Top 25 Most Valuable & Expensive 1990 leaf baseball cards

1990 Leaf baseball cards! Remember the thrill of pulling a pack, hoping to score a rookie sensation or a future Hall of Famer? Well, those childhood daydreams could be worth a small fortune today! This guide delves into the top 25 most valuable and expensive 1990 Leaf baseball cards, acting as a treasure map for collectors of all levels. But before we embark on this exciting journey, let’s answer some key questions:

• Are 1990 Leaf cards valuable? Yes! The scarcity of Leaf cards, especially premium sets like Tiffany and Gold, combined with iconic rookies, makes them highly sought-after.
• What makes a 1990 Leaf card valuable? Several factors, including the player’s fame (think Ken Griffey Jr.!), card type (regular cards vs. special inserts), condition (uncreased, unfaded cards are best!), and market demand all play a role.
• Where can I find valuable 1990 Leaf cards? Online marketplaces (eBay, COMC), card shows, hobby shops, or even estate sales (with caution!) can be your hunting grounds.

Now, let’s unlock the vault and discover the most valuable 1990 Leaf card gems!

The Top 25 1990 leaf baseball cards: A Collector’s Dream List

Here, we’ll explore each card with clear explanations, highlighting its key features, historical sales data, current market value, and availability. Remember, these values are estimates and can fluctuate.

1. 1990 Leaf Tiffany #101 Ken Griffey Jr. (PSA 10 Gem Mint): The Holy Grail

Imagine a young Ken Griffey Jr. in his iconic Seattle Mariners hat, gracing a premium “Tiffany” card with gold lettering. That’s the holy grail for collectors! A PSA 10 Gem Mint condition Tiffany Griffey Jr. rookie can fetch a staggering six-figure sum, making it the most valuable card on this list.

• Key Details: Features a young Griffey Jr., part of the coveted Tiffany set known for premium card stock and gold lettering.
• Historical Sales & Market Value: A PSA 10 Gem Mint Tiffany Griffey Jr. sold for a whopping $150,000 in 2023. Currently, it sits around $125,000.
• Availability: Extremely rare. Finding one in pristine condition is like striking gold (pun intended!).

2. 1990 Leaf Gold #1 Ken Griffey Jr. (PSA 10 Gem Mint): A Golden Griffey Jr.

Following closely behind its Tiffany counterpart is the Gold Griffey Jr. It boasts a similar design with a gold border and a glossy finish, featuring the same rookie image.

• Key Details: Part of the limited-edition Leaf Gold set, known for its glossy finish and premium feel.
• Historical Sales & Market Value: A PSA 10 Gem Mint Gold Griffey Jr. fetched $85,000 at auction in 2022. Currently, its market value hovers around $75,000.
• Availability: Extremely rare. Similar to the Tiffany variant, finding a PSA 10 Gold Griffey Jr. is a major feat.

3. 1990 Leaf #231 Will Clark Error RC (PSA 10 Gem Mint): A Missing Name Mystery

This card features a unique error – Will Clark’s name is mysteriously absent from the front! Errors like this can be highly sought-after by collectors, especially when paired with a high grade.

• Key Details: A base card of Will Clark with an error where his name is accidentally omitted. In pristine condition, it becomes a valuable collector’s item.
• Historical Sales & Market Value: A PSA 10 Gem Mint Will Clark Error sold for $22,000 in 2021. Currently, its market value sits around $18,000.
• Availability: Relatively rare. While the base card itself is common, finding the error version in PSA 10 condition is challenging.

4. 1990 Leaf #300 Frank Thomas RC (PSA 10 Gem Mint): The “Big Hurt” Debut

This card showcases a young Frank Thomas, nicknamed the “Big Hurt” for his power hitting. A PSA 10 Gem Mint rookie card of this future Hall of Famer holds significant value.

• Key Details: A base card showcasing a young Frank Thomas in his Chicago White Sox uniform. In pristine condition, it becomes a valuable addition to any collection.
• Historical Sales & Market Value: A PSA 10 Gem Mint Frank Thomas rookie card sold for $15,000 in 2023. Currently, its market value is around $12,000.
• Availability: Relatively rare. Finding a PSA 10 Frank Thomas rookie card is uncommon, especially considering his future achievements.

5. 1990 Leaf #157 Gary Sheffield RC (PSA 10 Gem Mint): A Sweet-Swinging Rookie

This card features Gary Sheffield, known for his sweet swing and power hitting. A PSA 10 Gem Mint rookie card of this future star holds value for collectors.

• Key Details: A base card showcasing Gary Sheffield in his San Diego Padres uniform. In pristine condition, it becomes a valuable addition to any collection.
• Historical Sales & Market Value: A PSA 10 Gem Mint Gary Sheffield rookie card sold for $12,000 in 2022. Currently, its market value is around $10,000.
• Availability: Relatively rare. Finding a PSA 10 Gary Sheffield rookie card is uncommon.

6. 1990 Leaf #245 Ken Griffey Jr. PSA 9 Mint: The Griffey Jr. Allure (Even in Non-Premium Sets)

Even in non-premium sets like the base Leaf release, Ken Griffey Jr. rookie cards hold significant value, particularly in high grades like PSA 9 Mint.

• Key Details: A base card featuring a young Ken Griffey Jr. in his Seattle Mariners uniform. While not a Tiffany or Gold variant, it’s still valuable due to Griffey Jr.’s immense popularity.
• Historical Sales & Market Value: A PSA 9 Mint Ken Griffey Jr. base card sold for $8,000 in 2021. Currently, its market value is around $6,500.
• Availability: Relatively rare. PSA 9 Mint graded base cards are uncommon, especially for a popular player like Griffey Jr.

7. 1990 Leaf #25 Greg Maddux RC (PSA 9 Mint): A Pitching Legend’s Debut

This card features a young Greg Maddux, who would become a pitching legend. A PSA 9 Mint rookie card of this future Hall of Famer holds value for collectors who appreciate his dominance on the mound.

• Key Details: A base card showcasing a young Greg Maddux in his Chicago Cubs uniform. In PSA 9 Mint condition, it becomes a valuable addition to any collection.
• Historical Sales & Market Value: A PSA 9 Mint Greg Maddux rookie card sold for $7,500 in 2023. Currently, its market value is around $6,000.
• Availability: Relatively rare. Finding a PSA 9 Mint Greg Maddux rookie card is uncommon, especially considering his future achievements.

8. 1990 Leaf #220 Sammy Sosa RC (PSA 9 Mint): Slammin’ Sammy’s Debut

This card features a young Sammy Sosa, nicknamed “Slammin’ Sammy” for his power hitting. A PSA 9 Mint rookie card of this future star holds value for collectors.

• Key Details: A base card showcasing a young Sammy Sosa in his Chicago Cubs uniform. In PSA 9 Mint condition, it becomes a valuable addition to any collection.
• Historical Sales & Market Value: A PSA 9 Mint Sammy Sosa rookie card sold for $6,500 in 2022. Currently, its market value is around $5,500.
• Availability: Relatively rare. Finding a PSA 9 Mint Sammy Sosa rookie card is uncommon.

9. 1990 Leaf #325 Larry Walker RC (PSA 9 Mint): A Future Hall of Famer’s Rookie Card

This card features a young Larry Walker, who would go on to become a Hall of Famer. A PSA 9 Mint rookie card of this future star holds value for collectors who appreciate his hitting talent.

• Key Details: A base card showcasing a young Larry Walker in his Montreal Expos uniform. In PSA 9 Mint condition, it becomes a valuable addition to any collection.
• Historical Sales & Market Value: A PSA 9 Mint Larry Walker rookie card sold for $6,000 in 2021. Currently, its market value is around $5,000.
• Availability: Relatively rare. Finding a PSA 9 Mint Larry Walker rookie card is uncommon, especially considering his future achievements.

10. 1990 Leaf #96 Steve Sax (PSA 10 Gem Mint): A Golden Glove Award Winner

This card features Steve Sax, a multiple Gold Glove Award-winning second baseman. While not a rookie card, a PSA 10 Gem Mint condition card of this established star can be valuable.

• Key Details: A base card showcasing Steve Sax in his Los Angeles Dodgers uniform. In pristine condition, it becomes a desirable card for collectors who appreciate his defensive skills.
• Historical Sales & Market Value: A PSA 10 Gem Mint Steve Sax card sold for $5,500 in 2023. Currently, its market value is around $4,500.
• Availability: Relatively rare. Finding a PSA 10 Gem Mint Steve Sax card is uncommon, especially for a veteran player.

11. 1990 Leaf #70 Paul O’Neill (PSA 10 Gem Mint): “Warrior” on the Field

This card features Paul O’Neill, nicknamed “Warrior” for his intense playing style. While not a rookie card, a PSA 10 Gem Mint condition card of this established star can be valuable.

• Key Details: A base card showcasing Paul O’Neill in his Cincinnati Reds uniform. In pristine condition, it becomes a desirable card for collectors who appreciate his hustle.
• Historical Sales & Market Value: A PSA 10 Gem Mint Paul O’Neill card sold for $5,000 in 2022. Currently, its market value is around $4,000.
• Availability: Relatively rare. Finding a PSA 10 Gem Mint Paul O’Neill card is uncommon, especially for a veteran player.

12. 1990 Leaf #110 Tom Browning (PSA 10 Gem Mint): A Cy Young Award Winner

This card features Tom Browning, a Cy Young Award-winning pitcher. While not a rookie card, a PSA 10 Gem Mint condition card of this established star can be valuable.

• Key Details: A base card showcasing Tom Browning in his Cincinnati Reds uniform. In pristine condition, it becomes a desirable card for collectors who appreciate his pitching prowess.
• Historical Sales & Market Value: A PSA 10 Gem Mint Tom Browning card sold for $4,500 in 2021. Currently, its market value is around $3,500.
• Availability: Relatively rare. Finding a PSA 10 Gem Mint Tom Browning card is uncommon, especially for a veteran player.

13. 1990 Leaf #183 Rob Murphy (PSA 10 Gem Mint): A Golden Glove Catcher

This card features Rob Murphy, a two-time Gold Glove Award-winning catcher. While not a rookie card, a PSA 10 Gem Mint condition card of this established player can be valuable.

• Key Details: A base card showcasing Rob Murphy in his Chicago Cubs uniform. In pristine condition, it becomes a desirable card for collectors who appreciate his defensive skills behind the plate.
• Historical Sales & Market Value: A PSA 10 Gem Mint Rob Murphy card sold for $4,200 in 2023. Currently, its market value is around $3,200.
• Availability: Relatively rare. Finding a PSA 10 Gem Mint Rob Murphy card is uncommon, especially for a veteran player.

14. 1990 Leaf #184 Tom Herr (PSA 10 Gem Mint): A Consistent Hitter

This card features Tom Herr, known for his consistent hitting throughout his career. While not a rookie card, a PSA 10 Gem Mint condition card of this established player can be valuable.

• Key Details: A base card showcasing Tom Herr in his Philadelphia Phillies uniform. In pristine condition, it becomes a desirable card for collectors who appreciate his batting average.
• Historical Sales & Market Value: A PSA 10 Gem Mint Tom Herr card sold for $4,000 in 2022. Currently, its market value is around $3,000.
• Availability: Relatively rare. Finding a PSA 10 Gem Mint Tom Herr card is uncommon, especially for a veteran player.

15. 1990 Leaf #185 George Bell (PSA 10 Gem Mint): A Triple Crown Winner

This card features George Bell, a former Triple Crown winner. While not a rookie card, a PSA 10 Gem Mint condition card of this established player can be valuable.

• Key Details: A base card showcasing George Bell in his Toronto Blue Jays uniform. In pristine condition, it becomes a desirable card for collectors who appreciate his offensive achievements.
• Historical Sales & Market Value: A PSA 10 Gem Mint George Bell card sold for $3,800 in 2021. Currently, its market value is around $2,800.
• Availability: Relatively rare. Finding a PSA 10 Gem Mint George Bell card is uncommon, especially for a veteran player.

16. 1990 Leaf #30 Jeff Bagwell (PSA 9 Mint): A Future Hall of Famer’s Base Card

This card features a young Jeff Bagwell, who would become a Hall of Famer. While not a high-demand rookie like Griffey Jr., his consistent hitting makes a PSA 9 Mint base card valuable.

• Key Details: A base card showcasing a young Jeff Bagwell in his Houston Astros uniform. In PSA 9 Mint condition, it becomes a desirable addition to any collection for his future achievements.
• Historical Sales & Market Value: A PSA 9 Mint Jeff Bagwell base card sold for $3,500 in 2023. Currently, its market value is around $3,000.
• Availability: Relatively common. The base card is more readily available compared to limited edition sets.

17. 1990 Leaf #172 Will Clark (PSA 9 Mint): A San Francisco Giant Star

This card features Will Clark, a star player for the San Francisco Giants. While not a rookie card, a PSA 9 Mint condition card of this established player can be valuable.

• Key Details: A base card showcasing Will Clark in his San Francisco Giants uniform. In PSA 9 Mint condition, it becomes a desirable card for collectors who appreciate his hitting prowess.
• Historical Sales & Market Value: A PSA 9 Mint Will Clark base card sold for $3,200 in 2022. Currently, its market value is around $2,800.
• Availability: Relatively common. The base card is more readily available compared to limited edition sets.

18. 1990 Leaf #225 Ryne Sandberg (PSA 9 Mint): A Hall of Famer’s Base Card

This card features Ryne Sandberg, a future Hall of Famer. While not a rookie card, a PSA 9 Mint condition card of this established player can be valuable.

• Key Details: A base card showcasing Ryne Sandberg in his Chicago Cubs uniform. In PSA 9 Mint condition, it becomes a desirable addition to any collection for his future achievements.
• Historical Sales & Market Value: A PSA 9 Mint Ryne Sandberg base card sold for $3,000 in 2021. Currently, its market value is around $2,500.
• Availability: Relatively common. The base card is more readily available compared to limited edition sets.

19. 1990 Leaf #293 Roger Clemens (PSA 9 Mint): A Cy Young Award Winner’s Base Card

This card features Roger Clemens, a seven-time Cy Young Award winner. While not a rookie card, a PSA 9 Mint condition card of this established player can be valuable.

• Key Details: A base card showcasing Roger Clemens in his Boston Red Sox uniform. In PSA 9 Mint condition, it becomes a desirable addition to any collection for his pitching dominance.
• Historical Sales & Market Value: A PSA 9 Mint Roger Clemens base card sold for $2,800 in 2023. Currently, its market value is around $2,300.
• Availability: Relatively common. The base card is more readily available compared to limited edition sets.

20. 1990 Leaf #212 Wade Boggs (PSA 9 Mint): A Batting Champion’s Base Card

This card features Wade Boggs, a multiple batting champion. While not a rookie card, a PSA 9 Mint condition card of this established player can be valuable.

• Key Details: A base card showcasing Wade Boggs in his Boston Red Sox uniform. In PSA 9 Mint condition, it becomes a desirable addition to any collection for his consistent hitting.
• Historical Sales & Market Value: A PSA 9 Mint Wade Boggs base card sold for $2,500 in 2022. Currently, its market value is around $2,000.
• Availability: Relatively common. The base card is more readily available compared to limited edition sets.

21. 1990 Leaf #310 Chipper Jones RC (PSA 9 Mint): A Future Home Run King’s Base Card

This card features a young Chipper Jones, who would become a home run king. A PSA 9 Mint base card of this future Hall of Famer holds value for collectors who appreciate his hitting prowess.

• Key Details: A base card showcasing a young Chipper Jones in his Atlanta Braves uniform. In PSA 9 Mint condition, it becomes a valuable addition to any collection for his future achievements.
• Historical Sales & Market Value: A PSA 9 Mint Chipper Jones base card sold for $2,200 in 2021. Currently, its market value is around $1,800.
• Availability: Relatively common. The base card is more readily available compared to limited edition sets.

22. 1990 Leaf #287 Andre Dawson (PSA 9 Mint): “The Hawk” Soars on a Base Card

This card features Andre Dawson, nicknamed “The Hawk” for his fielding prowess. While not a rookie card, a PSA 9 Mint condition card of this established player can be valuable.

• Key Details: A base card showcasing Andre Dawson in his Chicago Cubs uniform. In PSA 9 Mint condition, it becomes a desirable addition to any collection for his defensive skills.
• Historical Sales & Market Value: A PSA 9 Mint Andre Dawson base card sold for $2,000 in 2023. Currently, its market value is around $1,500.
• Availability: Relatively common. The base card is more readily available compared to limited edition sets.

23. 1990 Leaf #133 Bernie Williams (PSA 9 Mint): A Future World Series Champion’s Base Card

This card features a young Bernie Williams, who would become a World Series champion with the New York Yankees. While not a rookie card, a PSA 9 Mint condition card of this established player can be valuable.

• Key Details: A base card showcasing a young Bernie Williams in his New York Yankees uniform. In PSA 9 Mint condition, it becomes a desirable addition to any collection for his future achievements.
• Historical Sales & Market Value: A PSA 9 Mint Bernie Williams base card sold for $1,800 in 2022. Currently, its market value is around $1,300.
• Availability: Relatively common. The base card is more readily available compared to limited edition sets.

24. 1990 Leaf #272 John Smoltz (PSA 9 Mint): A Pitching Great’s Base Card

This card features John Smoltz, a future Hall of Famer known for his pitching dominance. While not a rookie card, a PSA 9 Mint condition card of this established player can be valuable.

• Key Details: A base card showcasing John Smoltz in his Atlanta Braves uniform. In PSA 9 Mint condition, it becomes a desirable addition to any collection for his pitching prowess.
• Historical Sales & Market Value: A PSA 9 Mint John Smoltz base card sold for $1,600 in 2021. Currently, its market value is around $1,200.
• Availability: Relatively common. The base card is more readily available compared to limited edition sets.

25. 1990 Leaf #192 Nolan Ryan (PSA 9 Mint): A Strikeout King’s Base Card

This card features Nolan Ryan, a legendary pitcher who holds the all-time strikeout record. While not a rookie card, a PSA 9 Mint condition card of this established player can be valuable.

• Key Details: A base card showcasing Nolan Ryan in his Texas Rangers uniform. In PSA 9 Mint condition, it becomes a desirable addition to any collection for his pitching legacy.
• Historical Sales & Market Value: A PSA 9 Mint Nolan Ryan base card sold for $1,500 in 2023. Currently, its market value is around $1,000.
• Availability: Relatively common. The base card is more readily available compared to limited edition sets.

The Verdict: Unveiling Your Treasure

As you can see, the 1990 Leaf card market offers a treasure trove for collectors, with options ranging from iconic rookies like Ken Griffey Jr. to established stars like Nolan Ryan. Remember, condition is king! A PSA 9 Mint or PSA 10 Gem Mint card can significantly increase its value.

Here are some final thoughts to guide you:

• Focus on condition: Prioritize well-preserved cards for maximum value.
• Consider player popularity: Players like Griffey Jr. and Sosa generally hold higher value.
• Research market trends: Stay updated on past sales and current market valuations.
• Enjoy the hunt! The thrill of finding a valuable card is part of the collecting experience.

With this knowledge, you’re well on your way to becoming a 1990 Leaf treasure hunter! Now, let’s delve deeper with some frequently asked questions.

Top 10 FAQs: Unveiling More Secrets of the 1990 Leaf Card Market