The 1990 Topps baseball card set was one of the most highly anticipated issues of the late 80s and early 90s baseball card boom. With the popularity of the sport and collecting at an all-time high, it was a banner year for the venerable Topps brand.
While not the flashiest design compared to some of the sets that came before and after it from competitors like Fleer and Donruss, the 1990 Topps set featured many star players and rookies that have stood the test of time. Understanding the values of specific cards from this 700+ card release nearly 30 years later can provide collectors with insights.
Some key facts about the 1990 Topps baseball card issue that had an impact on the longterm values of the cards include:
It was the 59th year Topps had the MLB license and produced cards despite competition.
The design featured a modernized look from the prior years with cleaner fonts and graphics on a white background.
Players were featured individually instead of integral team photos used in the late 80s Topps releases.
The large set size of over 700 cards meant production numbers were high for most regular base cards.
Rookie cards of future Hall of Famers like Jeff Bagwell, Craig Biggio, and Frank Thomas were included in the set.
In the years since its release, certain cards have maintained or increased in value due to several factors:
Star Player Rarity
The flagship stars of the era like Ken Griffey Jr., Nolan Ryan, and Cal Ripken Jr. had low print runs for their basic base cards despite the large set. Serialized #/700 cards fetch a premium, with a Griffey Jr. in mint condition recently selling for over $1,000.
Hall of Fame Rookies
The rookie cards of Bagwell, Biggio, and Thomas remain hot commodities for Hall of Fame collections. Even well-worn copies can sell for $50-100 due to their significance, with gem mint examples cracking the $1,000 mark.
Short Print Variations
Topps is known for sneaking unannounced short print and parallel cards into flagships sets to create scarcities. 1990 had over a dozen such SPs, with a Ken Griffey Jr. variation recently selling for over $3,000 in near-mint state.
Uniform, Action Shot Variations
While common, cards showing alternate uniforms, action shots versus posed portraits create subsets for collectors. A Nolan Ryan action shot sold for $700 graded near mint recently.
Error Cards
Errors in photography, statistics or production create anomalies. A Frank Thomas missing the suffix ‘Jr.’ on his name plate sold for close to $4,000 graded recently.
The values of the 1990 Topps cards 30 years later really depend on the individual cards and their conditions. Outside of true gems, most common base rookie cards can be acquired in played conditions for $5-20. Star veterans range from $10-50 based on supply. Understanding what made certain subsets scarcer creates opportunity for savvy collectors. The history and quality of the photography, combined with the talent captured, ensure the 1990 Topps set maintains relevance for years to come. For players and enthusiasts of when the card boom was in full swing, it remains one of the most collectible issues from that era.
