Those of you that follow our monthly eBay buys and sells, know that last year we were buying the Iconic 1995 Griffey Jr. Bubble Gum Card. We were buying, grading, and flipping thie card every month. You also know that the price of buying this card raw has shot up drastically over the past few months, and so have many other popular Pinnacle baseball cards from the early nineties.
In this artilce we will break down the Pinnacle Baseball Card set. I will help us now and provide a huge reference point as we move into the future.
The Pinnacle Baseball Card Set was a major brand in the sports card industry, particularly in the 1990s, produced by Pinnacle Brands, Inc. Here’s a comprehensive overview of the set’s history and significance:
1. Beginnings of Pinnacle Baseball Cards
- Founded: Pinnacle Brands, Inc. was established in 1990. The company quickly gained attention in the sports card industry due to its innovative products and designs.
- First Released: Pinnacle’s first baseball card set was released in 1992. This was one of the company’s first major sports card releases, marking its entry into the competitive sports card market.
2. Design and Features
- Pinnacle sets were known for their high-quality photography and creative design, setting them apart from other brands at the time. They often featured vibrant, action-oriented images and unique inserts.
- Pinnacle was a pioneer in introducing premium products to the market. Their cards were often seen as being ahead of their time in terms of both design and technology. Some notable features:
- “Dufex” Technology: A unique, shiny, foil-like finish introduced on certain insert cards, offering a 3D-like appearance.
- Inserts and Parallels: Pinnacle offered a variety of parallel sets and insert cards, which became a significant part of the card-collecting culture during the 1990s.
- Autograph Cards: Pinnacle was one of the brands to start including autograph cards in packs, a practice that would become very popular in later years.
3. Popularity and Impact
- Pinnacle’s cards were hugely popular in the 1990s, especially at the height of the sports card boom. They were a direct competitor to other major brands of the time like Topps, Donruss, and Fleer.
- Pinnacle’s sets included some notable designs and subsets that collectors loved, like Pinnacle Rookies, Pinnacle Inside, and Pinnacle Museum Collection.
- The 1993 Pinnacle set was one of their most well-known, including stars like Ken Griffey Jr., Frank Thomas, and Nolan Ryan.
4. Decline
- Like many other sports card companies, Pinnacle faced challenges due to the collapse of the sports card market in the mid-1990s. The rise in card production, along with oversaturation in the market, caused values of cards to plummet.
- In 1996, Pinnacle Brands went bankrupt and was ultimately acquired by Playoff Corporation. The company’s assets were folded into other brands under the Playoff umbrella.
5. Pinnacle’s Legacy
- Although Pinnacle stopped producing baseball cards after 1996, its influence is still felt today. Many collectors still remember the company’s contributions to the hobby, especially its attention to quality, unique inserts, and premium offerings.
- In the early 2010s, Panini (which had acquired the Playoff brand) resurrected the Pinnacle name for a brief run of basketball and hockey cards, though it wasn’t as successful as the original baseball line.
6. Pinnacle Sets (1992-1996)
- 1992 Pinnacle Baseball: The inaugural set, which introduced the Pinnacle brand.
- 1993 Pinnacle Baseball: One of the most famous sets, featuring premium cards and inserts.
- 1994 Pinnacle Baseball: Continued the trend of high-quality cards with even more inserts and special editions.
- 1995 Pinnacle Baseball: Introduced additional parallels and more rare inserts.
- 1996 Pinnacle Baseball: The final set before Pinnacle’s bankruptcy, this set still featured premium designs but also included the early signs of market trouble.
7. Market Value
- Pinnacle cards today are considered mid-tier in terms of market value, with some of the rare inserts and early cards being sought after by collectors.
- While they may not have the same level of prestige or value as Topps or Upper Deck cards, certain insert cards, rookie cards, and parallel sets have maintained decent value among collectors.
Conclusion
While Pinnacle did not last as long as some other major brands, its influence on the sports card market in the early ’90s is undeniable. They helped shape the direction of premium cards and introduced several innovations that collectors still appreciate today. The company’s attempt to bring fresh designs and insert sets to the market left a lasting impact on the hobby, even though they are no longer a major player today.
Let me know if you’re interested in specific sets or cards from Pinnacle—some of their insert cards can be quite valuable!
The Pinnacle Baseball Card Sets produced from 1992 to 1996 feature some of the most iconic players of the 1990s, making them highly collectible, especially for cards in excellent condition or rare inserts. These sets spanned a transformative period in baseball and card collecting, so there are a variety of valuable cards that have appreciated over time.
Here’s a list of the 25 most valuable cards from the 1992-1996 Pinnacle baseball card sets, with a focus on key player cards, rookie cards, insert cards, and rare parallels.
1. Derek Jeter (1995 Pinnacle)
- Value: $200 – $400 (Gem Mint, PSA 10)
- Why it’s valuable: Although it’s not Jeter’s true rookie card (which came in 1993), this card is sought after because of his iconic career and status as one of the best shortstops in baseball history.
2. Chipper Jones (1995 Pinnacle)
- Value: $100 – $200 (Gem Mint, PSA 10)
- Why it’s valuable: Chipper Jones is one of the biggest stars of the ’90s, and his 1995 Pinnacle card is highly collectible due to his Hall of Fame career.
3. Ken Griffey Jr. (1993 Pinnacle)
- Value: $60 – $150 (Gem Mint, PSA 10)
- Why it’s valuable: Griffey Jr. was the face of baseball in the ’90s, and his 1993 Pinnacle card continues to be highly sought after because of his charisma, hitting power, and memorable career.
4. Frank Thomas (1993 Pinnacle)
- Value: $60 – $120 (Gem Mint, PSA 10)
- Why it’s valuable: Frank Thomas is a baseball legend and his 1993 Pinnacle card remains a staple of any collection from that era, particularly for fans of power hitters.
5. Randy Johnson (1993 Pinnacle)
- Value: $50 – $90 (Gem Mint, PSA 10)
- Why it’s valuable: Randy Johnson’s 1993 Pinnacle card is valuable due to his dominance on the mound, including his Cy Young Awards and his eventual Hall of Fame induction.
6. Barry Bonds (1993 Pinnacle)
- Value: $50 – $90 (Gem Mint, PSA 10)
- Why it’s valuable: Barry Bonds is a controversial figure, but his 1993 Pinnacle card is valuable due to his remarkable hitting and power-hitting achievements.
7. Mike Piazza (1993 Pinnacle)
- Value: $50 – $80 (Gem Mint, PSA 10)
- Why it’s valuable: Known as one of the greatest offensive catchers of all time, Mike Piazza‘s 1993 Pinnacle card is in high demand.
8. Greg Maddux (1993 Pinnacle)
- Value: $40 – $70 (Gem Mint, PSA 10)
- Why it’s valuable: Greg Maddux‘s control and pitching mastery make his 1993 Pinnacle card highly collectible, especially for fans of pitching dominance.
9. Cal Ripken Jr. (1993 Pinnacle)
- Value: $35 – $60 (Gem Mint, PSA 10)
- Why it’s valuable: The Iron Man’s 1993 Pinnacle card is a sought-after piece due to his legendary consecutive games streak and Hall of Fame status.
10. Juan Gonzalez (1993 Pinnacle)
- Value: $30 – $60 (Gem Mint, PSA 10)
- Why it’s valuable: Known for his powerful bat, Juan Gonzalez‘s 1993 Pinnacle card is valuable among collectors who appreciate power hitters.
11. Pedro Martinez (1993 Pinnacle)
- Value: $30 – $50 (Gem Mint, PSA 10)
- Why it’s valuable: As Pedro Martinez was just beginning his rise to prominence, his 1993 Pinnacle card has appreciated over time as he cemented his Hall of Fame career.
12. Derek Jeter (1996 Pinnacle)
- Value: $150 – $300 (Gem Mint, PSA 10)
- Why it’s valuable: This 1996 Pinnacle card of Derek Jeter is often considered one of his most iconic cards from the 1990s, and it remains highly sought after due to his legendary career.
13. Chipper Jones (1996 Pinnacle)
- Value: $100 – $200 (Gem Mint, PSA 10)
- Why it’s valuable: Jones was a key figure in the ’90s, and this card from 1996 Pinnacle reflects his rise to stardom, making it highly collectible.
14. Ken Griffey Jr. (1996 Pinnacle)
- Value: $50 – $100 (Gem Mint, PSA 10)
- Why it’s valuable: Ken Griffey Jr.‘s star power continues to fuel demand for his 1996 Pinnacle card, especially among fans of his charismatic personality and incredible skills.
15. Frank Thomas (1996 Pinnacle)
- Value: $40 – $80 (Gem Mint, PSA 10)
- Why it’s valuable: The Big Hurt continues to be one of the most respected players from the ’90s, and his 1996 Pinnacle card reflects that status.
16. Randy Johnson (1996 Pinnacle)
- Value: $40 – $70 (Gem Mint, PSA 10)
- Why it’s valuable: The Big Unit was one of the most dominant pitchers of the ’90s, and his 1996 Pinnacle card is highly collectible, particularly in mint condition.
17. Barry Bonds (1996 Pinnacle)
- Value: $30 – $60 (Gem Mint, PSA 10)
- Why it’s valuable: Barry Bonds‘s legendary career keeps his cards valuable, even those from the 1996 Pinnacle set, which showcases his continued dominance at the plate.
18. 1993 Pinnacle “Museum Collection” Inserts
- Value: $100 – $500 (varies by player)
- Why it’s valuable: Museum Collection inserts were highly sought after for their rare, shiny design and limited print run. These cards featuring stars like Griffey Jr., Jeter, and Thomas are prized by collectors.
19. 1996 Pinnacle “Museum Collection” Inserts
- Value: $100 – $400 (varies by player)
- Why it’s valuable: The 1996 Pinnacle Museum Collection inserts remain one of the most prized subsets from the Pinnacle series. Cards of Griffey Jr., Jeter, and other stars fetch premium prices.
20. 1995 Pinnacle “Artist’s Proof” Parallels
- Value: $50 – $200 (varies by player)
- Why it’s valuable: Artist’s Proofs are rare parallels of base cards, and their scarcity and glossy finish make them particularly valuable, especially for big names like Jeter, Griffey Jr., and Piazza.
21. 1994 Pinnacle “Museum Collection” Inserts
- Value: $100 – $400 (varies by player)
- Why it’s valuable: Museum Collection inserts from the 1994 Pinnacle set are rare and highly collectible, especially when featuring players like Griffey Jr., Jeter, and Thomas.
22. 1995 Pinnacle “The Natural” Inserts
- Value: $50 – $200 (varies by player)
- Why it’s valuable: The 1995 Pinnacle The Natural inserts were rare and feature stunning artwork. They are particularly valuable for players like Griffey Jr., Piazza, and Thomas.
23. 1995 Pinnacle “Dufex” Inserts
- Value: $100 – $400 (varies by player)
- Why it’s valuable: Dufex inserts have a unique holographic effect, making them highly collectible. Cards from this subset, particularly those of Griffey Jr. and Jeter, can be worth a significant amount in top condition.
24. 1996 Pinnacle “Team Pinnacle” Inserts
- Value: $50 – $200 (varies by player)
- Why it’s valuable: The Team Pinnacle inserts feature pairings of current stars and Hall of Famers. Cards with Griffey Jr. / Ruth, Jeter / Mantle, and similar pairings are highly sought after.
25. 1993 Pinnacle “Inserts” – Team Pinnacle
- Value: $50 – $150 (varies by player)
- Why it’s valuable: Team Pinnacle inserts, which feature combinations of a current star
WE LIKE THE PINNACLE CARDS, THEY SELL WELL AND THE BEST SELLER FOR US IS WITHOUT QUESTION, THE 1995 PINNACLE GRIFFEY BUBBLE GUM CARD!
1995 Pinnacle “Bubble Gum Card”
- Value: $50 – $200 (depending on condition, with PSA 9 or 10 examples fetching a premium)
- Why it’s valuable: This card is iconic for the bubble gum stain placed intentionally on a portion of the cards during production, making it a memorable and sought-after item. It’s especially popular among collectors who remember the mid-90s boom in quirky insert cards, oddities, and limited editions. While it might not be as valuable as some of the top player cards, its novelty factor and rarity in pristine condition keep it in high demand.
Thank you for pointing that out! It’s definitely one of the more distinctive and highly talked about cards from the 1995 Pinnacle set, and I can see how collectors would place it among the most valuable cards from the era because of its cultural impact.