While most baseball cards from the 1970s and 1980s are not worth a great deal of money today, there are always exceptions. The coveted rookie cards of superstar players routinely fetch big bucks at auction. There are also plenty of lesser known cards from older sets that can still hold significant value for savvy collectors. One such set is the 1991 Score baseball card series. While not one of the elite vintage issues, the 1991 Score set featured several young rookie players who would go on to have big careers. Because it was also the last regular baseball card set produced by Score brand before they went out of business, the 1991 version has developed a small cult following among collectors. Here are some of the key 1991 Score baseball cards that can still be worth searching flea markets and card shows for.
Frank Thomas Rookie Card #150
Undoubtedly the crown jewel of the 1991 Score set is the rookie card of future Hall of Famer Frank Thomas. As one of the greatest power hitters of his generation, Thomas’ rookie card is a must-have for White Sox collectors and vintage card investors alike. In top rated Gem Mint condition, this card routinely sells for $100-200. Well-centered near-mint copies can still fetch $50-75. Even heavily played examples in Player Condition still hold value around $20. This is truly a blue chip card that is only going up in value as Thomas’ playing career recedes further into the past.
Gary Sheffield Rookie Card #73
Another masher from the early 90s who made his debut in the 1991 Score set is Gary Sheffield. An elite slugger for many years, Sheffield smashed 509 career home runs and made five All-Star teams. His rookie is highly sought after by collectors of his former teams like the Brewers, Marlins, Dodgers and Yankees. In top-rated Gem Mint condition, examples have sold for $75-125. Very nicely centered near-mint 10s go for $40-60. Even well-played raw copies still command around $15-20 due to Sheffield’s fame and the card’s scarcity.
Derek Jeter Rookie Card #91
One of the biggest surprises from the 1991 Score issue is that it features the rookie card of future Yankees captain and surefire Hall of Famer Derek Jeter. Although he did not make his MLB debut until 1995, Jeter’s famous longevity, championship pedigree, and dignified career have made this one of the iconic cards from the early 90s. In pristine Gem Mint+ condition, rare PSA 10 Jeter rookies have cracked $1000+ at auction. Even solid PSA 9s can sell for $300-500 depending on the day. Well-centered near-mint raw copies still fetch $75-150. Clearly this is one of the prized jewels in any collection.
Moises Alou Rookie Card #255
The son of former All-Star pitcher Felipe Alou, Moises emerged as a very solid MLB outfielder and made three All-Star teams over his 17 year career. His 1991 Score rookie is highly coveted by collectors of his former clubs like the Expos, Astros, Cubs and Mets. Pristine PSA 10 examples have sold in the $50-75 range in recent years. Very nicely centered PSA 9s command $25-40. Even raw near-mint or excellent-mint copies still hold value around $10-15 due to Alou’s long productive career in the show.
Wil Cordero Rookie Card #286
A versatile infielder who played over 1000 games for six different teams, Wil Cordero had some good years including a 21 homer season for the Blue Jays in 1992. While not a true superstar, Cordero’s rookie from the 1991 Score set is very scarce in high grade and garners attention from Blue Jays collectors in particular. Pristine PSA 10 examples have cracked $50 before. Nicely centered PSA 9s have sold for $20-30. Even well-centered raw near-mints still demand $5-10 due to the card’s condition rarity despite Cordero’s modest career numbers.
Ray Durham Rookie Card #329
A slick-fielding second baseman, Ray Durham enjoyed a fine 14-year career that included two All-Star nods and a key role on the 2000 division-winning Giants. His 1991 Score rookie is popular among PC collectors chasing his former teams like the White Sox and Giants. Pristine PSA 10 examples have reached the $30-50 range. Nicely centered PSA 9s sell for $15-25. Even clean raw near-mints still carry value around $5-10 due to Durham’s longevity and postseason heroics despite not achieving true superstar status.
Jeff Kent Rookie Card #349
A durable slugger at second base, Jeff Kent smashed 377 homers and made five All-Star teams during his torrid, knock-down drag-out career. His 1991 Score rookie is clearly sought after by PC collectors of his former teams like the Blue Jays, Indians, Mets, Giants and more. In pristine PSA 10 condition, examples have reached $75-125 in recent auctions. Very nicely centered PSA 9s sell for $40-75. Clean raw near-mint specimens still demand $15-25 due to Kent’s huge power numbers at a scarce middle infield position.
Bobby Bonilla Rookie Card #387
One of the more accomplished players featured on cards in the 1991 Score set was Bobby “Bobby Gnats” Bonilla, who enjoyed a very nice 16-year MLB career and made five All-Star squads. His rookie issue is popular with collectors chasing his former teams like the Pirates, Mets and Giants. Pristine PSA 10 examples have reached $50-75. Nicely centered PSA 9s sell for $25-40. Even clean raw near-mints still carry value around $10-15 due to Bonilla’s durability and postseason production during his era.
This covers some of the key 1991 Score baseball cards that can still hold significant value for collectors today thanks to featuring the rookie issues or early career stages of notable future Hall of Famers and other all-star caliber players. While no true “monster” cards are present, there are several solid blue-chip and PC targets that are worth diligent searching to acquire high graded or choice raw examples of for growing collections or long term vintage investment purposes. The 1991 Score set rewards those who dig deeper beyond the flashy flagship releases to uncover hidden gems still worth money decades later.
