The 1990 Score baseball card set marked a transition period for the hobby as the famous Topps monopoly on baseball cards ended and Score introduced flashy new designs. While not as iconic or desired as sets from the late 1980s, several key rookie cards and short prints from the 1990 Score set have gained significant value over the decades. Let’s take an in-depth look at some of the highest value 1990 Score cards collectors seek out today.
Perhaps the most well-known and expensive card from the 1990 Score set is the Ken Griffey Jr. rookie card. Griffey was already generating enormous hype leading up to his highly-anticipated MLB debut in 1989 and his rookie card status only adds to the card’s appeal among collectors. In high grade Gem Mint 10 condition, the Griffey Jr. rookie currently sells for well over $1,000 and can fetch up to $2,500 in auctions. Even in lower grades of around Excellent-Mint 8, the card still demands $300-500 on the secondary market. Griffey went on to have one of the greatest careers in baseball history and is considered one of the most talented and exciting players ever, making his rookie card a must-have for enthusiasts.
Another huge name whose rookie card appears in the 1990 Score set is Frank Thomas, known as “The Big Hurt” during his Hall of Fame caliber career. Thomas debuted in 1990 and showed he was a rising star by finishing second in rookie of the year voting while belting 21 homers. Like Griffey, the allure of owning a future Hall of Famer’s first card adds tremendous value. A PSA 10 Thomas rookie brings in over $1,000 nowadays and can sell for around $600-800 graded an 8. Even raw near mint copies demand $250-400 due to his legendary career and status as one of the game’s greatest hitters.
The 1990 Score set also introduced collectors to a young pitching prospect named Tom Glavine who would go on to have a brilliant career mostly with the Atlanta Braves. Glavine won 305 games over 22 seasons and captured 2 Cy Young Awards. Possessing the first card of any future 300-game winner is highly coveted. In top PSA 10 condition, the Glavine rookie has reached $800 in recent sales. Around the PSA 8 level, examples sell between $300-500. Even raw copies in excellent near mint condition can sell for $150-250 demonstrating this card’s steadiness.
Another standout rookie pitcher featured in 1990 Score is Pedro Martinez. While he didn’t debut until 1992, Martinez starred with the Los Angeles Dodgers organization in 1990 hence his inclusion. Over his 18-year career primarily with the Montreal Expos and Boston Red Sox, Martinez cemented his place as one of the best pitchers ever. He finished with a 219-100 record, 2.93 ERA, 3,154 strikeouts and 3 Cy Young Awards. High grade PSA 10 Martinez rookies now reach $800-1,000 on the open market. Around the PSA 8 range values fall to $300-500 but still retain great long term potential.
In addition to high value rookies, the 1990 Score set featured several short printed cards that are keys to the set. One of the rarest and most in demand is the Vladimir Guerrero short print which was inexplicably left out of the base set checklist at only 120 printed. Today raw copies sell for upwards of $4,000 due to the extreme scarcity and desire to complete the set. Another short print, the Dennis Martinez USA Olympic Team card, was part of an Olympic promo set limited to only 100 copies. In top condition this ultra rare piece can bring over $3,000.
Some key veteran stars from the 1990 Score set that maintain strong collector demand include Kirby Puckett, Nolan Ryan, Cal Ripken Jr., Ozzie Smith, and Don Mattingly. Puckett and Ripken rookies from earlier sets are extremely pricey, so their flagship cards from 1990 provide a more affordable alternative for enthusiasts. PSA 10 examples of Puckett and Ripken routinely sell between $150-250. Lower graded copies still demand $50-100. Nolan Ryan, whose career spans was depicted on cards from the 1960s through 1990s, has broad appeal. His 1990 Score flagship card reaches $100-$150 in top shape.
While not as heralded as other boom era sets, the 1990 Score release retains long term value concentrated in the rookie cards of future Hall of Famers like Griffey, Thomas, Glavine and Martinez. Scarce short prints led by the elusive Vladimir Guerrero also make the set highly desirable to complete. The 1990 Score baseball card set marks one of the final transitions in the hobby and several keys have proven to stand the test of time in the collection marketplace. With the memories it preserves of talented players reaching stardom in the 1990 season, the set retains nostalgic appeal for collectors.
