1990 Upper Deck Hockey Set Value
If you're a sports memorabilia collector or a hockey fan, there's a good chance you've heard of the 1990 Upper Deck Hockey set. This set, which was released in the early 90s, is still highly sought after by collectors today. In this article, we'll take an in-depth look at the value of the 1990 Upper Deck Hockey set, including its history, valuable cards, and factors that affect its overall price.
The History of the 1990 Upper Deck Hockey Set
The Upper Deck Company was founded in 1988 with the goal of revolutionizing the sports card industry. They aimed to create high-quality cards with premium paper stock, gloss coating, and advanced photography techniques. Their approach was a hit with collectors, and the demand for Upper Deck cards skyrocketed.
The 1990 Upper Deck Hockey set was one of the company's earliest releases. This set consisted of 600 cards and featured some of the biggest names in the NHL at the time, including Wayne Gretzky, Mario Lemieux, Mark Messier, Patrick Roy, and Jaromir Jagr. The set also featured rookie cards for some up-and-coming players, such as Jeremy Roenick and Mike Modano.
What set the 1990 Upper Deck Hockey set apart from other sets on the market at the time was its premium quality. The cards were printed on high-quality cardstock and featured glossy, full-color photos. This helped make the set highly desirable to collectors, and it quickly became one of the most popular hockey card sets of the time.
Valuable Cards in the 1990 Upper Deck Hockey Set
While the entire 1990 Upper Deck Hockey set is highly sought after, there are a few cards in particular that are considered the most valuable. These cards include:
- Jaromir Jagr (#356) - Jagr's rookie card is highly coveted by collectors. In addition to his incredible career stats (he's a nine-time NHL All-Star and a two-time Stanley Cup champion), Jagr's unique hairstyle on this card has also helped increase its value.
- Sergei Fedorov (#21) - Fedorov's rookie card is another popular card from the set. Fedorov had a long and successful career in the NHL and was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame in 2015.
- Mark Messier (#356) - Messier was one of the most dominant players of his era and is widely regarded as one of the greatest hockey players of all time. His card from the 1990 Upper Deck Hockey set is highly sought after by collectors.
- Patrick Roy (#126) - Roy is one of the most successful goaltenders in NHL history, with four Stanley Cup championships and three Vezina Trophies to his name. His card from the 1990 Upper Deck Hockey set is considered a must-have by collectors.
- Wayne Gretzky (#54) - Gretzky is perhaps the most famous hockey player of all time, and his card from the 1990 Upper Deck Hockey set is highly valued by collectors. In addition to his incredible on-ice stats (he's the NHL's all-time leading scorer), Gretzky's card is also notable for featuring him in a Los Angeles Kings jersey (he had just been traded to the Kings from the Edmonton Oilers).
Factors That Affect the Value of the 1990 Upper Deck Hockey Set
While the cards listed above are generally considered the most valuable in the 1990 Upper Deck Hockey set, there are a variety of factors that can affect the overall value of the set. These include:
- Condition - As with any collectible, the condition of the cards in the set is a major factor in determining their value. Cards that are in pristine condition (free from creases, dings, and other damage) will generally be worth more than cards that are damaged or show signs of wear and tear.
- Rarity - While the entire 1990 Upper Deck Hockey set is relatively rare (as compared to other sets from the era), there are some cards within the set that are rarer than others. For example, some of the rookie cards (such as Jagr's) are harder to find than others, which can increase their value.
- Popularity of the Player - The value of a particular card can also be affected by the popularity of the player featured on the card. While someone like Wayne Gretzky will always be popular among collectors, other players may see their value rise and fall based on their current performance, team affiliation, and other factors.
- Market Conditions - Finally, the overall state of the collectibles market can also have an impact on the value of the 1990 Upper Deck Hockey set. If there is high demand for sports memorabilia in general (such as during a major sports event or championship), the value of the set may increase. Conversely, if demand for collectibles is low, the value of the set may decrease.
Conclusion
The 1990 Upper Deck Hockey set remains a highly prized collectible for sports memorabilia enthusiasts and hockey fans alike. While certain cards (such as Jagr's rookie card) are particularly valuable, the overall value of the set can be affected by a variety of factors, including condition, rarity, and market conditions. No matter what the market conditions are, though, the 1990 Upper Deck Hockey set is sure to remain a must-have for collectors for many years to come.
