The 1990 Topps baseball card set is considered one of the most valuable issues from the late 1980s and early 1990s. While it did not feature any rookie cards of future Hall of Famers, the ’90 Topps set contained several scarce and coveted cards that have increased greatly in value over the past 30 years. Let’s take a look at some of the most valuable individual cards collectors chased from the 1990 Topps baseball card set.
Ken Griffey Jr. – At just 20 years old in 1990, Griffey Jr. was already one of the game’s brightest young stars with back-to-back All-Star selections under his belt to begin his MLB career. Naturally, his coveted rookie card from the 1989 Upper Deck set is amongst the most valuable ever issued. His flagship Topps rookie from 1990 is also highly sought after by collectors. Griffey’s smooth left-handed swing and athleticism allowed him to hit with both power and speed early on. In pristine mint condition, his ’90 Topps rookie card can sell for over $1,000.
Barry Bonds – While Bonds had already appeared in Topps sets since 1985, his 1990 card is notable for featuring what would become his signature slicked-back hairstyle from the latter half of his career. By 1990, Bonds was in his athletic prime with the Pittsburgh Pirates and coming off an MVP season. Well-centered examples of his ’90 Topps card in near-mint or better condition have sold at auction for $500-700 in recent years due to his legendary career stats and hometown Pittsburgh fan base.
Nolan Ryan – Arguably the hardest thrower in baseball history, Ryan was still churning out blistering fastballs for the Texas Rangers at age 43 in 1990. His iconic thick brows and intense stare perfectly capture his intimidating presence on the mound. The Hall of Famer’s ’90 Topps card is highly desirable for collectors across all levels as one of the set’s most recognizable images. Mint copies have sold for well over $100.
Ken Hill – Drafted 8th overall by the Montreal Expos in 1988, Hill made his MLB debut in 1989 and showed ace-level potential as a power lefty. Unfortunately, injuries would derail his career after just six seasons. As a promising young Expo starter in 1990, his rookie card from that year is quite scarce in high grades. Near-mint Hill rookies have sold for around $200.
Dennis Martinez – On July 28, 1991, Martinez of the Montreal Expos made baseball history by throwing the 13th perfect game in MLB annals. A year prior in 1990, Topps photographers captured “El Presidente” mid-windup for the Expos. His iconic thick mustache and intense focus made for a memorable card image years before his perfecto. Higher graded versions have sold for $75-125.
Cal Ripken Jr. – While Ripken’s rookie card from 1981 is his most famous, his 1990 Topps issue also holds value due to his consecutive games played streak and iron man status with the Baltimore Orioles. With over 3,000 hits already to his name, Ripken was one of baseball’s premier shortstops in the late 80s/early 90s. Near-mint copies have sold in the $50 range.
Roberto Alomar – Widely considered one of the greatest second basemen ever, Alomar’s 1990 rookie card with the San Diego Padres shows why he won a Gold Glove in just his second MLB season. At just 22 years old, his smooth skills were already evident. Well-centered rookie cards have reached $75-$100 in strong condition.
Jeff Bagwell – Bagwell wouldn’t make his MLB debut until 1991, but collectors knew his pedigree as a first-round pick of the Boston Red Sox in 1989. His rookie card appearance in the 1990 Topps set foreshadowed his Rookie of the Year campaign and career as an All-Star slugging first baseman for Houston. Pristine examples have topped $150.
While it lacks rookie cards of future Hall of Famers, the 1990 Topps baseball card set remains a highly collectible vintage issue thanks to memorable images of stars like Griffey Jr., Bonds, Ripken and more. Strong conditioned copies of the above keys continue to attract avid collectors nearly three decades later.
