Top 10 Most Valuable 1988 Donruss Baseball Cards (With PSA 10 Prices)

The 1988 Donruss Baseball set may have been part of the notorious junk wax era, but certain cards have stood the test of time—especially in PSA 10 condition, where scarcity meets nostalgia and iconic player status. Whether you're a collector chasing pristine slabs or a fan reminiscing about 80s baseball, this list highlights the Top 10 most valuable 1988 Donruss baseball cards, their current PSA 10 value, and why they remain significant.

To qualify, each card had to be sold at least a few times in PSA 10 condition over the last 12 months. This ensures we're only looking at cards with consistent demand and verifiable value, not just theoretical highs based on one-off sales.

Note: PSA 10 prices fluctuate based on market demand. Values below are approximate as of 2025 based on eBay sales and PSA auction data.

1. Nolan Ryan (#61)

Estimated PSA 10 Value: $80–$90
Why It's Valuable: The strikeout king continues to be one of the most collectible players in the hobby. Even his later-career cards hold strong value in top condition.

2. Gregg Jefferies Rookie Card (#657)

Estimated PSA 10 Value: $80–$90
Why It's Valuable: Once one of the hobby’s hottest rookies, Jefferies' card still moves thanks to Mets nostalgia and his 1988 hype.

3. Cal Ripken Jr. (#171)

Estimated PSA 10 Value: $45–$75
Why It's Valuable: The Iron Man’s cards are always collectible, especially during the late 80s when his legend was just beginning to cement.

4. Bo Jackson (#220)

Estimated PSA 10 Value: $40–$75
Why It's Valuable: Few players captured the public imagination like Bo. His raw talent and two-sport stardom make this card a nostalgic gem.

5. Tom Glavine Rookie Card (#644)

Estimated PSA 10 Value: $35–$70
Why It's Valuable: As one of the few Hall of Fame rookie cards in the set, Glavine’s card leads the pack. The Braves’ ace won 305 career games and two Cy Young Awards, making this a must-have for collectors.

6. Jay Buhner Rookie Card (#545)

Estimated PSA 10 Value: $50–$60
Why It's Valuable: Buhner's long Mariners career and fan-favorite status help keep his rookie card on collector radars.

7. Don Mattingly (#217)

Estimated PSA 10 Value: $50–$60
Why It's Valuable: One of the most beloved Yankees of the 80s. While not a rookie, high-grade Mattingly cards remain very collectible.

8. Rickey Henderson (#277)

Estimated PSA 10 Value: $55
Why It's Valuable: The stolen base king and Hall of Famer always draws interest, especially in vibrant 80s designs.

9. Kirby Puckett (#368)

Estimated PSA 10 Value: $45–$55
Why It's Valuable: A clutch performer and two-time World Series champ, Puckett’s popularity still holds strong decades later.

10. Roger Clemens (#051)

Estimated PSA 10 Value: $40–$55
Why It's Valuable: A seven-time Cy Young winner, Clemens’ early Donruss cards continue to sell well in top condition.

Honorable Mentions

Darryl Strawberry (#439)
Estimated PSA 10 Value: $50

Robin Yount (#295)
Estimated PSA 10 Value: $45–$50

Ozzie Smith (#263)
Estimated PSA 10 Value: $45

Barry Bonds (#326)
Estimated PSA 10 Value: $40–$50

Roberto Alomar Rookie Card (#34)
Estimated PSA 10 Value: $40–$50

Mark Grace Rookie Card (#040)
Estimated PSA 10 Value: $40–$45

Mark McGwire (#256)
Estimated PSA 10 Value: $35

Jose Canseco (#302)
Estimated PSA 10 Value: $25–$35

Final Thoughts

The 1988 Donruss set may not be overflowing with high-value cards, but in gem mint PSA 10 condition, these cardboard pieces of baseball history are far from worthless. They tell stories of legendary careers, rookie dreams, and late-80s baseball flair that still resonates with collectors.

Tip for collectors: Centering issues and print quality plague this set, which makes PSA 10s more rare than you’d think—so don’t overlook high-grade slabs even from the so-called "junk wax" era.