16 Forgotten Sports Collectible Sets from the ’90s
These 16 sports card and collectible sets from the 1990s were once widely traded but are now largely forgotten.
- Sophia Zapanta
- 5 min read
The 1990s saw an explosion of sports card production across baseball, basketball, football, and other leagues. Many companies released flashy, experimental, or short-lived sets to attract collectors and kids. While some sets from that era remain valuable, many have disappeared from public memory due to overproduction or changing tastes.
1. 1995 Topps Cyberstats
American Tobacco Company on Wikimedia Commons
Topps released the Cyberstats set in 1995 to showcase simulated baseball stats. The cards featured players with projections as if the strike-shortened 1994 season had been completed. They had a metallic finish that stood out from regular cards. Despite the novelty, the set never gained long-term popularity.
2. 1993 Score Select
Malangone77g on Wikimedia Commons
This premium set by Score aimed to compete with Upper Deck and Stadium Club. It used high-quality card stock and sharp photography. Collectors at the time liked the glossy design, but the brand faded within a few years. Today, it’s rarely included in major price guides or collecting conversations.
3. 1994 Action Packed Quarterbacks Club
Detroit Lions on Wikimedia Commons
This football set was focused entirely on quarterbacks. The cards were embossed and featured gold foil, which made them look expensive. It included both veterans and rising stars, but the narrow focus limited interest. It was discontinued after just one release year.
4. 1996 Fleer Metal Universe (Baseball)
American Tobacco Company on Wikimedia Commons
Fleer introduced wild, comic-inspired backgrounds to its Metal Universe series. The design was bold and completely different from traditional baseball cards. While some appreciated its uniqueness, others found it too distracting. The baseball version never became as collectible as its later basketball counterpart.
5. 1991 Pro Set Desert Storm
Fma12 on Wikimedia Commons
Though not a sports card set, Pro Set included this release alongside its NFL products. It featured military leaders, weapons, and vehicles from the Gulf War. Sold in sports card aisles, it caught the attention of young collectors. Over time, it became more of a curiosity than a valuable item.
6. 1995 Classic Five Sport
Goudey on Wikimedia Commons
Classic tried to blend multiple sports — baseball, basketball, football, hockey, and racing — into one set. It included a mix of college athletes and early pros. The concept was confusing, and the checklist lacked star power. The brand faded shortly after.
7. 1994 Stadium Club Super Teams
Fma12 on Wikimedia Commons
This set allowed collectors to mail in cards of championship teams for a chance to win prizes. It was printed in lower quantities than regular issues. The idea was tied to team performance, which made it hard for some fans to stay engaged. It’s now rarely seen in resale markets.
8. 1992 SkyBox AA Baseball
Halvorsen brian on Wikimedia Commons
SkyBox, known for its basketball cards, tried to enter the minor league baseball market. The design was modern and colorful, featuring lesser-known players. Since few stars emerged from that year, collector interest faded. The set was not renewed the next season.
9. 1991 Upper Deck Heroes of Baseball
Bowman Gum on Wikimedia Commons
Upper Deck featured retired legends in this side set. It used painted images instead of photographs and had a different tone from the main release. While respectful in design, it didn’t match the excitement of chasing rookie cards. It was not widely collected after its initial release.
10. 1996 Score Board Basketball
Fma12 on Wikimedia Commons
This lesser-known set featured flashy foil designs and draft prospects. Many of the featured players never made a major impact in the league. The cards were mass-produced and lacked licensing from the NBA. As a result, they hold little value today.
11. 1995 Pacific Prisms
Fma12 on Wikimedia Commons
This football set stood out with its holographic foil background and layered textures. It was visually intense and aimed to catch the eye of younger collectors. However, it had poor durability and was hard to store safely. Pacific ended the design style within a few years.
12. 1993 Wild Card NFL
Philadelphia Gum Company on Wikimedia Commons
Wild Card cards had a “stripe” redemption system where certain cards could be exchanged for multiples of the same player. The idea seemed appealing at first but became confusing and hard to manage. The set’s quality and consistency were also issues. It faded after only a few years.
13. 1991 Impel WCW Wrestling
Fma12 on Wikimedia Commons
This wrestling set featured stars from the early 1990s World Championship Wrestling lineup. It was one of the few licensed wrestling card sets at the time. However, weak design and printing quality hurt its long-term appeal. It has become a niche item rather than a core collectible.
14. 1995 Collector’s Choice SE (Special Edition)
Ballpark Cape Cod League Prospects on Wikimedia Commons
Upper Deck released this version with silver borders and inserted gold signature parallels. It was aimed at casual collectors and kids with affordable pricing. The cards were widely distributed, which lowered their rarity. Today, even unopened boxes can be found at low prices.
15. 1992 Kellogg’s All-Star Legends
Patriarca12 on Wikimedia Commons
This cereal promotion included cards of MLB legends packaged in cereal boxes. The cards were made of lenticular plastic that showed motion or 3D effects. While fun at the time, they were fragile and hard to store properly. Few complete sets remain in good condition.
16. 1997 Pinnacle Inside (Cans)
Fotosbyfudge on Wikimedia Commons
Pinnacle packaged trading cards inside metal cans instead of cardboard packs. Buyers had to open the can with a can opener to reach the cards inside. The marketing was unique, but the storage problem and gimmick format made it less practical. The brand dropped the format after one year.