The 1991 Topps baseball card set marked the 30th anniversary of Topps as the leader in baseball card production. While not one of the most prized vintage sets, it does contain some extremely valuable rookie and star player cards. Let’s take a look at the 10 most valuable 1991 Topps baseball cards based on PSA 10 gem mint condition prices.
Ozzie Smith (#640) – Around $100
Considered one of the greatest defensive shortstops of all time, Ozzie Smith shone throughout his decorated 19-year career with the St. Louis Cardinals. His 1991 Topps card, showing him diving for a ball, typically sells for around $100 in pristine PSA 10 condition. Smith made 15 All-Star teams and won 13 Gold Glove Awards during his time in St. Louis.
Dave Stewart (#308) – $120-150
Four-time 20-game winner Dave Stewart was a workhorse pitcher who helped lead the Athletics to three straight World Series titles from 1988-1990. His 1991 Topps card depicts him poised to deliver a pitch. In top-rated PSA 10 condition, it commands $120-150 on the secondary market. Stewart won 167 career games and was named World Series MVP in 1989.
Orel Hershiser (#198) – $150-200
Following his record 59 consecutive scoreless innings streak and World Series MVP performance in 1988, Orel Hershiser remained one of baseball’s most dependable starters throughout the late 1980s and early 1990s. His ’91 Topps issue shows him winding up for a delivery. PSA 10 examples sell in the $150-200 range. Hershiser won 204 games over his lengthy career.
Tom Glavine (#340) – $200-250
Tom Glavine was on the verge of stardom in 1991 as he entered his third full season with the Atlanta Braves. His rookie card in the set portrays him kicking his leg during his windup. In pristine condition, it fetches $200-250. Glavine would go on to win 305 games and two Cy Young Awards while helping the Braves capture the 1995 World Series title.
Greg Maddux (#300) – $250-300
Future Hall of Famer Greg Maddux was already establishing himself as one of the most dominant pitchers in baseball by 1991. His Topps card from that year features him staring in for the sign. PSA 10 examples sell in the $250-300 range. Over his 23-year career, Maddux racked up 355 wins and four Cy Young trophies.
Nolan Ryan (#210) – $300-350
By 1991, ageless wonder Nolan Ryan was still dealing heat for the Texas Rangers at age 44. His 1991 Topps issue captures him unleashing a blazing fastball. Pristine PSA 10 specimens sell between $300-350 given Ryan’s astronomical career strikeout record of 5,714 and seven no-hitters thrown over 27 MLB seasons.
Cal Ripken Jr. (#450) – $350-400
One year after breaking Lou Gehrig’s consecutive games played record, Cal Ripken Jr. was entering unprecedented territory. His ’91 Topps card shows him battling at the plate. PSA 10 condition copies command $350-400 on the collector market. Ripken played in an astounding 2,632 straight games and won two MVP awards during a likely Hall of Fame career.
Ken Griffey Jr. (#1) – $400-500
The sheer excitement surrounding Ken Griffey Jr.’s rookie season propelled his 1991 Topps debut card into legendary status. Capturing him tracking a fly ball, PSA 10 examples sell between $400-500 today. Griffey went on to smash 630 home runs and win 10 Gold Gloves in his first stint with the Seattle Mariners and Cincinnati Reds. He remains one of the most beloved players of all time.
Barry Bonds (#550) – $500-700
Already a three-time All-Star and two-time batting champion by 1991, Barry Bonds was on his way to even loftier heights. His ’91 Topps issue shows the dangerous slugger digging in at the plate. Pristine PSA 10 copies fetch $500-700 given Bonds went on to smash a record 762 home runs and win a record seven NL MVP awards. Controversy aside, he was a statistical marvel.
Chipper Jones (#1) – $800-1,000
Among the rarest and most coveted rookie cards in the set is that of Braves third baseman Chipper Jones. Depicting him flipping his bat after hitting a home run, pristine PSA 10 versions consistently sell in the $800-1,000 range. Jones dazzled Atlanta fans for 19 seasons, racking up 468 homers and making eight All-Star appearances en route to a likely Hall of Fame career still going strong in the 2000s.
The 1991 Topps baseball card set is one containing many valuable vintage issues, headlined by the superb rookie offering of Chipper Jones. From pitching legends like Maddux and Hershiser to all-time sluggers like Bonds, Griffey, and Ripken, it provides a snapshot of icons who defined the sport throughout the 1990s and beyond. Condition is critical, with high-grade PSA 10 copies substantially more valuable than lower-graded variants across each of these 10 most prized 1991 Topps cards.
