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MOST EXPENSIVE TOPPS BASEBALL CARDS 1987

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The 1987 Topps baseball card set is considered one of the most iconic and valuable issues in the modern era of collecting. While most cards from the ’87 Topps set trade for only a few dollars, there are some rare and prestigious rookie cards that have achieved astronomical prices at auction. Let’s take an in-depth look at the three most valuable and sought-after ’87 Topps cards on the market today.

Ken Griffey Jr. Rookie Card (#116)

Without question, the crown jewel of the ’87 Topps set is the rookie card of future Hall of Famer Ken Griffey Jr. Widely considered one of the most aesthetically pleasing and iconic baseball cards ever produced, Griffey Jr.’s rookie is the undisputed king of the ’87 issue. With its stunning portrait photography and bright memorable design, the card captured Griffey at the very beginning of his storied career. “The Kid” would go on to smash home run records and dazzle fans with his effortless talent and signature smooth left-handed swing.

Naturally, as Griffey’s legend and status grew over the years, so too did demand and prices for his rookie card. In pristine mint condition, a PSA 10 Griffey Jr. rookie now commands astronomical sums, consistently breaking records as one of the most valuable modern sports cards ever. In 2021, a PSA 10 sold for an astounding $3.12 million dollars, setting a new auction benchmark. Even raw copies in excellent condition regularly trade hands for well over $100,000. The card’s popularity is a testament to Griffey’s greatness as a player as well as the iconic nature of his rookie design itself. For serious collectors, owning an immaculate Griffey Jr. ’87 Topps rookie is the pinnacle achievement and worthwhile luxury investment.

Roberto Alomar Rookie Card (#206)

While not quite reaching the epic heights of Griffey, the rookie card of Hall of Fame second baseman Roberto Alomar from the ’87 Topps set is also an extremely valuable and desirable item. Alomar enjoyed a stellar career that saw him named to 12 All-Star teams while winning a pair of World Series rings and 10 Gold Gloves. His distinguished big league tenure and skills as a five-tool player made Alomar one of the game’s true icons at his position.

Like Griffey, Alomar’s rookie card features captivating action photography that captures the excitement of a promising young star just beginning his journey. The card’s vibrant design has played a big role in its iconic status among collectors. In pristine PSA 10 condition, Alomar rookies now sell in the $30,000-$50,000 range. Even well-centered raw copies in excellent shape can be had for $5,000 or more. While not eclipsing Griffey on the price charts, Alomar’s rookie remains one of the most coveted and blue-chip cards from the vintage ’87 set.

Cecil Fielder Rookie Card (#483)

Rounding out the trio of ’87 Topps big hitters is the rookie card of slugging first baseman Cecil Fielder. Though Fielder didn’t achieve the consistent success or Hall of Fame honors of Griffey or Alomar, his brief peak of dominance made him a highly recognizable star of the early 1990s. In 1990-1991, Fielder led the American League in home runs and RBIs, showcasing prodigious raw power from the left side of the plate.

Fielder’s calling card during his prime years made his rookie card an intriguing investment piece for power-hitting collectors. While far more affordable than the icons above, a PSA 10 Fielder rookie can still trade for $15,000-20,000. Well-centered raw copies in high grades still demand $2,000-5,000 due to relative scarcity. Though short-lived, Fielder’s dominance left an impression and his ’87 Topps issue endures as a coveted trophy piece for those who admired “The Bam Bam” during his home run heroics in Detroit.

In closing, while most ’87 Topps cards remain quite affordable, the rookie offerings of Griffey, Alomar, and Fielder stand tall as true heavyweight champions of the set. Their combination of on-field success, attractive visuals, and investment upside have cemented these three cards as the most valuable and recognizable from the entire 1987 series. For wealthy collectors seeking the bluest of the blue-chip vintage cardboard, a PSA 10 example of Ken Griffey Jr.’s legendary debut remains the undisputed crown jewel of the hobby.

THE MOST EXPENSIVE BASEBALL CARDS IN THE WORLD

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Baseball cards have long held a special place in the hearts of collectors and fans alike. More than just pieces of cardboard with images printed on them, the best baseball cards serve as tangible links to memorable players and moments from baseball’s storied history. Some cards have become so valuable over the decades that they now command astronomically high prices when they come up for sale. Here are some of the most expensive baseball cards ever sold and the incredible stories behind them:

Honus Wagner T206 – $3.12 million (2007 sale)

The undisputed king of all baseball cards is without question the ultra-rare 1909-11 T206 Honus Wagner card. Pictures of this legendary shortstop of the early 20th century exist in the hands of collectors, but it’s believed only around 50 original T206 Wagner cards were ever printed by the American Tobacco Company. This is why any Wagner that does surface in a sale now routinely shatters all sports card price records. In 2007, a PSA NM-MT 8 example sold for an astonishing $3.12 million, making it not only the most valuable baseball card but the highest price ever paid for any trading card.

What makes the Wagner so special? As one of the earliest American stars of baseball, Wagner was already a five-time batting champion by the time the T206 set was produced. As a non-smoker, he objected to his likeness being used to promote tobacco products. Thus, his card is thought to have been hastily pulled during production. Extreme rarity plus Wagner’s status as a true icon of early professional baseball forever cemented this as the holy grail for collectors.

1952 Topps Mickey Mantle – $2.88 million (2021 sale)

Just ahead of the Wagner in total dollars paid is the record price fetched for the fabled 1952 Topps Mickey Mantle rookie card. Often referred to simply as “The Mick,” Mantle went on to become not only the greatest switch hitter of all time but arguably the greatest Yankee ever. His rookie season of 1951 had been one for the ages, with Mantle batting .267 with 13 home runs as a 19-year old.

Only a few hundred of the original 1952 Topps issue are known to still even exist today in high grade, explaining the stratospheric prices this card brings. In January 20221, Heritage Auctions sold a PSA Gem Mint 9 example, the finest-graded of only several dozen cards across all grading services, for $2.88 million. This shattered the all-time record for any sports card and stamped Mantle’s iconic rookie as the new financial heavyweight in the hobby.

1909 Honus Wagner American Tobacco Company – $2.8 million (2016 private sale)

As if one $3 million-plus Wagner wasn’t enough, in October 2016 rumors swirled of yet another ultra-high-end example quietly changing hands in an undisclosed private sale. Details soon emerged that a PSA Authentic specimen graded only three points below the all-time $3.12 million record-holder had sold to collector Derek Jeter for an astounding $2.8 million.

Given the card’s rich provenance and amazingly fresh appearance for a 107-year old piece of paper, many experts assessed this particular Wagner as the single highest-quality example known to exist. Its sale price, just $320,000 shy of the public auction record, proved once more the virtually unlimited demand wealthy collectors have for this perpetually out-of-reach piece of early baseball history. The sky remains the limit for future Wagner offerings.

1949 Bowman PSA 8 Joe DiMaggio – $1.13 million (2019 sale)

While Mantle and Wagner get top billing, the 1949 Bowman Joe DiMaggio card – featuring the Yankee Clipper in action – has also emerged as a true heavyweight on the vintage rarity market in recent times. Like the ’52 Mantle, only a minuscule fraction of the original DiMaggio issue are thought to have survived, especially in high grade.

A beautiful PSA 8 copy came up for public sale in Dallas during the 2019 National Sports Collectors Convention. Bidding roared past the million-dollar mark before finally ending at a staggering $1.13 million price, setting a new standard for the Joltin’ Joe and further showcasing the value top iconic vintage can achieve in today’s supercharged collectibles environment. The buyer? Antiques dealer Lauri Halderman, who now owns two of the ten most expensive baseball cards ever.

1909-11 T206 Sherry Magee – $1.12 million (2013 sale)

While superstars like Wagner, Mantle and DiMaggio get most of numismatic attention, the T206 Sherry Magee has surprisingly emerged as one of the most financially successful non-greats ever. A light-hitting backup outfielder for the Phillies in the early 1900s, Magee appeared destined for anonymity. Only one of his T206 portraits is known to exist – a PSA NM-MT 8 graded specimen that sold for $1.12 million at a 2013 auction.

What makes this otherwise obscure player’s card so valuable? Extreme scarcity. The Magee is now widely believed to be the single rarest T206 issued after the Honus Wagner. Its massive price tag shows that condition-census rarities from that hallowed era, regardless of attached name, will always hold immense fascination for deep-pocketed collectors.

1954 Topps Mickey Mantle – $900,000 (2001 sale)

While graded examples of Mantle’s true 1952 Topps rookie regularly command millions today, back in the early Internet auction days a lesser-known ’54 Mantle was actually the first card to break the $500,000 threshold. In April 2001, a PSA 8 copy crossed the virtual block at Heritage and sold for an astronomical $900,000.

Though not his debut issue, the 1954 Topps Mantle captured the 24-year old Mick as a two-time MVP and Triple Crown winner at the peak of his immense early abilities. At the time, its selling price was nearly four times the record and hinted at Mantle’s ability to drive values higher than seemingly any other single sports collectible ever. Little did anyone know then just how far prices would eventually soar for the Yankee legend’s prized rookie card.

1914 Baltimore News Babe Ruth – $275,000 (2007 sale)

The Babe Ruth rookie card chase centers around his 1919 Sporting News debut, but another ultra-rare pre-Red Sox issue also fetched a huge price in the mid-2000s. Up for sale in 2007 was a PSA 3.5 1914 Baltimore News Babe Ruth, playing with the minor league Baltimore Orioles. This exceedingly fragile relic from Ruth’s formative years, long before establishment of his mythical home run prowess, realized $275,000 at Goldin Auctions.

Much like the Sherry Magee T206, elite condition as the lone surviving example propelled values far higher than the attached name alone might typically suggest. Even for an awkwardly posed teenaged Bambino, the 1914 News served as a portal to remember Ruth’s path to majors and championship immortality. Its quarter-million dollar figure set a new standard for the most obscure of his vintage issues.

While not every player, brand or season is equally represented intrinsically, the stories behind these top ten most expensive baseball cards showcase how certain legendary names, extremes of historical rarity, superb condition, and perfect collector alignment can push values into the multimillion-dollar stratosphere seemingly without limit. As along as collectors remain passionate about the nostalgia, artifacts, and icons of America’s pastime, its rarest cards may well achieve prices never thought imaginable from a modern perspective.

MOST EXPENSIVE DONRUSS BASEBALL CARDS 1990

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The 1990 Donruss set marked a pivotal year for the iconic baseball card brand. While typical Donruss sets of the late 1980s featured standard gum and wax packs, 1990 saw the introduction of new premium products like Diamond Kings parallels and Elite Series subsets that captured the attention of collectors. Featuring some of the biggest young stars in baseball like Ken Griffey Jr., Frank Thomas, and Roberto Alomar, the 1990 Donruss set helped usher in a modernized era for the hobby. Unsurprisingly, many of the rarest and most desirable cards from this landmark release have fetched enormous sums at auction over the years. Here are some of the priciest 1990 Donruss cards that exemplify the growing collector interest around this release.

Ken Griffey Jr. Diamond Kings #1 – $25,500
The 1990 Diamond Kings parallel insert set was Donruss’s first true attempt at premium cards within the base set. Featuring photo variations and a shiny Diamond Kings logo, they offered collectors higher-end versions of the biggest stars. Unsurprisingly, the #1 Griffey Jr. card has become the crown jewel. Junior was already a massively popular young player in 1990 and his Diamond Kings parallel is considered one of the premier cards from the set. In near-mint to mint condition, a Griffey Diamond Kings can sell for over $25,000, a true record for any 1990 Donruss card. While scarce, no other single from the release brings in bigger money on the current market.

Nolan Ryan Elite Series #13 – $15,000
The Elite Series subset, with its embossed logos and die-cuts, represented Donruss amping up their insert game even more for ’90. Featuring a mix of stars and elders statesmen, the 13-card set had huge collector demand. For obvious reasons, the Nolan Ryan card is the white whale. As one of the all-time greats, still slinging heat at an advanced age for the Rangers, Ryan was a legend. His Elite parallel remains among the most visually striking inserts ever printed and has sold for north of $15,000 when pristine copies surface. Like Griffey’s Diamond Kings, it’s the undisputed most valuable 1990 Donruss card outside the base set.

Frank Thomas #56 – $11,000
No rookie debuted with more fanfare in 1990 than Frank Thomas, and his dominance over the next two decades only solidified his status as one of the true greats. His flagship Donruss rookie pulled huge sums right out of the pack and remains a must-have for White Sox PC collectors worldwide. High-grade copies can sell for over $11,000 today, trailing only Griffey and Ryan among 1990 Donruss cards. Thomas’ marketability and MLB productivity over time make this one primed to retain value for collectors.

Ken Griffey Jr. #68 – $9,500
As the crown jewel regular issue card from the base 1990 Donruss set, Griffey’s flagship rookie pulls in sums matching cards from fabled sets like 1987 Topps and 1989 Upper Deck. While not quite as scarce as the Diamond Kings parallel, PSA 10 copies are still exceedingly rare. When they surface, they cross the auction block for $9,500 or more due to Junior’s unmatched popularity and the set’s significance as the year he debuted. Along with Frank Thomas, this cemented Griffey as the face of the 1990 rookie class.

Roberto Alomar #225 – $8,200
The smooth-fielding second baseman burst onto the scene in 1988 and established himself as a future Hall of Famer by 1990 with the Orioles. His regular issue Donruss card has retained incredible demand and value over the decades since. In PSA 10 condition, it’s one of the most consistently expensive cards from the release. Given Alomar’s iconic switch-hitting skills and longevity in the league, along with the massive popularity of the ’90 Donruss set as a whole, his flagship is a sound long-term collecting asset even at these lofty prices.

Cal Ripken Jr. #296 – $7,500
While not technically a rookie card since Ripken had played parts of three prior seasons, 1990 was his true rookie season according to the five-year rule. Already a two-time All-Star by this point with the Orioles, Ripken’s box presence and ironman legacy catapulted this flagship Donruss issue to the upper echelon of the set. Condition sensitive but highly sought after to this day for Ripken PC collections, a PSA 10 could exceed $7,500 at the right auction. His HOF career and status as one of Baltimore’s most beloved athletes cement this as a blue-chip item.

Sandy Alomar Jr. #364 – $6,400
The younger Alomar brother made his own debut in 1990 and ended up winning six Silver Sluggers and six Gold Gloves over 17 seasons. Naturally, demand for this prized rookie issue remains off the charts among Cleveland faithful and Puerto Rican collectors. With strong on-card photos and eye-popping action shots, it’s a very visually appealing card as well. High grades rarely surface for sale, so when they do PSA 10s can reach north of $6,400 depending on bidding wars. His big league accomplishments kept the card relevant long after its print run ended.

Jose Canseco #380 – $5,800
Canseco was already a two-time All-Star and 40/40 member with the A’s when this was issued but, as his true flagship rookie, it remained an iconic addition to the ’90 Donruss checklist. As one of the original musclemen of his era along with Mark McGwire, Canseco brought excitement and attention to the game during the late ’80s/early ’90s boom period. His card was equally electric – bright photo, loud design. In top condition, it’s a consistent 5 figure earner still sought by vintage Oakland collections three decades later.

Roberto Hernandez #485 – $5,200
One of the final truly great pitchers before scouting and analytics took over the sport, Hernandez anchored rotations for Philly, Montreal, and Cleveland during the ’90s. Known for his massive screwball, “El Pulpo” was already a two-time All-Star and Cy Young runner-up for the Indians in ’90. This flagship issue became a must-have for Tribe PC collectors due to his prominence on some great teams. PSA 10s have crossed for over $5,000 at gold standard auctions, showing its enduring demand.

The 1990 Donruss set laid the foundation for many of the brand’s most successful premium products going forward. Anchored by iconic rookie cards and prospectibles like Griffey Jr., Frank Thomas, and Roberto Alomar, it also featured legends like Nolan Ryan and Cal Ripken Jr. Three decades later, many issues from this seminal release continue to drive huge prices due to the players’ MLB accomplishments, visual design quality, and overall nostalgia surrounding the vintage card era as a whole. For dedicated collectors, choice copies remain sound long-term investments despite already lofty valuations.

1986 TOPPS BASEBALL CARDS MOST EXPENSIVE

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The 1986 Topps baseball card set is one of the most iconic and valuable collections in the hobby. With stars like Roger Clemens, Barry Bonds, and Mark McGwire gracing the cardboard, many fans consider ’86 Topps to be the high-water mark of the junk wax era that spanned the late 1980s. While the majority of the 792 cards in the set hold nominal value today, a select few gems have appreciably increased in price over the past 35 years to become some of the priciest individual sports cards on the market. Let’s take a deeper look at five of the most expensive 1986 Topps cards and what makes each so desirable.

Roy Hobbs ‘Magic’ Card (#640) – While not an actual player card, the fictional ‘Roy Hobbs’ card that pays homage to the character from the movie “The Natural” has taken on legendary mythic status itself. Only five of these elusive short prints are believed to exist, making it one of the true holy grails for hardcore ’86 Topps collectors. In March 2021, one of these ultra-rare ‘Magic’ cards achieved a new record auction price of $506,512, shattering expectations. With an enchanting visual aesthetic and an amazing story behind its limited production, #640 is arguably the crown jewel of the entire set.

Ken Griffey Jr. (#581) – As one of the set’s lone true rookie cards, Junior’s debut is a perennial favorite for obvious reasons. Even back in the late ’80s, Griffey was heralded as a can’t-miss superstar and his career would go on to more than live up to the hype. PSA 10 examples of this card have topped $250,000 at auction in recent years, making it one of the most expensive modern baseball cards period. No collection is truly complete without Griffey’s rookie staring back, a testament to his lasting icon status both on and off the field.

Billy Ripken “F*** Face” Error (#626) – This notoriously controversial card made headlines in 1989 when it was discovered that Billy Ripken had an uncensored four-letter word scrawled across his forehead in the team portrait on the back. While mistakenly passed by Topps’ quality control, the “F*** Face” error became an instant cult phenomenon among collectors overnight. PSA 9 copies routinely break six figures today. Its scandalous backstory and freak occurrence nature give it true one-of-a-kind appeal for modern memorabilia connoisseurs.

Rob Deer (#244) – On the surface, nothing particularly special about the card of former journeyman outfielder Rob Deer. Only 23 copies of his ’86 Topps issue are known to exist, making it one of the true rare duplicates within the set. Just one available in a PSA 10 grade, it set the record in 2021 after selling for $102,000. Extremely limited pop numbers have elevated mundane player cards into must-owns before – Deer being a perfect case study of raw scarcity overriding on-field performance.

Cal Ripken Jr. (#81) – Arguably the greatest shortstop in MLB history, Ripken’s iconic consecutive games played streak is legend. But long before that, he was one of baseball’s brightest young stars in 1986. As such, his common ’86 Topps issue still demands big bucks from collectors today. Near-mint PSA 9s go for $15,000+. While not nearly as rare as the cards above, Ripken’s eternal appeal and status as a Hall of Fame lock ensure his rookie stays highly valued for decades more.

While wax packs of 1986 Topps cards could easily be had for under $1 back in the day, a select few highly conditioned examples from the set are now worth over 500 times as much. Features like star players, groundbreaking errors, extreme scarcity, and cultural cache all contribute to justify these lofty price tags. As long as dedicated collectors are willing to pay a premium to own the best of the best, 1986 Topps looks poised to retain its position as a benchmark in the world of sports memorabilia.

1990S MOST EXPENSIVE BASEBALL CARDS

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The 1990s were a golden age for collecting valuable baseball cards. Thanks to several stars emerging on the scene and the baseball card hobby reaching new heights of popularity, several 1990s rookie cards have skyrocketed in value and emerged as the most expensive and sought after cards from the decade. Let’s take a look at some of the priciest 1990s baseball cards that fetch enormous sums at auction.

1997 Bowman’s Best Refractor #1 Ken Griffey Jr. – This ultra rare Griffey Jr. rookie refractor is considered the crown jewel of 1990s cards. It receives a Mint 9 or 10 grade due to its fragile refractor technology and pops up for auction only once in a blue moon. In 2018, one example in pristine Mint 9 condition sold at auction for an astounding $350,100, making it not only the most valuable 1990s card but one of the costliest baseball cards of all-time. Griffey was the biggest star of the 90s and his refractor rookie has legendary status due to its scarcity and condition challenges.

1992 Bowman Derek Jeter Rookie #616 – As one of the all-time great Yankees, it’s no surprise that Derek Jeter’s rookie card is one of the costliest from the decade he broke in. High grades of his 1992 Bowman rookie bring immense prices. In January 2021, a rare PSA Gem Mint 10 copy sold for $99,525, demonstrating Jeter’s iconic status and the significance of his rookie issue. While not quite as rare or flashy as some of the others on this list, the “Captain’s” card remains a sound blue chip investment worthy of any collection.

1993 SP Derek Jeter Autograph Rookie #85 – For Jeter super-collectors, one of his crown jewel cards is the ultra-tough 1993 SP Autograph rookie. These signed rookies were inserted at an incredibly low rate and high grades in the PSA 9-10 range can sell beyond $100,000 when they surface. In 2011, one PSA 10 realized $99,708, showing that authenticated examples of Jeter’s earliest signed cards will likely continue their ascent with time. With its rarity, coveted autograph, and starring one of the most respected Yankees ever, it’s a true heavyweight in the Jeter collection.

1995 Pinnacle #1 Ken Griffey Jr. Refractor – While not quite as rare as his 1997 Bowman’s Best Refractor #1, Griffey’s 1995 Pinnacle Refractor still ranks among the most prized and valuable 1990s cards. Appearing a bit more frequently in auctions compared to the ’97 issue, PSA 10 examples still routinely break the $100,000 mark. In 2017, one Pinnacle Refractor graded mint hit $106,020 showing it has staying power as a true blue chip investment in the Hobby. It’s Griffey at the peak of his powers as one of baseball’s biggest stars in living color on cardboard.

1991 Upper Deck Ken Griffey Jr. Rookie #1 – Serving as Griffey’s true freshman appearance after a late season callup in 1990, the 1991 Upper Deck issue had a massive print run and was pulled from packs by millions. High grades in the coveted PSA 10 are exponentially more scarce. At auction in 2019, a perfect Mint 10 copy sold for over $106,700, emphasizing how a super high grade can lift even a huge-run card to extreme new heights. For Griffey super-collectors, it’s an essential piece to own in the finest condition available.

1997 Leaf Limited Jason Giambi autograph/patch 1/1 – Found among the rarest of the rare in 1990s card products was the elusive 1997 Leaf Limited Rated Rookies Autograph/Memorabilia parallel issue. Each player’s card was serially numbered to only one copy in existence. The Jason Giambi offered up in a 2012 Goldin Auctions sale currently stands as the most expensive 1990s card ever publicly sold when it realized a staggering $189,000 given its true one-of-a-kind status. While Giambi wouldn’t achieve the career heights of some other stars, for collectors it represented owning THE card as the sole in existence.

1993 SP Derek Jeter Autograph #155 – While not quite as valuable as Jeter’s rarer 1993 SP Autograph Rookie, high grades of his main 1993 SP Autograph still set collectors back many thousands. In 2014, a perfect PSA 10 sold for a sizable $61,500, showing that Jeter autographs in top shape from his true freshman season are prized trophies. With its beautiful vintage appearance signed by the Yankees great, it exemplifies the high-priced collectibles that can emerge from even the biggest card sets when pristine.

1999 Bowman Chrome Refractors #255 Albert Pujols, #465 Tom Brady – While not traditional baseball cards per se, the scramble to find valuable modern rookies led to new heights for the 1999 Bowman Chrome Refractor parallels featuring stars from multiple sports. In particular, examples showing future Hall of Famers Albert Pujols and Tom Brady have cracked six-figure prices at auction in recent years. A PSA 10 Pujols sold for $105,000 in 2021 showing its status as a truly elite modern rookie, while high grade Brady refractor rookies regularly sell for into the low six figures.

1996 Pinnacle Inside Traxx Refractor #1 Derek Jeter – Considered the pinnacle (pun intended) of 1990s Jeter parallels, pristine examples of his elusive 1996 Pinnacle Inside Traxx Refractor reach astronomical prices. In 2020, a flawless PSA 10 sold at bidding wars for an astounding $234,542, underlining how a truly one-of-a-kind parallel issue for a beloved star can capture the hobby’s imagination. For the ultra-premium Jeter collector, the Inside Traxx Refractor reigns as the elite jewelry piece to center a collection around.

1990 Score #770 Frank Thomas Rookie – As one of the most feared sluggers of the 1990s, Big Hurt Frank Thomas launched many a collector on a quest to find his rookie card in the highest grade possible. Thanks to the inherent fragile quality control of the 1990 Score set, true pristine PSA 10 rookies sell like none other. In 2022, one changed hands for an even $100,000, establishing its premier status as the benchmark Thomas rookie to own in the most superior condition. No 1990s collection is complete without the imposing presence of the Score #770.

1998 SP Authentic Joey Votto Autograph Rookie #82 – While not a huge star name initially, Joey Votto emerged as one of the game’s best hitters of the late 2000s-2010s. His extremely rare 1998 SP Authentic autographed rookie was ungraded when it pulled in $66,100 at auction in 2018. It represented one of the few authenticated examples to surface publicly. For obsessed Votto collectors, it’s the pinnacle trophy of owning their favorite player’s true beginning signed by the man himself. Prices may continue rising as he eyes a Hall of Fame plaque.

So in conclusion, the 1990s were a time when true superstars like Ken Griffey Jr., Derek Jeter, and Frank Thomas launched their careers. Thanks to their unprecedented popularity coupled with innovations in insert parallels and the mint condition craze, their early rookie cards have achieved astronomical new highs. But it also shows how cards of even lesser known 90s players like Joey Votto can surge in value with the right combination of rare autograph and authenticity factors. The 1990s created the blueprint for modern card investing and enthusiasts are still chasing its most elusive and pricey issues to this day.

MOST EXPENSIVE BASEBALL CARDS FROM 1980’s

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The 1980s were a pivotal time in the hobby of baseball card collecting. Starting in the late 1970s, interest and demand for vintage baseball cards skyrocketed. This created a speculative bubble, especially for the most valuable and sought-after rookie cards from the 1950s. Throughout the 1980s, collectors began focusing their attention on the new rookie cards being produced. Some of these rookies would go on to have Hall of Fame careers, making their rookie cards highly valuable investments. Here are some of the most expensive baseball cards from the 1980s today:

1989 Ken Griffey Jr. Upper Deck RC #1 – $450,000+

The 1989 Ken Griffey Jr. Upper Deck rookie card is widely considered the crown jewel of all 1980s cardboard. Griffey was one of the most hyped rookie prospects ever and did not disappoint over his storied 22-year career. He slammed 630 home runs and garnered 13 All-Star selections. Griffey’s smooth left-handed swing made him one of the most exciting players of his generation to watch. All of this has led to his rookie card being the most valuable baseball card of the 1980s by a wide margin. High-grade examples in PSA 10 Gem Mint condition have now topped the $450,000 mark in recent private sales and auctions. Even in lower PSA 9 Near Mint condition, this is a six-figure card. Griffey’s dominance and popularity continue to drive demand for this all-time classic rookie three decades after its release.

1987 Fleer Bo Jackson RC #118 – $90,000

Bo Jackson was already a phenomenon going into his rookie season of 1987 after winning the Heisman Trophy in college football. No one predicted the unique dual-sport career path he would forge. Jackson slugged 142 home runs in only eight MLB seasons despite having to split time with his football commitments. He remains the only athlete ever voted an All-Star in two major American sports. Jackson’s impressive athletic feats have turned his 1987 Fleer rookie into one of the most iconic cards from the 1980s. High-grade PSA 10 examples have cracked the $90,000 level in recent years. Even in PSA 9 condition, this exciting rookie will still command over $20,000 due to its rarity and subject matter.

1986 Topps Traded Ken Griffey Jr. RC #41T – $75,000

While the Upper Deck rookie gets all the attention in the Griffey market, this 1986 Topps Traded version holds great value as well. Only 251,000 of these were printed compared to over 2 million of the flagship rookie. That massive shortage has pushed high-grade PSA 10 trade versions up over $75,000. PSA 9s still sell for an impressive $15,000-20,000 range because of the card’s relative scarcity. For set builders, this is a true key card from one of the biggest stars of the 1980s and ’90s.

1988 Fleer Barry Bonds RC #303 – $62,500

Barry Bonds would go on to smash the all-time home run record and win a record seven MVP awards. It wasn’t until the 1993 season that he truly broke out. His rookie season stats were solid but unspectacular. Regardless, collectors recognized his incredible talent and five-tool ability from the start. As a result, Bonds’ 1988 Fleer rookie has become one of the most coveted cards from its set and the entire decade. In a PSA 10 Gem Mint, the virtually flawless examples are now selling in the $62,500 range. Even well-centered PSA 9s command over $10,000 in today’s market.

1988 Score Griffey Jr. RC #130 – $45,000

While sometimes overlooked due to the dominance of the Upper Deck rookie, the 1988 Score Griffey Jr. rookie holds enormous value of its own. This was the most widely produced of Junior’s rookie options that year with approximately 1.8 million printed. High grades are still exceedingly difficult to locate. In a PSA 10, this key rookie recently sold on eBay for a staggering $45,000. PSA 9s routinely sell for $7,500-10,000 now as well. Given the continued strength of the Griffey market nearly 35 years later, these Score rookies could very well push past six figures like the Upper Deck down the road.

1986 Topps Traded Mark McGwire RC #99T – $30,000

Big Mac’s prodigious home run prowess would not truly emerge until the 1987 season. A handful of collectors saw his immense potential coming out of the gates based on his physical size and left-handed power stroke. They stocked up on his ultra-short printed Topps Traded rookie, making it the most significant card from McGwire’s initial season. Today, in a PSA 10 Gem Mint, examples have sold at auction for astronomical prices approaching $30,000. Even PSA 9s demand over $7,500 due to the card’s rarity and significance as a crucial rookie issue.

1988 Donruss Barry Bonds RC #139 – $20,000

While 1988 Fleer introduced Bonds to the hobby, Donruss followed suit with one of the simpler but still highly collectible rookie options that year. Even though over 1 million were printed, high grades remain scarce. In a PSA 10 Gem Mint, CMP claims an unpaid asking price of $20,000 was attained earlier this year. Meanwhile, a PSA 9 brought nearly $7,000 at auction. When factoring in population numbers and declining availability, Donruss rookies offer a more attainable collecting target during Bonds’ prolific career as opposed to the Fleer standard bearer.

1986 Fleer Update Barry Bonds RC #U-10 – $15,000

The first Bonds card wasn’t technically his true rookie either, as he debuted late in the 1985 season for the Pirates and this 1986 Fleer Update was issued mid-season to capture that initial exposure. Like Score and Donruss would for Griffey, this Update fulfilled the role of introducing Bonds to collectors. A flawless PSA 10 recently sold for $15,000, showing the enduring demand for any early Bonds cardboard over 35 years on. The affordable yet desirable nature of this Update issue make it a premier collectible for fans of the seven-time MVP’s early years.

1989 Score Griffey Jr. Traded RC #22T – $12,500

While far less scarce than the Topps Traded, this Score Traded option holds tremendous significance as well. Approximately 233,000 were printed compared to well over 1 million of the flagship Score rookie. Top-grade examples in PSA 10 condition have therefore climbed to $12,500 figures in recent memory. The steady interest in any Griffey variant from his monumental rookie season ensures this scarce parallel maintain lofty values matching some comparable flagship rookies from other stars.

With careers cemented in Cooperstown and ongoing nostalgia, these 1980s rookie sensations of Griffey, McGwire, Bonds and Bo Jackson dominate the most valuable baseball cards from the vibrant decade. Fueled by Hall of Fame production and cultural significance, cards like the Upper Deck Griffey, Topps Traded McGwire, and various early Bonds and Bo offerings have rocketed to six figures in many instances. Their enduring popularity and demand continue pushing appreciation nearly 40 years after issue. As the returns show, these pivotal early cardboard representatives of legends defined both the 1980s hobby boom and an investment blueprint followed for generations since.

MOST EXPENSIVE BASEBALL CARDS 2020

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The year 2020 saw some truly record-breaking sales for some of the most iconic and rare baseball cards in the hobby. As interest and collecting of vintage cards has boomed in recent years, prices have skyrocketed for gems dating back to the early 20th century. While the ongoing coronavirus pandemic disrupted many industries and caused economic uncertainty, the trading card market proved remarkably resilient with huge amounts spent on prized possessions. Let’s take a look at some of the top baseball cards that changed hands in 2020 and the staggering prices that were paid.

Coming in at the top of the list is undoubtedly the finest known 1952 Topps Mickey Mantle PSA Gem Mint MT 10. This Holy Grail card is widely considered the pinnacle of the hobby and records its holder as the undisputed King of Cards. In January 2020, it was auctioned off by Heritage Auctions and obliterated all previous baseball card sales records when it closed at a mind-boggling $5.2 million. It became the first trading card of any sport ever to break the $5 million barrier in a single private sale. The buyer chose to remain anonymous but clearly had deep pockets to secure such an incredible piece of sports collectible history. The Mantle ’52 Topps is renowned for its perfect centering, sharp corners and vivid colorful images – making this the finest known example in existence of one of the most important issues in the entire industry. Its $5.2 million figure cement’s it as probably the most valuable sports card period.

Taking the runner up slot is an unprecedented sale that saw two iconic Mickey Mantle rookie cards from 1952 Bowman sell as a package deal in August 2020 through Goldin Auctions. The duo totaled an astounding $2.88 million price tag. Both cards graded PSA Authenticated NM-MT 8 and capture “The Commerce Comet” in his debut Bowman season with the New York Yankees. While not in pristine gem mint condition like the #1 Mantle ’52 Topps, these impeccable vintage rookies from one of the most coveted baseball sets ever still fetched an immense eight-figure sum. The winning bidder was Canadian billionaire and Toronto Blue Jays owner Edward Rogers III, showing the appetite for blue-chip cards remains enormous even at the very highest levels.

Coming in at #3 is a historic card that shattered records for any single rookie card sale – a 1909-11 T206 Honus Wagner. Considered the holy grail find of the hobby, this prestigious early issue of the legendary Pittsburgh Pirates shortstop was auctioned by SCP Auctions in October 2020. Graded PSA Authentic AUTH/EX-MT 6, it sold for a staggering $3.12 million. It’s believed only 60 or so genuine Wagner ‘T206’ rookies are known to exist in collectors hands today due to the rarity of surviving high grade specimens from that pioneering tobacco era. This example exhibited impressive centering and colors for a 110+ year old piece of printed memorabilia. Its sale price is a phenomenal result for such a coveted pioneering cardboard which first took the collecting world by storm over a century ago.

Coming in at #4 is an extremely rare 1933 Goudey Billy Herman rookie card. Graded gem mint PSA 10, it achieved $775,000 through Goldin Auctions in July 2020. The Goudey issue is one of the earliest modern baseball card sets and early 30s rookies command immense sums due to their scarcity and historical importance as many were pulled and destroyed in the depression era. This copy showed superb eye appeal with its razor sharp corners and true registration. An impeccable example of one of the set’s most desired rookie cards from a pivotal time in the hobby’s infancy.

In the fifth position is a high grade 1914 Baltimore News Babe Ruth rookie card. Achieving a final $657,250 selling price through Goldin’s same July auction, this PSA 8.5 specimen reinforced baseball’s first true superstar remains an iconic collectible figure nearly 100 years after his debut. Many key early 20th century stars command six figure sums based purely on raw scarcity with populations often in the low double digits or less. This example is among the nicest surviving copies known. Despite being a tad off mint condition, its fantastic colors and centering for such an ancient issue still netted over half a million dollars.

Rounding off the top 10 sales is a 1906 T206, Jack Chesbro (near-mint to mint PSA 8). The rare Cincinnati Reds hurler achieved $504,000 through Heritage’s same January auction that included the all-time record Mantle Topps. Few pre-WW1 issues reach eight figures nowadays making this Chebro’s solid mid-grade surface one of 2020’s biggest surprises for a non-rookie card. His popularity has increased with collectors over the years to recognize his significance as a historically important player who achieved one of baseball’s first modern pitching stats dominance.

The coronavirus turmoil did little to curb enthusiasm or inflate prices among elite vintage cards in handgraded slabbed holders during 2020. Demand grew stronger as interest boomed especially among new collectors joining the hobby. Records tumbled as never seen before million and multi-million dollar figures became commonplace at the premium graded end of the market. The cards that toppled benchmarks were all impeccably preserved vintage HOF athletes from the earliest decades, underscoring their legend status and finite supply over a century later. Whether the lofty valuations are sustainable remains a topic of debate, but one thing is clear – upper echelon cards reached new heights last year despite broader economic uncertainty elsewhere. Legacy pieces like the iconic Mantle, Ruth, Wagner and more cemented their place in history by shattering all previous prices paid at auction.

So in review, here are the top 5 most expensive baseball cards sold in 2020:

1952 Topps Mickey Mantle PSA 10 – $5.2 million

1952 Topps Mickey Mantle PSA 8 (pair) – $2.88 million

1909-11 T206 Honus Wagner PSA AUTH/EX-MT 6 – $3.12 million

1933 Goudey Billy Herman PSA 10 – $775,000

1914 Baltimore News Babe Ruth PSA 8.5 – $657,250

The record sums dished out illustrate the strength, enthusiasm and passion of today’s high-end trading card collectors. With more new investors entering the bull market every year, these prized pieces of pop culture collectibles seem poised to continue surging to even loftier valuations if maintained in pristine preserved condition. The future remains bright for financially appreciating these tangible relics linked to our sporting heritage.

TOP 50 MOST EXPENSIVE BASEBALL CARDS

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The market for vintage baseball cards has skyrocketed in recent decades. Old cards that were once found in shoe boxes in attics are now highly sought after collectibles that can sell for millions of dollars. While not every old card holds huge value, some of the rarest cards from the early 20th century have become hugely valuable assets. Here’s a look at the 50 most expensive baseball cards ever sold and their record-breaking prices.

1909-11 T206 Honus Wagner – $6.6 million (2016 auction)
Widely considered the most coveted and valuable trading card of all-time, the ultra-rare Wagner card has maintained its position at the top of price charts. Only around 60 examples are known to exist in various conditions.

1952 Topps Mickey Mantle – $5.2 million (2021 auction)
The perfect 10 condition of this Mantle rookie fueled a massive bid that more than doubled the previous record. It remains the most ever paid for a card in a trading card auction.

1909-11 T206 Cabrera Egyptian – $4.2 million (2016 auction)
One of the most visually striking and mysterious T206 cards due to its unusual back image. In 2010, it became the first card to break the $1 million mark.

1933 Goudey #153 Babe Ruth – $5.2 million (2019 private sale)
Considered the best and most iconic baseball card issue dedicated to Babe Ruth, with only about 65 thought to exist in all grades.

1909-11 T206 Johnny Evers – $3.12 million (2016 auction)
Though not a true “star” like Wagner or Ruth, the elusive Evers attracted massive attention due to its high grade and historical significance.

1909-11 T206 Nap Lajoie – $3 million (2016 auction)
Another very rare T206 that jumped in value after breaking the $2 million mark for the first time in 2016. Lajoie was one of the first true baseball superstars.

1952 Topps Mickey Mantle – $2.88 million (2021 private sale)
A PSA NM-MT 8 copy that smashed expectations, highlighting Mantle’s hold as the most valued post-war vintage star.

1909-11 T206 Christy Mathewson – $2.56 million (2013 auction)
High grade “Black Face” examples of this Hall of Famer don’t hit the auction block often, contributing to its record price.

1909-11 T206 Ty Cobb – $2.44 million (2016 auction)
Considered one of the three most desirable T206 subject cards along with Wagner and Mathewson due to Cobb’s legendary playing career and fame.

1952 Topps Mickey Mantle – $2.4 million (2021 private sale)
Another scarce and high grade Mantle rookie that sold privately within months of the $5.2 million record-setter.

1909-11 T206 Ed Walsh – $1.84 million (2019 auction)
The priciest example of the famously tough pitcher who dominated in the early MLB years and had one of the lowest print runs on a T206.

1909-11 T206 Joe Tinker – $1.76 million (2013 auction)
High grades of this key member of the immortal Tinker-to-Evers-to-Chance double play combo are exceedingly rare and valuable.

1914 Cracker Jack Eddie Plank – $1.62 million (2013 auction)
A standout grade and centering example of Plank, a top pitcher of the Deadball Era and one of the rarest Cracker Jack issued cards overall.

1909-11 T206 Sherry Magee – $1.13 million (2017 auction)
One of the more condition-sensitive T206 subjects that realized a major price with strong eye appeal and scarce high quality.

1909-11 T206 Doc Powers – $1.056 million (2019 auction)
Among the most historically important yet obscure T206s, with low print numbers making quality copies enormously scarce.

1909-11 T206 Billy Sullivan – $864,000 (2013 auction)
One of the true “sleepers” of the T206 set that exploded in value due to strong eye appeal and outstanding centering for the issue.

1933 Goudey #171 Jimmie Foxx – $796,800 (2013 auction)
An absolutely pristine copy of one of the key sluggers from the Goudey set’s early years of production.

1909-11 T206 Rube Waddell – $792,000 (2012 auction)
Captured attention for its quality, with Waddell one of the rowdier personalities and dominant pitchers in the Deadball Era.

1933 Goudey #130 Lefty Grove – $744,000 (2014 private sale)
In terms of the most important pitchers from this iconic set, Grove’s card is exceeded in value only by Babe Ruth at the time.

1952 Topps Mickey Mantle – $720,000 (2015 auction)
While not quite “gem mint”, this scarce early Mantle rookie still brought a huge total due to strongEye appeal and its historic significance.

1933 Goudey #110 Eddie Collins – $696,000 (2011 private sale)
One of the true “big boppers” of the deadball era, Collins’ offensive prowess translated to high demand for his classic Goudey.

1909-11 T206 Chief Meyers – $660,000 (2017 auction)
An incredible near-gem that became the highest price paid for an issued example of the elusive catcher.

1909-11 T206 Sherry Magee – $612,000 (2019 auction)
Another prime example of the difficult-to-grade Magee that found a ready buyer due to strong visual quality.

1952 Topps Mickey Mantle – $567,500 (2013 auction)
An early example that still netted a large total despite grading as a low-end Near Mint due to its place in collecting lore.

1909-11 T206 Cy Young – $528,000 (2015 auction)
Captured at auction was a pristine PSA NM-MT 8 copy of the famed hurler and pioneer player from baseball’s early years.

1951 Bowman Color Mickey Mantle – $480,000 (2013 private sale)
The finest graded of the legendary switch-hitter’s color debut, considered the true “holy grail” of post-war Mantle cards.

1933 Goudey #81 Dizzy Dean – $456,000 (2011 auction)
One of the most visually striking rookie cards in the set, with Dean’s outsized personality adding to its appeal.

1909-11 T206 Bobby Wallace – $456,000 (2018 auction)
One of the truly “obscure” T206 players, this standout Wallace example shattered expectations with seven figures.

1938 Play Ball Hank Greenberg – $408,000 (2010 auction)
The high-quality “baboon behind” variation makes this one of the most significant and conditioned examples known.

1909-11 T206 Sherry Magee – $384,000 (2018 auction)
Continuing the trend of Magee’s card fetching big money in top grades scarce in the marketplace.

1952 Topps Roberto Clemente – $384,000 (2017 auction)
A true “gem mint” 10 copy of the Hall of Famer’s scarce but hugely popular 1952 rookie issue.

1914 Cracker Jack Eddie Plank – $336,000 (2012 auction)
Displaying attributes near the tops of the desirable scale for this early 20th century tobacco issue.

1951 Bowman Color Willie Mays – $312,000 (2012 auction)
Captured at a record price for the “Say Hey Kid’s” early, vibrantly designed color depiction.

1933 Goudey #74 Jimmie Foxx – $300,000 (2011 auction)
Glowing attributes earned this example of the slugging Hall of Famer’s rookie card a huge price.

1933 Goudey #62 Lou Gehrig – $288,000 (2009 auction)
At the time it set the record for any non-sports card, a true mint lou Gehrig rookie.

1909-11 T206 Claude Willoughby – $276,000 (2015 auction)
One of the toughest T206s to acquire in high grades made this an important condition rarity.

1933 Goudey #139 Lefty Gomez – $264,000 (2016 private sale)
A flawless presentation of the star hurler’s cardboard rookie captured a record sum.

1914 Cracker Jack Eddie Plank – $240,000 (2016 private sale)
The condition elite example of the rare tobacco brand rookie brought a huge payday.

1933 Goudey #53 Leroy ‘Satchel’ Paige – $240,000 (2012 private sale)
One of the finest Murad issue Paige cards known, before his debut in

MOST EXPENSIVE 1991 FLEER BASEBALL CARDS

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The 1991 Fleer baseball card set is considered one of the most iconic and valuable issues in the modern era of collecting. While the design was somewhat basic and lacked color photography compared to rivals like Topps, several factors contributed to key cards from this set skyrocketing in worth.Released at the tail end of the junk wax era, the 1991 Fleer set paradoxically contains some of the costliest hobby investments nearly 30 years later. Let’s examine the top five most valuable 1991 Fleer cards and why each commands a premium price in the marketplace.

Coming in at the #5 spot is the Ken Griffey Jr. rookie card. Widely considered one of the best prospects in baseball history, Griffey lived up to the hype with a surefire Hall of Fame career. His rookie is one of the most iconic in the modern era and remains a must-have for any collection. In pristine mint condition, Griffey’s ‘91 Fleer RC has sold for over $10,000 at auction. What makes it so desirable is its subtleness – featuring basic black and white photo against a blue backdrop. This understated design has aged very well compared to many flashy ‘90s cards.

Taking the #4 position is Barry Bonds’ rookie card from the ‘91 Fleer set. Like Griffey, Bonds established himself as one of the game’s all-time greats and his early career RC is a key piece of memorabilia chronicling his legendary journey. Bonds’ card boasts similarly strong investment potential as the Griffey with a PSA 10 example bringing in excess of $12,000. Its sturdy design stands the test of time and significance of the player pictured makes it a target for serious collectors.

Cracking the top three is perhaps the biggest surprise – Bucky Dent’s card from ‘91 Fleer. As a role player late in his career, Dent is a decidedly obscure subject for a high-end baseball card. It was discovered quite recently that only 24 copies of his card were ever printed, making it the undisputed rareity among collectors. Just finding any Dent card is an accomplishment and in a pristine PSA 10 grade, just a single sale in 2020 brought an astounding $97,500 price tag. Scarcity trumps all for this truly one-of-a-kind piece of cardboard.

Taking the runner up spot is none other than Nolan Ryan, iconic for his pitching prowess and longevity playing until age 46. Ryan’s ‘91 Fleer RC is one of the most iconic and cherished in the entire hobby. Like Griffey and Bonds, his on-field greatness is matched by strong card demand many years after his playing days ended. The sheer staring power and history behind Ryan makes any near-mint example worth big money – a pristien PSA 10 specimen bringing $150,000 back in 2016.

And finally, coming in at #1 is the undisputed heavyweight champion – Ken Griffey Jr. PSA 10 rookie. As the crown jewel of any collection and perhaps the most desirable baseball card ever produced, mint Griffey rookie prices have absolutely exploded in recent years. Just a handful of bidding wars have taken place for pristine copies with the figures climbing each time – $100K in 2014, $222K in 2016, and an astonishing $3.12 million shattering all records in 2021. With its simplicity and subject truly transcending the hobby, Griffey’s ’91 Fleer rookie is what all collectors dream of owning and its value may continue appreciating exponentially for years to come.

In closing, the 1991 Fleer baseball set provides a fascinating case study of how certain ‘junk wax era’ cards can emerge as iconic, valuable investments decades later. While printed with immense volume initially, rare factors like player achievement, subtle designs, and conditon scarcity have rocketed select cards from this issue past six figures. For savvy investors and collectors, it pays to do research on even seemingly mundane early 90s cardboard – you never know when a true blue chip sleeper may be lurking within.

EXPENSIVE 1990 BASEBALL CARDS

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The 1990 baseball card season featured some of the most valuable rookie cards of all-time. While the late 80s boom was starting to fade, 1990 still had plenty of star power entering their early careers. Several of the rookies from the ’90 set would go on to have Hall of Fame caliber careers and their rookie cards remain highly sought after by collectors today. Let’s take a look at some of the most expensive and desirable 1990 baseball cards on the market.

Perhaps the most well-known and valuable 1990 rookie card is that of Ken Griffey Jr. Coming off back-to-back Rookie of the Year awards in 1989 and 1990, Griffey was already establishing himself as a superstar outfielder for the Seattle Mariners. His 1990 Upper Deck rookie card quickly became one of the most iconic in the hobby. Griffey’s smooth left-handed swing and effortless defense made him a fan favorite. In pristine mint condition, Griffey’s 1990 Upper Deck RC now commands prices upwards of $10,000. PSA 10 examples have even been known to sell for over $25,000. The card captured Griffey at the beginning of what would become a surefire Hall of Fame career hitting over 600 home runs.

Another star outfielder who debuted in 1990 was Barry Bonds. While with the Pittsburgh Pirates, Bonds posted an impressive .293 batting average with 33 home runs and 76 RBI in his rookie campaign, finishing third in the NL Rookie of the Year voting. His 1990 Bowman rookie card has become extremely valuable for collectors. High grade PSA 9 copies can sell for $2,000-3,000, while a PSA 10 is worth $5,000 or more. What makes the Bonds rookie even more desirable is his transition to the San Francisco Giants later in his career where he shattered the single season home run record.

Pitching prospects can also yield valuable rookie cards. One of the most successful hurlers of the 1990s was Pedro Martinez. As an unheralded rookie for the Los Angeles Dodgers in 1990, Martinez posted a 4-1 record with a 2.61 ERA in 13 games. His rookie card from 1990 Fleer and Score brands have increased steadily in value over the years. A PSA 9 of either is worth $800-1,000 currently. Martinez would go on to win three Cy Young Awards during his illustrious career.

Other notable rookies from the 1990 season with valuable cards include Jeff Bagwell, Moises Alou, and Gregg Jefferies. Bagwell smacked 15 home runs in only 56 games for the Houston Astros after being called up late in 1990. His rookie cards from Score, Studio and Fleer sell for $400-600 graded PSA/BGS 9. Alou had a solid rookie campaign with Montreal, batting .286 in 109 games. High grade copies of his 1990 Score RC change hands for $300-400. Jefferies was one of baseball’s top prospects in 1990 for the New York Mets organization. While he didn’t live up to expectations, his rookie cards from Score and Studio still attract collectors bidding $200-300 for PSA 9s.

Rookie cards aren’t the only cards that increased in value from the 1990 set either. Veterans and established stars also had popular cards that hold value today. Nolan Ryan’s last major league card came in 1990 Donruss, depicting him as a Texas Ranger at age 43. High grade copies of this iconic “farewell” card sell for $150-250. Rickey Henderson’s 1990 Upper Deck card, showing him stealing a base for the Oakland A’s, has become a fan favorite. PSA 10 examples can be found for $75-100. And Roberto Alomar’s 1990 Score RC Update card, after winning Rookie of the Year in 1988, has gained steady appreciation grading PSA 9 at $50-75.

While the baseball card market began cooling off from the peak 1980s speculation era, the 1990 season still produced some all-time valuable rookie cards. Headlined by the high-flying careers of Ken Griffey Jr., Barry Bonds, and Pedro Martinez, their early cardboard collectibles remain highly sought after by investors and enthusiasts alike. Even 30 years later, mint condition copies of stars from the 1990 set continue appreciating in value as the players’ on-field accomplishments become cemented in baseball history. For avid collectors, selecting a raw or graded example from this vintage season makes for a worthwhile long-term holding.