The Most Valuable 1984 Donruss Baseball Cards: PSA 10 Prices
The 1984 Donruss baseball set has long been appreciated for its mix of rookies and established stars. What truly makes the set legendary is the rookie crop it introduced. Don Mattingly’s iconic first card headlines the checklist, but the set also features Darryl Strawberry, Joe Carter, and Tony Fernández rookie cards, and strong showings from established stars like Nolan Ryan, Rickey Henderson, and Pete Rose. Below, we’ll explore the most valuable 1984 Donruss baseball cards, including their estimated PSA 10 values, PSA 10 population counts, and the significance of each player’s career.
1. Don Mattingly (Rookie) #248
Estimated PSA 10 Value: $3,000–$4,000
PSA 10 Population: 341
Significance: Don Mattingly, known as “Donnie Baseball,” was the face of the New York Yankees throughout the 1980s. A six-time All-Star, nine-time Gold Glove winner, and 1985 AL MVP, Mattingly was one of the most consistent hitters of his generation. His smooth left-handed swing and excellent defense at first base made him a fan favorite. While chronic back injuries shortened his career and likely kept him from the Hall of Fame, Mattingly remains one of the most beloved Yankees of all time, and his rookie card is the crown jewel of the 1984 Donruss set.
2. Darryl Strawberry (Rookie) #68
Estimated PSA 10 Value: $300–$450
PSA 10 Population: 381
Significance: Darryl Strawberry burst onto the scene with the New York Mets as the 1983 NL Rookie of the Year. With his towering power and graceful swing, he became one of the most feared sluggers of the 1980s. Strawberry was an eight-time All-Star and played a key role in the Mets’ 1986 World Series championship. He finished with 335 career home runs and was on multiple championship teams, including with the Yankees later in his career.
3. Joe Carter (Rookie) #41
Estimated PSA 10 Value: $250–$350
PSA 10 Population: 231
Significance: Joe Carter is best remembered for one of the most iconic moments in baseball history: his walk-off home run in Game 6 of the 1993 World Series, clinching the championship for the Toronto Blue Jays. A five-time All-Star and two-time Silver Slugger, Carter was a consistent power hitter, finishing his career with 396 home runs and over 1,400 RBIs. While not a Hall of Famer, his flair for clutch performances and steady production make him a memorable figure of the 1980s and ’90s hobby scene.
4. Rickey Henderson #54
Estimated PSA 10 Value: $250–$300
PSA 10 Population: 176
Significance: Rickey Henderson, “The Man of Steal,” is widely regarded as the greatest leadoff hitter in baseball history. Over his 25-year career, he set MLB records for stolen bases (1,406), runs scored (2,295), and leadoff home runs (81). A 10-time All-Star and two-time World Series champion, Henderson also won the 1990 AL MVP award. Inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2009, he revolutionized the art of base-stealing and remains a hobby legend, making every one of his cards desirable.
5. Ron Darling #30
(#30 on Back) Estimated PSA 10 Value: $200–$300
PSA 10 Population: 34
(No Number on Back) Estimated PSA 10 Value: No Recent Sales Data
PSA 10 Population: 21
Significance: Ron Darling was a key starting pitcher for the New York Mets during the 1980s, most notably contributing to their 1986 World Series championship. Over a 13-year career, Darling won 136 games and earned an All-Star selection in 1985. Beyond his playing days, he became a highly respected broadcaster, offering sharp analysis for Mets games. His error variation makes this card an intriguing piece in the 1984 Donruss set. There is a version of the card that is missing the card number on the back.
6. Nolan Ryan #60
Estimated PSA 10 Value: $200–$275
PSA 10 Population: 606
Significance: Nolan Ryan is a name synonymous with pitching dominance. Over 27 seasons, Ryan racked up an MLB-record 5,714 strikeouts and threw seven no-hitters. Known for his blazing fastball, Ryan pitched effectively across four decades, earning eight All-Star appearances. He entered the Hall of Fame in 1999 and remains one of the most collected players in hobby history. His cards carry strong long-term demand, and the 1984 Donruss version captures him in the prime of his career.
7. Tony Gwynn #324
Estimated PSA 10 Value: $150–$225
PSA 10 Population: 585
Significance: Tony Gwynn, affectionately known as “Mr. Padre,” was one of the purest hitters in baseball history. An eight-time batting champion, Gwynn compiled a career .338 batting average with over 3,100 hits. He was a 15-time All-Star, five-time Gold Glove winner, and helped lead the Padres to two World Series appearances. Elected to the Hall of Fame in 2007, Gwynn’s incredible consistency at the plate makes his cards highly collectible across all sets.
8. Ryne Sandberg #311
Estimated PSA 10 Value: $100–$200
PSA 10 Population: 290
Significance: Ryne Sandberg, or “Ryno,” was the face of the Chicago Cubs during the 1980s and early ’90s. Known for his power-hitting ability at second base, Sandberg was the 1984 NL MVP, a 10-time All-Star, and a nine-time Gold Glove winner. Inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2005, Sandberg remains a Chicago legend, and his 1984 Donruss card is a key collectible for Cubs fans.
9. Tony Fernandez (Rookie) #32
Estimated PSA 10 Value: $125–$150
PSA 10 Population: 65
Significance: Tony Fernandez was one of the slickest defensive shortstops of his era, winning four consecutive Gold Gloves from 1986-1989. A five-time All-Star, Fernandez was also a steady contact hitter who tallied over 2,200 career hits. He played a key role in the Toronto Blue Jays’ success during the late 1980s and returned to the team in 1993, helping them secure a World Series title.
10. Pete Rose #61
Estimated PSA 10 Value: $100–$150
PSA 10 Population: 348
Significance: Pete Rose, “Charlie Hustle,” is MLB’s all-time hits leader with 4,256 career hits. A 17-time All-Star, three-time World Series champion, and 1973 NL MVP, Rose was known for his relentless playing style and versatility across multiple positions. Though his Hall of Fame status is barred due to gambling controversies, his place in baseball history is undeniable. Collectors still chase his cards, and the 1984 Donruss issue shows him near the end of his historic career.
11. Wade Boggs #151
Estimated PSA 10 Value: $75–$150
PSA 10 Population: 183
12. Lou Whitaker #227
Estimated PSA 10 Value: $130
PSA 10 Population: 35
13. George Brett #53
Estimated PSA 10 Value: $100–$130
PSA 10 Population: 198
14. Cal Ripken Jr. #106
Estimated PSA 10 Value: $75–$125
PSA 10 Population: 476
15. Lance Parrish #49
Estimated PSA 10 Value: $100
PSA 10 Population: 39
16. Mike Schmidt #183
Estimated PSA 10 Value: $50–$100
PSA 10 Population: 536
17. Dale Murphy #66
Estimated PSA 10 Value: $55–$85
PSA 10 Population: 132
18. Robin Yount #48
Estimated PSA 10 Value: $50–$70
PSA 10 Population: 87
19. Reggie Jackson #57
Estimated PSA 10 Value: $40–$70
PSA 10 Population: 139
20. Ozzie Smith #59
Estimated PSA 10 Value: $45–$65
PSA 10 Population: 177
21. Sid Fernandez (Rookie) #44
Estimated PSA 10 Value: $50–$60
PSA 10 Population: 93
22. Eddie Murray #47
Estimated PSA 10 Value: $40–$50
PSA 10 Population: 83
23. Dave Parker #288
Estimated PSA 10 Value: $35–$50
PSA 10 Population: 91
24. Andy Van Slyke #83
Estimated PSA 10 Value: $30–$50
PSA 10 Population: 273
25. Wade Boggs (Diamond Kings) #26
(Steele On Back of Card) Estimated PSA 10 Value: $30–$50
PSA 10 Population: 155
(Steel On Back of Card) Estimated PSA 10 Value: No Recent Sales Data
PSA 10 Population: 32
26. Rod Carew #352
Estimated PSA 10 Value: $30–$45
PSA 10 Population: 148
27. Steve Garvey #63
Estimated PSA 10 Value: $25–$45
PSA 10 Population: 111
28. Dennis Boyd (Rookie) #457
Estimated PSA 10 Value: $40
PSA 10 Population: 56
29. Jim Palmer #576
Estimated PSA 10 Value: $30–$40
PSA 10 Population: 128
Honorable Mention: Greg Gagne (Rookie) #39
Estimated PSA 10 Value: There has been one sale in a PSA 10 in the last 5 years. It sold for: $1,279.43 (May, 2024). There are not enough recent sales for this card to make the list.
PSA 10 Population: 15
Final Thoughts
The 1984 Donruss baseball card set captures a perfect blend of rising stars and established legends, making it one of the most memorable issues of the decade. Don Mattingly’s rookie card remains the clear centerpiece, but rookie cards of Darryl Strawberry, Joe Carter, and Tony Fernández showcase the new talent that would shape the game for years to come. At the same time, appearances from greats like Nolan Ryan, Rickey Henderson, Tony Gwynn, Ryne Sandberg, and Pete Rose ensure the set carries lasting appeal across generations. For collectors, 1984 Donruss stands not just as a hobby favorite, but as a true snapshot of baseball’s evolving story during the 1980s.
