James Brooks
Running Back · Cincinnati Bengals
1990 Score Football ##581
Year & Era
1990 — Junk Wax Era
Card Type
Insert — Ground Force
Grade
6.0 (EX-MT) estimated
Rarity
Common; the 1990 Score set was mass-produced during the height of the Junk Wax Era; millions of copies likely exist.
Overall Assessment
A classic example of 1990s design that captures the aesthetic of the era. While low in financial value, it is a great nostalgia piece for Bengals fans.
Condition Grade
6.0 (EX-MT) estimated
Centering Assessment
Front: Approximately 60/40 Top-to-Bottom, 55/45 Left-to-Right. The bottom red border is notably thicker than the top.
Surface Condition
Excellent; visible light scratches and minor dimpling on the right side under direct light; slight wax dulling typical for 1990 card stock.
Corner Condition
Fair to Good; noticeable whitening on the bottom right corner; some softening on the top left; edges show slight fraying.
Edge Condition
Minor chipping along the bottom edge where the red ink is sensitive; slight roughness on the right side cut.
Print Quality
High-saturation red inks are prone to chipping; lightning effect graphics are sharp; standard card stock of the early 90s.
Estimated Value
$0.50 - $2.00 (Raw); Graded PSA 10 examples can reach $20-$30, but cost of grading likely exceeds value.
Comparison to Known Examples
This copy shows more corner wear than 'gem mint' versions frequently found in unopened factory sets; centering is average for this run.
Authentication Tips
Counterfeiting is non-existent for this card due to low value; verify the weight of the card stock and the dotted print pattern under a loupe.
Grading Recommendation
Not recommended for professional grading; the cost of the slab (typically $15+) is significantly higher than the market value of the card.
Red Flags
No significant red flags; the card shows authentic wear consistent with loose storage or handling.
Provenance Notes
Likely pulled from a 1990 Score Series 2 pack or a complete factory set; very common in 1990s bulk collections.
Historical Context
James Brooks was a 4-time Pro Bowler and a key part of the Bengals' Super Bowl XXIII run; this card celebrates his agility and speed.
Market Trends
Stable/Low; common cards from the 1990 Junk Wax Era generally do not appreciate unless they are high-grade Hall of Fame rookies.
Investment Potential
Low; purely a nostalgia piece or for a team-specific Bengals collector; high supply prevents significant value growth.
Similar Cards
1990 Score Ground Force Barry Sanders, Bo Jackson, or Emmitt Smith (Rookie Year); 1990 Pro Set inserts.
Display & Preservation
Store in a standard penny sleeve and top loader; keep out of direct sunlight to prevent the red borders from fading.
Interesting Facts
The 'Ground Force' subset was one of the earliest popular insert sets in Score's history, featuring dramatic lightning backgrounds.