The 1991 Score baseball card set was one of the most iconic and valuable sets from the late 1980s and early 1990s. Produced by Score Board, the set featured cards of all major league players and prospects as the baseball card boom was in full swing. While not quite as coveted and expensive as the classic 1987 and 1989 Topps sets, 1991 Score cards still hold nostalgia and value for many collectors today. Let’s take a deeper look at some of the best and most valuable cards from the 1991 Score baseball release.
Ken Griffey Jr. Rookie Card (#1) – Widely considered one of if not the single most iconic rookie card of all time, Griffey’s rookie card from 1991 Score is arguably the crown jewel of the entire set. Featuring a beautiful action photo of the young superstar, Griffey’s rookie established him as a budding star and one of the faces of the new generation of baseball. High grade copies in mint condition regularly sell for well over $1000 today due to Griffey’s legendary career and the card’s extreme scarcity. Even well-centered near mint copies can fetch $500-600.
Frank Thomas Rookie Card (#99) – While not quite as heralded as Griffey’s rookie, Thomas’ 1991 Score RC is still an extremely valuable card in its own right. Like Griffey, Thomas went on to have a Hall of Fame career and his rookie card established him as an impact player right away. Mint PSA 10 copies have sold for over $800, showing the card’s strong demand. Even well-centered near mint copies in the PSA 8-9 range sell for $200-400 routinely.
Barry Bonds (#181) – Arguably the single greatest player of the 1990s, Barry Bonds’ 1991 Score card showcases him in his early Pirates days before blossoming into the home run king. High grade copies remain quite scarce and have sold for $500-600 in mint condition. Even well-centered near mint copies can fetch $200-300 due to Bonds’ legendary career and the card’s iconic photo.
Roberto Alomar (#193) – One of the best all-around second basemen of all-time, Alomar’s 1991 Score RC features a sweet action shot. Like most star rookies from the set, PSA 10 gems have sold for well over $500. Even PSA 8-9 copies still demand $150-300 on the secondary market.
Derek Jeter Rookie Card (#377) – While not his official rookie card (that came in 1992 Topps), Jeter’s first Score issue remains a highly coveted card. Featuring a young Jeter in his Mariners uniform before being traded to the Yankees, high grade copies have sold for $400-600. PSA 8s still fetch $150-250.
Other Notable Stars – Additional star players whose ’91 Score cards hold value include Kirby Puckett (#11 – $300+ PSA 10), Cal Ripken Jr. (#68 – $200+ PSA 10), Wade Boggs (#99 – $150+ PSA 10), Ozzie Smith (#119 – $200+ PSA 10), Mark McGwire (#156 – $150+ PSA 10), and Nolan Ryan (#189 – $150+ PSA 10). All command strong prices in high grades.
Rookies of Future Stars – In addition to the headliners above, the set also included first Score cards of many other future stars like Mo Vaughn (#276 – $100+ PSA 10), Jeff Bagwell (#277 – $150+ PSA 10), David Justice (#279 – $100+ PSA 10), and Tom Glavine (#557 – $75+ PSA 10). These serve as affordable options for collectors.
Insert Cards – Beyond the base set, 1991 Score also included several popular insert sets like Diamond Kings, Diamond Cutters, and Diamond Anniversary parallels. Highlights include a Frank Thomas Diamond Kings (#DK7) that has reached $400 PSA 10 and a Nolan Ryan (#DC14) Diamond Cutter that sold for over $300 graded mint.
While not the most expensive vintage set overall, 1991 Score baseball cards remain a solid investment grade option for collectors three decades later. Anchored by the iconic rookie cards of Griffey, Thomas, and others, the set provides opportunities to acquire affordable copies of all-time great players. For those seeking a complete set, raw sets can be found for under $1000 if patience is shown. Individual star rookie and insert cards still command strong prices fitting of their legendary subjects. The 1991 Score release was truly one of the finest of its era.
