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TOP 25 1990 DONRUSS BASEBALL CARDS

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The 1990 Donruss baseball card set was one of the most highly anticipated releases of the decade. Following a boom in the baseball card industry in the late 1980s, Donruss continued to be one of the sport’s leading producers of trading cards. The 1990 set showcased the biggest names in the game at the time and contained several cards that have become extremely valuable in the years since. Here’s a look at what many consider the 25 best and most desirable cards from the 1990 Donruss set:

Ken Griffey Jr. (RC) – At just 20 years old in 1990, Griffey was already showing signs of greatness. He hit .264 with 22 home runs and 61 RBI in his rookie season of 1989. This early Griffey rookie remains one of the more affordable cards from sets of the early 90s boom. PSA 10s still sell for under $200.

Barry Bonds – In his 10th season in 1990, Bonds was still in the early stages of his Hall of Fame career. He hit .301 with 33 home runs and 114 RBI, showcasing his five-tool ability. Bonds remained with the Pirates through 1990 and his cards from that era don’t carry the astronomical prices of his Giants cards from later in his career.

Roberto Alomar (RC) – An All-Star second baseman for over a decade, Alomar’s smooth fielding and hitting ability made him one of the game’s biggest stars in the 1990s. His rookie card remains a key piece for many collectors. Higher graded PSA/BGS copies have sold for $300-$500.

Roger Clemens – After winning the AL Cy Young in 1988 and 1989, Clemens established himself as the top pitcher in baseball in the early 90s. The Rocket went 21-6 with a 1.93 ERA and 21 complete games in 1990. Any Clemens cards from his Boston years carry value.

Kevin Maas – As a rookie in 1990, Maas hit .257 with 25 home runs and 75 RBI for the Yankees. His power surge made him the cover athlete for Donruss that year. His stats dropped off quickly and the card is mainly a nostalgic piece for collectors now.

Nolan Ryan – One of the true legends of the game, Ryan’s express train fastball and record-setting stats gave him plenty of cardboard representation over the years. Even at age 43 in 1990, he remained a strikeout machine for the Rangers. Any Nolan Ryan card garners attention.

Kirby Puckett – Coming off back-to-back World Series titles with the Twins, Puckett was one of baseball’s top stars in 1990 when he hit .314. “Puck” was a model of consistency throughout his career and his cards maintain value due to his status as a proven winner.

Cal Ripken Jr. – The Iron Man was just getting started on his record-setting consecutive games played streak in 1990. He won the AL MVP in 1991 and consistently delivered 20+ home runs and 100+ RBI each year. Ripken became a favorite of collectors for years.

Dennis Eckersley – After moving to the A’s in 1987, Eckersley reinvented himself as one of history’s top closers. He saved 45 games in 1990 en route to winning the AL Cy Young and MVP awards. His transition success made him a unique story on cardboard.

Mark McGwire – Despite playing for the below .500 A’s, McGwire smashed 33 home runs in 1990 to gain more mainstream attention. It was a sign of bigger power numbers still to come later in the decade. McGwire’s name value stays strong with collectors.

Ozzie Smith – A wizard with the glove at shortstop, “The Wizard” was already a 13-time Gold Glover in 1990. His slick defense made him as much of an attraction as any slugger. Smith cards from the 80s/90s Donruss sets remain extremely popular.

Wade Boggs – Mr. Red Sox had six 200-hit seasons from 1985-1990, establishing himself as the model of consistency at the plate. Boggs earned his place in the Hall based on patience and barrel control at the dish every year.

Jose Canseco – The Bash Brother led the A’s resurgence in the late 80s. In 1990, he blasted 39 homers and drove in 113 runs while also stealing 30 bases. Canseco’s power potential was thrilling for collectors before controversies arose later.

Nolan Ryan Express – This “mini” card showed Nolan mid-windup and commemorated his record-setting seventh career no-hitter on Mother’s Day 1990. Insert cards like these added to the nostalgia of the sets.

Rickey Henderson (Traded) – After moving from the A’s to the Rangers in a June 1990 trade, Henderson remained one of the game’s most dynamic players. He stole 66 bases that year at age 32. “Rickey Being Rickey” provided endless thrills.

Gregg Jefferies (RC) – As a 23-year-old rookie in 1990, Jefferies hit .329 with 17 homers and 78 RBI in a Rookie of the Year campaign. Great things seemed ahead before injuries derailed his career. His rookie pop remains strong.

Frank Thomas – “The Big Hurt” burst onto the scene in 1990 by slamming 21 homers and driving in 75 runs in just his first full season. At 6-foot-5 and 240 pounds of muscle, Thomas was a mountain of prodigious strength.

Nolan Ryan (#3000 K) – This iconic parallel card from Donruss commemorated Ryan recording his 3,000th career strikeout in September 1990. It ranks among the set’s most visually striking and desirable parallels.

Cecil Fielder – After consecutive prodigious seasons with 51 and 44 home runs for the Tigers in 1990-91, “Big Daddy” Fielder became one of baseball’s biggest sluggers of the early 90s. His thicc power strokes captured attention.

Ken Griffey Jr. MVP – Having a career year in 1990 with 39 homers and 104 RBI, Griffey earned AL MVP honors at just 20 years old. He became the third youngest player ever to win the award. This insert validated Junior’s star potential.

Jose Canseco Rookie – Despite Canseco breaking in with the A’s in 1986, his true rookie season was 1987. This coveted early Canseco rookie from Donruss is an iconic piece from the late 80s boom period. PSA 10s sell for $500+.

Nolan Ryan (#5000 K) – In another milestone parallel insert, Ryan notched his 5,000th career strikeout in 1991, further cementing his all-time pitching records. The card is a historic representation of Ryan’s legend on the mound.

Alex Rodriguez (RC) – While starting his career with the Mariners, Rodriguez batted .283 with 18 homers in 1990 at age 19. This first A-Rod rookie showed all the upside collectors anticipated. High grades sell for $1,000+ still today.

Ken Griffey Jr. (Error RC) – Due to an image error showing an incorrect cap logo, a small run of Ken Griffey Jr. rookies had the Donruss logo instead of the Mariners “M”. These error cards are endlessly coveted by Griffey collectors.

Frank Thomas (#339) – Although not a parallel or insert, Thomas’ main 1990 Donruss rookie is the true crown jewel of the set. His first full season dominance made collectors aware of his immense talent early. PSA 10s are worth thousands today.

The 1990 Donruss set gave collectors their first real glimpse at future all-time greats like Ken Griffey Jr., Frank Thomas, and Alex Rodriguez. Legendary veterans like Nolan Ryan and Rickey Henderson continued giving thrill-a-minute performances as well. While the hobby boom eventually burst, names on these cards live on in Cardboard Hall of Fame calibre. The 1990 Donruss set remains a cornerstone of the industry’s growth years.

VALUE 1987 DONRUSS BASEBALL CARDS

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The 1987 Donruss baseball card set was released at the height of the baseball card boom of the 1980s. While not as iconic or valuable as some other vintage sets from that era, 1987 Donruss cards featuring young stars like Barry Bonds, Mark McGwire, and Greg Maddux are still highly collectible today. Understanding the rarity and condition of different 1987 Donruss cards can help sellers and collectors determine their appropriate value in today’s market.

Some key factors that influence the value of 1987 Donruss baseball cards include the player featured, the player’s career accomplishments, the card’s printing numbers, its condition or grade, and whether it features special printing variations. Superstar players from that era who went on to have Hall of Fame careers, like Bonds, McGwire, Tony Gwynn, Cal Ripken Jr., will naturally command higher prices than role players or players who didn’t pan out. Understanding a player’s career arc and accomplishments provides valuable context for estimating their cards’ worth.

In terms of rarity, the 1987 Donruss base set contains an standard player roster of 525 cards, with parallels and special printing variations making certain cards much scarcer. The flagship Donruss brand was hugely popular in the 1980s, so even common base cards were printed in the millions. Still, very high-grade examples of even common players can hold value for collectors. The true keys to a set are generally the star rookies, like Bonds’ first Donruss card, which was only produced around 100,000-200,000 times on average.

Condition is also hugely important when determining value. On a scale of 1-10, mint condition cards graded 9 or 10 by services like PSA or BGS can be exponentially more expensive than heavily played copies. Even top stars in low-end grades may only be worth a few dollars. Meanwhile, a PSA/BGS Gem Mint 10 of someone like McGwire’s rookie could fetch thousands due to its combination of star power and visual appeal. For ungraded common cards, anything with solid corners and no creases is a plus.

Beyond the base set, special printing variations in 1987 Donruss hold tremendous collector interest today. The “Photo Variations” substitute different action photos for certain players, with around a half-dozen total variations known. These can increase a card’s value 10x or more depending on the star power of the player featured. There were also several factory anomalies that accidentally imprinted cards without statistics on the back, known as “Blank Back variations.” These are highly valuable errors.

Taking into account all the factors above, here are some example values that top 1987 Donruss rookie cards may command in different grades:

Barry Bonds – PSA 10: $12,000-$15,000. PSA 9: $3,000-4,000. Raw Excellent: $500-800.

Mark McGwire – PSA 10: $6,000-8,000. PSA 9: $2,000-3,000. Raw Excellent: $300-500.

Greg Maddux – PSA 10: $900-1,200. PSA 9: $300-400. Raw Excellent: $50-75.

Ken Griffey Jr. – PSA 10: $4,000-5,000. PSA 9: $1,200-1,500. Raw Excellent: $150-250.

Andy Van Slyke – PSA 10: $250-350. PSA 9: $75-100. Raw Excellent: $15-25.

Fred McGriff – PSA 10: $400-550. PSA 9: $120-150. Raw Excellent: $20-30.

Of course, demand and recent sales prices can cause short-term fluctuations in values. But these reference points provide a useful framework for estimating what different 1987 Donruss rookie cards in top-tier condition may be worth today among serious collectors some 35 years after their release. With sufficient care, even reasonably common ‘80s-era cards can retain lasting value appeal.

While not quite as prized as flagship releases from Topps or Fleer, 1987 Donruss baseball cards remain a popular vintage collectible thanks to starring young rookies who went on to stardom. Understanding each card’s printing numbers, the player’s career, and condition is key to properly assessing a card’s current market value. With patience and knowledge, this set holds lasting potential to appreciate over the long run for savvy collectors.

1988 DONRUSS BASEBALL VALUABLE CARDS

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The 1988 Donruss baseball set is renowned among card collectors for featuring some of the most valuable rookie cards of all time. While it lacked the flashiness of Topps or Fleer releases during that era, Donruss cards from 1988 told the story of baseball through straightforward photography and minimal frills. More than 35 years later, certain rookies and stars from that set still hold immense value.

Perhaps the most coveted card from 1988 Donruss is the Ken Griffey Jr. rookie. Widely considered one of if not the best player of his generation, expectations were understandably high for Griffey coming into the major leagues in 1989. Luckily for collectors, his rookie card matches the talent and hype around his name. Featuring crisp action photography of Griffey in a Mariners uniform, the card stocks feature pristine images that stand the test of time. In top gem mint condition, Griffey’s rookie now sells for thousands of dollars. Even well-worn near-mint copies can demand prices above $100 due to his legendary career and status as a fan favorite.

Another rookie from 1988 Donruss with immense value is Frank Thomas. Like Griffey, Thomas proved to be a true superstar and one of the dominant hitters of the 1990s. His Donruss rookie captures him as a power-hitting prospect in the White Sox system. Limited print runs and Thomas’ dual American League MVP awards fuel strong demand for this card today. Low-numbered copies in a PSA 10 gem mint slab have reached over $10,000 at auction. Most Thomas rookies can be found selling in the $300-500 range when graded at PSA 8-9 near-mint.

While rookie cards are often the priciest singles, key veteran cards from 1988 Donruss hold value as well. Few players were more synonymous with excellence than Nolan Ryan, and his card shows him prepping to pitch for the Astros. Renowned for its pinpoint accuracy, Ryan’s signature across the image adds another coveted layer of authenticity. Low-population PSA/BGS 10 copies have reached over $1,000. Even well-centered examples in PSA 8-9 condition can sell for $100+ due to his status as a true legend of the game.

Another star positioned for the Hall of Fame was Ozzie Smith. His 1988 Donruss features “The Wizard” making an acrobatic play at shortstop in a Padres uniform. Like Ryan, the signature automates this particular card hugely desirable. Many collectors are willing to pay upwards of $500 for a high-grade Smith, with gem 10s potentially reaching four figures. He remains arguably the greatest defensive shortstop in MLB history and one of the most charismatic players of the 1980s.

While superstar rookies and veterans drive the highest prices, savvy collectors know value can also be found with less touted players from 1988 Donruss. Dodgers ace Orel Hershiser enjoyed a breakout season in 1988 when he set the MLB record with 59 consecutive scoreless innings. His card captures the dominance he displayed during that year. Well-centered Hershiser rookies in PSA 8-9 condition routinely sell for $75-150 based around his historic accomplishment.

For basketball fans, the 1988 Donruss set also included select rookie cards of future NBA greats. Perhaps most notable is the Scottie Pippen rookie, which portends his future success alongside Michael Jordan. Pippen went on to become a key piece of 6 Bulls championship teams in the 1990s. Even though Pippen didn’t participate in basketball card photography during his first professional season, his striking rookie design featuring action photos remains highly sought after in the collecting community. Gem PSA 10 copies have sold for over $2,000. Near-mint PSA 8-9 versions still fetch $100-300.

The 1988 Donruss baseball set endures as one of the most historically significant releases for hobbyists due to the star power and future success of the featured rookies like Griffey and Thomas. While premium examples demand five- and even six-figure sums, more affordable graded copies of these stars along with veterans and role players can still be found in the $50-500 range. For those seeking to build a collection featuring true Hall of Famers and some of the games all-time great talents, 1988 Donruss remains a pivotal release with cards that hold value decades after production.

DONRUSS 1991 COLLECTORS SET BASEBALL PUZZLE CARDS

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The 1991 Donruss collectors set was a unique baseball card release that included both individual cards and a puzzle component. Donruss was one of the major baseball card manufacturers in the late 1980s and early 1990s, along with Fleer and Topps, and they regularly issued sets each year. The 1991 release stood out for incorporating a puzzle aspect that had collectors and fans engaging with the cards in a new way.

The set included 540 total cards issued in factory-sealed wax packs of 15 cards each. The cards featured players and managers from both the American and National Leagues and covered the entire active roster of major leaguers at the time. Along with current players, the set also included retired stars in ‘Diamond Kings’ subset cards. Each standard card measured approximately 2.5 inches by 3.5 inches and featured a color photo on the front with player stats and team info on the back.

What made the 1991 Donruss set unique was that the fronts of all the cards were specially designed to interlock and form a 36 inch by 48 inch baseball diamond-shaped puzzle when assembled correctly. To complete the puzzle, collectors had to acquire all 540 cards through trading with others or by continually purchasing packs at retail. The puzzle cards were cut and designed so that each player’s photo fit perfectly into its corresponding space on the diamond grid.

Proper assembly required meticulous planning and organization since the cards could only fit together one way. Collectors would spend hours poring over the cards, sorting them by team and position, and carefully fitting each photo into place. Completing the full puzzle was a major achievement and sense of accomplishment for any fan or collector. It also allowed the cards to be displayed in a unique and eye-catching format once fully constructed.

In addition to the puzzle aspect, the 1991 Donruss release also included several popular insert sets within the base cards. ‘Diamond Kings’ paid tribute to retired stars with ornate foil borders and regal crown logos. ‘Diamond Cut’ paralleled the puzzle theme with diamond-shaped photo cutouts. ‘Diamond Anniversary’ marked the 75th year of Major League Baseball with a retro-styled design. ‘Diamond Vision’ was a black and white ‘retro’ subset. And ‘Diamond Achievers’ highlighted statistical milestones.

The puzzle and insert cards really added multiple layers of complexity, interest, and collectability to an already massive 540-card base set. It took dedicated collectors months and sometimes over a year to track down all the cards needed through trades and repeated pack searches. Building the full puzzle was a true test of patience, organization skills, and baseball card knowledge.

For those who completed it, the finished 1991 Donruss puzzle became a real display piece and conversation starter. It perfectly captured all the major league rosters and stars of that season in an visually appealing format. Even partial puzzles were impressive partial displays on dens and rec rooms of serious collectors. The challenge of finding each elusive card kept the hobby exciting throughout the card’s release cycle.

In the decades since, completed 1991 Donruss puzzles have taken on great significance and value to dedicated collectors. They’re a true symbol of achievement, dedication, and nostalgia for the era. Mint condition puzzles in their original packaging can sell for thousands of dollars today. Even incomplete puzzles still hold value proportional to the number of cards assembled. Singles cards are also still in high demand for collectors looking to finish or restart their puzzles.

The 1991 Donruss release was truly innovative in marrying traditional baseball cards to a jigsaw puzzle-style component. It created a whole new way for fans to engage with and display their collections. While other card companies would later try similar puzzle concepts, none achieved the same popularity and nostalgia as the original Donruss 1991 set. For baseball card collectors and puzzle aficionados of the early 90s, completing that mammoth 540-piece diamond remains a cherished memory and sense of accomplishment decades later.

MOST VALUABLE 87 DONRUSS BASEBALL CARDS

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The 1987 Donruss baseball set is considered one of the most iconic and valuable vintage issues in the history of the sport. While it didn’t feature any true all-time legends in their rookie cards, the ’87 Donruss set showcased players who would go on to have Hall of Fame careers and included stars from the late 1980s. Given its popularity and historical significance, many of the cards from this 702-card release have achieved immense value over the past few decades. Here are some of the most valuable 1987 Donruss baseball cards collectors seek today:

Ken Griffey Jr. (card #1) – Widely considered the most desirable card from the ’87 Donruss set, Griffey’s impressive rookie is the true blue-chip collectible. In pristine gem mint condition, this card can fetch over $10,000. Even well-centered near mint copies sell for $1,500+. Griffey went on to become a 13-time All-Star, 10-time Gold Glover and one of the most popular players of the 1990s and 2000s. His rookie is iconic.

Barry Bonds (card #110) – While not technically a rookie card since Bonds played parts of two prior seasons, his ’87 Donruss is still highly sought after as it was his first card with the Pittsburgh Pirates. Bonds would go on to break the all-time home run record and win a record seven MVP awards over a Hall of Fame career. In gem mint condition, this Bonds rookie regularly brings over $5,000 at auction.

Tom Glavine (card #321) – Despite a relatively ordinary player photo, Glavine’s rookie card gains value due to his Hall of Fame playing career that included 305 wins and two Cy Young awards split between the Atlanta Braves and New York Mets. Mint condition copies sell in the $800-1000 range while a true gem specimen could exceed $2000 given Glavine’s prestige.

Greg Maddux (card #323) – Like Glavine, Maddux’s ’87 Donruss rookie photograph doesn’t jump off the card but collectors love it knowing he’d become a Hall of Fame pitcher with 4 Cy Young awards and over 300 wins. Pristine mint 10 examples can sell for $750-1000 while gems command $1500-2000.

Roberto Alomar (card #601) – As a Hall of Famer with elite skills at both second base and hitter, Alomar’s ’87 Donruss rookie holds substantial perceived value. High grade copies in the $500-700 range are common but a flawless gem mint 10 could fetch $1000 considering Alomar’s status as one of the best Latin American players ever.

Other notable cards from the 1987 Donruss set with value upwards of $200 in top condition include rookies of Mark McGwire, Fred McGriff, and Roger Clemens. All-Star and future Hall of Famer cards like Wade Boggs, Gary Carter, Ozzie Smith, and Tim Raines routinely sell for $75-150 depending on grade.

Beyond the star rookies and players,Errors and anomalies within the ’87 Donruss printing make certain rare cards extremely valuable. The #1 Cal Ripken Jr. with a typo reading “Cal Ripken, IR” is worth $5000+ in gem mint. Other sought-after printing errors include off-center Greg Maddux (#323) and Wally Joyner (#663) cards which can sell for hundreds due to their irregularity within the set.

Perhaps most valuable of all is the legendary ’87 Traded Ken Griffey Jr. This special issue card showing Griffey in a Mariners uniform before he ever played a game for them regularly breaks records at auction. In 2013, a PSA Gem Mint 10 copy sold for nearly $100,000, making it one of the highest prices ever paid for a baseball card.

The 1987 Donruss set holds a special place in the hearts of collectors due to memorable rookie cards, iconic veterans, and the allure of chasing high-grade stars from the late 80s era. While sets from the late 80s aren’t as collectible as the true vintage 50s/60s/70s issues, the ’87 Donruss standards like Griffey, Bonds, Glavine and others have proven to retain value owing to those players’ status in baseball history. For condition-sensitive investors, picking out gems from this classic release remains a sound strategy decades after the set’s original production.

DONRUSS NO DOT BASEBALL CARDS

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Donruss no dot baseball cards are some of the most coveted and valuable vintage cards produced in the 1980s. The Donruss brand produced sets from 1981 to 1987 that are highly collectible today. What makes the no dot cards so special is that they were produced during the first year or two of each set’s run before Donruss added quality control dots to the backs of the cards.

Donruss began producing baseball cards in 1981 after acquiring the rights from Topps. Their inaugural set featured 552 cards and had a very basic and generic design with players’ names and teams above their photos. The biggest draw for collectors was that it gave them an alternative to Topps’ monopoly on the baseball card market at the time. The quality control on these early Donruss cards left much to be desired.

Many of the 1981 Donruss cards were printed off-center, had color variations between fronts and backs, or had flaws and defects. To help improve quality, Donruss started adding small black dots to the backs of cards beginning in late 1981. These dots signified that the cards passed quality control standards for centering and print quality. Cards produced without the dots in 1981 are considered the true “no dot” variants and command high prices due to their rarity and status as some of the earliest Donruss issues.

The most coveted 1981 no dot cards include star rookies like Fernando Valenzuela, Dave Righetti, and Joe Charboneau. High grade examples of these can fetch thousands of dollars due to their rarity. It’s estimated less than 5% of the 1981 Donruss print run was issued without the quality control dots. The 1982 Donruss set also saw no dot variations early in its production cycle before Donruss fully implemented the dot system. Key 1982 no dots include Cal Ripken Jr.’s rookie card.

In subsequent years, Donruss tweaked their designs but the basic concept remained the same – baseball photography on the fronts with stats on the backs. The 1983 through 1987 Donruss sets all featured no dot variations, though they are much more common than the 1981s. Still, high grade examples of stars’ rookie cards without quality control dots command premium prices due to their limited early production window. Some examples include Dwight Gooden and Darryl Strawberry from 1983, Don Mattingly from 1984, and Mark McGwire from 1986.

Beyond their rarity, no dot cards have another key attribute that makes them more valuable – they are “true” rookie cards in some cases. Since they were issued before Donruss added quality control, they represent a player’s earliest printed card rather than a later corrected version. This is most notable for Cal Ripken Jr.’s 1982 no dot, which is considered his true Topps-style rookie despite being printed after his official 1981 debut.

Pricing for vintage no dot cards varies greatly depending on the player, year, and condition. Low-end commons from the early 1980s sets might fetch $20-50 in Poor-Good condition. But gem mint examples of star rookies can sell for thousands. A PSA 10 1981 Fernando Valenzuela no dot recently sold for over $12,000. And a BGS-graded 1982 Cal Ripken Jr. no dot achieved nearly $30,000 at auction. Even more common cards still carry significant premiums in high grades without quality control dots.

Donruss continued producing baseball cards into the 1990s before losing the MLB license to Upper Deck. Their 1980s issues remain hugely popular with collectors today thanks to designs that captured the essence of the players and teams. But the true early no dot variations take collectibility and demand to another level. They represent the first true “error” cards and a unique window into the infancy of Donruss as a card maker before quality control measures. For vintage collectors, finding high grade no dots is like discovering buried treasure from the early days of the hobby.

MOST VALUABLE DONRUSS BASEBALL CARDS 1980s

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The 1980s were a transformative time for the baseball card industry. While Topps had long been the dominant manufacturer, Donruss emerged as a serious competitor by introducing innovative hobby boxes and factory sets. Their colorful base cards, with straightforward photo fronts and statistical backs, offered collectors an exciting new option.

Many memorable Donruss rookies debuted in this era, for stars like Wade Boggs (1983), Barry Bonds (1984), Roger Clemens (1984), and Tom Glavine (1987). A select few of these early issues have achieved breathtaking values, due to rarity, condition, and the incredible careers of the players depicted. Let’s examine some of the priciest and most coveted Donruss baseball cards from the 1980s:

1985 Roger Clemens Rookie (#213)

The Rocket’s explosive rookie campaign, which saw him finish second in AL Cy Young voting, immediately made his 1985 Donruss issue one of the era’s key cards. Like most ’85 Donruss, it has a limited print run and is quite tough to find in high grade. In a near-mint to mint PSA 9 or 10, examples now sell for $6,000-$12,000. Pristine PSA 10 specimens have even topped $20,000 at auction.

1987 Barry Bonds Rookie (#497)

As one of the most hyped rookies ever, Bonds lived up to expectations by winning ROY and making his first All-Star team in 1987. This early Bonds rookie is much scarcer than his more common ‘86 versions from other brands. In a PSA 9 or 10 condition, an ‘87 Donruss Barry Bonds can fetch $3,000-$6,000 on today’s market. Those in absolute pristine PSA 10 status are true trophies worth $12,000 or more for avid PC collectors.

1989 Ken Griffey Jr. Rookie (#310)

Junior’s electrifying rookie season transformed him into an immediate icon and superstar attraction. Not surprisingly, his ‘89 Donruss rookie is among the hobby’s most in-demand issues. A PSA 9 example may bring $1,500-2,500. But a flawless PSA 10 is a true blue chip, routinely commanding $4,000-6,000. One such perfect 10 specimen was purchased for a record $27,800 in a 2017 auction.

1984 Dwight Gooden Rookie (#124)

Doc Gooden’s marvelous age-19 rookie campaign, capped by NL Cy Young and Rookie of the Year honors, made his ’84 Donruss cardboard one of the most coveted of all time upon release. Even today, examples in pristine PSA 10 condition change hands for $2,000-$4,000, a value aided by Gooden’s Hall of Fame caliber early career. But with an extremely limited initial printing, true gem mint PSA 9.5 specimens have smashed the $10,000 barrier and more.

1986 Roger Clemens (#159, Gold border)

The ’86 Donruss set introduced gold-bordered parallel cards at a ratio of 1:120 packs. Clemens’ issue quickly became the most wanted. In top-notch condition, this rare parallel can sell for fantastic sums. A recent PSA 10 sold for $30,000. Gold borders of other top ’80s stars like Gooden, Strawberry, and Bonds also demand 4 figures in pristine condition due to extreme scarcity.

1981 Mike Schmidt (#28)

Schmidt was already a perennial MVP candidate by ’81, and his Donruss issue from that season has become a blue chip for Phillies PC collectors. High-grade examples remain tough to come by, since the card was not a true “rookie.” In a PSA 9 or 10, a ’81 Schmidt can sell for $1,000-$2,000. Those few specimens that surface in true gem mint PSA 9.5 condition have exceeded $5,000 at auction.

1987 Mark McGwire (#420)

The Big Mac’s mammoth rookie season made this an coveted card out of the gate. Examples in PSA 9+ condition routinely sell for $800-1,500 today. But McGwire’s dominance and eventual home run records elevated the ‘87 Donruss further. A recent PSA 10 fetched $4,250, showing this classic rookie maintains strong demand.

While not exhaustive, this list covers some of the most elite Donruss cards produced in the dynamic 1980s era. Factors like star power, rarity, and condition all contribute to these issues’ lofty market values today. For dedicated collectors, finding high-grade specimens of these irreplaceable pieces of cardboard and history remains the ultimate prize. As tracking stats and milestones are preserved on the back, 1980s Donruss rookies ensure some of baseball’s most memorable early careers are never forgotten.

1992 DONRUSS THE ROOKIES BASEBALL CARDS VALUE

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The 1992 Donruss The Rookies baseball card set showcased the top rookie talent from the 1991 MLB season. While not quite as storied as some other rookie card releases, 1992 Donruss The Rookies featured future Hall of Famers and franchise cornerstones that have proven to grow in value with time.

The set contains 200 total cards with the majority featuring prospects and lessheralded rookies from 1991. Several superstars that went on to have incredible careers were included which has driven collector and investor interest in the years since. While initial print runs were high which kept early prices low, grading and careful preservation has unlocked latent value.

Perhaps the most notable card from the set is the Chipper Jones rookie card. As a switch-hitting, power-hitting third baseman, Chipper went on to have a first-ballot Hall of Fame career spent entirely with the Atlanta Braves. He was the 1999 NL MVP and an eight-time All-Star. High-grade Chipper Jones rookies now rank among the premier baseball cards on the market, routinely fetching four-figure prices and occasionally much more in top condition. Even well-worn raw copies still sell for hundreds due to his legacy as a franchise cornerstone.

Another top card is the Derek Jeter rookie, featuring the future Captain of the New York Yankees shortstop. While not quite as acclaimed as some of his other early Pinnacle and Stadium Club rookies, the 1992 Donruss holds significance as Jeter’s true “first” card released. Jeter would go on to a surefire Hall of Fame career winning five World Series titles while becoming the all-time hits leader for Yankees franchise. High-grade copies routinely sell for well over $1000 today showing steady appreciation.

Two other future Hall of Fame players featured are Mike Piazza and Craig Biggio. Piazza’s rookie caught during his brief tenure with the Dodgers has gained fame as he was mostly known as a Met. Meanwhile, Biggio spent his whole career with the Astros and his 3,000 hits cemented his Cooperstown plaque. Both players now have four-figure rookie cards demonstrating the value propounded over the decades.

Other notable rookies include Brad Ausmus, Mark Grudzielanek, Jason Bere, Paul Shuey, Dave Martinez, Bobby Bonilla, Damon Buford, Darren Daulton, and Cris Carpenter. While not all became superstars, many had solid MLB careers which adds to the collecting appeal of the set even outside the true star players. Memorabilia cards were also included of failed prospects like Steve Buechele adding novelty value as well.

In terms of condition, unsurprisingly most raw copies available today trade in the 5.0-7.0 range on the 10-point Beckett scale. This is largely due to the gigantic initial print run which made mint preservation over 30 years quite challenging. Examples that have earned high-grade designations of 8.0 and above through professional grading have exploded in value. A PSA/BGS 10 Chipper Jones can fetch tens of thousands. Even a 9.0 has brought six-figure sums.

Along with elite condition and star player cards, there are a few other keys that boost 1992 Donruss value. Short prints exist within the set including Alex Cole (#149) and Alan Benes (#123) amongst others. Error variations have surfaced, such as Jeff Juden’s name misspelled as “Juden” instead of “Juden”. And serial number parallel prints were distributed through hobby boxes that year which are also highly sought.

While overlooked for many years after release as young collectors lost interest, the 1992 Donruss The Rookies set has developed a very strong following of both collectors and investors. Due to the all-time great careers several of the featured rookies went on to have, key cards command premium prices reflective of their icon status in the hobby. Even for non-stars, the set represents an important snapshot of early 1990s MLB with memorabilia and parallels adding to its charm. With secure preservation and patience, the 1992 Donruss The Rookies holds promise to further appreciate over the coming decades.

MOST VALUABLE 86 DONRUSS BASEBALL CARDS

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The 1986 Donruss baseball card set is one of the most iconic issues from the junk wax era of the late 1980s and early 1990s. While the glut of mass-produced cards from that time period has left most commons and short prints with very little value, there are still several highly coveted rookie cards, Hall of Fame inductee cards, and unique parallels that can fetch thousands of dollars graded and preserved in near-mint condition or better. Let’s take an in-depth look at some of the most valuable 1986 Donruss baseball cards to own.

Heading the list is without question the rookie card of Chicago Cubs’ legend Ryne Sandberg. As a perennial All-Star, 9-time Gold Glover, and future Hall of Famer, Sandberg’s rookie card from the 1986 Donruss set has always been highly sought after by collectors both as an investment and to commemorate one of the greatest second basemen of all time. PSA 10 graded examples of Sandberg’s rookie regularly sell for $4,000-$6,000 with some specimens achieving upwards of $10,000. Even well-centered PSA 9 copies can still fetch $2,000-3,500 showing the card’s lasting demand.

Another Cubs star with a valuable ’86 Donruss issue is Andre Dawson, known widely as “The Hawk” during his playing days. Dawson’s move to Chicago proved to be the biggest season of his career as he claimed NL MVP honors while leading the league in home runs. His award-winning performance only increased collector interest in his 1986 Donruss card, which has remained one of the set’s most significant RCs. Like Sandberg, a PSA 10 Dawson rookie will command $4,000-6,000, with PSA 9s bringing $2,000-3,000.

Staying on the NL MVP theme, the 1986 Donruss card of NL batting crown and award winner Willie McGee also holds value. As a versatile outfielder who played a pivotal role in the dominant St. Louis Cardinals teams of the 1980s, McGee’s impressive ’85 campaign was documented on his flagship rookie issue. High-grade PSA 10 McGee rookies have sold for over $4,000 though most certified copies end up in the $1,500-2,500 range. Even respectable PSA 8s can still attract bids above $500.

Grabbing the attention of investors is the unique parallel subset found exclusively in the 1986 Donruss baseball set – the “Photo Stat” parallels. These special parallel versions featured a camera-ready photograph on a blue or pink backing instead of the standard design. Only a small number of players had Photo Stat variants inserted randomly in packs at an estimated ratio of 1:120. Photo Stat versions of the valuable rookie cards already mentioned like Sandberg and Dawson are exponentially rarer and command premiums accordingly. A PSA-graded Sandberg Photo Stat recently sold for a whopping $13,000 on the classic auction site.

Moving into the realm of future Hall of Fame inductees, two perennial all-stars from the 1986 set hold significant collector value in Tom Glavine and Greg Maddux. Both hurlers’ rookie cards have always been highly coveted because of their sustained excellence and guaranteed spots in Cooperstown down the road. As two of baseball’s best pitchers throughout the 1990s, well-kept copies of their flagship D’Rookie issues continually gain in demand. PSA 10 Glavine and Maddux rookies often eclipse $1,500, with 9s reaching $800-1,000 apiece or more depending on recent auction trends.

Staying in the NL, the rookie card of “Nails” dedicate reliever Lee Smith is another highly significant issue, as Smith would become baseball’s all-time saves leader upon his retirement. As the cornerstone closer for the 1980s Chicago Cubs teams, Smith’s emergence was documented on his ’86 Donruss rookie, which regularly sells for $800-1000 in Gem Mint PSA 10 condition. Even comprehensively graded PSA 9 specimens still attract bids up to $500 due to Smith’s hallowed status.

A couple of American League stars with prized 1986 Donruss rookies include Oakland A’s ace Mark McGwire and future Hall of Fame catcher Ivan Rodriguez. “Big Mac’s” first card captured the beginning of his legendary home run prowess. High-grade PSA 10 McGwire rookies sell around $1,000-1500 while pristine PSA 9s reach the $600-800 range still. “Pudge” Rodriguez laid the foundation for one of the greatest catching careers in history. His RC commonly fetches $600-800 in top-shelf condition, with respectable PSA 9s around $300-500 still in demand.

Last but not least, one other 1986 Donruss card that demands top dollar is that of pitching legend and first-ballot Hall of Famer Roger Clemens. Arguably the greatest right-handed hurler of all time, “Rocket’s” earlier Toronto Blue Jays/Boston Red Sox issues are considered the most important documents of his epic career. In near-perfect PSA 10 state, Clemens’ ’86 Donruss RC has eclipsed $2,000 at auction in modern times. Respectable PSA 9 specimens can also attract bids over $1,000 still due to Clemens’ undisputed place among the sports’ all-time great pitchers.

While the vast majority of 1986 Topps and Donruss commons hold nominal value today, savvy collectors recognize there are still viable long-term investments dwelling within the legendary rookie cards, award-winning performances, and lucky parallel pull of stars like Ryno, The Hawk, McGee, Glavine, Maddux, Smith, McGwire, Pudge, and Clemens. Over 35 years later, their inaugural cardboard issues continue to impress in the memorabilia marketplace for seasoned vintage baseball enthusiasts. With smart grading and preservation, some examples can even appreciate well beyond initial outlays-proving junk wax era gems do still shine when conditions are right.

1985 DONRUSS BASEBALL CARDS CHECKLIST

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The 1985 Donruss baseball card set is one of the most iconic and popular issues ever released by the company. This was the seventh year that Donruss produced baseball cards and it was also one of the best and most visually appealing designs. Some key things to know about the 1985 Donruss baseball cards include:

The set contains 435 total baseball cards and features players and managers from both the American and National Leagues. This was a significant increase from the previous year’s set which only featured 384 total cards. Some key rookies included in the ’85 Donruss set were Barry Bonds, Mark McGwire, and Roger Clemens. All three would go on to have Hall of Fame careers and their rookie cards from this set are very popular with collectors.

The design featured colorful action shots of each player on a white background. At the top was the team logo and colors, while player stats, position, and career highlights were listed on the bottom in white text. Perhaps the most notable visual aspect was the ‘Donruss’ wordmark across the front of each card partially covering the player’s face. This created a very unique and distinct look that collectors immediately recognized as being from the Donruss brand.

In addition to players, the ’85 Donruss set included 15 team cards showing that season’s roster and a separate card for both league’s president at the time. The managers were also included as individual cards showing their photo along with a brief career overview. Some of the notable managers featured included Sparky Anderson of the Detroit Tigers, Whitey Herzog of the St. Louis Cardinals, and Dick Williams of the San Diego Padres.

The base cards ranged in number from 102 to 144 depending on the team. The Chicago Cubs, Houston Astros, and Detroit Tigers each had 102 cards while the San Diego Padres and Kansas City Royals had the maximum of 144 cards representing all of their players. The Milwaukee Brewers had the fewest base cards at 133. Each team’s cards were grouped together alphabetically making it easy for collectors to find specific players.

In addition to the standard base set, Donruss also produced popular inserts and parallel subsets that added to the excitement of the product. Some of the key ones included:

‘Turn Back The Clock’ – Highlighted older players still active and showed photos from earlier in their careers. There were 30 cards in the set.

‘Stars Of The 80s’ – Featured huge stars from the previous half-decade like Mike Schmidt and Nolan Ryan. It contained 20 cards.

‘Super Veterans’ – Similar to Turn Back The Clock but focused more on aging vets. It had 20 cards.

‘All-Star’ – Featured photos from the 1984 All-Star game with a blue border. There were 60 cards in the set distributed throughout wax packs and factory sets.

‘Record Breakers’ – Honored players who set significant career records. It contained 10 cards.

‘Missing Links’ – Showed how a player looked without their team’s cap on to disguise their identity. 10 cards were produced.

When it came to parallel and short print variations, Donruss went all out in 1985. There were over 130 different ‘SP’ short prints scattered throughout the base set at extremely low print runs. The ‘Gold Medallion’ parallel featured gold foil stamping on a black border and was one of the rarest inserts at only 50 printed of each card. Other parallels included ‘Glossy Sendouts’, ‘Team MVP’, and ‘Diamond Kings’ among many others.

In terms of value, the 1985 Donruss set has become highly coveted by traders and investors due to its classic design coupled with the starring rookie class. Near-mint graded versions of the Bonds, McGwire, and Clemens rookies regularly sell for thousands of dollars today. Other stars of the era like Wade Boggs, George Brett, and Eddie Murray also command strong prices. The short prints and parallel inserts remain extremely difficult to obtain. Factory sets have also gained steady value as complete sets become increasingly scarce.

The 1985 Donruss baseball card set marked one of the brands most iconic and collectible issues of the 1980s. The memorable design paired with all-time great rookies and a dizzying array of inserts and parallels gave collectors a true treasure hunt experience. It’s no wonder this set remains one of the most popularly collected among card hobbyists decades later. Its combination of nostalgia, star power, and chase factors have cemented it as a true classic among the hobby’s greatest baseball card releases.