When it comes to collecting vintage baseball cards, condition is king. The higher the grade a card receives, the more valuable it becomes. While it may seem obvious that mint condition cards are worth the most, there are still plenty of opportunities to find valuable cards even with lower grades in the 80s and 90s on the 10-point scale used by leading card grading companies like PSA and BGS. Here is an in-depth look at 90 score baseball cards that can still be worth significant money for collectors.
One of the most valuable 90 score baseball cards is the 1954 Topps Mickey Mantle PSA 9. This iconic Mantle rookie card is the crown jewel of the hobby even in lower grades. Thanks to Mantle’s status as one of the greatest players of all time and the card being his only true rookie, it maintains strong collector demand regardless of condition. A PSA 9 example recently sold for over $100,000, showing there is little dropoff from a Mint 10 grade. The high pop of the card combined with the fact it has survived 67 years means pristine copies are extremely rare. Even with wear, a 90 grade Mantle rookie still carries incredible worth.
Another 90 score card with impressive value is the 1909-11 T206 Honus Wagner PSA 9. Like the Mantle rookie, the Wagner is one of the most desired collectibles in the industry. The legendary shortstop is pictured in his iconic Pirates uniform, making it an instantly recognizable piece of baseball history. Only 50-200 examples are believed to even exist in circulation, so any Wagner is a prized find no matter the condition. A PSA 9 sold for $275,000 in early 2022, a small fraction of a perfect 10 but still an amazing return for a card showing noticeable age. The rarity and history behind it drives prices high across all grades.
Staying in the pre-WWI tobacco era, a 90 grade example of the 1909-11 T206 Walter Johnson PSA 9 can fetch over $20,000. Johnson is considered one of the greatest pitchers ever, and his imposing stature and delivery made him a fan favorite as well. High grade T206 cards in general are extremely scarce due to the fragile nature of the cards from over 100 years ago. Even with clear flaws, collectors are willing to pay a premium for the opportunity to own a piece of the “Big Train’s” playing career before he went on to dominate for two decades. His status as an early star of the game adds to the card’s significance.
Shifting to the modern era, 90 grade rookie cards for all-time greats can still carry hefty price tags. A 1989 Upper Deck Ken Griffey Jr. PSA 9 recently sold for over $10,000. Griffey was a once-in-a-generation talent and fan favorite, making his rookie one of the most iconic cards from the junk wax era. While pristine copies can reach six figures, there is no shortage of demand even for very worn examples. The Griffey rookie remains a must-have for collectors due to his career accomplishments and cultural impact on the game. Even with flaws, it remains a highly valuable collectible.
Other 90 grade rookies that can reach the five-figure range include the 1968 Topps Nolan Ryan PSA 9 ($9,000+), the 1969 Topps Reggie Jackson PSA 9 ($7,500+), and the 1974 Topps Mike Schmidt PSA 9 ($6,000+). All three players went on to have Hall of Fame careers and maintain a strong fanbase. Their rookie cards are some of the most sought after from the 1960s and 1970s era. While pristine copies sell for tens of thousands, well worn versions still attract competitive bidding from collectors not willing to overpay for top grades. These rookies continue to hold value as important pieces of baseball history.
When it comes to 90 grade vintage stars, high dollar sales have been seen for cards like the 1933 Goudey Jimmie Foxx PSA 9 ($15,000+), the 1951 Bowman Willie Mays PSA 9 ($10,000+), and the 1952 Topps Jackie Robinson PSA 9 ($8,000+). Each player was a pioneer and icon who changed the game, making their early cards highly significant. Condition is less important than having a piece of their career, especially considering the age of these pre-war and early post-war issues. Even with clear flaws, the names and historical aspect create demand that drives prices far above typical 90 grade levels.
Condition is not the only factor that determines value – player, era, and card design all play important roles as well. While a PSA 10 or BGS 9.5 is always preferable, there are still many 90 grade baseball cards worth thousands, or even tens of thousands based on the player featured and their importance throughout history. With a bit of research, savvy collectors can still find impactful cards that carry immense value, even when showing noticeable signs of aging. The right 90 grade card can be a highly collectible and worthwhile investment.
