Steve DeBerg
Quarterback · Kansas City Chiefs
Score Football ##223
Year & Era
1990 — Junk Wax Era
Card Type
Base Veteran Card
Grade
Raw — appears Excellent to Near Mint (EX-MT 6)
Rarity
Common. This card was mass-produced in the millions during the peak of the Junk Wax Era; it is not rare.
Overall Assessment
A nostalgic piece of 1990s football history in mid-grade condition. While it holds little monetary value, it represents a key era of hobby growth and a respected veteran quarterback.
Condition Grade
Raw — appears Excellent to Near Mint (EX-MT 6)
Centering Assessment
Front: Approximately 60/40 Top-Bottom and 55/45 Left-Right. The red border margin appears slightly thicker at the bottom than the top.
Surface Condition
Surface shows typical age-related gloss; however, the card is being held with bare hands, which risks transferring oils. No major creases are visible from the photo.
Corner Condition
Reasonably sharp for the era, though the top-left corner (near the thumb) and bottom corners show minor soft touches typical of cardboard stock from 1990.
Edge Condition
Standard white-stock edges; appears generally clean but the lighting makes a definitive assessment of chipping difficult.
Print Quality
High for the era. 1990 Score featured bright colors and crisp photography compared to Topps of the same year. The color registration on this copy looks standard.
Estimated Value
$0.05 - $0.25 (Raw). Graded copies (PSA 10) may reach $15-20, but the cost of grading significantly exceeds the market value of the card.
Comparison to Known Examples
This is a typical surviving example. Significant quantities of these exist in 'brick' form (unopened sets) and remain in better condition than this loose copy.
Authentication Tips
Reprinting this card is unlikely due to its low value. Genuine 1990 Score cards have a specific paper stock feel—smooth on the front and slightly porous/cardboard-feel on the back.
Grading Recommendation
Not recommended. The grading fees (approx. $15-25) would far outweigh the market value of the card, and this specific copy would likely not achieve the Gem Mint 10 required to make it profitable.
Red Flags
No significant red flags regarding authenticity or alteration; however, holding the card with bare skin can cause long-term surface degradation.
Provenance Notes
Distributed in wax packs, blister packs, and factory sets. Likely from a collection assembled in the early 1990s.
Historical Context
Steve DeBerg is famously known as the 'bridge' quarterback, having preceded Hall of Famers like Joe Montana (49ers) and John Elway (Broncos). 1990 was one of his best years with the Chiefs.
Market Trends
Stable at a nominal floor price. There is a small niche for 'Team Legend' collectors or those completing full sets of 1990 Score.
Investment Potential
Low. Because of the extreme overproduction of the 1990 Score set, supply will always outpace demand for base veteran cards.
Similar Cards
1990 Score Joe Montana, 1990 Score Emmitt Smith Rookie Card (#101), 1990 Score Barry Sanders.
Display & Preservation
Recommend a standard penny sleeve and a top loader to prevent corner dings and surface scratches.
Interesting Facts
Steve DeBerg was one of the oldest quarterbacks to ever start an NFL game, playing into his 40s. He is often credited with helping mentor several legendary QBs during his career.