The 1990 Score baseball card set was released at the tail end of the junk wax era. While not quite as valuable as sets from the late 1980s, there are still some desirable cards that hold value for collectors today. Let’s take a closer look at some of the top cards from the 1990 Score set and what they tend to sell for in today’s market.
The junk wax era, which spanned the mid-1980s through the early 1990s, was a time when baseball card production was at its peak. Sets were mass-produced and retained little value as the collectibles market was saturated. There were still star players who graced the covers and had pivotal moments captured in their rookie or milestone cards. One such example is Ken Griffey Jr., who appears on the front of the 1990 Score brand set.
Griffey’s rookie card from 1989 Upper Deck is arguably the most valuable baseball card of all-time, but his 1990 Score card still holds value given his iconic status as one of the game’s greats. In a PSA 10 gem mint condition, it can fetch $100-150. Even in lower grades of PSA 8 or Beckett 8, it sells in the $25-50 range. This is notable considering the overall market for 1990 Score is quite soft. Griffey was already emerging as a superstar by 1990 and his smooth left-handed swing made him a fan favorite.
Another promising young talent featured is Roberto Alomar. His 1990 Score rookie card also maintains interest from collectors. In a PSA 10, it sells in the $50-75 range. In lower PSA 8 or Beckett 8 condition, expect to pay $15-30. Alomar went on to have a Hall of Fame career and was known for his slick fielding at second base, hitting for average, and playing for many contending Blue Jays and Orioles teams. He captured Rookie of the Year honors in 1990.
Nolan Ryan, who was still in the midst of racking up strikeouts well into his 40s, is also a popular veteran featured in the 1990 Score set. His card doesn’t carry huge values on its own in the $5-10 range for mid-grade copies. Collectors enjoy picking up cards showcasing the accomplishments of the all-time strikeout king. In pristine PSA 10 condition, it can fetch $25-40 given his iconic status in baseball history.
Two other superstars who were in their primes in 1990, Barry Bonds and Kirby Puckett, have cards that retain some value as well. Bonds’ 1990 Score sells for $15-30 in top PSA 10 condition, while also commanding $5-10 in PSA 8 or Beckett 8 shape. Meanwhile, Puckett’s 1990 issue promotes him as the previous season’s AL batting title winner. In gem mint PSA 10 grade, it reaches the $25-40 range, with lower PSA 8 copies bringing $7-15. Both were perennial All-Stars who went on to have Hall of Fame careers.
Rookies from the 1990 set that could potentially have higher values if they panned out include Gregg Jefferies, Alex Cole, and Chuck Knoblauch. None reached the superstar heights initially projected. As such, their rookie cards hold little premium over common issues from the set worth around $1-3 in mid-grades.
In terms of common players and statistical or milestone cards in the 1990 Score set, there isn’t much value to be found. Most can be had for under $1 even in high grades. The only exceptions would be cards featuring huge MLB career statistics or achievements on the front, which collectors may pay up to $5-10 for in pristine condition as novelties or for player collections.
While not as sought after vintage years like the late 1980s, there is still a market for the better rookie cards and stars of the 1990 Score brand set. Condition is crucial, with PSA/Beckett Gem Mint 10 grades often reaching the $25-75 range for top names like Griffey, Alomar, Bonds, and Puckett. But plenty of mid-grade copies in the $5-20 range can also be found with patience. For executives, inserts, and bench players, common versions rarely yield more than $1-3. But highlighting MLB milestones or accumulated stats can offer bonuses. Values will likely hold steady or possibly increase gradually with time for the premiere young talents featured as interest in vintage wax endures.
Nostalgia for baseball cards of the late 80s and early 90s continues to fuel collector demand for the stars populating flagship releases like Topps, Fleer, and Score from that era. While excess production depressed initial values at the time, favorite players who made their way onto prized rookie cards and reached the Hall of Fame see residual appreciation decades later. For budget-minded collectors, there are still reasonably-priced opportunities in the 1990 Score brand set to be found. With proper attention to condition and pedigree of featured players, value can still be found among the sea of once nearly worthless cardboard.
