The 1990s were a great time for collecting baseball cards, as this decade featured some of the most legendary players of all time. Many cards from this era have increased significantly in value over the past 20+ years. Here are some of the top cards from the ’90s that are worth pursuing if you have them or are looking to collect:
Ken Griffey Jr. Rookie Card (1989 Upper Deck) – Griffey was one of the most exciting young players to enter the league in the late 80s/early 90s. His iconic rookie card from Upper Deck is arguably the most valuable baseball card from the entire decade, fetching prices well over $100,000 for mint condition copies. Even well-worn copies still sell for thousands. The Griffey rookie is the ultimate key card from the ’90s.
Chipper Jones Rookie Card (1991 Bowman) – Jones had a Hall of Fame career primarily with the Atlanta Braves and is considered one of the best third basemen ever. His rookie card has appreciated tremendously due to his success and is now valued anywhere from $500-5,000+ depending on condition. The 1991 Bowman set overall performs very well.
Derek Jeter Rookie Card (1992 Bowman) – As arguably the greatest Yankee of all time and a surefire Hall of Famer, Jeter’s rookie is a must-have for any collection. Pristine copies have cracked the $100K mark. Most gradeable copies sell between $500-5,000, making this a very worthwhile flagship card from the decade.
Manny Ramirez Rookie Card (1991 Fleer) – Manny was a feared hitter during his career and put up Hall of Fame offensive stats. Even though behavior issues clouded his legacy a bit, his rookie card remains highly sought after. Nice examples trade hands for $200-2,000.
Johan Santana Rookie Card (2000 Bowman) – Santana won two Cy Young Awards and had a dominant prime. His rare rookie from the 2000 Bowman set is one of the more valuable modern rookie cards, valued at $500-5,000 for top grades.
Kris Bryant Rookie Card (2013 Bowman Chrome) – Bryant has lived up to buzz as a young star for the Cubs. His 2013 Bowman Chrome is considered the most desirable rookies from recent years, with Near Mint copies reaching $500-1,000.
Pedro Martinez Rookie Card (1990 Classic/Best/Fleer/Merit/Score) – Martinez is regarded as one of the greatest pitchers ever. While he had no true “rookie” card, his stellar 1990s cards from sets like Classic, Best, Fleer, Score and more have shot up given his Cooperstown induction. Even low-grade versions sell for $50-200 each.
Mike Piazza Rookie Card (1990 Pacific/Score/Best) – A Hall of Famer at the catcher position, Piazza’s early 1990s cards serve as the closest thing to a rookie. Nice versions of his Pacific, Score and Best cards trade hands steadily for $100-500 each due to his legendary hitting ability.
Andruw Jones Rookie Card (1996 Bowman’s Best) – Jones was a defensive dynamo in center field for the Braves, winning 10 Gold Gloves. Since retiring, greater appreciation for his talents have increased demand for his scarce rookie card from 1996 Bowman’s Best, which has reached $100-1,000 based on condition.
Some other notable 1990s rookie and star cards that have increased in value include Barry Larkin, Ken Caminiti, Jeff Bagwell, Frank Thomas, Sammy Sosa, Mark McGwire, Vladimir Guerrero, Randy Johnson, Curt Schilling, Greg Maddux, Tom Glavine, John Smoltz and others. Take care to research print runs and grades, as mints cards exponentially outpace their lower grade counterparts. The 1990s remain a phenomenal time for collecting, with cards from true all-time greats that are still widely affordable compared to cards from prior eras. continuing to monitor the careers and legacy of players from this time may reveal additional risers.
The 1990s featured the arrival of many future Hall of Famers and produced numerous valuable baseball cards as a result. Keys cards like the rookies of Ken Griffey Jr, Chipper Jones, Derek Jeter, and Johan Santana along with stars like Pedro Martinez, Mike Piazza and Andruw Jones have grown substantially in demand and price. With over 25 years now passed, the 1990s provides classic cardboard that can be both nostalgic to revisit and potentially profitable if you still have gems from the era in your collection.
