One Man's Junk Is Another's Aqueous Test

Let’s be honest, most of us pretty much forgot about 1990 Donruss about a week after its release. I mean, with Leaf and Upper Deck releasing strong products, Donruss just couldn’t compete that year. So it’s hard to imagine a 1990 Donruss card selling for anything more than $1 or more these days now that we have serial numbering, certified autographs, game-used relics and more.

Not so fast!

Check out this insane eBay auction for a 1990 Donruss Aqueous Test prototype of George Brett. While there are no official numbers to how many of these Aqueous Test cards are out on the market, they are perhaps the most rare cards of the first half of the 90s. Still, $3,500+ seems a bit outrageous even to an insane player collector like myself.

For those wondering what the definition of Aqueous is, here you go:

“An aqueous coating is a fast-drying, water-based, protective coating which is applied in-line on press to attain a selection of finishes more economical price than varnish.

This clear coating provides a high gloss surface which protects the surface from dirt, smudges, fingerprints and scratch. Aqueous coating improves postcards durability as they go through mail or inserted in pockets. It is also applied on brochures, catalog covers, flyers and other visual ads.“

If you are looking to find one of these bad boys, good luck. Sports Collectors Digests estimates that only about 2,500 hundred total cards exist with only a few of the players from the ’90 Donruss checklist included. If you happen to find one at a card show in a .25 cent bin … do whatever it takes to get it into your collection. You never know what you’ll get for it.