Sports Cards: 10 Most Valuable Baseball Rookie Cards of the 1990s (2024)

In this article, we will explore the 10 most valuable baseball rookie cards of the 1990s. These cards hold significant value due to the players featured on them and their scarcity. We will provide detailed information about each card, including its raw, PSA 9, and PSA 10 values based on recent eBay sales. Let's dive in!

10. 1995 Bowman's Best #7 Andruw Jones

• Raw: $15
• PSA 9: $50
• PSA 10: $300

Andruw Jones, one of the most hyped minor leaguers of all time, burst onto the scene in the 1990s. His rookie cards from the 1995 Bowman and Bowman's Best sets are highly sought after. The Bowman's Best card, with its shiny foil nature, is particularly difficult to find in gem mint condition. Only 373 out of 3,125 submitted to PSA have received a PSA 10 grade. 9. 1990 Leaf #300 Frank Thomas

• Raw: $20
• PSA 9: $50
• PSA 10: $250

The Frank Thomas rookie card from the 1990 Leaf set is highly valued. This set had a smaller print run compared to other releases of the Junk Wax Era, making it more desirable. With over 10,000 PSA 9 and nearly 4,000 PSA 10 cards in circulation, high-grade versions are relatively easier to find. However, they still command a premium due to Thomas' status as one of the decade's biggest stars. 8. 1997 Bowman Chrome #212 Roy Halladay

• Raw: $15
• PSA 9: $100
• PSA 10: $1,000

Roy Halladay, a dominant pitcher of his generation, made his first appearance on MLB licensed cards in 1997. His rookie cards from the Bowman, Bowman Chrome, and Bowman's Best sets are highly valued. The Bowman Chrome card, in particular, holds significant value, with only 37 PSA 10 graded cards out of 3,125 submitted to PSA. Halladay's impressive career and multiple Cy Young awards contribute to the demand for his rookie cards. 7. 1995 Bowman's Best #2 Vladimir Guerrero

• Raw: $20
• PSA 9: $100
• PSA 10: $900

Vladimir Guerrero, one of the most popular players of his era, had an outstanding career. His rookie cards from the 1995 Bowman and Bowman's Best sets are highly sought after. The Bowman's Best card, like the Andruw Jones card, is challenging to find in gem mint condition due to its foil nature. Guerrero's induction into the Hall of Fame in 2018 further increased the value of his rookie cards. 6. 1992 Fleer Update #U-92 Mike Piazza

• Raw: $60
• PSA 9: $100
• PSA 10: $400

Mike Piazza, the greatest offensive catcher in MLB history, had an impressive rookie season in 1993. While his 1992 Bowman rookie card is iconic, it's his 1992 Fleer Update card that holds significant value. The Fleer Update set had a lower print run compared to other releases of the Junk Wax Era, making it harder to find. Piazza's remarkable career and his status as a fan-favorite contribute to the value of his rookie cards. 5. 1997 Bowman Chrome #182 Adrian Beltre

• Raw: $35
• PSA 9: $120
• PSA 10: $500

Adrian Beltre, a likely first-ballot Hall of Famer, has one of the most valuable rookie cards in the 1997 Bowman set. This set also features rookie cards of other notable players like Roy Halladay, Aramis Ramirez, and Miguel Tejada. Beltre's impressive career and potential Hall of Fame induction in 2024 contribute to the value of his rookie card. 4. 1992 Bowman #302 Mariano Rivera

• Raw: $80
• PSA 9: $185
• PSA 10: $900

Mariano Rivera, one of the greatest relief pitchers in MLB history, has a highly valuable rookie card in the 1992 Bowman set. This set had a lower print run compared to other releases of the era, making it relatively harder to find. Rivera's enduring popularity, legendary career, and the fact that it's his only true rookie card contribute to its value. 3. 1994 SP #15 Alex Rodriguez

• Raw: $20
• PSA 9: $380
• PSA 10: $7,500

Alex Rodriguez, a generational talent, had an exceptional rookie season in 1996. His rookie card from the 1994 SP set is highly valued. The SP set's foil design makes high-grade versions difficult to find, with only 21 PSA 10 graded cards out of 16,753 submitted to PSA. Despite his PED suspension, Rodriguez's rookie card retains significant value due to its scarcity and his remarkable early career. 2. 1997 Ultra #518 David Ortiz

• Raw: $120
• PSA 9: $400
• PSA 10: $2,000

David Ortiz, one of the marquee players of his generation, has two rookie cards in the 1997 Fleer and Ultra sets. These cards are highly valued due to Ortiz's impressive career, including 541 home runs, 1,769 RBI, and three World Series rings. The scarcity of his rookie cards and his status as a first-ballot Hall of Famer contribute to their value. 1. 1993 SP #279 Derek Jeter

• Raw: $300
• PSA 9: $8,500
• PSA 10: N/A

Derek Jeter, a New York Yankees superstar, has the most coveted rookie card of the 1990s. The 1993 SP set's foil design and the inclusion of Jeter in the "Premiere Prospects" subset make this card extremely rare. Only 21 out of 19,386 submitted to PSA have received a PSA 10 grade. The scarcity and desirability of this card make it the holy grail of 1990s baseball cards. In conclusion, the 1990s produced several highly valuable baseball rookie cards. These cards hold significant value due to the players featured on them, their scarcity, and their condition. Collectors and fans alike continue to seek out these cards to add to their collections.