Top 10 Most Valuable 1990 Score Baseball Cards: A Collector’s Guide

The early 1990s were a golden era for sports cards, and the 1990 Score baseball card set is a nostalgic staple for collectors. With its vivid borders and solid player lineup, this 704-card set isn’t the rarest, but several gems stand out for their popularity, value, and cultural impact.

Here’s a look at the Top 10 Most Valuable 1990 Score Baseball Cards, including what makes some of them special and why they still demand attention in today’s card-collecting scene.

1. Frank Thomas Rookie Card (#663)

• Value (PSA 10): $35-$45
• Why It’s Valuable: One of the best hitters of the '90s, Frank “The Big Hurt” Thomas made an immediate impact. His Score rookie card is one of the key cards in the set and a fan favorite.

2. Bo Jackson “Shoulder Pads” Football/Baseball Card (#697)

• Value (PSA 10): $225–$300
• Why It’s Valuable: This iconic image of Bo Jackson wearing football shoulder pads and holding a baseball bat is one of the most memorable multi-sport cards ever printed. It captures his unmatched dual-sport legend status.

3. Sammy Sosa Rookie Card (#558)

• Value (PSA 10): $20–$25
• Why It’s Valuable: Before the steroid era controversies, Sosa was one of baseball’s brightest stars. His rookie cards were hot in the late ’90s and are still widely collected.

4. Larry Walker Rookie Card (#631)

• Value (PSA 10): $30–$35
• Why It’s Valuable: Hall of Famer and one of Canada’s greatest players, Walker had a stellar career. His rookie cards gained significant attention after his Hall of Fame induction in 2020.

5. Ken Griffey Jr. (#560)

• Value (PSA 10): $30–$45
• Why It’s Valuable: While this isn’t his rookie card (that was 1989), any early Ken Griffey Jr. card is collectible. His sweet swing and charismatic personality made him a fan favorite.

6. Nolan Ryan (#250)

• Value (PSA 10): $50–$100

7. Dave Justice Rookie Card (#650)

• Value (PSA 10): $25–$30
• Why It’s Valuable: Dave Justice was the Rookie of the Year. While not a Hall of Famer, he was a key figure in the Braves' resurgence.

8. Bernie Williams Rookie Card (#619)

• Value (PSA 10): $15–$20
• Why It’s Valuable: Bernie Williams was a quiet force behind the Yankees’ dynasty in the late ‘90s. His rookie card is a must-have for Yankees fans.

9. Juan Gonzalez Rookie Card (#637)

• Value (PSA 10): $25–$30
• Why It’s Valuable: A two-time AL MVP, Gonzalez was a home run machine. While his fame faded post-retirement, his rookie card still draws collector interest.

10. Ryne Sandberg (#90)

• Value (PSA 10): $30
• Why It’s Valuable: Hall of Famer and Cubs legend Ryne Sandberg remained a consistent fan favorite. While not a rookie, this card is still desirable for ‘90s collectors.

Honorable Mentions

• Ozzie Smith (#285)
• Rickey Henderson (#360)
• Mark McGwire (#385)
• Jose Canseco (#375)

These players were iconic in the late '80s and early '90s and still have a strong fan following, though their 1990 Score cards aren’t as valuable as others on this list.

Final Thoughts

While the 1990 Score set was produced in massive quantities during the junk wax era, high-grade, iconic, or rookie cards can still command decent value, especially among nostalgic collectors. Whether you're building a set or hunting PSA 10s, these top 10 cards are worth watching.

And remember: condition is everything. Raw cards may go for just a few bucks, while graded mint-condition versions can fetch much more.