Donruss baseball cards are a beloved part of baseball memorabilia. They were produced from 1981 to 2005, and many collectors still have their cards from those years. Many of these cards are valuable, and some of the rarest can even be worth thousands of dollars. But how do you know if your Donruss cards are worth anything? In this article, we’ll look at what makes a Donruss card valuable and which cards are the most valuable.
History of Donruss Baseball Cards
Donruss was founded in 1954 by Robert D. “Bob” Donruss. The company produced a variety of products, including board games, puzzles, and sports cards. They began producing baseball cards in 1981, and they quickly became popular. They were known for their colorful design and unique inserts.
The company was eventually purchased by the Pinnacle Brand in 1998, and they continued to produce cards until 2005. During this time, they released a variety of sets, including the popular “Diamond Kings” series.
What Makes a Donruss Card Valuable?
There are a few factors that determine the value of a Donruss card. The most important factor is the player featured on the card. Cards of popular players, such as Mickey Mantle or Babe Ruth, are more valuable than cards of lesser-known players. Age is also a factor; older cards are usually more valuable than newer cards.
In addition, the condition of the card also affects its value. Cards that are in excellent condition are worth more than cards that are worn or damaged. Finally, certain rare cards, such as those from limited edition sets, can be more valuable.
Most Valuable Donruss Cards
There are a number of Donruss cards that are worth a lot of money. Here are some of the most valuable cards:
- 1981 Donruss Cal Ripken Jr. #405 – This card of the future Hall of Famer is one of the most valuable Donruss cards. It has been sold for as much as $30,000.
- 1984 Donruss Ryne Sandberg #62 – This card of the Cubs legend is worth thousands of dollars. It has been sold for as much as $9,000.
- 1985 Donruss Roger Clemens #159 – This card of the future Hall of Famer is incredibly valuable. It has been sold for as much as $6,000.
- 1988 Donruss Mark McGwire #61 – This card of the future Hall of Famer is one of the most sought-after Donruss cards. It has been sold for as much as $4,000.
- 1991 Donruss Frank Thomas #236 – This card of the future Hall of Famer is very valuable. It has been sold for as much as $2,500.
Other Valuable Donruss Cards
In addition to the cards listed above, there are a number of other Donruss cards that are worth money. Here are some of the most valuable ones:
- 1984 Donruss Rickey Henderson #11 – This card of the future Hall of Famer is worth a lot of money. It has been sold for as much as $4,000.
- 1985 Donruss Kirby Puckett #246 – This card of the future Hall of Famer is extremely valuable. It has been sold for as much as $3,000.
- 1985 Donruss Ozzie Smith #1 – This card of the future Hall of Famer is very valuable. It has been sold for as much as $2,500.
- 1987 Donruss Barry Bonds #337 – This card of the future Hall of Famer is incredibly valuable. It has been sold for as much as $2,000.
- 1991 Donruss Sammy Sosa #270 – This card of the future Hall of Famer is worth a lot of money. It has been sold for as much as $2,000.
What to Look For When Buying Donruss Cards
When buying Donruss cards, it’s important to look for certain factors that indicate the card’s value. The card should be in good condition, with no creases or tears. It should also have sharp corners and no fading. In addition, it should have a clean back and no writing or markings. Finally, it should have a bright and clean front, with no discoloration or stains.
Where to Buy Donruss Cards
Donruss cards can be found in a variety of places. Collectors can buy them at card shops, flea markets, and online. eBay is a great place to buy cards, as it has a wide selection of cards from a variety of sellers. In addition, there are a number of websites that specialize in Donruss cards, such as The Baseball Card Exchange and Baseball Card King.
Conclusion
Donruss baseball cards can be incredibly valuable, with some cards worth thousands of dollars. When buying Donruss cards, it’s important to look for certain factors that indicate the card’s value, such as condition and rarity. In addition, it’s important to know where to buy cards, as there are a variety of places to buy them. With the right knowledge and some luck, you could find a valuable Donruss card.