The 8 Most Valuable Hockey Cards From The 1990s

The 1990s were a pivotal era for sports card collecting, often called the 'junk wax era' due to the mass production of cards. However, even during this period, some hockey trading cards from the decade have maintained their value and become highly sought after by collectors.

At the Ask Genie blog, we're looking at the most valuable hockey cards from the 1990s. If you're too young (or too old) to remember the '90s, don't worry because we're going back to the decade to see what happened on and off the rink.

NHL History: What Happened in the 1990s?

The 1990s was a decade of growth and change for the NHL, setting the stage for the modern era of hockey. From the dominance of legends like Gretzky and Lemieux to the emergence of new stars and franchises, it was a period that reshaped the sport and captivated fans worldwide.

As well as new stars taking the ice by storm, there were several significant changes to the NHL in the 1990s, including the league extending from 21 to 30 teams and adding franchises in:

San Jose
Ottawa
Tampa Bay
Anaheim
Florida
Nashville
Atlanta

In addition to new teams, existing franchises relocated and changed names, with the Quebec Nordiques becoming the Colorado Avalanche, the Winnipeg Jets moving to Phoenix, and the Hartford Whalers moving to Carolina.

Which Teams Won Stanley Cup Championships in the 1990s?

The decade saw a mix of dynasties and new champions:

Edmonton Oilers (1990)
Pittsburgh Penguins (1991, 1992)
Montreal Canadiens (1993)
New York Rangers (1994)
New Jersey Devils (1995, 2000)
Colorado Avalanche (1996)
Detroit Red Wings (1997, 1998)
Dallas Stars (1999)

In terms of the players, two bonafide NHL legends stood out in the decade:

Arguably the greatest hockey player ever, Wayne Gretzky broke the record for career goals in 1994. Before retiring in 1999, Gretzky was also traded from the Los Angeles Kings to the St. Louis Blues in 1996 before signing with the New York Rangers all in the same year.

Mario Lemieux won the Art Ross Trophy in 1992, 1993 and 1996, leading the Pittsburgh Penguins to consecutive Stanley Cup victories in 1991 and 1992.

The 1990s' most valuable hockey cards

Now we're up to speed on what happened in the NHL during the 1990s, let's see which sports cards have become the most valuable and sought-after for collectors.

1. 1990 Pro Set Stanley Cup Hologram

At the top of the list is the 1990 Pro Set Stanley Cup Hologram card, which remains the ultimate chase card for hockey collectors from the 1990s. Limited to 5,000 hand-numbered copies, this card is extremely rare and highly prized by enthusiasts. While exact sale prices are difficult to come by, this card consistently tops many lists of the most valuable 1990s hockey cards.

2. 1990 Score Eric Lindros ‘Future Superstar’ Rookie Card

Considered hockey's equivalent to key baseball rookie cards of the time, the 1990 Score Eric Lindros ‘Future Superstar’ Rookie Card was one of the most sought-after cards of the 1990-91 season. Its value has held up remarkably well over the years, making it a coveted item for collectors.

3. 1990 Martin Brodeur Score Hockey #439 Rookie Card

This rookie card of legendary goaltender Martin Brodeur is one of the few exceptions to the generally low-value 1990 Score set. Graded PSA 10 versions have maintained steady values, making it a decent investment for collectors.

4. 1990 Upper Deck Wayne Gretzky #54

A PSA 10-graded version of this 1990 Upper Deck Wayne Gretzky card sold for $186 at auction, showcasing its enduring value. Gretzky's cards consistently rank among the most valuable, even from the overproduced 1990s.

5. 1990 Wayne Gretzky Score Hockey #361

Another Gretzky card makes the list, this time featuring ‘The Great One’ holding the Art Ross Trophy. A PSA 10-graded version of this 1990 Score Hockey card can still fetch a significant sum, though less than his rookie cards from earlier decades.

6. 1991 Dominik Hasek Upper Deck French #335 Rookie Card

This rookie card of star goaltender Dominik Hasek, especially in its French version, is highly valued among collectors. The card's silver mirror background makes finding high-grade copies challenging, adding to its desirability.

7. 1997 Donruss Preferred Line of the Times Die Cut Wayne Gretzky

A PSA 10-graded version of this 1997 Donruss Preferred Line of the Times Die Cut Wayne Gretzky card sold for $81.60 in a recent auction, demonstrating that even late-90s Gretzky cards can command respectable prices.

8. 1998 Upper Deck Choice Mini Bobbing Head Wayne Gretzky

This unique 1998 Upper Deck Choice Mini Bobbing Head Wayne Gretzky card sold for $76.80 in PSA 10 condition, setting a new record for this particular card.

What was the 'Junk Wax' Era?

The 1990s were a unique time in the sports card collecting world, often called the ‘junk wax era.’ During this period, card manufacturers like Topps, Upper Deck, and Score flooded the market with an unprecedented number of cards, leading to a big drop in their overall value.

This overproduction was driven by the growing popularity of sports card collecting, particularly among younger generations. Card companies wanted to capitalise on this trend by making their products more accessible and affordable. However, the sheer volume of cards produced ultimately backfired, as the supply far outweighed the demand.

As a result, many 1990s hockey cards that were once considered valuable have since plummeted in price. These cards' high production numbers and widespread availability made them less scarce and desirable for collectors. However, as the years have passed, a select few 1990s hockey cards have managed to maintain their value or even increase in worth, as evidenced by the cards highlighted in this blog post.

The Enduring Appeal of Gretzky and Other Legends

One key factor contributing to the continued value of certain 1990s hockey cards is the presence of iconic players, such as Wayne Gretzky. Known as 'The Great One,' Gretzky's cards have consistently been among the most sought-after and valuable in the hobby, even during the 'junk wax era.'

Gretzky's unparalleled achievements on the ice, including his record-breaking career and multiple Stanley Cup wins, have cemented his status as one of the greatest hockey players ever. This enduring legacy and the high demand for his cards have helped maintain their value, even as the overall market for 1990s cards has declined.

Discover how much The Great One's cards have sold for in our The 10 Most Expensive Wayne Gretzky Hockey Cards Ever Sold guide.

Other legendary players, such as Martin Brodeur and Dominik Hasek, have also seen their rookie cards from the 1990s maintain a solid following among collectors. These players' elite-level skills and the rarity of their rookie cards have contributed to their continued desirability.

Hit the Ice with Spin Genie

If you've a passion for hockey, make sure you check out more Ask Genie guides, like:

FAQs About Hockey in the 1990s

Who Were the Standout Players in the NHL in the 1990s?

A host of standout players who left an indelible mark on the game in the 1990s, including these 10:

1. Mario Lemieux won multiple awards, including four Ross Trophies and two Hart Trophies, and led the Pittsburgh Penguins to back-to-back Stanley Cup victories in 1991 and 1992. His resilience in overcoming health challenges, including Hodgkin's lymphoma, only added to his legendary status.

2. Wayne Gretzky accumulated over 850 points in the 1990s, won three Art Ross Trophies and was selected for the All-Star Game every year of the decade. The Great One also helped the LA Kings to their first Stanley Cup Finals, and his ability to perform at the highest level kept him in the spotlight throughout the '90s.

3. Dominik Hasek emerged as one of the most dominant goaltenders in NHL history during the 1990s. He won five Vezina Trophies and two Hart Trophies, showcasing his exceptional skills with a remarkable 2.26 goals-against average and a .926 save percentage.

4. Jaromir Jagr finished the decade as the top point-scorer with over 950 points. He was a key player for the Pittsburgh Penguins, winning two Stanley Cups and earning multiple individual accolades, including the Hart Trophy in 1999.

5. Brett Hull ended the decade with over 450 goals and nearly 850 points. He was a six-time All-Star and won the Hart Memorial Trophy in 1991. His powerful shot and offensive instincts made him one of the most feared scorers in the league.

6. Steve Yzerman was a consistent performer and longtime captain of the Detroit Red Wings, accumulating over 850 points. He led the Red Wings to two Stanley Cup championships in the late 1990s, earning the Conn Smythe Trophy as playoff MVP in 1998.

7. Patrick Roy is often regarded as one of the greatest goaltenders in NHL history. During the 1990s, he won Stanley Cups with the Montreal Canadiens and the Colorado Avalanche. He was a two-time Vezina Trophy winner and made seven All-Star appearances.

8. Ray Bourque accumulated nearly 700 points and won three Norris Trophies, ending the decade as the highest-scoring defenseman. His offensive prowess and defensive skills made him a cornerstone for the Boston Bruins and a perennial All-Star.

9. Joe Sakic was a key player for the Colorado Avalanche, leading the team to a Stanley Cup in their inaugural season after relocating from Quebec. He was a seven-time All-Star and won the Conn Smythe Trophy in 1996, finishing the 1990s with nearly 900 points.

10. Sergei Fedorov is one of the best Russian players in NHL history. During the decade, he scored close to 750 points. He also won three Stanley Cup championships, two in the 1990s ('97 and '98) and the Hart Memorial Trophy in 1994.

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