The hobby of collecting baseball cards exploded in the late 1980s and early 1990s. During this time, Score brand baseball cards were produced from 1984 to 1999. While not quite as popular as rival brands Topps and Donruss during the peak of the card boom, Score cards from the late 80s and early 90s hold significant collector value today, especially their rookies and stars of the era. Several 1990 Score cards have achieved jaw-dropping prices at auction in recent years, making them some of the costliest and most sought after from the entire decade. Let’s take an in-depth look at the top 5 most valuable and expensive 1990 Score baseball cards on the modern market according to recent auction prices and demand.
Coming in at the number one spot is perhaps the most iconic rookie card of the entire junk wax era – Griffey Jr. PSA 10. Ken Griffey Jr. was already showing signs of superstardom in his rookie season of 1989 with the Seattle Mariners. His rookie card from Score in 1990 may be the single most coveted and valuable card from the entire junk wax period. In pristine PSA 10 Gem Mint condition, examples of this card have sold for as much as $25,000 at auction. Even in lower grades of PSA 8 or 9, it still easily commands thousands. What makes this card so special is that it features Griffey’s sweet swing on the front in his iconic Mariners uniform. For collectors, it encapsulates the promise and talent of “The Kid” before he blossomed into a true legend of the game in the 1990s. Condition is critical, as even small flaws can tank the value significantly for this coveted rookie.
The second most expensive 1990 Score card is none other than Frank Thomas ‘The Big Hurt’ in a PSA 10 grade. During his mid-1990s peak, Thomas was arguably the most feared power hitter in baseball. His monstrous stats like a .326 career average and 521 home runs have since cemented his Hall of Fame status. His flagship rookie from 1990 Score shows his vintageChi White Sox uniform and boastsaction photography that truly captures Thomas’ imposing physical presence in the box. In a flawless PSA 10, examples of this rare and iconic rookie have sold for up to $15,000. Condition is again extremely important, as lower grades fall off dramatically, but a pristine PSA 10 example represents one of the most historically significant and valuable sports cards from the entire junk wax era.
Coming in third is a card that epitomizes the raw potential and hype of the early 1990s – Barry Bonds PSA 10 rookie. Before Bonds became arguably the greatest hitter in baseball history and tainted legacy due to PED use, he was already showing signs of future greatness as an athletic five-tool player with the Pittsburgh Pirates. His flagship rookie from 1990 Score shows Bonds taking a big cut in the box. In a perfect PSA 10 mint grade, examples have reached as high as $10,000 at auction recently. While not quite as coveted or iconic as the Griffey and Thomas rookies, a pristine Bonds rookie still holds incredible value for collectors due to his all-time historical significance coupled with the card’s extreme rarity in top condition. Like the others, condition is critical – with lower grades worth just a fraction of a flawless PSA 10.
The fourth most valuable 1990 Score card belongs to Hall of Famer Wade Boggs in an ultra-rare PSA 10 grade. Boggs enjoyed a sensational and statistically dominant career mostly with the Boston Red Sox that saw him hit over .300 an astounding 15 times and win 5 batting titles. His flagship rookie from 1990 Score features classic action photography of Boggs taking batting practice. In the hard-to-find pristine PSA 10 grade, a few examples have reached the $8,000 price point in recent auction sales. Lower grades fall off substantially in value, emphasizing the importance of condition for this all-time great’s rookie issue. While not in the same iconic stratosphere as the rookies above it, a flawless Boggs rookie represents one of the most historically significant cards from the brand’s entire run.
Rounding out the top 5 is perhaps the biggest “what if” from the early 1990s – Ben McDonald PSA 10 rookie. As the number one overall pick in the 1989 draft by the Baltimore Orioles, McDonald was heralded as a true “once in a generation” pitching prospect with dominant stuff and poise beyond his years. His 1990 Score rookie features classic Orioles colors and a powerful wind-up. In the ultra-rare pristine PSA 10 condition, examples have reached up to $7,000 due to the immense hype and potential that surrounded McDonald before serious injuries derailed his career. While not a true superstar, the “what could have been” mystique continues to make this one of the most popular and valuable pitching rookies from the era. Like the others in the top 5, condition is paramount, with lower grades being only a fraction of the value of the elusive PSA 10.
The 1990 Score baseball set launched some all-time iconic rookie cards with Griffey Jr., Frank Thomas, and Barry Bonds that have achieved six-figure prices in perfect condition. Lower value examples of these rookies can still reach thousands. Phenoms like Ben McDonald that did not pan out also retain value based on the hype of their time. Supporting stars like Wade Boggs in pristine condition command mid-range modern prices. The brand represents some of the most historically significant and lucrative sports cards available from the entire junk wax era, especially their rookies and stars – provided they are in impeccable near-mint to mint condition. The scarcity and demand for flawless examples continues to drive auction prices to new heights for collectors, investors and enthusiasts alike.
