The year 1990 produced some of the most valuable and iconic baseball cards in the modern era. While the junk wax era of the late 1980s saw production numbers skyrocket, resulting in loose quality control and saturating the market, certain rookie cards and stars from 1990 have stood the test of time to become hugely valuable today. Let’s take a look at some of the most valuable 1990 Score baseball cards that fetch big money for dedicated collectors.
One of the true holy grails from the entire junk wax era is the Frank Thomas rookie card from 1990 Score. Frank Thomas would go on to have a Hall of Fame career, winning two MVP awards and racking up over 500 home runs. But in 1990 he was just a promising rookie for the Chicago White Sox. The Thomas rookie card has long been a hugely sought-after piece, with the best centered and graded versions regularly selling for $5,000 or more today. In a PSA 10 gem mint condition, a Frank Thomas rookie could fetch anywhere from $15,000 up to even $50,000 depending on bidding wars.
Another enormously valuable rookie is the Ken Griffey Jr. card from 1990 Score. Griffey was already a sensation as a teenage rookie in 1989, and his 1990 cards were some of the most pulled by collectors at the time. Just like Frank Thomas, the Griffey posters would establish himself as one of the best players of his generation. A PSA 10 Griffey Jr. rookie could bring in $10,000-$15,000. But there is an even bigger chase card variation – the iconic Griffey Jr. rookie “waving” insert that shows him smiling and waving. In a PSA 10 grade, the Griffey waving rookie has sold for over $100,000, becoming one of the true crown jewels from the entire junk wax era.
1990 Score also saw the rookie cards for future Hall of Famers Edgar Martinez and Jim Thome, who both broke in with the Cleveland Indians. While not quite as valuable as the Thomas or Griffey cards, high grades of the Martinez and Thome rookies can still command $500-$1,000 today. The Cleveland connection makes acquiring a mint set of all four rookies an especially appealing target for Indians franchise collectors. Also debuting in 1990 was catcher Sandy Alomar Jr., and his Score rookie in a PSA 10 grade has sold for around $500 in recent years.
In addition to star rookies, 1990 Score featured many of the biggest names dominating baseball in the late 1980s and early 1990s. Arguably the biggest star of the late 80s was Oakland Athletics slugger Jose Canseco, and his 1990 Score update card showing his muscular physique and stats from winning the 1989 AL MVP and Rookie of the Year is a highly sought piece for A’s and Canseco collectors. In high grades, the card has sold for $300-$500. Canseco’s teammate and fellow “Bash Brother” Mark McGwire also had an iconic 1990 Score update card after he clashed 39 home runs in 1989. A PSA 10 McGwire from 1990 can bring in $150-$250.
Two other massive power hitters shining bright in the late 80s were Toronto’s Dave Justice and Cincinnati’s Eric Davis. Justice was coming off back-to-back 30+ home run seasons in 1988-1989, while Davis had put together an MVP caliber year in 1987 and an All-Star campaign in 1989 before injuries derailed his career. Their 1990 Score updates reflecting those prime seasons have sold for $100-$150 each in top condition. The 1989 NL MVP in shortsstop Barry Larkin also had an affordable but desirable $50-$75 1990 Score card highlighting his breakout season for the Reds.
Beyond individual stars, team collectors seek after complete team set rosters from 1990 Score. The Athletics “Bash Brothers” era roster that included Canseco, McGwire, Terry Steinbach, and Walt Weiss consistently sells as a team bundle for $150-$200. The Toronto Blue Jays roster led by Tony Fernandez, Fred McGriff, and David Cone goes for around $125 as a complete 1990 Score team set. And the star-studded Cincinnati Reds roster featuring Barry Larkin, Chris Sabo, Eric Davis and more will fetch $150-$200 together.
While 1990 Score cards flooded the market during the height of the junk wax era, a select few rookie cards and star players have stood the test of time to become hugely valuable today. The Frank Thomas, Ken Griffey Jr., and other star rookie cards maintain hype several decades later. And iconic star cards for Jose Canseco, Mark McGwire, and others remain staples for both team collectors and players chasing specific stars. For dedicated collectors, 1990 Score produced some true blue chip gems that can now sell for thousands in pristine condition.
