The 1991 Score baseball card set was one of the most iconic and valuable releases from the junk wax era of the late 1980s and early 1990s. While sets from this time period are not generally known for highly valuable cards, there are still some standouts from the ’91 Score set that have held or increased in value over the past 30 years. Let’s take an in-depth look at some of the best and most valuable cards collectors can find from the 1991 Score baseball release.
Ken Griffey Jr. Rookie Card (#156) – Widely considered one of if not the most iconic rookie card of the junk wax era, Griffey’s rookie is still one of the crown jewels of any collection from this time. Even with the massive print run of Score cards in the early 90s, Griffey’s rookie remains one of the most sought after and valuable from the time. In PSA 10 Gem Mint condition, the card has sold for over $10,000 in recent years. But there is no doubt this card will continue to gain in value as Griffey’s legendary career and status as one of the greats of the game is remembered.
Nolan Ryan (#1) – As one of the most legendary pitchers in baseball history with numerous records, Nolan Ryan cards from any year hold value. But his 1991 Score card, with him in a Texas Rangers uniform at the tail end of his career, has gained collector interest in recent years. Ryan was still an intimidating presence on the mound at age 44 in 1991. Graded examples in PSA 10 have sold for over $500, showing this card has increased in value compared to issue price.
Cal Ripken Jr. (#156) – Like Griffey, Ripken’s iconic consecutive games played streak and all-around excellent career has made his rookie card a standout, even in the midst of the junk wax era. While not as valuable as the Griffey rookie, graded PSA 10 examples of Ripken’s rookie have still sold for over $400 in recent years. It’s a card that is sure to hold and possibly increase in value as Ripken’s Hall of Fame career is remembered.
Frank Thomas (#1) – Thomas would go on to have one of the best and most underrated power hitting careers in baseball history. But in 1991 he was just beginning his rookie season with the Chicago White Sox. His rookie card from Score is one that has seen a nice uptick in value in recent years, with PSA 10 examples selling for around $150-200. For a card produced in the millions in the early 90s, that shows strong collector demand for Thomas’ historically great career.
Tom Glavine (#1) – As one of the elite pitchers of the 1990s, Glavine put together a Hall of Fame career mostly with the Atlanta Braves. His 1991 Score rookie card, with him as a member of the Braves, has gained value in recent vintage card booms. While not in Griffey/Ripken territory, graded PSA 10 Glavine rookies have still sold in the $75-100 range in recent years. Not bad for a card that could likely be acquired for $1-2 in the early 90s.
Roberto Alomar (#1) – Alomar put together a career as one of the best second basemen ever and a stellar .300 career hitter. His defensive skills and overall excellence has kept interest high in his rookie card. While print runs were massive for Score in 1991, Alomar’s rookie has seen a nice uptick with PSA 10 examples selling in the $50-75 range in recent years compared to just a few dollars in the early 90s.
Greg Maddux (#1) – Maddux is considered one of the best pitchers ever with a Hall of Fame resume. His 1991 Score rookie card, with him as a Chicago Cub, has gained value thanks to his legendary career. Graded PSA 10 Maddux rookies have sold for $40-60 in recent years compared to just a dollar or two upon issue. For such a huge production run, that shows strong long term collector interest in one of the game’s all-time great hurlers.
Other Notable RCs: – While not reaching Griffey/Ripken levels, there are several other star rookie cards that have gained value from the 1991 Score set. Mark McGwire (#1) , Moises Alou (#1), David Justice (#1), and Terry Pendleton (#1) rookies have all seen a nice boost, with PSA 10 examples selling in the $20-40 range in recent years.
Star Veterans: – In addition to the top rookie cards, 1991 Score offered up cards of established stars who were entering or in the prime of Hall of Fame careers. Barry Bonds (#97), Wade Boggs (#156), Ozzie Smith (#156), Kirby Puckett (#156) and others command strong collector interest. Higher grade examples can sell for $10-30 depending on the player compared to a quarter or less upon issue.
While the 1991 Score set was produced in massive numbers that hurt values upon release, certain standout rookie cards and stars of the era have seen prices increase thanks to the players’ performances standing the test of time. Cards like Griffey, Ripken, Thomas, Glavine and others offer long term investment potential. And for collectors, hunting these valuable 1991 Score gems provides an attainable vintage card chase from the height of the junk wax era. Graded examples in particular have shown the strongest returns, but even raw copies in good condition hold nostalgic appeal for fans and investors alike from this iconic year in baseball card history.
