The 1991 Score baseball card set marks the 30th anniversary of Score’s storied run producing major league baseball cards. While not the flashiest or most iconic set from the 1990s, the 1991 Score cards feature several extremely valuable rookie cards that have stood the test of time. Let’s take an in-depth look at some of the most valuable and sought after cards from the 1991 Score checklist.
Kicking things off is arguably the crown jewel of the entire set – the Ken Griffey Jr. rookie card. Griffey was already well on his way to superstardom after debuting in 1989 and winning rookie of the year honors in 1990. But his 1991 Score RC marked the first time baseball card collectors could officially acquire a Griffey rookie in pack form. Griffey would go on to have one of the greatest careers in MLB history and is widely considered one of the all-time best players. Not surprisingly, his rookie card has followed a similar trajectory.
In pristine mint condition, Griffey’s 1991 Score RC now fetches upwards of $500-600 raw. Graded gem mint 10 copies can sell for $1,000-1,500 while a PSA 10 is worth $3,000-4,000. The card’s value has only increased over time as Griffey cemented his Hall of Fame plaque. Condition is critical, as even a single flaw can drop the value significantly. Still, in any graded form of 8 or above, this card remains an impressive long-term hold.
While Griffey stole the rookie card spotlight, another iconic player made his cardboard debut in 1991 Score – Frank Thomas. Nicknamed “The Big Hurt,” Thomas would go on to have one of the most productive and respected careers among power hitters, winning back-to-back MVPs in 1993-1994. Like Griffey, Thomas’ rookie card shows him in the uniform of the Chicago White Sox farm system. Pristine PSA 10 examples can sell for $1,000-1,500 today. Even lower graded 8s retain value around $300-400.
Two other notable hitters debuted in 1991 Score – Moises Alou and Jim Thome. Alou was already an established major leaguer but 1991 Score marked his first Toronto Blue Jays card after being traded from the Pirates. Alou enjoyed a fine 20-year career and his cards hold respectable value today, with PSA 10s around $300. Over in Philadelphia, Jim Thome was beginning what would become a 602 home run, Hall of Fame worthy career. High grade Thome rookies have climbed north of $200 despite playing in the pre-steroid era.
Shifting to the pitching side, one hurler truly dominated the 1990s after breaking in during 1991 – Greg Maddux. Nicknamed “Mad Dog,” the four-time Cy Young winner’s rookie card isn’t quite as valuable as Griffey or Thomas. Still, high quality Maddux rookies grade 8+ can still sell for $100-200. Fellow Braves standout Tom Glavine also debuted in the set that year. While never reaching Griffey/Thomas status, scarce PSA 10 Glavine rookies have topped $500 before.
Rounding out the position player side, two other future 3000 hit club members appeared for the first time in 1991 Score – Rafael Palmeiro and Craig Biggio. Both enjoyed long, productive careers and while not “rare” by any means, pristine 10s of Biggio and Palmeiro rookies have reached $300 before. Lastly, while injuries hindered his career, Chipper Jones’ rookie card stands out as one of the best rookie prospects from the 90s. High grade Jones’ rookies sell around $100 still.
There are a few other noted “chase” cards in the 1991 Score set if you’re willing to hunt and invest. The Javy Lopez rookie card numbered to 1500 copies holds immense appeal among Atlanta collectors. Top Lopez rookies have sold for over $500. The same goes for Cliff Floyd and his scarce Florida Marlins rookie numbered to 1250 copies. Todd Helton rookie cards also maintain strong Rockies fan demand. In the infamous Kirby Puckett domestic dispute incident of 1991, his flagship Twins card is also scarce in high grade.
While 1991 Score lacked the true “superstars” of 1988 or 1992 Donruss/Fleer, it captured the arrival of future Hall of Famers like Griffey, Thomas, Maddux and Glavine. For hardcore collectors, finding high quality copies of these rookie stars remains the coveted chase from the 1991 checklist. With the passage of time, condition is everything for long term value appreciation on these classic cards from Score’s storied 30 year run in the hobby.
