18 Retro Sports Trading Cards from the ’90s That Are Rare
Some sports trading cards from the 1990s are now rare and highly sought after by collectors.
- Sophia Zapanta
- 5 min read
The 1990s were a major decade for sports trading cards, with many popular brands and rising athletes. Some cards printed during this time have become rare due to limited runs, condition, or player popularity. These rare cards now hold serious value for collectors and sports fans.
1. 1996-97 Topps Chrome Kobe Bryant Rookie Card
Sgt. Joseph A. Lee on Wikimedia Commons
This is one of Kobe Bryant’s most iconic rookie cards. It was released in limited quantities and is especially valuable in mint condition. The Topps Chrome series was new at the time, making this card even more desirable. Graded versions can sell for thousands of dollars today.
2. 1993 Upper Deck SP Derek Jeter Rookie Card
Keith Allison on Wikimedia Commons
This card features baseball star Derek Jeter before his major league rise. The foil finish made it hard to keep in perfect shape, which adds to its rarity. Many copies have surface damage or rough edges. High-grade versions are worth significant amounts.
3. 1997 Metal Universe Precious Metal Gems Michael Jordan
Steve Lipofsky Basketballphoto.com on Wikimedia Commons
This Jordan card was part of a short print run with bold, metallic designs. Only 100 red versions were made, and they are now extremely rare. Even damaged copies can sell for high prices. The green version, with only 10 made, is even harder to find.
4. 1996 Bowman’s Best Atomic Refractor Allen Iverson Rookie Card
Keith Allison on Wikimedia Commons
This Iverson card came with a bright, reflective surface that stood out in the 1990s. Atomic Refractors were tough to pull from packs. Iverson’s popularity adds to the card’s value. Finding one in top condition is becoming harder each year.
5. 1994 Upper Deck Electric Diamond Ken Griffey Jr.
Halvorsen brian on Wikimedia Commons
Griffey was one of the most popular players of the decade. This parallel version had a special finish that was harder to get than the regular issue. Many were handled poorly, reducing the number of mint copies. Collectors prize clean versions of this card.
6. 1997 Flair Showcase Legacy Collection Row 0 Tim Duncan Rookie
Michael 248 on Wikimedia Commons
This basketball card was released during Duncan’s rookie season. The Legacy Collection Row 0 version was limited to only 100 copies. Each card was numbered and had a shiny blue foil design. Its rarity and Duncan’s Hall of Fame career increase its value.
7. 1993 Finest Refractor Barry Bonds
Jim Accordino on Wikimedia Commons
Refractors were new and exciting in 1993, and Bonds was already a major player. These cards were tough to pull from packs, and many are scratched or faded. A clean version with strong color holds serious collector value. Bonds’ legacy also supports long-term interest.
8. 1999 Upper Deck Retro Inkredible Autograph Peyton Manning
Mike Morbeck on Wikimedia Commons
This card features one of Manning’s earliest certified autographs. It was part of a limited run and is tough to find today. The design is simple but respected among football collectors. Autographs from this era were less common, adding to its appeal.
9. 1997 Skybox E-X2001 Jambalaya Michael Jordan
Steve Lipofsky on Wikimedia Commons
Jambalaya inserts were hard to find and featured a unique, die-cut design. Jordan’s version is the most valuable from the set. It has become one of the most chased Jordan cards from the 1990s. Most copies are stored securely by collectors, making sales rare.
10. 1998 SP Authentic Randy Moss Rookie Card
Keith Allison on Wikimedia Commons
This card has a clean design and was printed in lower numbers than many others. Moss had a standout rookie season, increasing demand for his cards. SP Authentic was a premium brand that year. Graded versions in good shape are tough to find.
11. 1999 Pokémon 1st Edition Charizard (Shadowless)
Romer Jed Medina on Wikimedia Commons
Although not a sports card, this card is often grouped with sports collectibles. The 1st Edition Shadowless Charizard has become one of the most recognized and rare cards in the world. Many collectors treat it with the same value as iconic sports cards. Its status has grown beyond gaming.
12. 1996 Select Certified Mirror Red Brett Favre
Mike Morbeck on Wikimedia Commons
Mirror Red cards were short-printed parallels from Select Certified. Favre was a top quarterback during this time. The card has a high-gloss surface that scratches easily, making mint versions rare. These have gained attention as rare football inserts grow in popularity.
13. 1993 Upper Deck World Cup Preview Mia Hamm
Johnmaxmena2 on Wikimedia Commons
This early Hamm card was released before she became a global star. Women’s soccer cards were not widely collected then, making this card hard to find. Its value has risen as demand for women’s sports collectibles increases. Graded versions are even more valuable.
14. 1992 Stadium Club Beam Team Shaquille O’Neal Rookie
Steve Lipofsky on Wikimedia Commons
This insert card was released during Shaq’s rookie year. It has a flashy design and was hard to pull from packs. Many copies show edge or corner damage. Clean versions are rare and popular with fans of 1990s basketball.
15. 1995 Emotion N-Tense Jerry Rice
Anthony Quintano on Wikimedia Commons
This card was part of a striking insert set focused on top NFL stars. The print run was low compared to base sets. Jerry Rice was at the peak of his career. Cards from this set are rarely seen in top condition.
16. 1997 Metal Universe Championship Kobe Bryant
Keith Allison on Wikimedia Commons
This card came from a smaller set within the Metal Universe brand. It features detailed artwork and strong color. Kobe’s cards from the late 1990s are gaining in value. Fewer people collected this set at the time, making surviving copies rarer.
17. 1998 Bowman Chrome Refractor Dirk Nowitzki Rookie
Keith Allison on Wikimedia Commons
This refractor version of Dirk’s rookie card has become more valuable in recent years. It has a limited print run and a shiny finish. As his career achievements grew, so did interest in his early cards. The refractor stands out for both rarity and appeal.
18. 1996 Score Board Kobe Bryant Autograph Rookie Card
Keith Allison on Wikimedia Commons
This card features an early certified signature from Kobe Bryant. The card was issued by a lesser-known company but still holds value due to the autograph. Fewer copies exist compared to mainstream brands. It is now harder to locate in good condition.