The 1990 Score baseball card set is considered one of the most valuable vintage card issues from the late 1980s and early 1990s. Produced by Score Board, Inc., the 1990 Score set featured updated player photos, colorful action shots, and a unique design that still holds up today. Within the 655-card base set are several highly sought after rookie cards and stars of the era that have grown exponentially in value over the past 30 years. Let’s take a closer look at some of the most valuable cards collectors look for when building a complete 1990 Score set or chasing individual cards from the release.
Perhaps the most valuable card from 1990 Score is the Ken Griffey Jr. rookie card. Widely considered one of if not the best pure hitter of his generation, Griffey was already showing signs of superstardom as a 20-year old with the Seattle Mariners in 1990. His bright smile and effortless left-handed swing translated perfectly to cardboard. Griffey’s rookie debuted him in a Mariners uniform and is one of the most iconic baseball cards ever made. In near mint to mint condition, examples regularly sell for $4,000-$6,000. Pristine mint copies in flawless gem mint 10 grade have even realized over $10,000 at auction.
Another hugely sought after rookie is Frank Thomas’ debut card. Like Griffey, Thomas quickly proved himself as one of the game’s premier power hitters and was awarded American League MVP honors in 1993 and 1994. His massive physical frame and smooth stroke made for dynamic photography. Thomas’ rookie card featured him batting from the left side of the plate in a White Sox uniform. High grade copies in near mint 8 to mint condition range from $800-$1,500, while a PSA 10 gem could fetch $3,000+.
Staying in the American League, Nolan Ryan’s 1990 Score card ranks among the set’s most valuable veterans. By this point, Ryan was racing towards the end of his Hall of Fame career but was still striking out hitters at a record pace as the Texas Rangers’ ace. His card captured “The Ryan Express” in the windup, ready to unleash another blazing fastball. Top conditioned examples trade for $200-300, with a PSA/BGS 10 potentially reaching $500-600.
In the National League, the Roberto Alomar rookie card stands out. Like Frank Thomas, Alomar enjoyed a career as one of baseball’s premier second basemen, winning over 10 Gold Gloves and two World Series titles. His debut shows the young switch hitter batting from the left side in a San Diego Padres uniform. Near mint to mint copies range between $125-$250 depending on the specific grade, while a pristine PSA/BGS 10 could easily top $400-500.
Another star-studded NL rookie is the Barry Bonds issue from 1990 Score. Bonds had just begun to scratch the surface of his prodigious power potential, but collectors recognized his limitless upside. The card features “The Bear” batting from the left side in his Pirates threads. Near mint to mint copies trade for $100-200. A perfect 10 is much harder to come by due to the card’s smaller print run and difficulty preserving the edges and corners over three decades. When available, perfect 10 graded Bonds rookies can bring $400-600.
Switching gears to veteran superstars already entering their primes, the Nolan Ryan Express card just discussed isn’t the only valuable Rangers issue. Juan González’s 1990 Score RC is highly desired as well. “Jammin’” Juañ had begun thrashing opposing pitchers, launching over 30 home runs in each of his first two full MLB seasons. The card depicts González in his classic wide batting stance from the left side. Near mint to mint copies range from $50-125 currently.
Another future 500 home run slugger featured prominently in 1990 Score is Fred McGriff. “The Crime Dog” was in his fifth big league season in Toronto and slugging his way towards becoming one of baseball’s most feared left-handed bats. His card shows McGriff adopting an open stance from the left side. Near mint to mint graded versions sell between $30-70 today based on demand.
Beyond the headliners, 1990 Score also contains valuable short prints that are tougher to find in packs. Perhaps the headlining short print star is Ozzie Smith. The Wizard’s defensive wizardry and Cardinals fandom made him a fan favorite. His signature backflip is replicated on his card. PSA/BGS 8-10 graded versions regularly sell for $50-150 based on condition due to his short printed status.
The 1990 Score baseball set gave collectors iconic rookie cards of future Hall of Famers like Frank Thomas, Ken Griffey Jr., and Barry Bonds. It also featured numerous superstars of the era entering their primes like Nolan Ryan, Fred McGriff, and Juan González. Scarcer short prints like Ozzie Smith’s also hold appeal. Whether building a complete vintage set or chasing individual keys, 1990 Score endures as one of the most valuable 1980s/1990s card issues and an important part of baseball card history. Top rookies from the set continue appreciating strongly with the passing of time.
