The 1990 Donruss baseball set is considered one of the most iconic and valuable issues in the company’s history. Releasing cards for flagship stars of the late 80s and early 90s like Ken Griffey Jr., Nolan Ryan, and Cal Ripken Jr., this 736-card set captured some of the biggest names and performances in the game at the peak of the baseball card boom. While common cards from the set today sell for under $1 in worn condition, the best of the best have skyrocketed to six and even seven-figure valuations for pristine, gem mint examples. Here are the top 10 most valuable 1990 Donruss baseball cards based on PSA 10 population statistics and recent auction prices:
Ken Griffey Jr. (card #1)
Arguably the most popular rookie card of the modern baseball card era, Griffey’s 1990 Donruss rookie is a grail card for any collector. Fueling demand is Griffey’s iconic swing, brilliant smile, and Hall of Fame career. PSA 10 pop: 574. Recent PSA 10 sales: $2,500-$3,500.
Nolan Ryan (card #332)
Ryan was in the later stages of his legendary career with the Texas Rangers in 1990 but still throwing heat. His imposing stare and huge stats make this one highly sought after. PSA 10 pop: 862. Recent PSA 10 sales: $3,000-$4,000.
Cal Ripken Jr. (card #73)
Ripken was already a two-time AL MVP and fixture at shortstop for the Orioles by 1990. His infamous consecutive games played streak also contributed to his popularity. PSA 10 pop: 897. Recent PSA 10 sales: $3,500-$4,500.
Barry Bonds (card #211)
Bonds’ prodigious power was just starting to emerge in Pittsburgh in 1990. Collectorsrecognize this as perhaps his most affordable rookie card before skyrocketing stats drove values much higher in the late 90s. PSA 10 pop: 553. Recent PSA 10 sales: $4,000-$5,000.
Frank Thomas (card #93)
Nicknamed “The Big Hurt,” Thomas smashed 53 home runs in 1990 shortly before this rookie card was issued. He went on to a Hall of Fame career and 500-home run club membership. PSA 10 pop: 305. Recent PSA 10 sales: $5,000-$7,000.
Kirby Puckett (card #153)
The beloved Twins star won his second of two Batting Titles in 1990 and first of two World Series titles shortly after. This issue remains one of the best showcase cards of the elite outfielder at his apex. PSA 10 pop: 471. Recent PSA 10 sales: $7,500-$9,500.
Jeff Bagwell (card #339)
Bagwell’s monster rookie season fueled excitement around his 1990 Donruss issue. His 449 career home runs have since made it one of the premier rookie cards from the era. PSA 10 pop: 312. Recent PSA 10 sales: $9,000-$11,000.
Derek Jeter (card #312)
Widely considered the foremost rookie card from the ‘golden age’ of cards, Jeter entered the league as a phenom shortstop. Icon status and five World Series rings have elevated values. PSA 10 pop: 211. Recent PSA 10 sales: $12,500-$15,000.
Ken Griffey Jr. (1989 Upper Deck RC, PSA 10)
While not truly part of the 1990 Donruss set, Junior’s ultra-rare 1989 Upper Deck RC shares top honors. Less than 50 PSA 10 examples are known to exist. Auction prices have hit $340,000.
Frank Thomas (1989 Leaf RC, PSA 10)
An even rarer find is Thomas’ elusive 1989 Leaf RC, with under 10 PSA 10s in existence. A copy brought $468,000 at auction in 2021, making it among the costliest modern sportscards ever.
The 1990 Donruss baseball set endures as a snapshot of perhaps the most storied era in the game’s history. Stars like Griffey, Thomas, Ripken, and Bonds cemented legends while rookies like Bagwell and Jeter blazed new trails. Fueled by unprecedented demand from collectors, select elite examples have reached six figures and shown no signs of slowing in appreciation over the past 30 years. The cards featuring these talented players continue to display timeless designs that evoke nostalgia for baseball’s peak popularity period.
