The 1991 Donruss baseball set marked Donruss’s return to the baseball card market after a brief hiatus. While not as iconic or collectible as some previous Donruss sets, the 1991 edition featured young stars like Gary Sheffield and Terry Pendleton in their baseball card rookie seasons. Now nearly 30 years old, the 1991 Donruss set contains several gems that have increased dramatically in value over time. Here are the 10 most valuable 1991 Donruss baseball cards based on verified PSA 10 gem mint sales data:
Ken Griffey Jr. – Widely considered one of if not the greatest player of his generation, Ken Griffey Jr.’s rookie card from the 1991 Donruss set holds significant nostalgia and demand from collectors. Even in a PSA 9 graded near-mint condition, Griffey’s rookie routinely fetches over $1,000. A PSA 10 graded gem mint example recently sold for an astounding $13,475, making it the most valuable card in the entire 1991 Donruss set by a large margin. Griffey’s Hall of Fame talent, iconic swing, and boyhood good looks all contributed to his cards retaining strong fan interest and investment value decades after the fact.
Gary Sheffield – As one of the game’s most feared right-handed power hitters through the 1990s and 2000s, Gary Sheffield blasted over 500 home runs in his career and made nine All-Star teams. His rookie card from the 1991 Donruss set holds value as one of the few cards capturing his early years in the bigs. A PSA 10 graded copy recently sold for $2,100, reflecting Sheffield’s strong MLB production and the card’s elite vintage rookie status. Even in PSA 9 condition, examples can fetch upwards of $650 dollars or more from avid collectors.
Frank Thomas – Nicknamed “The Big Hurt”, Frank Thomas compiled one of the most impressive runs of any MLB slugger in the 1990s. His powerful lefty swing and prodigious home run totals made him a fan favorite. As his Hall of Fame playing career took off following his rookie season shown on the 1991 Donruss card, collector demand for the issue grew substantially. A pristine PSA 10 recently commanded $1,350 from bidders, while a PSA 9 copy still brought in around $400. His domination at the plate even into his late 30s affords this vintage card enduring collectibility.
David Justice – A five-time All-Star and two-time World Series champion with the Atlanta Braves and New York Yankees, David Justice proved a formidable power threat for over a decade in the majors. His first baseball card comes from the 1991 Donruss set showing his early years with the Atlanta organization. A PSA 10 graded version recently sold for $975, with PSA 9 examples trading in the $300 range. Justice’s accomplishments and popularity in Atlanta particularly add interest to this coveted rookie card issue among Braves collectors specifically.
Chipper Jones – While not technically his rookie card since he appeared in a few games in 1990, the 1991 Donruss is many collectors’ preferred Chipper Jones card choice as it pictures him in his first full big league season. Jones went on to a Hall of Fame career entirely with the Atlanta Braves famously and is still revered in the city. A PSA 10 recently brought in a great $925 sum, with PSA 9 copies trading around $275-325. The nostalgia and sheer talent displayed make this young Chipper card a popular Atlanta-centric investment piece.
Juan Gonzalez – Juan Gonzalez emerged as one of the most feared sluggers in the American League during the 1990s with the Texas Rangers, winning back-to-back MVP awards in 1996 and 1998. His raw power is memorialized on this pre-breakout 1991 Donruss issue card. A PSA 10 recently sold for an impressive $850 total. Even in a PSA 9 state it can fetch $250 or more from dedicated Rangers and power-hitting collectors. Gonzalez’s combination of prodigious homers and vintage card scarcity commands strong prices.
Terry Pendleton – Winning the NL MVP award in 1991 shortly after this Donruss card was issued, Terry Pendleton enjoyed several quality seasons as an Atlanta Brave. He was a valued veteran presence on their 1995 World Series championship team. With Pendleton’s accolades and popularity in Atlanta, his rookie card holds considerable pull for Braves collectors. A recent PSA 10 gem sale finished at $625, with consistently robust values also seen in PSA 9 condition.
Gregg Olson – As the Baltimore Orioles’ star closer throughout much of the 1990s, Gregg Olson racked up over 100 saves in back-to-back seasons in 1992 and 1993. His 1991 Donruss card essentially serves as his rookie, issued just before he found his MLB calling in the bullpen. For dedicated Orioles and relief pitcher collectors, a PSA 10 recently sold for $600 even. PSA 9 copies also attract solid $200-250 figures.
J.T. Snow – Versatile gloveman J.T. Snow primarily patrolled first base for the San Francisco Giants for over a decade. He proved a versatile role player for many playoff Giant teams. Snow’s solid career attained extra notoriety for his postseason heroics. More than a quarter century later, his 1991 Donruss rookie remains a popular option for Giant and utility player collectors alike. A PSA 10 recently sold at auction for $575 amid steady demand.
Bret Saberhagen – A two-time Cy Young award winner who enjoyed great success first with the Kansas City Royals and later the Mets and Red Sox, Bret Saberhagen’s Hall of Fame caliber career is represented by his 1991 Donruss issue. Even well after retirement, the card retains nostalgia from his pitching prime. A single-owner PSA 10 brought $525 recently, with PSA 9s trading around $175. Saberhagen’s accomplished playing tenure affords this vintage issue lasting interest.
While values may fluctuate over time, these 10 players represent the true investment-grade gems persisting from the 1991 Donruss baseball set. Their on-field feats, statistical production, loyal fan followings, and simple rarity as high-grade specimens all factor into the substantial prices their featured rookie cards continue to command. For dedicated collectors, 1991 Donruss remains a treasure trove of vintage cardboard housing stars of both eras past and present.
