The Most Valuable 1990 Topps Baseball Cards
The 1990 Topps Baseball set is instantly recognizable for its bright borders and iconic design. While it was part of the overproduction era—often dubbed the "junk wax" period—there are still several cards that hold real value when graded a perfect PSA 10. Below, we explore the most valuable cards from the 1990 Topps set, including current market estimates for PSA 10 grades and why these players remain favorites among collectors.
1. Frank Thomas No Name on Front Error Card #414 (Rookie)
Last PSA 10 Sale: $170,400 (December, 2022)
Last PSA 9 Sale: $17,220 (August, 2020)
Significance: This is the Holy Grail of the 1990 Topps set. Due to a printing error, some early sheets left Frank Thomas’s name completely missing. The “No Name on Front” (NNOF) version is one of the rarest modern errors in baseball card history. PSA 10s are almost mythical, with only 1 known.
2. Frank Thomas Partial Blackless Error Card #414 (Rookie)
Last PSA 9 Sale: $872 (July, 2023)
Significance: This variant shows partial fading of the black ink. It's still extremely collectible. As of today, there are zero PSA 10s of this card. PSA 9 is currently the highest graded copy, making even mint-condition examples extremely desirable for serious collectors.
3. Ken Griffey Jr. #336
Estimated PSA 10 Value: $300–$400
Significance: Although not a rookie card, Griffey was skyrocketing in popularity in 1990. Known for his sweet swing and charisma, "The Kid" is a cornerstone of modern baseball collecting. High-grade copies of this card capture his early greatness.
4. Frank Thomas Name on Front #414 (Rookie)
Estimated PSA 10 Value: $70–$80
Significance: "The Big Hurt" is one of the most dominant power hitters of the '90s. His rookie card is the clear standout in the 1990 Topps set. While not as scarce as the "No Name on Front" error, the standard version in gem mint condition is still in demand due to his Hall of Fame status and clean career.
5. Deion Sanders #61 (Rookie)
Estimated PSA 10 Value: $70–$80
Significance: "Prime Time" was making waves in both MLB and the NFL simultaneously. His Topps rookie card captures his incredible two-sport stardom, and high-grade copies are increasingly sought after as Deion’s coaching career keeps him in the spotlight.
6. Ryne Sandberg #210
Estimated PSA 10 Value: $70
Significance: This card showing him mid-career during his dominance with the Chicago Cubs. A fan favorite and one of the best second basemen of all time, Sandberg’s cards remain popular—especially in gem mint condition. His combination of smooth defense, surprising power, and leadership keeps his cards firmly entrenched in hobby demand.
7. Jim Rice #785
Estimated PSA 10 Value: $70
Significance: A late-career card for the Boston slugger. Rice was a key offensive force for the Red Sox during the late '70s and '80s, and he would enter the Hall of Fame in 2009. His 1990 Topps card represents his final years in the MLB.
8. Tom Glavine #506
Estimated PSA 10 Value: $70
Significance: A young Tom Glavine was just beginning to blossom into a future Hall of Famer and two-time Cy Young winner. His 1990 Topps card is an affordable, classic early-career Glavine for collectors.
9. Don Mattingly #200
Estimated PSA 10 Value: $60–$70
Significance: Though injuries limited his career totals, Mattingly’s cards are hobby staples. He was a fan favorite in the '80s and early '90s, and his popularity remains strong with Yankees faithful.
10. Nolan Ryan (Mets) #2
Estimated PSA 10 Value: $50–$70
Significance: Card #2 flashes back to Ryan’s early days with the Mets. It’s part of a four-card tribute set Topps included to honor his remarkable career, making it highly collectible for Nolan Ryan superfans.
11. Bernie Williams #701
Estimated PSA 10 Value: $65
12. Sammy Sosa #692 (Rookie)
Estimated PSA 10 Value: $65
13. Edgar Martinez #148
Estimated PSA 10 Value: $55–$60
14. Bo Jackson #300
Estimated PSA 10 Value: $50–$60
15. Cal Ripken Jr. #570
Estimated PSA 10 Value: $50–$60
16. Nolan Ryan (Rangers) #5
Estimated PSA 10 Value: $40–$60
17. Nolan Ryan (Astros) #4
Estimated PSA 10 Value: $45–$55
18. Wade Boggs #760
Estimated PSA 10 Value: $50
19. Doc Gooden #510
Estimated PSA 10 Value: $50
20. Nolan Ryan #1
Estimated PSA 10 Value: $40–$50
21. Barry Bonds #220
Estimated PSA 10 Value: $40–$50
22. Jose Canseco #250
Estimated PSA 10 Value: $40–$50
23. Mark McGwire #690
Estimated PSA 10 Value: $45
24. Curt Schilling #97 (Rookie)
Estimated PSA 10 Value: $45
25. Greg Maddux #715
Estimated PSA 10 Value: $45
26. Rickey Henderson #450
Estimated PSA 10 Value: $35–$45
27. Tony Gwynn #730
Estimated PSA 10 Value: $35–$45
28. Nolan Ryan (Angels) #3
Estimated PSA 10 Value: $40
29. Roger Clemens #245
Estimated PSA 10 Value: $35–$40
30. Larry Walker #757 (Rookie)
Estimated PSA 10 Value: $35–$40
31. Juan Gonzalez #331 (Rookie)
Estimated PSA 10 Value: $35–$40
32. Kirby Puckett #700
Estimated PSA 10 Value: $30–$40
33. Gary Sheffield #718
Estimated PSA 10 Value: $30–$35
34. Jim Abbott #675
Estimated PSA 10 Value: $30
35. Rickey Henderson #7 (Record Breaker)
Estimated PSA 10 Value: $25–$30
36. Cal Ripken Jr. #8 (Record Breaker)
Estimated PSA 10 Value: $25–$30
Final Thoughts
The 1990 Topps Baseball set is often overlooked due to its era, but gem mint cards—especially of iconic players—have carved out real value. Centering issues and poor quality control from that time make PSA 10s far less common than you’d think. Whether you’re investing, collecting, or chasing nostalgia, these cards highlight the legends of the diamond during a pivotal era in baseball history.