Where the run starts
Score's Limited Series shipped July 2000, riding the tail of the Dragon Ball Z dub airing on Toonami. The first print was overshadowed by a frantic re-print — 'Limited' cards have a small icon below the energy cost, 'Unlimited' don't. Limiteds are the run's grail tier and seasoned shop owners can spot a re-leveled fake from across the table.
What makes the era special
The foil stock is unusually thick — heavier than Pokémon, lighter than Magic — and the print uses a directional brush pattern that catches light at a 30° angle. You can date a Score card by the foil grain alone. The 2001 Cell Saga expansion introduced personality levels, which made every common card play differently depending on what side of the battle it was on. Mechanical depth that didn't survive the licence change.
What we look for when sourcing
Score Limited foils with no whitening on the back diagonals — a tell for binder storage rather than top-loader rotation. The 'L' icon stamp is small and easy to fake; we cross-reference against the printer's plate signature on the lower-left for any high-value Limited.
- 2000Limited print runFirst-print run of the launch set. 'L' marker bottom-right.
- 2000–2001Saiyan + Frieza SagasPersonality-level mechanic stabilises. Energy-burn becomes signature.
- 2001–2002Cell Saga peakFoil treatment hits its stride. Perfect Cell foil is the run's premium chase.
- 2002Buu + licence endScore loses the rights mid-saga. Final set ships incomplete.
Score Dragon Ball comes down to one marker and one foil grain.