By the late 1980s, score baseball cards were well established as an affordable and accessible alternative to the higher priced wax packs and boxes produced by the sports card industry giants Topps and Donruss. The 1990 Score set in particular contained several rookie cards and other cards that have proven to have lasting value in the collecting marketplace. Let’s take a deeper look at some of the notable 1990 Score cards that hold significance and command premium prices among collectors today.
One of the true legendary rookies from the set is the Ken Griffey Jr. card. Griffey was already generating huge buzz in his first full season with the Seattle Mariners in 1990 and his superb athletic talents were on full display. The Griffey rookie has remained one of the most iconic and valuable cards in the entire hobby. PSA 10 Gem Mint examples in top graded condition routinely sell for well over $1000. Even lower grade copies still demand $50-100 due to Griffey’s status as a true icon of the sport.
Another major star whose rookie appeared in 1990 Score was Barry Larkin. As the shortstop for the Cincinnati Reds, Larkin went on to win the 1995 NL MVP award and is considered one of the finest defensive players ever at his position. High grade Larkin rookies can sell for $300-500 still today. Fellow future Hall of Famer Frank Thomas also had his rookie card in 1990 Score as he began what would become a legendary career crushing home runs for the Chicago White Sox. A PSA 10 Thomas rookie brings $200-300 on the market.
In addition to star rookies, 1990 Score had update (later career) cards of established players that have gained value over the years. For example, Nolan Ryan’s card where he is pictured as a Texas Ranger tends to sell for $40-60 depending on condition. The set also featured Dallas Green in his first season managing the Phillies after winning a World Series as their GM in 1980. Green’s manager card has become surprisingly collectible, with PSA 10 copies selling near $100. Hall of Famer Dennis Eckersley’s card from his dominant season closing for the Oakland A’s regularly sells for $30-50 as well.
Beyond star players, 1990 Score contained some inserts and parallels that have become fairly scarce and thus hold substantial value. One is the “Team Cards” insert set featuring all 26 MLB franchises from that season. High grade complete Team Card sets in a team bag or protective case have been known to sell for over $1000. There was also an “Emboss” parallel subset where certain cards like the Griffey and Larkin rookies were embossed for a textured feel. Pristine copies of these unique parallel versions can sometimes sell for $200-300 alone due to their rarity.
Finally, 1990 Score had an autograph promotion where select hobby boxes were inserted with autographed cards of various players. These signed additions are among the most valuable vintage cards period. A Frank Thomas autographed card from the promotion in top grade sold at auction in 2020 for over $10,000. Other star signatures like Griffey, Larkin and Ripken that surface also sell for thousands. Even lesser known autographed cards from the promo hold value perhaps into the hundred dollar range.
The 1990 Score set remains a cornerstone of the vintage card era not just for star rookie cards but also memorable parallels, inserts and autographed promotional versions. Cards from this issue involving Hall of Famers like Griffey, Larkin, Thomas, Ripken and Eckersley will likely hold value for decades as interests in their careers persist among collectors. With iconic rookies, parallels and autographed cards, 1990 Score provides many enduring collecting opportunities for investors even after 30 years.
