The 1990 baseball card season featured several rookie cards and stars that have become highly valuable in today’s collecting market. Some of the most notable 1990 cards that can be worth significant money if in good condition include:
Ken Griffey Jr.: Griffey’s rookie card from 1990 Upper Deck is arguably the most famous and valuable card from the 1990s. In near-mint to mint condition, examples of this Griffey rookie fetch prices well over $1000 and sometimes even above $10,000. Even well-worn copies in player condition can sell for a few hundred dollars. Griffey was already a star by 1990 and his rookie card is one of the most iconic in the hobby’s history due to his prolific career.
Frank Thomas: “The Big Hurt” had a monster career and his 1990 Score rookie card has climbed steadily in value over the decades. Top-graded mint copies have sold for over $1000 while most near-mint ones can bring $300-500. Even played copies in grading company slabs sell for $100+ due to Thomas’ Hall of Fame talent and popularity.
Randy Johnson: “The Big Unit” was one of the most dominate pitchers ever and his 1990 Score rookie is a key card to own. High-grade versions regularly sell for $300-500 while most near-mint ones trade hands for $150-250 depending on the market. Johnson could strike out any hitter and his rookie card value has grown along with his legacy.
Javy Lopez: The Braves’ catcher had power and consistency at the plate that became exemplified in the 1990s and 2000s. His 1990 Bowman rookie is somewhat scarce and values have crept up over time. Near-mint and better examples can sell for $150-250.
Greg Maddux: “Mad Dog” will go down as one of the craftiest and cerebral pitchers in MLB annals. His 1990 Bowman rookie card values have risen slowly but surely as his Hall of Fame career has sunk in. High-grade rookies are $150-250 while most mint+ copies sell for $75-150.
Jeff Bagwell: As a premier power hitter of the 1990s and 2000s, Bagwell’s 1990 Bowman rookie has gained traction in recent years amongst collectors. Near-mint to mint copies have sold for $150-300 depending on conditions and market forces. Bagwell was a superstar for Houston and his rookie remains highly desirable.
Tom Glavine: Mr. Consistency for the Atlanta Braves throughout the 1990s, Glavine was a wizard on the mound. His noteworthy 1990 Donruss rookie sells for $50-100 in top shape and is an important flagship card. Graded versions have brought even more money.
Barry Larkin: The smooth-fielding Larkin was a complete player and captain of the “Nasty Boys” Cinncinati Reds teams. His 1990 Bowman rookie is a main piece for Reds PC builders. Near-mint examples range $75-150 usually.
Ken Hill: Before arm woes slowed his career, Hill was heralded as a top hurler for the Expos and Cardinals in the early 1990s. His very rare 1990 Upper Deck rookie has sold for $500+ graded mint. Finding it raw is difficult.
Eric Karros: The power-hitting Dodgers’ 1B had productive years that make his 1990 Score rookie meaningful. Values have climbed towards $150 mint lately due to scarce population reports from grading services.
Jeff Reardon: The relief pitcher had a long career and his 1990 Topps Traded rookie card is a find, usually $50-100 raw or graded near-mint. Reardon saved over 300 MLB games.
Dennis Martinez: The “Little Black Book” tossed two no-hitters during his career. His 1990 Topps Traded rookie is neat for collectors, $30-50 normally in great shape.
1990 baseball cards were loaded with future stars and HOFers at the start of their journeys. Aside from the big three rookies above, many other key cards can hold good value depending on names, scarcity, and conditions. Overall it was an era that defined the sport throughout the 1990s and beyond – now relics of that time in the hobby shine bright for collectors.
