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1990 Topps #336 Ken Griffey Jr. PSA + CGC Pop Report: Rarity vs Price (2026)

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The Ken Griffey Jr. #336 from the 1990 Topps set is a significant card, with PSA 10 graded examples commanding a median price of $1,028 against a raw card value of $2.80, indicating a substantial premium for top-tier grading. This card sits in a high-demand, high-population quadrant, suggesting a stable but potentially less explosive growth trajectory compared to rarer collectibles.

As someone who’s meticulously analyzed thousands of pop reports over the years, the 1990 Topps Ken Griffey Jr. #336 card is a frequent point of inquiry. Its iconic status in baseball card collecting, coupled with a robust population count, makes for a fascinating study in market dynamics. This deep dive into its PSA and CGC population data, combined with current market values, provides a clear picture of its rarity versus its demand, ultimately informing a crucial buy, hold, or skip decision for collectors and investors alike. The data reveals a card that has achieved a significant ceiling in value at the Gem Mint 10 grade, with a considerable number of copies preserved in high grades, impacting its future appreciation potential.

In This Article

• The Population Report

• Reading the Scarcity Signal

• Rarity × Demand Quadrant

• What the Pop Data Says About Grading New Copies

• The Verdict

• Where to Buy

The Population Report

18,683 total graded across PSA and CGC (17,634 PSA + 1,049 CGC), median PSA 10 sells for $1,147.48.

Data sources: What The Slab checks eBay sold comps, PriceCharting market prices, and PriceCharting pop pages (PSA + CGC), plus PSA public API. All figures as of May 2026.

The PSA population report for Ken Griffey Jr.’s 1990 Topps #336 card shows a robust submission history. Out of 17,634 cards graded by PSA, an impressive 630 have achieved the coveted Gem Mint 10 grade. This translates to a Gem Mint rate of approximately 3.56% for PSA-graded copies, a figure that is substantial for a card from this era, especially one of such immense popularity. When combining both PSA and CGC submissions, the total graded population stands at 18,683, with 682 total Gem Mint 10s. This higher combined count further emphasizes the card’s appeal to collectors seeking pristine examples. The median price for a PSA 10 is currently reported at $1,028, a significant jump from the $41.00 median for a PSA 9. This highlights the substantial market premium placed on achieving the absolute highest grade for such an iconic rookie card. The sheer volume of cards graded, particularly in the PSA 8 and PSA 9 tiers, indicates that while Gem Mint 10s are scarce relative to the total graded population, top-condition raw copies were preserved and submitted in large numbers.

Reading the Scarcity Signal

PSA has certified 630 copies of Ken Griffey Jr. #336 at Gem Mint 10. With a total of 17,634 PSA-graded cards, this yields a gem-mint rate of approximately 3.57%. This rate places the card in a tier where Gem Mint 10 examples are certainly desirable but not astronomically rare in absolute numbers. Compared to a card like the 1989 Upper Deck Ken Griffey Jr. #1, which has a significantly higher PSA 10 population, the 1990 Topps version exhibits a more controlled scarcity at the highest grade. Similarly, the 1991 Bowman Ken Griffey Jr. #20, while also a popular rookie-era card, does not approach the submission volume seen here for a top grade. The 1990 Topps #336 therefore occupies a space of high demand combined with a moderately high population of top-graded cards, a characteristic of many widely collected stars from this specific hobby boom period.

Rarity × Demand Quadrant

This Ken Griffey Jr. card, the 1990 Topps #336, firmly resides in the High Population, High Demand quadrant. The population of Gem Mint 10 examples, while not minuscule, is still a small fraction of the total graded cards, indicating a degree of scarcity for the absolute best condition. However, the overall volume of graded cards (over 17,000 by PSA alone) signifies immense collector interest and a vast number of copies that were preserved. The consistent demand for Ken Griffey Jr., particularly his early cards, ensures that even with a higher population, the market for PSA 10s remains robust. This quadrant typically signifies a stable asset that may see consistent, but not explosive, appreciation. It’s a card that is widely desired and liquid, making it a solid holding, but the sheer number of high-grade copies caps its potential for rapid, scarcity-driven price surges.

What the Pop Data Says About Grading New Copies

With 630 PSA 10s already certified for the 1990 Topps Ken Griffey Jr. #336, the Gem Mint grade can be considered moderately “pop-saturated.” While not at the extreme levels seen for some modern flagship rookies or vintage titans, each new PSA 10 submitted for this card does represent a dilution of the existing supply at that top tier. The raw price for this card hovers around $2.80. For a grading submission costing approximately $25 (including shipping and insurance for lower-value cards), plus an estimated 13% in selling fees if you were to flip it immediately, the break-even point for a PSA 10 would require a sale price significantly above the current raw card value. Given the PSA 9 median is $41.00, a raw card would need to consistently grade a 10 to justify the grading cost for profit, which is increasingly challenging with a growing population of 10s. While the PSA 10 median is over $1,000, the barrier to entry for new submissions to achieve that grade is high, and the market has already absorbed a large number of top-tier examples.

Pro Tip: While the 1990 Topps Ken Griffey Jr. #336 is a cornerstone card for many collections, focus your grading efforts on truly exceptional raw copies. Look for cards with near-perfect centering, sharp corners, and pristine surfaces. Given the substantial PSA 10 population, only the absolute best candidates have a realistic chance of maintaining or increasing their value proposition after grading. Consider the value of a PSA 9 closely; it offers a much lower buy-in and a still respectable return compared to the cost and uncertainty of chasing a 10.

The Verdict

HOLD for collectors, SKIP for speculative graders.

The 1990 Topps Ken Griffey Jr. #336 is a card that has cemented its place in hobby history. With a PSA 10 median price of $1,028 and a robust population of 630 Gem Mint 10s, this card represents a high-demand commodity. For collectors, it is an essential piece of a Griffey Jr. collection, and holding a PSA 10 is a sound decision, as its iconic status ensures continued interest. The market for this card is stable due to its broad appeal and significant population of high-grade examples.

For those considering grading new raw copies with the primary goal of profit, the “skip” recommendation is strong. The significant number of PSA 10s already certified means that each new submission faces increased competition. While the potential upside is clear (a $2.80 raw card selling for over $1,000 in PSA 10), the probability of achieving that grade and the associated costs make it a speculative endeavor with diminishing returns compared to rarer cards. The market has effectively absorbed the bulk of top-tier submissions, making it difficult to gain an edge through new grading entries.

However, if you possess an exceptionally rare, perfectly centered, and flaw-free raw copy of this card, it might still warrant submission. The key is the definition of “exceptionally rare” in terms of condition. The overwhelming majority of raw 1990 Topps Griffey Jr. cards will fall into the PSA 8 or 9 range, offering a solid holding value but not the dramatic ROI sought by speculative graders. The data points to a card that is best enjoyed for its collectibility and iconic status rather than as a new speculative grading play.

Where to Buy

Check active graded listings on eBay

For collectors looking to acquire a high-grade example of the 1990 Topps Ken Griffey Jr. #336, active listings on eBay provide the most comprehensive marketplace. When searching for a PSA 10, pay close attention to the specific card’s centering, as this is often the most critical factor in its aesthetic appeal and market value beyond the grade itself. Look for listings with multiple high-quality images that allow you to scrutinize the card from all angles.

It is also advisable to compare recent sold prices for PSA 10s to gauge the current market sentiment. While the median price offers a benchmark, individual sales can fluctuate based on auction dynamics and immediate buyer demand. For those on a tighter budget, or who are less concerned with the absolute top grade, PSA 9 copies of this card offer a significantly more accessible entry point into owning a Griffey Jr. rookie card, with prices hovering around $41.00. These cards still represent excellent value and immense collectibility.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the 1990 Topps Ken Griffey Jr. #336 a good investment?

In 2026, the 1990 Topps Ken Griffey Jr. #336 is considered a stable asset for collectors rather than a high-growth speculative investment. With a median PSA 10 price of $1,028 and a substantial PSA 10 population of 630, its appreciation is likely to be steady but not explosive. It is an essential card for any Griffey Jr. collection.

How many PSA 10 Ken Griffey Jr. #336 cards are there?

As of May 2026, PSA has certified 630 copies of the 1990 Topps Ken Griffey Jr. #336 as Gem Mint 10. When combined with CGC, there are 682 total Gem Mint 10 examples across both grading services.

Should I grade my 1990 Topps Ken Griffey Jr. #336?

For most collectors, grading a raw 1990 Topps Ken Griffey Jr. #336 with the aim of profit is likely not advisable in 2026. With 630 PSA 10s already graded, the market is well-supplied. Only exceptionally pristine raw cards with near-perfect centering and surface condition might warrant the cost and risk of grading.

What is the difference in value between a PSA 9 and PSA 10 1990 Topps Ken Griffey Jr. #336?

The value difference is significant. The median PSA 10 price is $1,028, while the median PSA 9 price is $41.00. This highlights the substantial premium collectors are willing to pay for the perfect condition of a Gem Mint 10, representing a multiplier of roughly 25x the value of a PSA 9.

Why is the 1990 Topps Ken Griffey Jr. #336 so popular?

Its popularity stems from Ken Griffey Jr.’s status as one of baseball’s most beloved and iconic players, often referred to as “The Kid.” This card is one of his earliest and most accessible rookie-era cards, making it a highly sought-after item for collectors of all levels, particularly during the peak of his career and its subsequent resurgence in hobby interest.

How does the 1990 Topps Griffey Jr. pop report compare to other early Griffey cards?

Compared to other early Griffey Jr. cards like the 1989 Upper Deck #1, the 1990 Topps #336 has a lower PSA 10 population but a higher overall graded population. This suggests that while the 1989 Upper Deck was more widely considered a “chase” card from its release, the 1990 Topps had broader appeal and submission rates across various condition grades, solidifying its status as a core rookie-era card.

For more insights into card collecting and grading, explore our comprehensive guides on sports cards and card grading.