The 1992 Score baseball card set is one of the most iconic and valuable issues from the early 1990s. The set features numerous young stars and Hall of Famers that established themselves in the early part of that decade. Some of the top cards that fetch big money today include:
Ken Griffey Jr. rookie card (Photo Variation): Griffey’s rookie is arguably the most important modern rookie card in the hobby. The photo variation is the more scarce and sought after design that features a slightly different image from the standard issue. High grade versions can sell for anywhere from $10,000-25,000 depending on condition. Even well-worn copies still pull in several thousand due to Griffey’s status as a generational superstar.
Frank Thomas rookie card: Thomas announced his presence with a dominating 1990 rookie campaign and his card is quite valuable as a result. Like Griffey, there is a photo variation that’s tougher to find. Gem mint PSA 10 copies have cracked the $5,000 price point with most others ranging from $1,000-3,000 based on condition.
Derek Jeter rookie card: The future Yankees captain had his best season as a rookie in 1996 but this is considered his true inaugural card. High-end Jeter rookies become increasingly scarce and value propositions over the years. A PSA 10 could bring nearly $10,000 today.
Barry Bonds rookie card: Bonds was already an established talent by 1992 but his popularity and status as arguably the best pure hitter ever makes his rookie cards highly collectible. A PSA 10 would likely sell for over $3,000.
Cal Ripken Jr. error card: Ripken is one of the most iconic players of the early 90s but this error version of his base card stands out. Due to a typo listing his last name as “Ripkenn” it became one of the rarest cards in the set. In pristine condition it can net five figures.
Donruss also issued baseball cards in 1992 and some of its key rookie issue include Juan Gonzalez, Moises Alou, and Cliff Floyd. But the Score brand maintained a stronger overall presence and cache in the market during that period.
Other notable stars featured in the set include Ryne Sandberg, Kirby Puckett, Greg Maddux, Tom Glavine, and Roberto Alomar. Condition is critical since so many copies were produced during the junk wax era. Even for big name veterans, pristine examples are needed to reach four figure values or higher.
Insert sets within 1992 Score had their own valuable paraphernalia as well. The Farewells subset highlighted retirees like Nolan Ryan and Steve Carlton. Super Sixties and Record Breakers cards also attained premium status in the years since.
In sum, the 1992 Score baseball card set remains both historically significant and financially lucrative for investors even decades later. Key rookies from the issue continue to gain in demand as their respective careers are remembered more fondly with time. With rarer parallel and error variants included, it’s easy to see why the issue endures as a collector favorite to this day.
