The 1992 Score baseball card set marked the start of the ‘Junk Wax’ era coming to an end. While production numbers were still quite high for most cards, the quality and designs had improved over the previous few years. Several young star rookies also debuted in the set that would go on to have Hall of Fame caliber careers. All of these factors have led to strong secondary market values for many of the top cards from the 1992 Score checklist nearly 30 years later. Here are the 10 most valuable from the set based on PSA 10 Gem Mint condition prices:
Kirby Puckett (Card #179)
One of the best center fielders of his generation, Kirby Puckett was in the midst of his prime when featured on this card. He would go on to win six straight Gold Gloves and lead the Twins to two World Series titles. While not quite as valuable as his 1985 Donruss rookie card, Puckett remained a fan favorite in Minnesota throughout his career. In pristine PSA 10 condition, his 1992 Score card has sold for around $40-50 in recent years.
Barry Larkin (Card #181)
The smooth-fielding shortstop for the Cincinnati Reds, Barry Larkin earned his 12th and final All-Star selection in 1992. That year he won the Silver Slugger Award while batting .302 and hitting 16 home runs. Larkin’s career would culminate with his induction into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 2012. His rookie card from this set has a PSA 10 value of $50-60.
Jeff Bagwell (Card #193)
One of the premier power hitters of the 1990s, Jeff Bagwell smashed 449 career home runs despite playing his home games in the pitcher-friendly Astrodome. In 1992 he batted .294 with 15 homers and 76 RBI in his rookie season in Houston. Bagwell’s memorable 1992 Score rookie card has demand from Astros fans and 90s collectors alike, yielding $60-70 in pristine condition.
Tom Glavine (Card #233)
The ace lefty of the Atlanta Braves pitching staff, Tom Glavine won 305 games and two Cy Young Awards over his Hall of Fame career. He captured his first Cy Young in 1991 when featured on this rookie card. Glavine helped lead the Braves franchise to 15 division titles between 1991-2005. High-grade examples of his valuable rookie card from 1992 Score sell in the $70-80 range.
John Smoltz (Card #253)
Another key pitcher for those dominant Atlanta Braves teams was John Smoltz. In 1992 he went 15-11 with a 2.94 ERA and 173 strikeouts, starting to showcase his dominance on the mound before moving to the bullpen later in his career. Smoltz’s Hall of Fame resume and Atlanta fandom drive strong prices for his rookie card from this set, with a PSA 10 valued at $80-90.
Derek Jeter (Card #284)
One of the best shortstops in MLB history and face of the Yankees franchise for two decades, Derek Jeter was just beginning his career in 1992. He made his memorable debut in 1995 and would go on to win 5 World Series championships. As one of the most recognizable players from the 1990s, Jeter’s rookie card from Score is a must-have for collectors. In pristine condition it has sold for as much as $100-120 in recent auctions.
Craig Biggio (Card #287)
While primarily known for his time as an Astro, Craig Biggio was still with the Yankees organization when featured on this rookie card in 1992. He broke into the majors in 1988 but was included in Score’s rookie section that year based on official at-bats thresholds. Biggio went on to record 3,060 hits and became only the second player ever to record at least 1,000 runs, RBIs, and extra-base hits. The Houston legend’s rookie has an established PSA 10 value of $125-150.
Frank Thomas (Card #319)
Nicknamed “The Big Hurt”, Frank Thomas was the face of the Chicago White Sox franchise in the 1990s while producing one of the best all-around offensive careers for a hitter in MLB history. In 1992 he set a new rookie record by hitting .271 with 31 home runs and 94 RBI, finishing third in MVP voting. High-grade copies of his debut card have sold for up to $175-200 showing its enduring popularity.
Ken Griffey Jr. (Card #360)
One of the most anticipated and hyped rookie cards of the early 1990s was Ken Griffey Jr. He delivered on the promise by becoming a 13-time All-Star with 630 career home runs. The smooth-swinging center fielder was incredibly popular even as a rookie in 1989. His 1992 Score issue is among the most iconic cards from the set. PSA 10 examples routinely sell for over $250 online.
Chipper Jones (Card #368)
The clear number one most valuable card from the 1992 Score set is the rookie of Atlanta Braves legend Chipper Jones. He enjoyed a Hall of Fame career playing exclusively for the Braves from 1995-2012, winning the 1999 NL MVP. Jones was an eight-time All-Star and fan favorite in Atlanta. As one of the last true superstar rookies from the early ’90s, his vibrant rookie card holds immense nostalgia and demand. In near-mint to mint condition, examples have sold at auction for as much as $350-450.
While production numbers remain high for most cards in the 1992 Score baseball set, strong secondary prices have emerged for the rookie and star issues of players that became major stars and Hall of Famers. For key rookies of Chipper Jones, Ken Griffey Jr., Frank Thomas, and others, their introductory Score cards remain some of the most classic and valuable from the entire 1990s era. Graded examples in top grades continue to excite collectors nearly 30 years later.
