The 1990 Score baseball card set was one of the most popular and valuable sets of the late 80s and early 90s. The designs were flashy and colorful, capturing the attention of young collectors. While the base cards do not hold tremendous value today, there are several stars and rookies from the set that have increased greatly in price over the past 30 years. Here are the 25 most valuable 1990 Score baseball cards based on PSA 10 gem mint condition:
Kirby Puckett (#194) – Around $50-75
Kirby Puckett was one of the biggest stars in baseball during the late 80s and early 90s, winning six consecutive Gold Gloves from 1986-1991. As the beloved longtime Twins star, his 1990 Score card still holds value for collectors, fetching around $50-75 in gem mint condition.
Barry Bonds (#217) – Around $75-100
Even early in his career, Barry Bonds displayed the talent and potential that would make him one of the game’s all-time greats. His 1990 Score rookie card shows promise and still demands $75-100 for high-grade copies.
Dennis Eckersley (#171) – Around $100-150
One of the best relievers in baseball history, Eckersley’s 1990 Score card reflects his dominance as a closer with Oakland in the late 80s. Nearing Hall of Fame enshrinement, mint condition copies sell for $100-150.
Cal Ripken Jr. (#180) – Around $125-175
Already a two-time All-Star and Gold Glover in 1990, Cal Ripken Jr. was well on his way to breaking Lou Gehrig’s iconic consecutive games played record. His consistent excellence makes his ’90 Score card a steady $125-175.
Ozzie Smith (#195) – Around $150-200
A wizard with the glove, Ozzie Smith was arguably the greatest defensive shortstop ever. His flashy play made him a fan favorite, raising the value of his 1990 Score issue to $150-200 for top-graded copies.
Will Clark (#204) – Around $175-225
After back-to-back All-Star seasons, Will Clark was one of the most feared sluggers in baseball in 1990. As a cornerstone of the Giants, his cards still appeal to collectors, selling in the $175-225 range.
Wade Boggs (#168) – Around $200-250
The hit king of the late 80s, Wade Boggs was coming off his fifth 200-hit season in 1989. His consistency at the plate is reflected in the $200-250 price tag given to pristine specimens of his ’90 Score RC.
Greg Maddux (#212) – Around $225-275
One of the most dominant pitchers ever, Greg Maddux was in his early career with the Cubs in 1990. Even then, collectors recognized his Hall of Fame potential, driving up the value of flawless copies to $225-275.
Tom Glavine (#211) – Around $250-300
Like Maddux, Tom Glavine was just starting to blossom as an ace in 1990 with the Braves. His pinpoint control would serve him well in a long, successful career. Gem Mint ’90 Score cards demand $250-300.
Mark McGwire (#207) – Around $300-350
Already with three 30+ home run seasons under his belt, Mark McGwire was well on his way to smashing the single season home run record in 1990. Near-perfect examples of his Score RC sell for $300-350.
Ken Griffey Jr. (#205) – Around $350-400
One of the most hyped rookie classes ever, 1990 was the year The Kid arrived. Griffey Jr. quickly became a fan favorite, making ungraded copies of his rookie card worth $350-400 in pristine condition.
Nolan Ryan (#189) – Around $400-450
The all-time strikeout king, Nolan Ryan was still an intimidating flamethrower for the Rangers in 1990 at age 43. His legendary career and popularity command $400-450 for flawless copies of his ’90 Score issue.
Rickey Henderson (#188) – Around $450-500
By 1990, Rickey Henderson had already established himself as the greatest leadoff hitter and baserunner in history. The excitement he generated is reflected in the $450-500 price tag given to perfect versions of his card.
Roger Clemens (#183) – Around $500-550
After back-to-back Cy Young Awards, Roger Clemens was the most feared pitcher in baseball in 1990. His dominance makes flawless copies highly sought after at $500-550.
Barry Larkin (#201) – Around $550-600
One of the best all-around shortstops of his generation, Barry Larkin was a star from the beginning. His impressive career and 12 All-Star nods keep his ’90 Score RC valuable at $550-600.
Randy Johnson (#213) – Around $600-650
Even early in his career “The Big Unit” was overpowering hitters with his blazing fastball. At 6’10”, he was a unique talent who is now recognized for his Hall of Fame career, giving his 1990 Score RC a lofty $600-650 price point.
Frank Thomas (#206) – Around $650-700
Nicknamed “The Big Hurt,” Frank Thomas announced his arrival as one of baseball’s most feared power hitters in 1990. His rookie card remains a highly coveted piece for White Sox fans and collectors, valued at $650-700 in pristine condition.
Jeff Bagwell (#203) – Around $700-750
One of the game’s most complete hitters, Jeff Bagwell smashed his way onto the scene in 1990 with the Astros. His exciting rookie campaign is commemorated in a card now worth $700-750 for unflawed specimens.
Ken Griffey Sr. (#199) – Around $750-800
While overshadowed by his son, Ken Griffey Sr. was a very good player in his own right. The rarity of his 1990 Score RC as the father of “The Kid” pushes values up to $750-800 for perfect copies.
Jim Abbott (#202) – Around $800-850
The story of Jim Abbott, who was born without a right hand but still made the majors as a pitcher, captured the nation’s attention. His inspirational rookie card has risen to $800-850 in top condition.
Don Mattingly (#178) – Around $850-900
Already an All-Star and batting champion in 1990, Don Mattingly was one of the faces of baseball. As a true Yankee great, his cards still resonate with collectors, with pristine ’90 Score editions valued at $850-900.
Juan Gonzalez (#215) – Around $900-950
Juan Gonzalez first displayed the raw power that would make him a two-time AL MVP in 1990. High-grade copies of his rookie card have increased to the $900-950 range.
Cecil Fielder (#216) – Around $950-1,000
Cecil Fielder smashed 51 home runs in 1990 on his way to becoming one of the game’s most feared sluggers. The excitement of his breakout rookie campaign is reflected in the $950-1,000 price tag given to flawless copies.
Gary Sheffield (#214) – Around $1,000-1,100
One of the best right-handed hitters of his generation, Gary Sheffield made his presence felt immediately in 1990. His impressive 21-year career makes perfect versions of his rookie card worth $1,000-1,100.
Ken Griffey Jr. (#206) – Around $1,100-1,250
The most hyped and desirable rookie card ever, a PSA 10 Ken Griffey Jr. 1990 Score RC is the crown jewel of the set. Few cards hold as much nostalgia, history and pop culture significance. In pristine condition, examples easily top $1,100-1,250 and continue rising in value.
While most 1990 Score baseball cards hold little value, there are some true gems within the set that commemorate the arrival of future Hall of Famers and provide a nostalgic look back at baseball in the late 80s/early 90s. For serious collectors, high-grade copies of the 25 cards listed above represent the crème de la crème and will likely continue their ascent as investments over the coming decades. The 1990 Score set endures as one of the most iconic releases in the modern card era.
