The 1990 Topps baseball card set is considered one of the most valuable issues from the modern era.Released in the early 90s during baseball’s “junk wax” period, many of the cards from this set hold significant value today due to star players and key rookie cards. While it may not contain the highest priced individual cards, the 1990 Topps set as a whole possesses strong collectability. Let’s take a closer look at some of the most valuable 1990 Topps baseball cards that continue to demand high prices in the hobby.

Ken Griffey Jr. Rooke: Widely considered the most coveted rookie card from the ’90s, the Ken Griffey Jr. rookie is still one of the most valuable cards in the entire set. Often compared to the iconic Mickey Mantle rookie, Griffey’s debut Topps issue shows him in a Mariners uniform during his early career in Seattle. High grades of this card regularly sell for thousands of dollars. A PSA 10 Pop 1 copy achieved a record-setting auction price of over $340,000. Even well-centered raw copies still fetch prices into the hundreds. Griffey’s superstar career only adds to the significance and demand for this truly brilliant rookie.

Frank Thomas Rookie: Like Griffey, Frank Thomas also had a Hall of Fame caliber career making his rookie card highly sought after as well. The “Big Hurt” was pictured as a member of the White Sox on his Topps debut and it remains one of the key rookies from the late 80s/early 90s period. Graded PSA 10 examples change hands for $5,000-$10,000 fairly consistently. Raw copies in excellent condition still demand $200-$500 in today’s market. Thomas’ powerful bat and impressive stats at the plate enhance the collector value of his ’90 Topps rookie dramatically over the years.

Chipper Jones Rookie: While not as expensive as Griffey or Thomas, the Chipper Jones 1990 Topps rookie still holds great value given his outstanding 19-year career entirely spent with the Atlanta Braves. The smooth-swinging third baseman burst onto the scene and went on to put together a potential Hall of Fame resume. High end PSA 10 grades sell in the $2,000-$4,000 range. Even well-centered raw versions fetch $100s. Jones’ iconic status in Atlanta and his stellar .303 career batting average make this a continually strong-selling rookie in the set.

Randy Johnson Rookie: Standing at an imposing 6’10”, Randy Johnson intimidated batters like few others during his magnificent career. His 1990 Topps rookie card picturing him with the Montreal Expos remains a key issue thanks to “The Big Unit’s” 5 Cy Young Awards and future Hall of Fame induction. PSA 10 copies typically sell between $1,500-$3,000 at auction. Even lower graded examples still achieve $100s due to Johnson’s historic career achievements as one of the game’s most dominating pitchers ever.

Barry Bonds Rookie: Though not his true “rookie” since Bonds previously appeared in the 1986 Topps Traded set, his more widely available 1990 Topps issue showing the young slugger with the Pittsburgh Pirates is still considered one of his key early cards. Bonds would go on to smash the all-time home run record and revolutionize the game with his power surge in the late 90s/early 2000s. PSA 10 examples have sold as high as $4,000 while lower grades still demand $1,000+. Even controversial on and off the field, Bonds’ home run exploits keep collectors drawn to this card.

Nolan Ryan Update: One of the most famous pictures in hobby history, the 1990 Topps Traded Nolan Ryan update card captured Ryan’s 7th no-hitter and stands as the crown jewel of any collection. Over 35 years after it was issued, PSA 10 copies still sell for upwards of $15,000 routinely due to Ryan’s record-setting career no-hit performance total. Even lower graded examples in the PSA 8-9 range change hands for $5,000+. It’s arguably the single most valuable non-rookie card from the entire ’90s era.

So while not loaded with true rookie stars on the level of vintage ’50s/’60s sets, the 1990 Topps baseball issue holds immense value headlined by career defining rookie cards of future Hall of Famers like Griffey, Frank Thomas, and Chipper Jones. Powerhouse issues like the Bonds and Randy Johnson remain desirable as do true one-of-a-kind historical milestone cards like Nolan Ryan’s no-hitter update. For ’90s era collectors, this Topps set delivers an impressive mix of memorable rookies and iconic veterans that will likely retain value far into the future.