The 1991 Score baseball card set was released at the height of the baseball card boom of the late 1980s and early 1990s. During this time, production and demand for baseball cards was at an all-time high. The 1991 Score set marked another iconic year for the hobby and contains some of the most valuable and sought after rookie cards from the early 1990s. Below is a breakdown of the 10 most valuable 1991 Score baseball cards based on the card’s condition, story behind the player, and overall hobby demand.
Ken Griffey Jr. – At the top of any list of valuable early 90s rookie cards is Ken Griffey Jr’s 1991 Score rookie card. Widely considered one of if not the most iconic rookie card of all time, Griffey’s rookie card was packed with huge hype coming into the MLB. He did not disappoint either, winning rookie of the year and becoming a perennial all-star and fan favorite. In pristine near mint condition, Griffey’s rookie now fetches upwards of $10,000. Even well-centered excellent condition examples can sell for $3,000-5,000 still today. The card’s rarity, subject, and place in card collecting history have cemented it as the most expensive 1991 Score issue.
Barry Bonds – While Griffey may hold the top spot, Barry Bond’s 1991 Score rookie is not far behind. Bonds would go on to have one of the most decorated careers in MLB history and hold numerous single season and career records. His rookie card saw limited production compared to Griffey’s and there was already huge excitement around Bonds entering the league. Mint condition examples can reach the $3,000-4,000 range now. Even though PED controversies may hurt its visibility today, Bonds’ rookie cards continue to gain in value long term.
Frank Thomas – “The Big Hurt” exploded onto the scene in 1991 winning rookie of the year and making his first All-Star game. His dominant hitting ability was on full display early and he would go on to have a Hall of Fame career. Considered one of the greatest right-handed hitters ever, Thomas’ rookie card saw immense popularity upon release. Pristine copies have recently reached as high as $1,500 while near mint copies trade in the $500 range proving this card’s value remains very strong.
Gregg Jefferies – The 1989 number 1 overall draft pick, Gregg Jefferies had huge expectations entering the big leagues in 1991. While he did not have the sustained success initially projected, Jefferies’ hot rookie campaign made his 1991 Score RC one of the set’s biggest movers early on. As popularity faded over time with his career decline, the card lost value but has regained interest in recent years. High-grade copies can reach $750 still showing there is collector demand for stars that did not quite pan out long term.
Dwight Gooden – Even years removed from his dominant 1985 Rookie of the Year season, “Doc” Gooden was still one of baseball’s biggest stars in 1991. His card from Score that year remains a must-have for sets and one of the most iconic images from the early 90s sportscard boom. Near mint copies can be found in the $400-500 range now with better condition examples pushing $700-800. Especially for Mets fans, Gooden’s 1991 poses great nostalgia and value.
Tom Glavine – Though not quite in the same tier as some peers, Glavine accomplished something they did not – a baseball Hall of Fame plaque. His impressive career stats and two Cy Young Awards make his 1991 Score RC a strong hold. Near mint copies regularly sell for $300-400 with some higher grades reaching $600. The card saw plenty of production but Glavine’s legacy only rises its regard long term.
Juan Gonzalez – “Juan Gone” broke out with a huge 36 HR, 114 RBI 1991 rookie campaign winning AL ROY and making his 1992-93 seasons that followed truecollector favorites. Though PED scandals hurt, collectors still respect his abilities shown so early. Near mint RC copies trade between $200-300 depending on centering quality a strong return historically.
Ruben Sierra – Similar to Gonzalez, Sierra burst out of the gates with 30 HR, 109 RBI in his 1991 rookie campaign immediately grabbing collectors’ attention. He never fully lived up to his early potential but his Score RC endures as a key affordable component to high-grade 1991 sets. Near mint examples sell in the $150-250 range.
Paul Molitor – Coming in the veteran star’s final season, Molitor’s ’91 Score issue has become a popular team/set Collector cardboard over the years. Examples in pristine condition crack $150 while nicer near mint copies still top $100 continuing to appreciate in value.
Will Clark – “Thrill” provided many thrilling moments from 1986-93 in SF making his 1991 Score a west coast favorite. With five all-star appearances on his resume, well-centered near mint Clark rookies trade between $100-150 today continuing their strong historical demand.
The 1991 Score set endures as one of the true heavyweights of the modern baseball card era. Packed with future Hall of Famers and huge fan favorites, prices have remained resilient three decades later. Condition is still king when assigning value, but certain players with bigger storylines hold intrinsic collectors’ appeal worth far above raw production numbers alone. The 1991 Score rookie class solidified its place in card collecting history and these 10 standouts remain among the most in-demand vintage issues available today.
