The 1992 Score baseball card set was one of the most iconic and valuable releases of the early 1990s. While not quite as large as some other sets from that era with only 528 total cards, the 1992 Score set featured some true star power and memorable rookie cards that have stood the test of time. Let’s take an in-depth look at some of the best and most valuable cards collectors seek out from the 1992 Score baseball release.
One of the true heavy hitters and most sought after cards from 1992 Score is the Ken Griffey Jr. rookie card. Griffey was already well on his way to a Hall of Fame career by 1992 in just his third MLB season, and this iconic upper deck rookie perfectly captures his smooth left-handed swing and effortless athleticism in the outfield. Griffey’s rookie card from Score is one of the most visually appealing and recognizable in the entire hobby. In top gem mint condition, a PSA 10 Griffey Jr. rookie can fetch well over $10,000 today. Even well-centered near mint copies still command prices of $500-$1,000 showing its enduring popularity.
Another tremendous rookie card from 1992 Score is the Chipper Jones card. As the number one overall pick in the 1990 draft, Jones was one of baseball’s top prospects in 1992 and he didn’t disappoint. The Braves third baseman went on to have a 19-year Hall of Fame career and his rookie is one of the most coveted and valuable from the early 1990s. High grade PSA 10 Chipper Jones rookies have sold for over $5,000, a true testament to his legendary career and the lasting appeal of this card. Even in PSA 8-9 condition, the Chipper Jones 1992 Score RC remains a big ticket item for collectors.
For pitchers, the 1992 Score set featured rookie cards of future Cy Young winners Greg Maddux and Pedro Martinez. While not quite as valuable on the secondary market as the position player RCs, these cards still hold great significance. Maddux’s dominant career and four Cy Young awards make his rookie among the most desired pitcher cards from the early 1990s. A PSA 10 can reach $2,000, with PSA 8s still bringing $300-500. Martinez’s card is similar, with a PSA 10 approaching $1,000-1,500 given his Hall of Fame caliber career. These rookie cards perfectly capture two of the game’s all-time great hurlers.
Speaking of all-time great pitchers, the 1992 Score set also included the true heavyweight in Nolan Ryan’s final career card. At age 45, Ryan was still dominating for the Rangers in 1992 and this iconic card shows him in mid-windup, ready to unleash another 100 mph heater. High grade Nolan Ryan cards from any era hold tremendous value, and his final card is no exception. A PSA 10 has sold for over $2,000, with PSA 8s still worth $300-500. It’s an incredibly nostalgic and meaningful card for any Ryan collector.
Beyond rookies, the 1992 Score set also featured several true superstar cards that remain highly sought after today. A PSA 10 Ken Griffey Jr. base card can reach $500 given his unmatched popularity. The Frank Thomas and Barry Bonds cards from that year also carry great value in high grades. A PSA 10 Thomas is around $300-400 while a Bonds can reach $400-500. Both were emerging as all-time great sluggers in 1992. The Derek Jeter rookie from Score came in 1993, but high grade copies of his spectacular 1992 rookie debut card are still $200-300.
Some other notables from the 1992 Score set include a PSA 10 Cal Ripken Jr. card valued around $250 given his Iron Man streak and career achievements. The Rickey Henderson stolen base record breaker card from that year is also highly sought, with a PSA 10 bringing $150-200. Pitchers like Tom Glavine, Greg Maddux, and John Smoltz also have solid value cards from 1992 as they emerged with the dominant Braves staff.
In terms of chase cards and true keys to the set, there are a few standouts. The ultra-rare Frank Thomas error card where his name is misspelled “Franl Thomas” has sold for over $10,000 in gem mint condition. The Edgar Martinez rookie card is also a major key, with a PSA 10 reaching $1,500-2,000. And the Javy Lopez rookie has also gained popularity in recent years with high grades valued at $500-800.
The 1992 Score baseball card set remains a true icon of the early 1990s hobby renaissance. Featuring legendary rookies, all-time greats, and true heavyweight cards, it holds immense nostalgia and value for collectors today. While the junk wax era flooded the market, cards from sets like 1992 Score have proven to stand the test of time based on the quality of the players and enduring memories from that special time in baseball history. For collectors three decades later, it’s a perfect reminder of what made the hobby so fun and captivating in the early 1990s.
