The 1990 Score baseball card set was released at the tail end of the junk wax era, when mint condition cards could be bought in packs for mere pennies. While most of the cards from this era hold little monetary value today, there are a select few 1990 Score cards that are quite valuable, especially in pristine gem mint condition. Let’s take a closer look at some of the most valuable and sought after cards from the 1990 Score set.
Ken Griffey Jr. – The rookie card of “The Kid” is arguably the most iconic and valuable card from the entire 1990 Score set. Even in relatively low grades like PSA 8 or Beckett Gem Mint 10, Griffey’s rookie commands prices well into the triple digits. A true perfect gem mint PSA 10 or BGS 10 can sell for thousands. Griffey was already showing superstar potential as a 20 year old in 1990, and his rookie card is one that collectors have obsessed over for decades. High grade examples remain extremely tough to track down in the wild due to how many were produced and how roughly they were handled in packs back in the day.
Nolan Ryan – As one of the most dominant pitchers in baseball history, it’s no surprise that Nolan Ryan’s cards repeatedly show up among the most valuable from any given vintage. His 1990 Score card, which depicts him pitching for the Texas Rangers at age 43, routinely sells for $50-100 even in lower mint grades. A pristine PSA 10 or BGS/SCG 10 could be worth $500+. Ryan was already a living legend by 1990 with over 5000 career strikeouts, and collectors recognize this card as a key piece in a Ryan rainbow collection.
Roberto Alomar – One of the premier second basemen of the 1990s, Roberto Alomar was already well on his way in 1990 with a Rookie of the Year award the prior season. His sophomore Score card carries a premium, with PSA 8s selling for $50-75 and flawless mint grades approaching $250-300 given his hall of fame caliber career. Alomar possessed elite talents both offensively and defensively, making for a highly coveted rookie/rookie star issue.
Barry Bonds – Bonds’ 1990 Score issue documents one of the final seasons of his early Pirate career before becoming the home run king in San Francisco. Even then, Bonds was among the game’s most feared sluggers. Higher grade examples in the PSA 8-9 range have sold for around $50 due to his ultra-special career accomplishments and the card’s scarcity in pristine condition after nearly 30 years. A true gem could bring $150-200. Bonds is one of the most infamous names in baseball history but equally one of the most dominant skilled players, adding intrigue and value to his vintage cardboard.
Ken Griffey Sr. – While not as acclaimed as his son, Ken Griffey Sr. had a respectable 19 year major league career primarily with the Reds and Yankees. His 1990 Score card gained new significance and demand after Jr.’s rookie took off in value. in PSA 8-9 condition, examples can net $30-50. Like his son’s, Sr.’s card is very difficult to locate in true gem mint condition. A perfect 10 could potentially realize $150+ due to crossover collector interest and the father-son story.
Mark McGwire – At the time, McGwire was establishing himself as one of the game’s most feared power hitters for the Athletics. His 1990 Score depiction gained collector attention after he broke Roger Maris’ single season home run record in 1998. In top grades, a PSA 10 is valued around $75-100 while an SGC/BGS 10 could bring up to $150. McGwire will always be tied to the steroids era of the late 90s, making his pre-BALCO cards like this one desirable in the collecting community.
Rickey Henderson – Arguably the greatest leadoff hitter and basestealer in MLB history, Rickey Henderson’s 1990 Score issue peaked in value after his induction into the Hall of Fame in 2009. Even then, it remains a challenge to locate in gem mint condition. Well-centered PSA 9s sell between $30-50, and a flawless PSA 10 could command over $150. Henderson was a true five-tool talent and one of the most exciting players of his era, making his vintage cards popular hold
The 1990 Score set overall featured 700 player cards plus additional managers, stars of the game, and team checklist inserts. While the base cards hold little monetary worth outside of the above elite players, there are handful of other parallel and chase cards that have gained collector followings as well.
The “Call Ups” subset showcasing top rookie prospects like Larry Walker and Bobby Witt fetch $15-30 per card in high grades. Gold border parallel variants of stars like Cal Ripken Jr., Kirby Puckett, and Ozzie Smith can sell for $25-50 in mint condition due to their scarcity.
The “Career Over View” legends subset highlighting iconic retired veterans including Hank Aaron, Sandy Koufax, and Warren Spahn have attained cult collector followings. High grade examples trade hands for $25-50 each as well.
Numbered parallel inserts like the rare “Gold Stat Edition” parallels #/5000 and Ultimate Collection parallel #/299 gain value with each descending print run. The higher the serial number, the more elusive and expensive these special parallel cards become.
While 1990 Score was among the least valuable mainstream issues of the junk wax era overall, a select handful of rookie stars, legends, and parallel insert cards have weathered the test of time to emerge as key valuable pieces for vintage baseball card collectors today. With strong mint grades, history-making careers, and low surviving populations, the best examples could continue appreciating for dedicated hobbyists.
