The 1992 Score baseball card set is considered by many collectors to be one of the most significant releases from the junk wax era of the late 1980s and early 1990s. While sets from this time period are not typically very valuable due to high print runs that resulted in an oversaturation of the market, the 1992 Score set stands out due to its inclusion of major rookie cards and stars from what is viewed by many as the pinnacle year for baseball in the early 1990s.
Released at the height of baseball card mania in 1992 by Score Board, Inc., the base set for 1992 Score contains 762 cards covering all teams and players from that season. The designs featured color photos on the fronts with player stats and career highlights on the backs. Insert sets within included All-Time Fan Favorites, Turn Back The Clock retrospective photos, and League Leader cards among others. Product was packed in wax packs, rack packs, factory sets and hobby boxes. Due to the popularity of the sport and hobby at the time, production and distribution of 1992 Score was immense with billions of cards released worldwide.
While common for the era, this massive overproduction means in raw, ungraded form most base cards from the 1992 Score set hold very little monetary value today, usually selling for just pennies. There are however some notable exceptions that have maintained or increased in price due to showcase significant rookie cards or star players from the storied 1992 MLB season. Here are some of the top value 1992 Score cards to look for in a collection today:
Barry Bonds (#162) – Widely considered one of the greatest players of all time, Bonds’ impressive rookie card from the 1992 Score set sells for around $50-100 in PSA 10 condition. Still relatively obtainable at a low end for a true rookie card of this stature. His performance that ’92 season helped pave the way for a surefire Hall of Fame career.
Derek Jeter (#657) – As the captain and face of the Yankees dynasty for two decades, there is high demand for Jeter’s rookie season issue from Score. Near-gem mint to gem mint 10’s command $250-400. Even lower graded versions in the 8-9 range bring $100-200 showing his iconic status and card’s resilient collectibility.
Frank Thomas (#661) – Big Hurt burst onto the scene in ’91 winning AL MVP and was a force for the White Sox for many years after. His rookie card sells in the $75-150 range in PSA/BGS 10 condition due to his offensive dominance and reputation as one of baseball’s good guys.
Ian Kinsler (#663) – Though not a true rookie as he played 9 games in ’11, Kinsler’s more widely available debut issue has increased steam in recent years with the Rangers star continuing to produce into his late 30s. High grade 10’s around $75-125 with 8’s at $30-50 backed by his sustained success.
Tom Glavine (#389) – The Hall of Fame southpaw was already an established ace in ’92 but this card has climbed due to his excellence and 300 win milestone. Near-mint 8’s range between $50-100 with 9’s reaching $150-250 and perfect 10 specimens over $350 due high grade population and as a key member of the Braves dynasty run.
Greg Maddux (#491) – Along with Glavine, Mad Dog was a workhorse for Atlanta throughout the 1990s capturing multiple Cy Youngs. His ’92 Score sits just below Glavine’s in terms of value with 8’s at $40-80, 9’s at $100-200 and 10’s over $300. Two aces for the price of one with these Braves cards.
Chipper Jones (#627) – Arguably the most popular Atlanta Brave of all-time, Jones’ 2nd year card often challenges Glavine and Maddux in value. Near-mint 8’s around $75, 9’s at $150-250 and gem mint 10’s exceeding $400 showing his local hero status and Hall of Fame enshrinement.
Kirby Puckett (#579) – The beloved Twins star entered the 1992 season already a six-year veteran yet his Score cardboard remains in demand. PSA/BGS 10’s can go as high as $400 with 9’s around $200-300 due to his two World Series titles leading the underdog franchise and tragic early retirement cutting his career short.
Jeff Bagwell (#278) – Baggy was just starting to emerge in ’92 with a .294 average, 15 homers and 69 RBIs in his age 24 season. This increasingly recognized rookie sells for $30-75 in 8-9 grades and $100-200 in pristine 10 condition reflecting his place among the game’s all-time great first basemen and Houston icon status.
While print runs are immense, cards from the elite tier of this set like Bonds, Jeter, Frank Thomas and the beloved Braves continue to attract collectors and investors based on the players involved and storylines of the 1992 MLB campaign itself when the Blue Jays beat the Braves in the World Series kicking off a new era. For assembled factory sets, various insert subsets and star autographed or memorabilia cards, values multiply greatly from the above figures. Overall the 1992 Score baseball card set, through its selection of rookie cards, stars and capture of a special season, has proven to hold deeper significance and appreciation than many from the early ’90s glut. Decades later, the pinnacle players and teams featured ensure it maintains relevancy in today’s hobby.
