade and condition level. Lightly searched retail store boxes in lower grades might sell in the $500-1000 range today. But a crispy wax seal box with virtually no flaw or shelf wear characteristics can demand upwards of $3,000-$5,000 or more from a serious collector. Over time as supplies shrink, prices will likely continue their appreciation trajectory.

In the 1990 Donruss wax box, collectors see not just a delightful mystifying time capsule of the sports card golden era, but possible treasure troves containing any of those huge names from baseball history waiting to be uncovered. Even if junk wax era packs are a gamble, the collectible allure and potential long term value of an untouched sealed box is what makes it such an enticing specimen for collectors and investors today. Those lucky enough to get their hands on one that proves to have eluded damage and searchers all these years have a genuine opportunity to recapture a moment in cardboard culture. Whether packs are ever cracked or the box remains sealed, an unopened 1990 Donruss box is sure to become an increasingly rare and prized commodity as the years march on.