1988 Score Baseball Cards Price Guide
The 1988 Score baseball card set was released at the height of the junk wax era during a time when the hobby saw unprecedented production numbers that have devalued sets from that period. While no single card from the ’88 Score set commands huge prices today like rookie cards from the pre-1980s, the set still holds nostalgia and value for many collectors. Let’s take an in-depth look at the 1988 Score baseball cards price guide to understand the current market values for this popular yet common vintage set.
The 1988 Score set contains 792 total cards including base cards,manager/coaches, Checklist/Future Stars, and SCOREboard mini cards. The design features a large action photo taking up nearly the full front of the card with limited text. On the back, players stats are provided along with a short career recap. The photo size and lack of frills make these some of the cleaner and simpler designs from the late 80s.
Base Cards (361-792)
These make up the bulk of the set and feature current major leaguers from 1987. Higher end stars from this section who might command a bit more today include Kirby Puckett #420 ($5+), Ozzie Smith #521 ($4-6), and Roger Clemens #548 ($3-5) in PSA 10 Gem Mint condition. But for the most part, common base cards in near mint to excellent condition bring around 50 cents to $1.
Rookies and Minor League Prospects (1-360)
This is one of the deeper sections of the set when it comes to future stars and young prospects. Some notable rookie and prospects include:
Ken Griffey Jr. #148 – Considered one of the most iconic and valuable modern rookie cards. In PSA 10 condition it ranges from $800-1500. Even in PSA 8 EX-MT condition it still sells for $100-200.
Mark McGwire #249 – His rookie card in PSA 10 brings $50-75 due to his status as one of the games all time great sluggers.
Barry Bonds #289 – One of the best power hitters ever. PSA 10 copies still fetch $40-60 all these years later.
Greg Maddux #318 – Future Hall of Famer and one of the best pitchers of all time. PSA 10 copies go for $25-40.
Ruben Sierra #340 – Had some great seasons in the 90s but is better known as one of the more obtainable lower number rookie cards from ’88 Score. PSA 10 may get you $15-20.
Lonnie Smith #349 – Quality major league outfielder for many years. His card in PSA 10 usually sells in the $5-10 range showing it’s obtainable for collectors on a budget.
Beyond the star rookies, most other prospects and minor leaguers sell in the 50 cent to $3 range depending on condition and player recognition. The depth makes finding affordable PC cards or trade bait an easier task with this section.
Future Stars, Scoring Leaders, Etc (361-396)
These specialty insert type cards aren’t nearly as valuable as the base cards of superstar players but can be fun collection pieces. The Scottie Pippen basketball Future Stars card #396 is a bit of an anomaly selling for $5-10 in high grade showing crossover collector interest. But most are in the 50 cent to $2 range.
Manager/Coaches (397-408)
As is usually the case, these lack photographer cards of behind the scenes personnel aren’t very valuable at all. A PSA 10 Tommy Lasorda might get you $3-5 while most others stay under $1.
1989 Team Cards, Checklist, etc. (409-472, 785-792)
This content at the end of the set is fairly common and low value, usually under $1 each aside from the flagship 1988 Topps cards Checklist #792 selling for $3-5 in pristine condition due to collector demand to complete the ’88 set themes.
Overall Condition
Naturally, condition is extremely important when determining value for any trading card set, and 1988 Score is no exception. While the majority of these cards were mass produced and not well cared for initially, finding high grade specimens in the PSA 8-10 range is still difficult. Anything above EX-MT gets a premium. Creatively graded/damaged/autograph cards also provide opportunities for higher end condition pop culture collectibles if a unique story can be told.
Supply and Demand
With print runs estimated at well over production numbers from the 1970s, 1988 Score cards are quite plentiful in today’s market. This depresses set prices relative to scarcer ‘50s-‘80s issues. Nostalgia and connection to MLB stars of the late 80s/early 90s maintains interest. Low pop rookies and prospects receive the highest collector focus comparatively. Condition is key. Values are fairly stable as this set has aged out of the initial boom/bust cycle and found its respectable niche.
In Closing
While no 1988 Score cards will make anyone rich in today’s market, there is still something compelling and affordable about collecting stars and prospects from this era that also were featured in classic 1990s baseball cardboard. With care in accumulation and selectivity in grading, values can be realized over time especially in the face of emerging international interest. Overall, 1988 Score remains a fun and historic set to build or enjoy random team lots from for budget minded vintage collectors.
