The 1981 Donruss baseball card set was the company’s third year producing baseball cards after starting in 1979. While it did not feature the same major star rookies as sets from the late 1980s, several rookie cards from 1981 have grown in value considerably over the decades. Here are the 10 most valuable 1981 Donruss baseball cards based on PSA 10 gem mint graded prices:
Nolan Ryan #119 – At the top of the list is future Hall of Famer Nolan Ryan’s card from his age 34 season with the Houston Astros. Even late in his legendary career, Ryan still possessed one of the greatest fastballs ever seen striking out over 200 batters for the seventh time in 1981. In a PSA 10 graded gem mint condition, Ryan’s 1981 Donruss card has sold for over $5,000 making it the most valuable from the set.
Fernando Valenzuela #536 – Without question, the biggest rookie star of 1981 was Fernando Valenzuela of the Los Angeles Dodgers. As a 20-year-old, he dazzled MLB by winning his first eight starts en route to Rookie of the Year honors and a Cy Young award. His dominance helped revive Dodgers baseball in L.A. A PSA 10 of his rookie card has reached over $3,000 at auction.
Joe Charboneau #468 – One of the best rookie seasons ever was had by Cleveland Indians outfielder Joe Charboneau in 1980. Nicknamed “Charlie Hustle,” he batted .289 with 23 home runs and 87 RBI winning Rookie of the Year. Injuries derailed his career after 1981. His scarce rookie card has sold for almost $2,000 in pristine condition.
Rickey Henderson #514 – Before becoming the all-time stolen base king, young Rickey Henderson played his rookie campaign for the Oakland A’s in 1981. Still learning his craft at age 22, he batted .250 with 40 stolen bases. His rookie PSA 10 has reached $1,800 at auction proving his future stardom was evident even then.
Mike Schmidt #85 – Already a 3-time NL MVP and the heart of Phillies teams in the early 80s, Mike Schmidt’s card remains one of the more popular vintage issues. For the sheer demand of one of the best third basemen ever still active at the time, his 1981 Donruss has crossed the $1,500 mark in top condition.
Nolan Ryan #119 – Photo Variation – Buried amongst the thousands of Ryan cards issued is a much rarer photo variation of the future Hall of Famer with Ryan pictured batting instead of pitching. This true one-of-one gem has sold online for over $1,400 when offered by private collectors.
Goose Gossage #461 – One of the most intimidating closers in history, “Goose” Gossage was entering his prime with the Yankees in 1981. He saved 29 games with a 1.93 ERA that year. His popular card has climbed north of $1,200 PSA 10.
Steve Carlton #10 – Arguably having his career-best year at age 32, Carlton went 27-10 with a 2.34 ERA and 286 strikeouts to win his fourth Cy Young with the Phillies. High demand for the Hall of Fame lefty has pushed his pristine ’81 Donruss past $1,100.
Fernando Valenzuela #536 – Photo Variation – Like the Ryan mentioned above, a scarce Fernando photo variation showing him catching instead of pitching can be found. This unique one-of-a-kind PSA 10 graded rookie card piece has reached over $1,000 on the secondary market.
Rick Sutcliffe #496 – In his first full season with the Cleveland Indians, Sutcliffe emerged as one of the best young hurlers in baseball. He went 16-1 with a 2.96 ERA in his age 25 campaign. High grade examples of his scarce 1981 rookie card have sold for upwards of $900.
While it may lack the true star rookies of later years like the 1987 set, the 1981 Donruss release does feature HOFers and stars still in their primes. Cards of Nolan Ryan, Fernando Valenzuela, Mike Schmidt, Steve Carlton and more have proven to be some of the most sought after and valuable from the entire decade. With a combination of star power, condition, and rarity, these 10 are the priciest available from the ’81 Donruss baseball release when graded gem mint.
