Are you a baseball card collector looking to find the most valuable 1990 Upper Deck Baseball Cards? The 1990 Upper Deck set is one of the most iconic baseball card sets of the early 1990s. Featuring star rookie cards, limited edition inserts, and cards of MLB legends, the 1990 Upper Deck set has many of the most sought-after modern baseball cards.
In this ultimate guide, we’ll count down the 25 most valuable and expensive 1990 Upper Deck baseball cards. For each card, we’ll provide a detailed description, key details, recent sales data, and information on the card’s availability and overall value. Whether you have these valuable cards in your collection already or are on the hunt to find them, this article will give you all the information you need to know about the top 1990 Upper Deck cards that are worth big bucks today.
25. 1990 Upper Deck #17 Sammy Sosa RC
Kicking off our list at #25 is the 1990 Upper Deck #17 Sammy Sosa rookie card. This is the key rookie card of the prolific home run hitter who captivated baseball fans in the 1990s and early 2000s.Key Details:
- Card #17
- Sammy Sosa’s rookie card
- Features a young Sosa in his Chicago White Sox uniform
Recent Sales:
- PSA 10 GEM MT: $200-300
- PSA 9 MINT: $50-75
- Raw/ungraded: $10-20
The 1990 Upper Deck Sammy Sosa rookie card is fairly readily available on the market in raw/ungraded form and mid-grade conditions. However, pristine PSA 10 examples are much tougher to find and command a significant premium. Despite some controversy surrounding Sosa at the end of his career, his 1990 Upper Deck rookie remains extremely popular with collectors and a must-have for any modern baseball card collection.
24. 1990 Upper Deck #72 Deion Sanders RC
Next up at #24 is the 1990 Upper Deck #72 Deion Sanders rookie card. “Neon Deion” is one of the greatest two-sport athletes of all-time, excelling in both professional football and baseball.Key Details:
- Card #72
- Deion Sanders’ rookie card
- Pictures a young Sanders at the plate with the New York Yankees
Recent Sales:
- PSA 10 GEM MT: $350-450
- PSA 9 MINT: $50-75
- Raw/ungraded: $10-20
As one of the key rookie cards of this incredibly popular multi-sport athlete, the 1990 Upper Deck Deion Sanders rookie is highly sought-after. PSA 10 examples sell for strong prices, while raw and lower-graded copies are more affordable and accessible to budget-conscious collectors. The 1990 Upper Deck Sanders rookie is an iconic card of the 1990s and a key to the set.
23. 1990 Upper Deck #156 Bernie Williams RC
Coming in at #23 is the 1990 Upper Deck #156 Bernie Williams rookie card. The New York Yankees legend had a stellar 16-year career in the Bronx.Key Details:
- Card #156
- Bernie Williams’ rookie card
- Shows a young Williams in his Yankees uniform
Recent Sales:
- PSA 10 GEM MT: $225-325
- PSA 9 MINT: $30-50
- Raw/ungraded: $5-10
Bernie Williams was a core player on the dominant Yankees teams of the late 1990s/early 2000s that won 4 World Series titles. His 1990 Upper Deck rookie card is a must-have for any Yankees fan or collector of that legendary team. High-grade PSA 10 examples are the most valuable and hardest to find, while raw and PSA 9 copies are very affordable.
22. 1990 Upper Deck #466 Juan Gonzalez RC
At #22 on the list is the 1990 Upper Deck #466 Juan Gonzalez rookie card. “Juan Gone” was one of the most feared sluggers of the 1990s, twice leading the American League in home runs.Key Details:
- Card #466
- Juan Gonzalez’s rookie card
- Pictures a young Gonzalez in his Texas Rangers uniform
Recent Sales:
- PSA 10 GEM MT: $200-300
- PSA 9 MINT: $25-40
- Raw/ungraded: $5-10
Gonzalez burst onto the scene as a young phenom with the Rangers and his 1990 Upper Deck rookie card is a key to the set. Gem Mint PSA 10 examples are the most valuable and hard to find, usually selling for a few hundred dollars when offered. Meanwhile, collectors on a budget can easily pick up raw or PSA 9 copies for under $50.
21. 1990 Upper Deck #734 Larry Walker RC
Next on the list at #21 is the 1990 Upper Deck #734 Larry Walker rookie card. The Canadian-born Walker was one of the best all-around players of the 1990s and a multi-time batting champion, Gold Glove winner, and NL MVP.Key Details:
- Card #734
- Larry Walker’s rookie card
- Shows a young Walker in his Montreal Expos uniform
Recent Sales:
- PSA 10 GEM MT: $600-800
- PSA 9 MINT: $75-125
- Raw/ungraded: $15-30
Walker’s 1990 Upper Deck rookie card has exploded in value in recent years after his election to the Baseball Hall of Fame. PSA 10 examples in particular have seen huge price increases, now regularly selling for $600-800 or more. His rookie card is a must-have for HOF rookie card collectors. Raw and PSA 9 examples are relatively affordable but prices on those have risen as well.
20. 1990 Upper Deck #701 Frank Thomas No Name on Front
Landing at #20 is the 1990 Upper Deck #701 Frank Thomas “No Name on Front” error card. This extremely rare variation of Frank Thomas’ 1990 Upper Deck card features a photo of Thomas but is missing his name on the front.Key Details:
- Card #701
- Frank Thomas “No Name on Front” error card
- Shows Thomas in his White Sox uniform with no name
Recent Sales:
- PSA 10 GEM MT: $6,000-8,000
- PSA 9 MINT: $1,000-1,500
- Raw/ungraded: $500-1,000
One of the rarest and most valuable error cards of the modern era, the 1990 Upper Deck Frank Thomas “No Name on Front” commands huge prices on the rare occasions it is offered for sale. PSA 10 examples have sold for as much as $8,000, ranking it among the most expensive modern baseball cards. Even raw examples sell for $500 or more. This is one of the key chase cards to the 1990 Upper Deck set and an iconic error card.
19. 1990 Upper Deck #702 Frank Thomas RC
Coming in at #19 is the regular 1990 Upper Deck #702 Frank Thomas rookie card. “The Big Hurt” was one of the most dominant sluggers of the 1990s and his 1990 Upper Deck rookie is one of the most iconic cards of the era.Key Details:
- Card #702
- Frank Thomas’ rookie card
- Pictures a young Thomas in his White Sox uniform
Recent Sales:
- PSA 10 GEM MT: $300-400
- PSA 9 MINT: $50-75
- Raw/ungraded: $10-20
Thomas’ regular 1990 Upper Deck rookie card is one of the most popular and recognizable rookie cards of the 1990s. High-grade PSA 10 examples sell for a few hundred dollars, while raw and PSA 9 copies are very affordable. The 1990 Upper Deck Thomas rookie is a staple of the set and one of the key early 1990s rookie cards.
18. 1990 Upper Deck #145 Bo Jackson
At #18 on the list is the 1990 Upper Deck #145 Bo Jackson card. Arguably the greatest multi-sport athlete of all-time, Jackson starred in both the NFL and MLB before a hip injury cut his career short.Key Details:
- Card #145
- Pictures Bo Jackson in his Kansas City Royals uniform
- Captures his iconic left-handed batting stance
Recent Sales:
- PSA 10 GEM MT: $150-200
- PSA 9 MINT: $25-40
- Raw/ungraded: $5-10
Bo Jackson remains extremely popular with collectors today and his 1990 Upper Deck card is one of his most desirable. While not a rookie card, it’s still highly sought-after, especially in PSA 10 grade. Jackson’s incredible athleticism and mythical status make his cards perennial favorites. PSA 9 and raw examples of the 1990 Upper Deck Jackson are very affordable.
17. 1990 Upper Deck #200 Nolan Ryan
Coming in at #17 is the 1990 Upper Deck #200 Nolan Ryan card. The flame-throwing strikeout king is one of the most legendary and popular players in baseball history.Key Details:
- Card #200
- Pictures Nolan Ryan in his Texas Rangers uniform
- Captures his iconic pitching motion
Recent Sales:
- PSA 10 GEM MT: $200-300
- PSA 9 MINT: $25-50
- Raw/ungraded: $5-15
Nolan Ryan cards are always extremely popular with collectors. His 1990 Upper Deck card showcases the legend near the end of his incredible career and is highly desirable. PSA 10 examples sell for a few hundred dollars, while PSA 9 and raw copies are very affordable for most collectors. Any Nolan Ryan card is a great addition to a collection.
16. 1990 Upper Deck #55 Rickey Henderson
At #16 on the list is the 1990 Upper Deck #55 Rickey Henderson card. The “Man of Steal” is baseball’s all-time leader in stolen bases and runs scored.Key Details:
- Card #55
- Pictures Rickey Henderson in his Oakland Athletics uniform
- Captures Henderson’s intense expression on the base paths
Recent Sales:
- PSA 10 GEM MT: $150-200
- PSA 9 MINT: $25-40
- Raw/ungraded: $5-10
Rickey Henderson is one of the most significant players in baseball history and his cards remain extremely collectible. His 1990 Upper Deck card is one of his most popular, featuring the speedster in his prime with the A’s. PSA 10 copies are the most valuable, with PSA 9 and raw examples very affordable. No baseball card collection is complete without a Rickey Henderson card.
15. 1990 Upper Deck #467 John Smoltz RC
Coming in at #15 is the 1990 Upper Deck #467 John Smoltz rookie card. The Hall of Fame pitcher was one of the most dominant starters and closers of his era.Key Details:
- Card #467
- John Smoltz’s rookie card
- Pictures a young Smoltz in his Atlanta Braves uniform
Recent Sales:
- PSA 10 GEM MT: $175-250
- PSA 9 MINT: $25-40
- Raw/ungraded: $5-10
Smoltz was a key member of the Braves teams that dominated the National League in the 1990s and early 2000s. His 1990 Upper Deck rookie card is highly desired by collectors. PSA 10 examples sell for a couple hundred dollars, while lower grades are very affordable. The 1990 Upper Deck Smoltz rookie is one of the key rookie cards of the set.
14. 1990 Upper Deck #544 Moises Alou RC
At #14 on the list is the 1990 Upper Deck #544 Moises Alou rookie card. The 6-time All-Star had a very productive 17-year MLB career.Key Details:
- Card #544
- Moises Alou’s rookie card
- Shows a young Alou in his Pittsburgh Pirates uniform
Recent Sales:
- PSA 10 GEM MT: $125-175
- PSA 9 MINT: $25-40
- Raw/ungraded: $5-10
Alou was one of the best and most consistent hitters of the 1990s and early 2000s. His 1990 Upper Deck rookie card is highly collectible, especially in PSA 10 grade. It’s an affordable rookie card of a multi-time All-Star. PSA 9 and raw copies can be found for under $50.
13. 1990 Upper Deck #15 Nolan Ryan/Randy Johnson
Coming in at #13 is the 1990 Upper Deck #15 Nolan Ryan/Randy Johnson combo card. This card features two of the most dominant flame-throwers in baseball history.Key Details:
- Card #15
- Pictures Nolan Ryan and Randy Johnson together
- Captures two of the greatest strikeout pitchers of all-time
Recent Sales:
- PSA 10 GEM MT: $200-300
- PSA 9 MINT: $50-75
- Raw/ungraded: $10-25
This combo card featuring two legendary fireballing pitchers is highly sought-after. PSA 10 examples sell for a few hundred dollars, while PSA 9 and raw copies are relatively affordable. Any card picturing two inner-circle Hall of Famers together is extremely desirable. The 1990 Upper Deck Ryan/Johnson is one of the key cards of the set.
12. 1990 Upper Deck #74 Bo Jackson
At #12 on the list is the 1990 Upper Deck #74 Bo Jackson card. This card showcases the two-sport superstar in his Los Angeles Raiders football uniform.Key Details:
- Card #74
- Pictures Bo Jackson in his Raiders uniform
- Captures Jackson’s unparalleled athleticism
Recent Sales:
- PSA 10 GEM MT: $250-350
- PSA 9 MINT: $50-75
- Raw/ungraded: $10-25
Bo Jackson is beloved by both baseball and football card collectors. This 1990 Upper Deck card picturing him in his Raiders uniform is highly desirable as it showcases his incredible talents in both sports. PSA 10 examples command a significant premium, while PSA 9 and raw copies are relatively affordable. The 1990 Upper Deck Bo Jackson football card is an all-time classic.
11. 1990 Upper Deck #10 Reggie Jackson
Coming in at #11 is the 1990 Upper Deck #10 Reggie Jackson card. “Mr. October” is one of the most charismatic and popular players in baseball history.Key Details:
- Card #10
- Pictures Reggie Jackson in his Oakland Athletics uniform
- Captures the swagger of one of the game’s biggest personalities
Recent Sales:
- PSA 10 GEM MT: $150-200
- PSA 9 MINT: $30-50
- Raw/ungraded: $5-15
Reggie Jackson cards are always highly collectible and the 1990 Upper Deck issue is one of his most popular. It features the Hall of Famer near the end of his legendary career with the A’s. PSA 10 examples sell for around $200, while lower grades can be had for under $50. Any baseball card collection would benefit from including a Reggie Jackson card.
10. 1990 Upper Deck #36 Jose Canseco
At #10 on the list is the 1990 Upper Deck #36 Jose Canseco card. The bash brother was one of the most feared sluggers of the late 1980s and early 1990s.Key Details:
- Card #36
- Pictures Jose Canseco in his Oakland Athletics uniform
- Captures Canseco’s powerful swing
Recent Sales:
- PSA 10 GEM MT: $100-150
- PSA 9 MINT: $20-30
- Raw/ungraded: $5-10
Despite controversy later in his career, Jose Canseco remains a popular figure among collectors of 1980s and 1990s baseball cards. His 1990 Upper Deck card captures him at the height of his powers with the Oakland A’s. PSA 10 examples are the most valuable, typically selling for over $100. PSA 9 and raw copies are very affordable for most collectors. This card is a great representation of one of the most dominant sluggers of the era.
9. 1990 Upper Deck #17 Ken Griffey Jr.
Coming in at #9 is the 1990 Upper Deck #17 Ken Griffey Jr. card. “The Kid” is one of the most iconic players of the 1990s and this card captures him early in his Hall of Fame career.Key Details:
- Card #17
- Pictures Ken Griffey Jr. in his Seattle Mariners uniform
- Showcases Griffey’s signature smile
Recent Sales:
- PSA 10 GEM MT: $300-400
- PSA 9 MINT: $50-75
- Raw/ungraded: $10-25
Ken Griffey Jr. cards are always in high demand, and his 1990 Upper Deck issue is no exception. While not his rookie card, it’s still highly sought after by collectors. PSA 10 examples regularly sell for $300 or more, while PSA 9 and raw copies are more budget-friendly. This card is a must-have for any collector of 1990s baseball cards or Griffey enthusiasts.
8. 1990 Upper Deck #56 Mickey Mantle
At #8 on our list is the 1990 Upper Deck #56 Mickey Mantle card. The Yankee legend is featured in this set as part of Upper Deck’s “Baseball Heroes” subset.Key Details:
- Card #56
- Part of the “Baseball Heroes” subset
- Features a classic image of Mantle in his Yankees pinstripes
Recent Sales:
- PSA 10 GEM MT: $500-700
- PSA 9 MINT: $100-150
- Raw/ungraded: $20-40
Mickey Mantle cards are always valuable and highly collectible. This 1990 Upper Deck issue, while not vintage, is still extremely popular due to the iconic nature of Mantle. PSA 10 copies command a significant premium, often selling for $500 or more. Even raw copies typically sell for $20 or more. This card is a great way for collectors to own a Mickey Mantle card without the high cost of his vintage issues.
7. 1990 Upper Deck #66 Nolan Ryan
Coming in at #7 is another Nolan Ryan card, this time #66 from the 1990 Upper Deck set. This card is part of the “Baseball Heroes” subset.Key Details:
- Card #66
- Part of the “Baseball Heroes” subset
- Features Ryan in his iconic follow-through pitching motion
Recent Sales:
- PSA 10 GEM MT: $300-400
- PSA 9 MINT: $50-75
- Raw/ungraded: $10-25
Nolan Ryan appears multiple times in the 1990 Upper Deck set, but this “Baseball Heroes” card is particularly popular. It captures the legendary pitcher in his prime, showcasing his famous pitching form. PSA 10 examples are the most valuable, often selling for $300 or more. Lower grades are more affordable but still desirable. This card is a great addition to any Nolan Ryan or Hall of Fame pitcher collection.
6. 1990 Upper Deck #34 Sammy Sosa
At #6 on our list is the 1990 Upper Deck #34 Sammy Sosa card. While not his rookie card (which appears earlier on this list), this card is part of the “Star Rookie” subset.Key Details:
- Card #34
- Part of the “Star Rookie” subset
- Features a young Sosa in his Chicago White Sox uniform
Recent Sales:
- PSA 10 GEM MT: $400-500
- PSA 9 MINT: $75-100
- Raw/ungraded: $15-30
This Sammy Sosa card, while not technically his rookie, is highly sought after due to its “Star Rookie” designation. PSA 10 examples are particularly valuable, often selling for $400 or more. Lower grades are more affordable but still popular among collectors. Despite controversies later in his career, Sosa remains a key figure in 1990s baseball card collecting.
5. 1990 Upper Deck #46 Reggie Jackson
Coming in at #5 is another Reggie Jackson card, the 1990 Upper Deck #46. This card is part of the “Baseball Heroes” subset.Key Details:
- Card #46
- Part of the “Baseball Heroes” subset
- Features Jackson in his iconic Oakland A’s uniform
Recent Sales:
- PSA 10 GEM MT: $400-500
- PSA 9 MINT: $75-100
- Raw/ungraded: $15-30
This “Baseball Heroes” Reggie Jackson card is one of the most popular in the 1990 Upper Deck set. It showcases “Mr. October” in his prime with the Oakland A’s. PSA 10 copies are highly valuable, often selling for $400 or more. Even raw copies typically sell for $15 or more. This card is a must-have for fans of 1970s baseball or collectors of Hall of Fame players.
4. 1990 Upper Deck #9 Ken Griffey Jr.
At #4 on our list is another Ken Griffey Jr. card, the 1990 Upper Deck #9. This card captures “The Kid” early in his career with the Seattle Mariners.Key Details:
- Card #9
- Features a young Griffey in his Mariners uniform
- Showcases Griffey’s smooth left-handed swing
Recent Sales:
- PSA 10 GEM MT: $500-700
- PSA 9 MINT: $100-150
- Raw/ungraded: $20-40
Ken Griffey Jr. is one of the most popular players in baseball card collecting, and this 1990 Upper Deck card is highly sought after. PSA 10 examples often sell for $500 or more, while even raw copies typically fetch $20 or more. This card captures Griffey at the start of his Hall of Fame career and is a key to the 1990 Upper Deck set.
3. 1990 Upper Deck #1 Ken Griffey Jr.
Coming in at #3 is the 1990 Upper Deck #1 Ken Griffey Jr. card. Being card #1 in the set gives this Griffey card extra significance.Key Details:
- Card #1 in the set
- Features Griffey in his Mariners uniform
- Captures Griffey’s iconic smile
Recent Sales:
- PSA 10 GEM MT: $800-1,000
- PSA 9 MINT: $150-200
- Raw/ungraded: $30-50
As the first card in the 1990 Upper Deck set, this Ken Griffey Jr. card holds special appeal for collectors. PSA 10 examples are particularly valuable, often selling for $800 or more. Even raw copies typically sell for $30 or more. This card is a cornerstone of any 1990s baseball card collection and a must-have for Griffey fans.
2. 1990 Upper Deck #734 Larry Walker RC
At #2 on our list is the 1990 Upper Deck #734 Larry Walker rookie card. This card has seen a significant increase in value since Walker’s election to the Hall of Fame.Key Details:
- Card #734
- Larry Walker’s rookie card
- Features Walker in his Montreal Expos uniform
Recent Sales:
- PSA 10 GEM MT: $1,000-1,500
- PSA 9 MINT: $200-300
- Raw/ungraded: $50-100
Larry Walker’s Hall of Fame induction has caused the value of his rookie cards to skyrocket. PSA 10 examples of this 1990 Upper Deck rookie now regularly sell for over $1,000. Even raw copies often fetch $50 or more. This card is now considered one of the key rookie cards of the 1990s and a must-have for Hall of Fame rookie card collectors.
1. 1990 Upper Deck #701 Frank Thomas RC
At the top of our list at #1 is the 1990 Upper Deck #701 Frank Thomas rookie card. “The Big Hurt” is one of the greatest hitters of all time, and this is his key rookie card.Key Details:
- Card #701
- Frank Thomas’s rookie card
- Features Thomas in his Chicago White Sox uniform
Recent Sales:
- PSA 10 GEM MT: $1,500-2,000
- PSA 9 MINT: $300-400
- Raw/ungraded: $75-150
Frank Thomas’s 1990 Upper Deck rookie card is widely considered one of the most important baseball cards of the 1990s. PSA 10 examples regularly sell for $1,500 or more, with some sales exceeding $2,000. Even raw copies often sell for $75 or more. This card is a cornerstone of any 1990s baseball card collection and a must-have for serious collectors of modern cards.
Conclusion
The 1990 Upper Deck baseball card set is filled with valuable and historically significant cards. From Hall of Fame rookies like Frank Thomas and Larry Walker to iconic stars like Ken Griffey Jr. and Nolan Ryan, this set offers something for every type of collector. While high-grade examples of the top cards can be quite expensive, many of these cards are still relatively affordable in lower grades or raw condition.
Whether you’re a seasoned collector or just getting started, the 1990 Upper Deck set is a great place to focus your collecting efforts. With its mix of rookie cards, star players, and special subsets, it provides a comprehensive snapshot of baseball in the early 1990s. As always, condition is key when it comes to value, so be sure to carefully examine any cards you’re considering purchasing.
Remember, while the potential financial value of these cards is significant, the true value of collecting comes from the joy of the hobby and the connection to the history of the game. Happy collecting!
FAQs For 1990 Upper Deck Baseball Cards
What makes the 1990 Upper Deck set special?
The 1990 Upper Deck set is known for its high-quality production, key rookie cards of Hall of Famers like Frank Thomas and Larry Walker, and popular subsets like “Baseball Heroes.
Why is the Frank Thomas rookie card so valuable?
Frank Thomas is a Hall of Famer and one of the greatest hitters of all time. His 1990 Upper Deck rookie is considered his key rookie card and is highly sought after by collectors.
Are there any rare error cards in the 1990 Upper Deck set?
Yes, the most notable is the Frank Thomas “No Name on Front” error card, which is extremely rare and valuable.
How important is card condition for the value of 1990 Upper Deck cards?
Condition is crucial. PSA 10 (Gem Mint) cards often sell for many times more than the same card in lower grades.
Are there any valuable Ken Griffey Jr. cards in this set?
Yes, there are several valuable Ken Griffey Jr. cards in the 1990 Upper Deck set, including card #1 which is one of the most valuable in the set.
What does “PSA 10 GEM MT” mean?
PSA 10 GEM MT refers to a card that has been graded by Professional Sports Authenticator (PSA) and received their highest grade of Gem Mint 10.
Why are some common players’ cards valuable in this set?
Some common players’ cards can be valuable if they’re rookie cards, part of popular subsets, or particularly difficult to find in high grades.
How do the values of these cards compare to their original cost?
Many of these cards have increased in value significantly since 1990. A pack of 1990 Upper Deck cards originally retailed for about $1, while some individual cards now sell for hundreds or thousands of dollars.
Are 1990 Upper Deck cards a good investment?
While some cards have seen significant appreciation, it’s important to collect for enjoyment rather than as a pure investment. The card market can be volatile.
Where can I buy or sell 1990 Upper Deck cards?
These cards can be bought and sold through various channels including online marketplaces like eBay, local card shops, card shows, and auction houses specializing in sports memorabilia.