The 1990 Score baseball card set featured some rookie cards and star players that have held significant value over the past 30+ years. While many 1990 Score cards are still relatively affordable for most collectors, there are a few standouts that have appreciated well. Let’s take a look at some of the top options from the 1990 Score set that could hold strong value currently.
One of the most desirable and valuable rookie cards from the 1990 Score set is Ken Griffey Jr’s card. Griffey was already making a name for himself in his early career with the Seattle Mariners, and collectors recognized his iconic swing and talent from a young age. In top mint condition, Griffey’s 1990 Score rookie card in a PSA 10 gem grade can fetch over $2,000. Even in lower grades of PSA 8 or 9, it still holds value of $100-400. The combination of Griffey’s immense talent and popularity, coupled with the fact it was his true rookie card issue, makes this one highly sought after to this day for vintage collectors.
Another star player rookie in the 1990 Score set that maintained great long term value is Frank Thomas’ card. Like Griffey, Thomas quickly blossomed into one of the premier power hitters of the 1990s for the Chicago White Sox. His smooth left-handed swing produced monster home run and RBI totals. In a PSA 10 grade, Thomas’ 1990 Score rookie card can reach $1,000-1,500 prices depending on market conditions. Even in lower grades, you’re still looking at a couple hundred dollars minimum for this prized rookie issue.
Beyond rookie cards, the 1990 Score set featured current stars like Nolan Ryan, Roger Clemens, Wade Boggs, and Ozzie Smith who were still in their prime. All of these players cards hold appeal to both vintage collectors as well as fans of these all-time great players. Cards of these types of established stars in top grades can reach $50-250 prices on the secondary market. Even in lower grades, they will maintain collectibility as fan favorites from the late 80s/early 90s era of baseball.
The design aesthetic of the 1990 Score set is also relatively clean and attractive compared to some of the more “loud” designs from the late 80s. This allows the photography and players to really stand out in a classic retro style. The card stock feels substantial too. So preservation grades quite well long term for condition sensitive collectors.
Beyond the flagship rookie cards and stars, there are also a few others from the 1990 Score set that can still carry appeal and value based on specialty themes. For example, the #132 Don Mattingly card shows him with the New York Yankees, as it was likely his last season playing before back injuries shortened his career. For a Mattingly PC collector, this nostalgic Yankees card holds significance.
Cards showing players in their later career phases or with different teams than their most known can create collectible angles. For example, the Nolan Ryan card in the set features him with the Texas Rangers at the end of his career, not thought of as mostly his Angels or Astros days. Cards like these add depth for passionate player collectors.
While the 1990 Score set as a whole doesn’t rival the flagship rookie cards of the following 1989 Upper Deck set in terms of heightened mainstream collecting attention today, there are still many gems to be found. The Griffey and Thomas rookies are obvious blue-chip standouts that should only continue appreciating with time. And supporting stars and specialty angles provide other opportunities for dedicated collectors even over 30 years after the set’s original release. Condition is still king when valuing these vintage cards long term, but the 1990 Score issue maintains an appealing classic aesthetic look for the era as well.
While not groundbreaking or landmark in the scheme of the entire baseball card hobby, the 1990 Score set merits attention from vintage collectors and those pursuing particular players. The Griffey and Thomas rookies are headline attractions that live up to their hype. But supporting stars, singular theme cards, and astute condition also make other individual 1990 Score cards hold potentially strong value even decades after production. For dedicated collectors of specific players, sets, designs or vintage card conditions, the 1990 Score issue endures as an affordable vintage set with hidden gems still to uncover.
