1990 Score Baseball Card Price Guide
The 1990 Score baseball card set featured 762 total cards and included rookie cards for future Hall of Famers like Frank Thomas, Gregg Maddux, and Jeff Bagwell. While not as iconic as sets from the late 1980s, 1990 Score cards remain popular with collectors today due to the star talent featured. This comprehensive price guide will break down the most valuable and sought after cards from the 1990 Score set as well as provide context around card conditions and factors affecting price.
The true stars of the 1990 Score set are the rookie cards for future star players who had Hall of Fame caliber careers. Often topping list of most valuable 1990 Score cards are the rookie cards of Frank Thomas, Jeff Bagwell, and Gregg Maddux. In pristine near-mint to mint condition (graded 9-10 on the 1-10 BGS/PSA grading scale), these rookie cards can fetch big money from avid collectors.
Frank Thomas #642 RC – In a PSA 10 gem mint, this coveted rookie card has sold for over $2,000. Even in an unlabeled PSA 9 near-mint, it can sell for $500-800 depending on the auction. Widely considered one of the best power hitters of the 1990s and 2000s, Thomas’ career .301 batting average and 521 home runs make this one of the most sought after rookie cards from the set.
Jeff Bagwell #470 RC – Another premier power hitter enshrined in Cooperstown, Bagwell’s 1990 Score rookie card graded PSA/BGS 10 is valued around $1,000-1,500. In a PSA 9 it still commands $400-700. A consistently clutch slugger for the Astros for over 15 seasons, Bagwell’s career numbers and Hall of Fame induction add to the interest in his rookie card.
Gregg Maddux #488 RC – While not as well known for mammoth home run totals, Maddux’s pinpoint control and four Cy Young awards as one of baseball’s best pitchers ever make his 1990 Score rookie a top valued card. A PSA/BGS 10 grades around $800-1,200 with a PSA 9 reaching $300-500 prices currently.
Beyond the valuable rookie cards, other premium veterans from the 1990 season that command higher prices include #422 Nolan Ryan, #633 Ken Griffey Jr., #5 Barry Bonds, and #637 Cal Ripken Jr. Graded gems of these star players can reach hundreds of dollars depending on the player pedigree and card condition. Some key price points for notable veterans include:
Nolan Ryan PSA 10 – $600-800
Ken Griffey Jr. PSA 10 – $400-600
Barry Bonds PSA 10 – $300-500
Cal Ripken Jr. PSA 10 – $250-350
For rookie cards of stars who had solid careers but didn’t reach Hall of Fame level of play, prices tend to range from $50-150 for top grades. Players in this category could include #562 Moises Alou, #645 Juan Gonzalez, #486 Dave Martinez, #631 Larry Walker. More common but still sought rookie cards in the $10-50 range for gems might be players like Jeff Reardon, Dennis Martinez, or Pat Listach.
While rookie cards and star players dominate 1990 Score value, there are also opportunities to find hidden gems. Parallel printings like “black border” variations, possible printing errors, numbered or stamped cards, and promotional inserts can sometimes create unexpected rarities. Carefully checking serial numbers, autographs, or unusual mistakes can uncover unique cards in any given vintage set that may hold special significance.
Just as valuable as the card itself is the condition or grade. Lower grades of even top cards will lose tremendous value. Being able to verify authenticity and assess condition accurately is vital for collectors. That is why third party certification from leading companies like PSA or BGS provides confidence for buyers and informs realistic sale expectations. Factors like centering, corners, edges and surface all impact condition and are professionally analyzed through comprehensive grading standards.
The 1990 Score baseball set launched the careers of all-time great players still popular with collectors today. While supply may be plentiful compared to the scarcity of 1980s sets, demand remains high for well-preserved rookie cards and star veterans from this vintage era. With Hall of Fame talent and proven track records of growth over time, premium 1990 Score cards graded pristinely always seem poised to retain value as a sound long term hobby investment. Being aware of condition impacts and discerning genuine collectibles from damaged or counterfeit cards helps serious investors successfully target and acquire key pieces from this evergreen set.
