The 1988 Donruss baseball card set is considered one of the most valuable sets from the late 1980s due to several highly sought after rookie cards and star players included. While most common cards from the set hold little value, there are a number of cards that can fetch hundreds or even thousands of dollars depending on condition.
One of the most valuable rookie cards from 1988 Donruss is Ken Griffey Jr. as a Seattle Mariner. Considered one of the greatest players of all time, Griffey’s rookie card is near the top of many collectors’ want lists. In near mint to mint condition, graded by the top card grading firms like PSA or Beckett, Griffey’s rookie regularly sells for $400-500. Higher graded copies in the PSA 9-10 range can reach $1000+. Even in just lightly played condition straight out of a pack, Griffey rookies usually sell for $150-250. The card is so desirable that even worn, played copies still get bids in the $50-100 range showing its lasting popularity.
Another huge star rookie from 1988 Donruss is Toronto Blue Jays pitcher David Cone. Cone went on to win 194 games in his career and his rookie card is highly sought after by both Jays and baseball card collectors. In top PSA 8-10 condition, Cone rookies sell between $250-400. Lightly played and graded PSA 7 copies reach the $100-150 range. Like Griffey, even low grade Cone rookies in worn condition still attract attention and sell for $50-75 prices.
Hall of Famer Ozzie Smith’s star was really rising in 1988 as he took home the NL MVP award and his Donruss card reflects his burgeoning star status. In near mint to mint grades, a PSA 9-10 Smith sells for around $150-250. Lower grades still command $75-150 prices. Other star players whose 1988 Donruss cards hold value inclue Mark McGwire ($100-300 PSA 9-10), Nolan Ryan ($75-200 PSA 9-10), and Dwight Gooden ($50-150 PSA 9-10).
Rookies of other future stars like Wally Joyner ($50-150 PSA 9-10), Gregg Olson ($50-150 PSA 9-10) and Scott Erickson ($35-100 PSA 9-10) also sell well in top grades showing how deep the rookie class was in 1988 Donruss. Star returning veterans like Jose Canseco ($50-150 PSA 9-10), Don Mattingly ($50-150 PSA 9-10) and Mike Schmidt ($50-150 PSA 9-10) round out popular cards.
Beyond individual star cards, the 1988 Donruss set has additional value for collectors seeking to complete their collections. Near complete to complete mint and graded sets in PSA or SGC slabs regularly sell in the $400-1000 range depending on the population reported and percentages of top grades included. And even partial incomplete runs of 50-100 higher value rookie cards and veterans are valued between $150-400. For example, a full set of Griffey, Cone, Smith, McGwire would hold value even without other commons included.
As with any collectible, condition and grading are key. Getting 1988 Donruss cards professionally graded leads to the highest values. Raw, ungraded cards lose value unpredictably and may only fetch quarter to half of PSA/BGS graded equals. There’s also a robust market for repacks, factory sets and cello packs on auction sites keeping values steady. Overall the 1988 Donruss set remains a hotly desirable vintage release led by star rookies but supported by returning greats and high complete set demand making it a strong vintage set for long term collectors. Condition, grading, and finding the right buyers are the tricks to maximizing returns on your investment in these classic 1980s cardboard treasures.
