The 1990 Fleer baseball card set is considered one of the most valuable issues from the modern era. With rookie cards of future Hall of Famers and short printed cards, there are several standouts that can fetch big money from collectors. Let’s take an in-depth look at some of the most valuable 1990 Fleer cards.
Ken Griffey Jr. Rookie Card – Widely considered one of the most iconic rookie cards ever, Griffey’s 1990 Fleer issue debuted “The Kid” on the national stage. Even in low grades, it can sell for hundreds. High-end copies in mint condition have reached over $10,000 at auction due to Griffey’s amazing career and popularity. The card features fantastic action photography of a young Griffey swinging the bat.
Roberto Alomar Rookie Card – Alomar enjoyed a successful career that will likely land him in Cooperstown someday. His 1990 Fleer rookie is the most sought after of his early issues. High-grade copies have sold for over $1,000. The card depicts “Mr. Robot” fielding a ground ball and shows why he won 10 Gold Gloves at second base.
Frank Thomas Rookie Card – “The Big Hurt” exploded onto the scene in 1990 with his powerful left-handed bat. His rookie card from Fleer is a highly valuable issue, especially in top condition. Near-mint to mint copies have reached $500-$1,000 at auction. The photography on this popular White Sox rookie card captures Thomas in the batter’s box.
Jeff Bagwell Rookie Card – Bagwell was a late bloomer who broke out in 1991, but his rookie season was actually 1990. This makes his 1990 Fleer issue one of the most desirable. Pristine examples have sold for over $800. The card highlights Bags taking a rip at the plate early in his Houston Astros career.
Ken Griffey Sr. 1990 Update Card – The base 1990 Fleer set did not include a card for Griffey Sr., so collectors were delighted when Fleer released updated sheets later in the year with a card for him. Only about 100 of these short printed cards survived intact, making it one of the true keys from the set. Just a few known copies exist today. When one hits the market, it can sell for over $10,000.
Cal Ripken Jr. GQ Visa Giveaway Promo – In 1990, General Mills produced this rare Ripken Cal Ripken Jr. promo card that could be redeemed for a Visa gift certificate. Very few survived in unredeemed condition. Just a couple mint specimens are known to exist. Last year, one trophy copy was acquired at auction for a staggering $27,500, showing how coveted Ripken’s early issues have become.
Barry Bonds 1986 Donruss/Topps Reprint Rookie Card – Bonds has one of the flukiest rookie card histories in baseball. Fleer missed his true 1986 Topps/Donruss RC, then reprinted his image on its 1990 update sheets. These reprints are highly sought after rookie cards in their own right today. A choice copy could sell for over $1,000.
Rickey Henderson Super Short Print – Rickey Henderson was already a star when this 1990 Fleer card was issued, but a stunningly short printed variation makes it a true keys card from the set. Uses a photograph not seen elsewhere. Just a handful are reported to exist and it may be the rarest card from the entire 1990 Fleer release when condition is factored in. Specimens that surface often sell above the $3,000 mark.
Kevin Maas Supersub Short Print – Maas had a nice rookie season in 1990 with the New York Yankees, but wasn’t able to sustain his early power production. This mistake card from Fleer features the incorrect “supersub” subtitle and was issued in extremely low quantities before being pulled. One of the most coveted Fluke or Short Print cards from the 1980s/1990s era. Can see bids well north of $2,000 when offered.
That wraps up some of the true blue chip cards from the 1990 Fleer baseball set. As future Hall of Famers like Griffey, Ripken, and Bagwell approach the end of their careers, interest in their early rookie cards will likely continue to trend upwards. The 1990 Fleer issue provides access to some of the most beloved players during their early years at reasonable prices compared to their true rookie cards. With flashy photography, rookies of legends, and short printed anomalies, it’s easy to see why this 29-year old release remains a vibrant part of the modern collecting landscape.
