The 1990 Topps baseball card set was the 69th edition of Topps’ flagship baseball card release. It featured 792 total cards covering players, managers, umpires and retired greats from both the American and National Leagues. While not quite as iconic or valuable as some older sets from the late 1980s, the 1990 Topps issue featured several all-time greats and future Hall of Famers in their baseball primes. Let’s take a look at the 25 most valuable and sought-after cards from the 1990 Topps set based on demand from collectors.

Coming in at #25 is the card of Bobby Bonilla, the outfielder for the Pittsburgh Pirates at the time. Although not a true superstar, Bonilla was a steady power hitter in the late 1980s and early 1990s. His 1990 Topps card in near mint condition typically sells for around $15-20.

At #24 is the rookie card of Gregg Olson, the dominant closer for the Baltimore Orioles in the late 80s/early 90s. Olson established himself as one of baseball’s top relievers and would be named to three All-Star teams in the 1990s. His rookie card doesn’t have huge demand but still fetches $20-25 for collectors.

The #23 spot goes to the card of Barry Larkin, the talented shortstop for the Cincinnati Reds. Larkin was already an established star by 1990, having won the NL MVP award in 1995. His card sells in the $20-30 range.

One of the top pitchers of the 1980s, this #22 card features Dodgers ace Orel Hershiser at the height of his powers. Coming off a record 59 consecutive scoreless innings in 1988, Hershiser’s 1990 Topps is a staple for Dodger collector’s and sells for $25-30.

Holding down the #21 position is the rookie card of future Hall of Famer Greg Maddux, who was just breaking in with the Chicago Cubs in 1990. Despite modest stats his first few seasons, Maddux would go on to have one of the greatest pitching careers ever. His rookie card recently trades hands for $25-35.

At #20 is the card depicting Cincinnati Reds first baseman Chris Sabo, the 1988 NL Rookie of the Year. Sabo was a feared power hitter and slick fielder in Cincinnati’s lineup throughout the late 80s and early 90s. This well-known Reds star from the set fetches $30-40.

Taking the #19 spot is Bob Welch, the durable right-hander who anchored the Oakland A’s pitching staff for much of the late 1980s. Welch won 27 games and the AL Cy Young award in 1990, making this one of his better known cards from the decade. Value has settled in the $30-40 range.

One of the biggest stars of the 1980s claims the #18 position – Jeff Reardon, the hard-throwing closer who dominated as the setup man for the Montreal Expos. After saving 44 games in 1989, Reardon’s dominance and legendary fastball made this a standout card in the set. Priced around $35-45.

The #17 card features slugging third baseman Mike Schmidt, who was entering his final season with the Philadelphia Phillies in 1990. Schmidt remained one of baseball’s top sluggers despite his advancing age, making this a memorable issue for Phillies collectors. Values are $35-50.

Rob Dibble takes the #16 spot with his rookie card from 1990 Topps. The flame-throwing Reds righty struck out 98 batters in his rookie year and would go on to rack up 86 career saves. Highly sought by Cincinnati fans, this RC recently trades for $40-50.

Considered one of the premier third basemen of the 1980s and 1990s, this #15 card showcases Matt Williams of the San Francisco Giants. A perennial 30+ home run threat, Williams’ card is popular with Giants collectors and sells in the $40-60 range.

An iconic offensive force of the late 80s Baltimore Orioles, #14 goes to catcher Mickey Tettleton. Although off to a slow start in 1990, Tettleton clubbed 34 homers the prior year and his thunderous bat made this card a standout. Fetches $45-65 for collectors.

At #13 is pitcher Bret Saberhagen of the Kansas City Royals. Coming off back-to-back Cy Young awards in 1989, Saberhagen was one of baseball’s biggest pitching stars in 1990. This popular issue for Royal’s fans fetches $50-70.

Edging into the Top 12 is #12 – Cecil Fielder of the Detroit Tigers. Fielder was coming into his own as a premier slugger in 1990, cracking 51 home runs. Highly sought by Tiger’s collectors, this card sells for $50-75.

One of the most imposing sluggers ever, this #11 card depicts Oakland A’s designated hitter Dave Parker at the peak of his powers. Parker still slugged over .500 despite his age, making this a highlight issue from the iconic slugger. Priced around $60-80.

The #10 card depicts Toronto Blue Jays star George Bell, fresh off capturing the AL MVP award in 1987. Bell was still one of baseball’s most feared power threats in 1990. A key issue for Canadian collectors, this card trades for $70-90.

An all-time great still in his prime, this #9 card features Reds superstar Barry Larkin. Already a three-time All-Star by 1990, Larkin would go on to win the NL MVP the following season. His card holds value at $75-100+.

Holding down the #8 spot is Phillies starting pitcher Terry Mulholland, who had just come off a breakout 1989 campaign. Mulholland became a workhorse for Philly in the late 80s/early 90s, making this a strong issue. Recently sells for $80-110.

The #7 card depicts Dodgers star catcher Mike Scioscia, who was coming off back-to-back All-Star appearances for L.A. Although better known for his defense, Scioscia was a highly sought piece for Dodgers collectors. Fetches $85-125 nowadays.

One of the most feared hitters in the late 1980s, #6 belongs to Yankees slugger Don Mattingly. Despite major back issues, Mattingly still smacked 22 home runs in 1990. This iconic Yankee with trademark mustache has maintained value of $100-150.

The #5 card is Cincinnati Reds slugger Paul O’Neill, who was coming into his own as a premier offensive force. O’Neill cracked 27 homers in 1990 on his way to 5 All-Star nods. His star power in Cincy makes this a $125-175 card.

Considered one of the best hitters ever, #4 honors Reds first baseman Hal Morris, who was coming off 30+ HR seasons in 1988-89. Although injuries slowed him in 1990, Morris delivered huge numbers in his peak years. A key Reds star, this card brings $150-200.

Often considered the greatest closer ever, the #3 card depicts Dodgers flamethrower Todd Worrell, who racked up a career-high 44 saves in 1990. Worrell’s dominance and filthy stuff made him a star, and his card remains highly sought at $175-250.

One of the iconic hurlers of the late 80s, the #2 card depicts Roger Clemens firing away for the Boston Red Sox. Still entrenched in his prime, Clemens’ legendary stuff and pitching prowess make this a true gem worth $200-300.

And finally, at the very top of 1990 Topps collectibility and value is – the rookie card of Frank Thomas, who was just breaking in with the Chicago White Sox. Thomas went on to have one of the greatest hitting careers ever, making his RC among the most coveted in the hobby. This premier issue easily brings $300-400+ slabs and remains a true treasure for collectors.

While not the most expensive vintage baseball card set, the 1990 Topps issue featured several future Hall of Famers and all-time greats at the peak of their powers. For team collectors, several iconic stars from that era are well represented too. Overall it provides a true snapshot of the talented players who graced the diamond in 1990.