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1991 BASEBALL CARDS WORTH MONEY DONRUSS

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The 1991 Donruss baseball card set holds several gems that are worth a good amount of money in the today’s hockey card market. While 1991 wasn’t a major release year that is highly sought after by collectors, there are still plenty of cards from that year that have gained value over time and are worth checking your collection for.

One of the biggest hits from the 1991 Donruss set is the Ken Griffey Jr. rookie card. Griffey was already generating huge hype going into his rookie season and did not disappoint, smashing 22 home runs and winning rookie of the year honors. His iconic swing and effortless talent made him an instant star. As one of the most coveted rookie cards ever, the 1991 Donruss Griffey Jr. ranks near the top of desired cards from that era. In near mint to mint condition, examples regularly sell for $200-300. Higher graded versions in the PSA/BGS 9-10 range have been known to fetch $1,000 or more due to Griffey’s status as one of the all-time fan favorite players.

Another rookie card from 1991 Donruss with strong value is Juan Gonzalez. Like Griffey, Gonzalez burst onto the scene as a phenom, batting .266 with 26 home runs and 76 RBI in his first full season. He would go on to have a Hall of Fame caliber career. While not in Griffey’s stratosphere in terms of collectibility, the Gonzalez rookie is still a key card to have from the set. Near mint copies sell in the $30-50 range, with top graded versions potentially reaching $100 or more. Prices have been steadily climbing as Gonzalez’s career accomplishments are appreciated.

In addition to rookie stars, 1991 Donruss featured valuable inserts and parallels that have become hotly pursued. Two standouts are the Frank Thomas Signature Stars insert card and the Derek Jeter Associated Press parallel rookie. The Thomas auto/patch insert is one of the true hits from the set, with a production number of only 100 copies. Graded examples have eclipsed $1000 at auction. The Jeter AP card has also gained tremendous clout due to his iconic career. PSA/BGS 9’s have reached up to $500 with his brand continuing to grow in popularity decades after retirement.

Other notable 1991 Donruss cards that can be found for respectable values assuming good condition include:

Nolan Ryan ($25-$50) – One of his final career cards and still a fan favorite.

Cal Ripken Jr. ($10-$20) – Perennial all-star and iron man at the peak of his powers.

Ozzie Smith ($10-$15) – A defensive wizard cherished by collectors.

Roberto Alomar ($15-$30) – Came into his own and was a batting champion at this stage of his career.

Kirby Puckett ($10-$15) – Already an established superstar who helped lead the Twins to multiple titles.

David Justice ($5-$10) – Had breakout seasons in the early 90s before becoming a World Series champion.

Moises Alou ($5-$10) – Established power bat on the Expos at this point of his career.

1991 Donruss wasn’t the biggest selling set around but has developed a strong cult following over the decades. For collectors looking to find hidden gems from this era, scouring through intact 1991 Donruss boxes remains a worthwhile endeavor due to the star rookies, inserts and veteran legends featured throughout. Especially in higher grades, these cards continue appreciating in value at a healthy clip. A set with certified vintage from Griffey, Gonzalez, Thomas, Ripken and more is a true keystone collection for baseball card devotees.

While 1991 Donruss may not be the flashiest or highest selling vintage release, it features several true blue chip rookie cards and short prints that make digging through these 3 decade old packs highly rewarding. For those willing to put in collection time seeking the condition graded chase cards, strong long term returns can be realized. The allure of rookie season Griffey and Gonzalez alone guarantee the 1991 Donruss set a permanent place in the hobby.

1991 DONRUSS SERIES 2 BASEBALL CARDS MOST VALUABLE

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The 1991 Donruss Series 2 baseball card set was the second series of cards released by Donruss that year. While Series 1 featured plenty of rookie stars and Hall of Famers, Series 2 is often overlooked despite containing several valuable and sought after rookie cards. Let’s take a closer look at some of the most valuable 1991 Donruss Series 2 baseball cards.

One of the true gem rookies from the set is Jeff Bagwell’s card. Bagwell went on to have a stellar 15-year career with the Houston Astros that landed him in the Baseball Hall of Fame. His dominance at the plate made him a fan favorite in Houston. Bagwell’s rookie card in the 1991 Donruss Series 2 set wears his uniform from the Colorado Springs Sky Sox, the Astros’ AAA affiliate at the time. In gem mint condition, ungraded Bagwell rookies can fetch $200-300 dollars but PSA 10 copies have sold for over $1,000. The card captures Bagwell on the cusp of his emergence as a superstar.

Another rookie from the 1991 Donruss Series 2 set that has only increased in value is Kenny Lofton’s card. Lofton bounced around to several teams over his 17-year career but was a defensive wizard and base stealing machine wherever he played. He racked up over 600 stolen bases for his career primarily with the Cleveland Indians, San Francisco Giants, Chicago White Sox, Philadelphia Phillies, Pittsburgh Pirates, Atlanta Braves, Texas Rangers and Los Angeles Dodgers. Despite never winning a stolen base title, Lofton was always among the league leaders. His rookie card shows him in an Indians uniform and has steadily gained recognition as one of the premier rookie cards from the early 90s. High grade Lofton rookies in PSA 10 condition have sold in excess of $1,000 as well.

While not quite as heralded as Bagwell or Lofton, Eric Milton’s rookie card has found a nice home in collections as well. Milton pitched 11 seasons in the big leagues between 1998-2008 primarily with the Minnesota Twins but also spent time with the Phillies, Reds and Orioles. While he never lived up to being a top 5 draft pick, Milton had moments of brilliance throughout his career. His rookie card wears a Twins affiliate uniform from the Class A Visalia Oaks. PSA 10 copies have changed hands for $400-500 in recent years showing the rise this card has achieved. It remains one of the more affordable gems from an otherwise pricey set.

Staying within the realm of pitching rookie cards, Pat Rapp’s first Bowman card also emerges as a valued piece from the 1991 Donruss Series 2 set. Rapp enjoyed an 11-year MLB career primarily as a reliever for the Montreal Expos, St. Louis Cardinals and Philadelphia Phillies from 1992-2002. He finished with a respectable 86-75 record and 4.49 ERA. Rapp’s rookie card shows him in Expos gear and brings back memories of those underrated Montreal squads of the early 90s. In PSA 10 condition, this card has sold in the $500 range, making it one of the strongest pitching rookie investment options from the set long term.

The 1991 Donruss Series 2 set also features the rookie card of one of the game’s all-time great power hitters. That would be none other than Jim Thome’s first card released during his time in the Phillies’ farm system. Thome mashed 612 career home runs between 1991-2012 with the Phillies, Twins, White Sox, Dodgers and Orioles. From 2002-2005, he led the AL in home runs each season for a four year stretch. Thome made five All Star appearances and finished top five in MVP voting three times. His swing and sheer dominance at the plate has endeared him to fans of the teams he played for over two decades. Near mint to mint Thome rookies still hover around $75-100 dollars. PSA 10 specimens have reached $400-500 showing there is still room for growth.

Continuing on the theme of future Hall of Fame power hitters, the ’91 Donruss Series 2 set contains the premiere rookie card of Frank Thomas, affectionately known as “The Big Hurt” during his glorious 19-year career spent entirely with the Chicago White Sox. Thomas owns a career .301 batting average with 521 home runs, 1,704 RBIs, two MVP awards and led the league in on-base percentage five times. He was the heart and soul of many competitive Sox teams throughout the 90s. Thomas’s rookie card shows him sporting White Sox duds. Pristine PSA 10 copies have sold for $800-1,000 in recent times, but scarce PSA 9 examples have gone higher, signaling the strength this key rookie card possesses long term.

Wade Boggs is widely considered one of the greatest contact hitters in baseball history. His 12-time All Star career spanned from 1982-1999 primarily with the Boston Red Sox but also the New York Yankees and Tampa Bay Devil Rays. Boggs won five batting titles and compiled a mighty .328 career average to along with 2,275 hits. Fittingly, the 1991 Donruss Series 2 set contains Boggs’ final rookie card sporting a Yankees uniform, capping his illustrious playing days. Near mint to mint Boggs rookies trade in the $50-100 range today. Top graded PSA 10 specimens have surpassed $400 showing the level of desirability collectors still attach to the hit king’s final cardboard appearance nearly 30 years later.

On the managerial side, one of the set’s idiosyncratic cards is Bobby Valentine’s inaugural managerial issue. Valentine skippered the Texas Rangers, New York Mets and Boston Red Sox between 1985-2012. While his managing career had its ups and downs, Valentine is widely respected as an innovator and one of the game’s great strategic minds. His ’91 Donruss manager card in a Rangers uniform adds some amusement to any collection. Solid condition examples can usually be acquired for $30-50 depending on demand. Clearly Valentine remains a cherished figure in baseball circles nearly a decade after his retirement further substantiating this quirky issue long term.

Last but certainly not least is a real oddball find in the 1991 Donruss Series 2 collection, Dwight Smith’s minor league action shot sporting a Peoria Chiefs uniform from the St. Louis Cardinals system. While Smith did reach the majors from 1988-1998 primarily with Baltimore, Detroit and Kansas City, accruing a respectable .267 average with 101 home runs, his career trajectory fell well short of expectations after being a first round draft pick that year. Even so, his intriguing rookie action photo has resonated especially with Cardinals diehards nostalgic for that era of the franchise’s farm program. High grade examples can be had for under $50 still providing hope for Smith card fanciers. Overall his minor league issue helps complete the comprehensive encapsulation of the 1991 Donruss Series 2 rookie class.

In closing, while often overshadowed by flashier sets of the era like Topps or Bowman, the 1991 Donruss Series 2 release deserves its place among the most memorable and investment worthy of the early 90s. Featuring a virtual who’s who of future Hall of Fame talent like Bagwell, Thomas and Boggs along with breakout all stars like Lofton, Milton and Rapp, its depth is exemplary. Not to mention rare finds like Valentine’s manager debut and Smith’sfarmhand action shot add character. Whether completing a player collection or building a rookie card investment portfolio, ’91 Donruss Series 2 stands out nearly 30 years later as one of the true gems from baseball’s exciting postwar boom period.

1980 DONRUSS BASEBALL CARDS

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The 1980 Donruss baseball card set was a landmark issue that helped launch the modern baseball card collecting era. Issued at a time when the baseball card industry was in transition, the 1980 Donruss set featured innovative photography and design elements that made the cards stand out among the competition. A total of 524 cards made up the base set, including rookie cards of future Hall of Famers such as Wade Boggs and Rickey Henderson.

The 1980 season had seen continued growth in baseball’s popularity coming off a decade where the sport had seen a renaissance and new star players emerging. On the business side, the baseball card market was in flux as Topps had dominated for decades but was facing new challengers. Donruss, which had previously only produced regional sets, debuted their first national baseball card issue in 1981 but laid the groundwork with this preview 1980 set.

From a design standpoint, the 1980 Donruss cards paid attention to modern photography techniques. Full color action shots were the norm, composed with an artistic flair. An embossed team logo adorned the bottom left corner of each card. This tactile element made the cards instantly distinguishable in hands or in binders compared to the competition. The white borders helped the photography pop off the card surface as well.

Perhaps most notably, each card back featured a unique headshot of the player instead of a repetitive template. This allowed for more personality and character to come through compared to the boxy designs used by other manufacturers at the time. The card backs also included the players’ stats from the previous two seasons as well as a short bio. This focus on stats and information laid the foundation for the analytic era to come.

Rookie cards that stood out in the 1980 Donruss set include Todd Worrell of the Cardinals, known for his distinctive sidearm delivery. Worrell would go on to save 264 games in his career. Outfielder Rickey Henderson’s iconic speed was evident even as a rookie for the A’s on his Donruss issue. Of course, Wade Boggs’ rookie is also a key piece for any Red Sox collection, highlighting his eventual career as a batting champion.

Other notable stars featured on 1980 Donruss cards include George Brett, Nolan Ryan, and Steve Carlton, all of whom were entering their primes in the late 1970s and 1980s. Fans could follow the advancing careers of these future Hall of Famers through their successive Donruss cards in following years. Rookies like Darryl Strawberry also hinted at the new talent pipeline that would fuel the sport.

In terms of production, the 1980 Donruss baseball card set had a print run estimated between 80-100 million units. While still smaller than Topps’ run, this reflected Donruss’ growing penetration in the market and status as a serious challenger. On the resale market today, high-grade 1980 Donruss cards can still be obtained affordably compared to some other vintage issues. Key rookies like Boggs and Henderson have risen in value as their place in history has been secured.

The success of the 1980 Donruss cards led the company to greatly expand their baseball card production and distribution for 1981. They had validated the appetite among collectors for innovative, well-designed card issues beyond the monopoly that existed previously. In the following decades, Donruss established themselves as one of the leaders in the industry along with Topps and Fleer. Their photography, card designs, and focus on statistics from the 1980 set served as the blueprint for basketball and football cards as well. Now 40 years later, 1980 Donruss endures as one of the most influential baseball card issues in the modern era thanks to the risks and fresh ideas it brought to the market during a pivotal transition time.

1984 DONRUSS BASEBALL CARDS PSA

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The 1984 Donruss baseball card set was one of the most iconic releases of the 1980s. While not the flashiest or most aesthetically pleasing design compared to other sets from that era, 1984 Donruss cards hold a special place in the hearts of many collectors due to the rookie cards and stars featured. The set size was a standard 660 cards and included rookie cards of future Hall of Famers like Kirby Puckett and Dwight Gooden, as well as key stars of the day like Wade Boggs, Ricky Henderson, and Nolan Ryan.

1984 Donruss cards are highly sought after by collectors today, and this is evident by the prices PSA-graded 1984 Donruss cards can demand on the secondary market. While raw ungraded examples can still be acquired for affordable prices in many cases, PSA-slabbed 1984 Donruss cards represent premium authenticated and graded versions that tend to sell for substantially more. The increased demand from collectors for third-party authentication and grading has made PSA the leading service for vintage sports cards like those released in 1984 by Donruss.

Some of the most coveted and expensive 1984 Donruss rookie cards to find in a PSA holder include Kirby Puckett, Dwight Gooden, and Roger Clemens. A PSA Gem Mint 10 Puckett rookie in particular can fetch thousands of dollars due to his Hall of Fame career and status as a fan favorite in Minnesota. Even PSA 9 copies of his iconic rookie are highly sought after and can sell for hundreds. Gooden’s explosive rookie season and Rookie of the Year award makes his 1984 Donruss the second most valuable from the set. Clemens debuted late in 1984 but went on to have a legendary career; finding a PSA 10 of his scarce rookie is the holy grail for some collectors.

Beyond the rookie cards, key veterans from 1984 that can still command big prices in PSA slabs include Mike Schmidt, Nolan Ryan, and Cal Ripken Jr. Ryan in particular remained a workhorse well into his 40s and has one of the most impressive pitching careers ever. A pristine PSA 10 of his common 1984 Donruss card still fetches over $1,000 due to his sustained iconic status. Cal Ripken Jr. had started to emerge as one of the game’s best all-around players by 1984 as well. His cards already reflected future Hall of Fame potential that year. A PSA 10 could sell for around $500.

Lower-number grades from PSA like 5s and 6s can still be findable and affordable for 1984 Donruss cards of the aforementioned stars and rookies. While they don’t carry the huge price tags of the coveted PSA 10s, they represent great opportunities for collectors to add authentic and certified examples of these seminal 1980s issues to their collections without breaking the bank. And for investors, even lower PSA grades on these influential cards offer opportunities to purchase at more reasonable levels today that future gains could potentially surpass.

Common veterans from 1984 Donruss that represent affordable opportunities graded by PSA include George Brett, Dale Murphy, Eddie Murray, and Ozzie Smith among others. While their cards hold less inherent individual value than elite superstars, graded versions still carry significance for completing a high-quality PSA 1984 Donruss set. Murphys’ back-to-back MVP awards in the early 1980s also give his cards some added desirability. A PSA 5 of one of his commons could sell in the $10-20 range.

So in summary, PSA-graded 1984 Donruss baseball cards showcase a perfect storm of high-demand rookies, future Hall of Famers, and key players from one of the most fun eras in baseball history. Authenticated and certified versions exponentially increase values, especially for the highest PSA grades of singles. Raw ungraded examples are certainly collectible as well at lower prices. But PSA holders represent an opportunity to own historically significant pieces of cardboard preserving and authenticated under the strictest modern standards. For any vintage baseball collector, landing classic 1984 Donruss stars in PSA holders is a tremendous prize.

MOST VALUABLE 90 DONRUSS BASEBALL CARDS

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The 1990 Donruss baseball card set is widely considered one of the most iconic and valuable issues from the late 80s-early 90s boom period. While it does not contain the true rookie cards of superstar talents like Barry Bonds, Ken Griffey Jr., or Frank Thomas like some previous years, the 1990 Donruss set still features several highly coveted rookie and star player cards that have grown exponentially in value over the past few decades. Here are some of the most expensive and sought-after 1990 Donruss baseball cards collectors hunt for today:

Ken Griffey Jr. (#1): You can’t talk about valuable 1990 Donruss cards without starting with “The Kid” Ken Griffey Jr. Though not his true rookie card since he debuted in 1989 Topps, Griffey’s card #1 remained one of the most iconic images of his early career. In top graded Gem Mint 10 condition, this card now sells for $1,000-1,500. Even well-centered near-mint copies can fetch $150-300. Griffey was already one of the game’s brightest young stars by 1990 and this iconic Donruss issue only added to his legend.

Brady Anderson (#217): Brady Anderson’s rookie card is one of the biggest surprises from the 1990 Donruss set. Anderson had a relatively unremarkable career but hit 50 home runs in 1996, which made this card extremely desirable at the time. Today Brady Anderson rookie cards still sell well due to their scarcity and nostalgia factor. Near-mint copies sell in the $75-150 range while pristine mint grades can reach $400-600.

Roger Clemens (#48): By 1990, Roger Clemens was already one of the game’s dominant ace pitchers but his intimidating glare on the ’90 Donruss design became an iconic baseball image. High-grade Clemens rookies from his debut season in 1984 are wildly expensive but even this later Donruss issue with him as a flame-throwing Red Sox star retains great value. Near-mint copies change hands for $50-100 and mint examples reach $200-300.

Walt Weiss (#212): Though not exactly a superstar player, Weiss’ rookie card is highly coveted among Rangers and ’90s collectors alike. The shortstop had a long, steady big league career but this Donruss issue was his true rookie card. Near-mint grades sell in the $50-75 range while gem mint 10s have sold for over $400. Scarcity adds to the value of this under-the-radar rookie.

Frank Thomas (#260): Five years before his back-to-back AL MVP awards, a 21-year old Frank Thomas starred on his rookie card in the 1990 Donruss set. While not his official Topps rookie from 1990 either, this popular Donruss issue holds tremendous nostalgia. Near-mint ‘Big Hurt’ rookie cards sell between $60-100, and gem mint examples have topped $400.

Ken Caminiti (#400): Winner of the 1996 NL MVP award while with the Padres, Ken Caminiti’s rookie card flies under the radar but is highly sought after. As the 400th and final base card in the 1990 Donruss set, it possesses great scarcity value as well. Near-mint Caminiti rookies sell in the $40-75 range while a flawless gem mint 10 has realized over $600 at auction.

Ben McDonald (#247): The first overall pick in the 1989 MLB Draft, Ben McDonald was destined for stardom coming out of LSU. Arm troubles slowed his career but this McDonald rookie is a coveted piece among Orioles and late 80s/early 90s collectors. Near-mint copies trade hands for $30-60 depending on centering while high-grade examples have sold for as much as $250.

Additional notables from the 1990 Donruss set worth mentioning include star rookie cards like Juan Gonzalez (#234), Moises Alou (#275), and Terry Mulholland (#370). These and other key rookie and star cards from ’90 Donruss have grown steadily in value as the era becomes ever more nostalgic for a generation of collectors. Whether raw or professionally graded, the gem mint and near-mint premium rookie and star cards from this classic set will no doubt continue appreciating over the long run.

1986 DONRUSS THE ROOKIES BASEBALL CARDS VALUE

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The 1986 Donruss The Rookies baseball card set broke ground as one of the most iconic and valuable modern rookie card releases of all time. While it may not be as well known as some other vintage sets from the 70s and 80s like Topps and Fleer, the 1986 Donruss set forever changed the baseball card collecting hobby by spotlighting many future Hall of Famers as rookies.

Released in late 1985 and distributed through the 1986 baseball season, the 1986 Donruss The Rookies set stands out for its simple yet classy aesthetic design. The cards featured a mostly white border with a blue baseball diamond pattern and team logo in the top left corner. Player names, positions, and team names were printed prominently at the bottom along with the year ‘1986’. Photography was crisp in quality and usually caught the players headshots in action poses.

What made the 1986 Donruss set truly stand out was its star power among the rookie class it featured. Headlining the 120 card checklist were superstars like Barry Bonds, Roger Clemens, Greg Maddux, and Mark McGwire. All four of these players would go on to have Hall of Fame careers and remain icons in the sport to this day over 30 years later. When factoring in other impact rookies like Wally Joyner, David Justice, and Jeff Bagwell, it’s easy to see why the 1986 Donruss set boasts arguably the most valuable and collectively accomplished rookie class in the modern era.

As these players careers blossomed throughout the late 80s and 1990s, their 1986 Donruss rookie cards began appreciate greatly in value. While common to receive in packs at the time of release, the cards were snapped up and saved diligently by collectors recognizing their potential worth down the line. By the late 1990s and early 2000s, the stars of the 1986 set like Bonds, Clemens, and McGwire had cemented themselves as legends – coinciding with renewed nostalgia and growth in the sports memorabilia industry.

This surge of popularity kicked the values of their coveted rookie cards into hyperdrive. PSA 10 gem mint copies of Barry Bonds’ 1986 Donruss rookie began selling in the $10,000 range in the early 2000s. By 2015, as Bonds closed in on the all-time home run record, his ’86 Donruss rookie escalated to a record $27,000 sale price. Other star rookies also followed this trajectory, with PSA 10 McGwire cards reaching the $5,000+ range by 2015 and Clemens/Maddux near $3,000 each. Even role players saw huge percentage gains from their original pack price levels.

While condition and grading is imperative to maximizing value like most vintage cards, even well-worn copies of the biggest 1986 Donruss rookies like Bonds have maintained a minimum $500 price point due to their significance. Interestingly, the 1986 Donruss set has also proven to gain value even past its original stars. Younger players who emerged like Juan Gonzalez, Will Clark, and David Justice eventually had their rookie cards ascend past $1,000 values as well later in their careers.

As of 2021, the 1986 Donruss set remains one of the crown jewels of the modern era. Values have plateaued compared to peaks earlier in the 2010s, but the sustained interest due to talented teams of the late 80s and 90s ensures that copies will retain collector demand. The affordable price points of most role players make completing a full set tangible for dedicated collectors even today. For those who saved and submitted pristine examples to professional grading over the decades, six-figure sums have even been achieved for top rookies like PSA 10 Bonds, Clemens and McGwire.

The 1986 Donruss The Rookies baseball card set wrote itself into the history books by bringing together one of the most talented rookie crops ever assembled. Backed by Hall of Fame careers and feats on the field, these rookie cards have proven to be sound long term investments for collectors. Even 35 years after packs first hit shelves, the allure and inherent nostalgia attached to starring future legends keeps interest high. For its perfect combination of aesthetics, star power, and financial returns, the 1986 Donruss set cemented its place as one of the true landmark releases that shaped the entire hobby.

93 DONRUSS BASEBALL CARDS VALUE

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The 1993 Donruss baseball card set is considered one of the most iconic and valuable issues from the junk wax era of the late 1980s and early 1990s. While sets from this time period are not generally worth much in their common forms due to the enormous numbers printed, the ’93 Donruss set stands out due to some highly valuable rookie cards and stars of the era that it features. Let’s take a deeper look at what makes this set stand out and the values some key cards can command nearly 30 years later.

Released in 1993 by Donruss, the set contains 792 total cards including base cards, rookie cards, inserts, and special parallel issues. The design features a white border around each photo with the team logo in the bottom left and player stats on the back. Some consider it one of the cleaner, simpler designs from the junk wax era which may contribute to its enduring popularity. The true gems of the set are the rookie cards it features of future Hall of Famers and all-time greats like Ken Griffey Jr., Jim Thome, and Derek Jeter.

Griffey’s rookie card is undoubtedly the crown jewel of the ’93 Donruss set and one of the most iconic and valuable modern rookie cards ever printed. Even in lower graded conditions, his card routinely sells for hundreds of dollars. In top grades of Mint or Gem Mint 10, Griffey rookies have sold for over $10,000 individually. The card captivates collectors due to Griffey’s awe-inspiring talent and is a must-have for any collection. Other highly valuable rookie cards include Jim Thome, whose rookie also routinely sells for $100+ even in lower grades. Derek Jeter’s rookie is also highly sought after, with Mint condition examples selling in the $500-1000 range.

Beyond the star rookies, there are also many valuable cards of established stars from the early 1990s that can be found in the ’93 Donruss set. Ken Griffey Sr., Barry Bonds, Cal Ripken Jr., and Frank Thomas are just a few examples of players whose base cards hold value in high grades. A Near Mint or better condition Griffey Sr. card could sell for $50-100. Bonds, in the early stages of his Hall of Fame career, has NM+ cards valued around $75-150. And Ripken and Thomas, annual MVP candidates, have NM+ valued around $30-75 depending on the player and exact condition/grade.

Parallels and insert sets within ’93 Donruss also provide opportunities for valuable and collectible cards. The Gold parallel features a gold border and was one of the first widely produced parallel sets. Gold parallels of the star rookies and veterans can sell for multiple times the value of the base card depending on condition and player. The “Diamond Kings” insert set features artistic renditions of players and has become a highly collected parallel within the set. Complete Diamond King sets in high grade have sold for over $1000. And the “Donruss Leaders” parallel insert set showcasing team leaders is also popular with collectors.

While the sheer numbers printed mean that most common base cards hold little individual value, condition is key to finding valuable gems within the ’93 Donruss set. Even in the glut of ’90s production, strong demand for the star rookies and veterans has kept values respectable for high quality, well-preserved examples nearly 30 years after the set’s original release. The iconic rookie cards of Griffey, Jeter, and Thome lead the way in terms of value but there are also many other affordable gems to be found across the entire set if one is willing to hunt for them in the condition that collectors demand. For these reasons, the 1993 Donruss baseball card set stands out among its junk wax peers as one with lasting nostalgia, iconic cards, and collecting potential even decades later.

1990 DONRUSS BASEBALL CARDS BC 24

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The 1990 Donruss baseball card set is considered one of the most iconic and valuable vintage issues in the hobby. The set features traded players cards from #1 to #640, managers/coaches cards #M1 to #M32, and rookie/prospect cards #RP1 to #RP96. Perhaps one of the most recognizable and desired rookie cards from the set is card #BC-24, featuring a young Ken Griffey Jr. of the Seattle Mariners in his rookie season.

Ken Griffey Jr. was already garnering attention and hype as a top prospect even before making his major league debut in 1989 at just 19 years old. As the son of 10-year MLB veteran Ken Griffey Sr., Griffey Jr. possessed breathtaking athleticism and power that was rare for players of any age. In his first full season of 1990, Griffey Jr. did not disappoint and truly announced his arrival as a superstar, batting .264 with 24 home runs and 61 RBIs while playing Gold Glove-caliber defense in center field for the Mariners. His debut season performance established him as the new face of baseball and one of the game’s brightest young stars.

Because of Griffey Jr.’s immediate success and growing popularity, his 1990 Donruss rookie card #BC-24 became one of the most sought after and valuable modern-era rookie cards. The card features Griffey Jr. in a Mariners uniform and batting stance, with his name printed at the bottom alongside his rookie season stats. The classic Donruss design makes the card iconic, with its white border, player image against a solid colored backdrop, and stats printed in blue. The card was inserted at a rate of 1 per pack on average during the 1990 Donruss release, making Griffey Jr.’s rookie relatively obtainable for collectors at the time. Demand and appreciation for the card has increased exponentially over the past 30+ years.

In mint condition, Griffey Jr.’s 1990 Donruss rookie routinely sells for thousands of dollars today and is considered the crown jewel of many vintage baseball card collections. There are several key factors that have driven the immense appreciation and value of this card over the decades:

Griffey Jr.’s Hall of Fame career: He went on to become a 13-time All-Star, 10-time Gold Glover, and hit 630 home runs over 22 MLB seasons, cementing his status as one of the game’s all-time greats. Owning his rookie card connects collectors to one of baseball’s modern era icons.

Scarcity of high-grade versions: Like most mass-produced cards from the early 90s, the majority of Griffey Jr.’s 1990 Donruss rookies graded circulation have flaws from play and storage over the years. Mint condition 9s and 10s graded by services like PSA and BGS are considerably rarer and more desirable to collectors.

Strong visual connection to 1990s baseball nostalgia: The classic Donruss design paired with Griffey Jr.’s rookie season creates a powerful nostalgic connection to the peak of the baseball card boom era for many collectors and fans.

Iconic player image: Griffey Jr.’s smooth left-handed swing captured on the card translates instantly to anyone familiar with his career. It’s a universally recognizable image of one of baseball’s most stylish five-tool stars.

Limited modern alternatives: Topps held the MLB license from 1981-1992, so the 1990 Donruss is the only true “rookie card” for Griffey issued during his first MLB season in a set distributed nationwide. Variant 1989 and 1991 rookie cards exist but are much scarcer.

In 2007, a PSA Gem Mint 10 graded version of Griffey Jr.’s 1990 Donruss rookie became the first modern-era baseball card to sell for over $100,000 at auction. Prices have continued rising over the past 15 years, with Mint 9 examples nowadays readily fetching $5,000-$10,000 and Gem Mint 10s recently selling for $50,000 or more depending on the auction. For ambitious collectors, owning this iconic piece of cardboard locked away in a holder represents acquiring a significant slice of baseball history, nostalgia, and an investment with a proven track record of appreciation. Three decades after its initial release, Griffey Jr.’s 1990 Donruss rookie #BC-24 stands as one of the true crown jewels of the vintage baseball card world.

1991 DONRUSS BASEBALL CARDS COMPLETE SET VALUE

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The 1991 Donruss baseball card set is one of the most popular and valuable sets from the late 1980s and early 1990s. While the individual card values may not be extremely high, completing the full 660 card rainbow set can hold significant monetary worth. Let’s take a deeper look into what makes the ’91 Donruss set valuable as a complete collection.

Donruss released cards annually from 1981 through 1992 when the company lost its MLB license. Their designs during this time were typically basic yet iconic. The 1991 set followed suit with straightforward white borders surrounding each photo or action shot. What made this set stand out was the influx of young superstar rookies entering the league that year.

Notable rookies in the 1991 Donruss set included Chuck Knoblauch, Tom Glavine, David Justice, and Eddie Murray just to name a few. While they may not have become household names yet, collectors knew these players possessed enormous talent. Obtaining their rookie cards, even in low mint grades, was paramount for any set builder. This created high initial demand for cards of the games’ rising stars.

Beyond the star prospects, the sheer size of the 1991 Donruss checklist at 660 total cards is quite substantial for its time. Completionists coveted amassing the entire rainbow spectrum encompassing team sets, stars, commons, and oddball insert subsets. The challenges of finding every variation and parallel pushed the fun of the hunt. For dedicated collectors in the early 90s, tracking down this massive set was a multi-year endeavor.

Fast forward to today and the rarity of locating many of the 1991 Donruss cards in high mint condition grows exponentially. Modern grading services have since verified only a small percentage still meet gem mint 10 standards after three decades of wear and tear. This scarcity premium applies to both the star rookies and set’s harder to find short prints and errors.

While PSA 10 rookies of Glavine, Justice, and Murray can now command four-figure sums, it’s completeness of the 1991 Donruss collection that holds the greatest nostalgia and nostalgic value. Very few pristine long-lost rainbow sets surface on the vintage collecting market in a given year. Due to natural attrition, true MINT/MT condition examples become increasingly rare trophies.

Aside from time-tested condition factors, certain parallels and late-year issued subsets also enhance the value potential of a complete 1991 Donruss rainbow collection. The black border “Filmographies” parallel was inserted one per pack late in production. Other chase cards include the stamped Team Cards, Glossy Send Away Set, and Final Edition inserts featuring photo variations.

The bottom line is that a full 1991 Donruss set in top-shelf condition exemplifies the utmost in nostalgic appeal and presents itself as a true time capsule of early 90s baseball cards. Even well-kept near-complete sets with only minor gaps demand significant premiums over raw single cards today. Auction records frequently see these prized full sets achieve four-figure or even five-figure sale prices.

For dedicated collectors who embarked on the journey to finish this massive 1991 Donruss checklist during the peak of the hobby era, owning a pristine long-assembled rainbow set holds immense personal fulfillment and memories. Parting with such a collection for monetary reasons would be an incredibly difficult choice. In the eyes of today’s seasoned vintage collectors, the complete 660-card 1991 Donruss set has become the holy grail of full-set collecting from the Junk Wax era.

In closing, while 1991 Donruss individual cards can still be acquired quite reasonably, a full set preserved in top condition has grown exponentially rare and prized over the passing decades. Modern set builders still aspire to achieve the type of full rainbow collections that were once commonplace in the early 1990s trading card boom. The nostalgic collectors who persevered through the years to protect their1991 Donruss sets can feel great pride and accomplishment in maintaining such a valued piece of card culture history.

1988 DONRUSS MOST VALUABLE BASEBALL CARDS

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The 1988 Donruss baseball card set is one of the most iconic and valuable sets from the 1980s. Produced during the height of the original baseball card boom, the 1988 Donruss set featured iconic players and rookie cards that have stood the test of time in terms of desirability and value. While not quite as expensive as sets like the 1952 Topps or rookie card benchmarks like the 1952 Topps Mickey Mantle, several 1988 Donruss cards command five and even six figure prices today for high grade examples.

Perhaps the most notable and sought after card from the 1988 Donruss set is the Ken Griffey Jr. rookie card. Widely considered one of, if not the single most iconic rookie card of all-time, the Griffey Jr. rookie skyrocketed in value during the early 1990s boom and has retained its status as a blue chip baseball card investment ever since. PSA 10 examples of the Griffey Jr. rookie today sell for well over $10,000, with some bringing in upwards of $25,000 or more in recent years. The Griffey Jr. is simply a benchmark rookie card that set the standard for desirable young player cards of subsequent eras.

Another tremendous rookie card from the 1988 Donruss set belongs to “The Natural” Barry Bonds. While Bonds would go on to set numerous career records and become perhaps the greatest player of all-time statistically, his rookie card value has always lagged behind Griffey’s due to his later controversial steroid association. Even so, a PSA 10 1988 Donruss Bonds rookie in today’s market would command $3,000-$5,000. For an elite Hall of Fame player rookie, the Bonds remains a strong investment even if it hasn’t achieved Griffey levels of demand.

In addition to rookie star power, the 1988 Donruss set also boasted iconic veterans and arguably the greatest player of all-time in Mike Trout. A PSA 10 1988 Donruss Mike Trout stands out as the most expensive Trout card available. With his ongoing amazing career production raising excitement, PSA 10 1988 Trouts today sell for around $15,000 on the high end. That total could grow even more before Trout’s playing days conclude should he continue shattering records as expected.

The 1988 Donruss set also featured big name veterans that remain highly sought after collectibles. A PSA 10 1988 Donruss Ozzie Smith “The Wizard” card can sell for $2,000-3,000. “Pudge” Ivan Rodriguez, whose incredible defensive skills won several Gold Gloves and made him a 13x All-Star, has a PSA 10 1988 Donruss valued around $1,500-2,000 as well. Arguably the most imposing power hitter of the 1980s,slugger Mike Schmidt boasted a career .267 batting average with 548 home runs. His PSA 10 1988 Donruss fetches about $900 today.

While the headliners garner much of the attention, several other noteworthy 1988 Donruss veteran and star player cards maintain strong valuations as well. Darryl Strawberry, Cesar Cedeno, Bo Jackson, Dwight Gooden, Darren Daulton, and Ozzie Canseco range from roughly $200-800 per PSA 10. There are also often comparably priced gems to be found of talented but less heralded players that remain fan and researcher favorites like Lenny Dykstra, Willie Upshaw, and Terry Pendleton among others.

In terms of set and population statistics, the 1988 Donruss baseball release included 792 total cards and featured mini size player photos with no borders. The set is considered reasonably obtainable, with PSA 10 population reports listing over 100 examples for stars like Bonds, Smith, and Strawberry. Meanwhile, ultra elite attainment levels remain rarefied air for the series defining rookie cards of Griffey Jr (46 PSA 10s) and Trout (12 PSA 10s).

The 1988 Donruss baseball card set endures as one of the most collectible and important releases from the peak era of the original baseball card boom. Anchored by two of the single most valuable rookie cards ever in Griffey Jr. and Trout, with other stars like Bonds, Smith, and Rodrigues, the 1988 Donruss maintained its luster even after the bust. Today it serves as a fascinating time capsule to a pivotal time for the hobby, with cards from the set still widely recognized as a Sound long term basketball card investment option for savvy collectors.