The 1991 baseball season saw some incredible rookie cards debut and hall of fame veterans continue their legendary careers. The 1991 baseball card set captures a special time in the sport. For collectors almost 30 years later, certain 1991 cards now command significant money and value due to the histories made by the players featured on the cardboard.
The highest valued 1991 card is Ken Griffey Jr.’s rookie card from Score. Fresh off being the #1 pick in the 1987 draft and making his MLB debut in 1989, Griffey Jr. was already one of the most hyped young stars in baseball heading into 1991. That excitement translated to huge demand for his rookie card. While Griffey Jr. cards across all 1991 sets are very valuable today, his Score card stands above the rest. PSA 10 Gem Mint examples regularly sell for over $10,000. Even well-centered PSA 9 copies can bring $2,000-$4,000 due to Griffey’s iconic status and the rarity of high graded versions of this card.
Another extremely sought after 1991 Score rookie is Chipper Jones. Like Griffey, Jones was a blue chip prospect that made his long anticipated debut in 1991 and went on to have a hall of fame career. Chipper Jones rookie cards from 1991 Donruss and Fleer are also valuable crackers, but his Score issue takes the top spot value-wise. PSA 10 Chipper Jones rookies from Score change hands for $3,000-$5,000. Even raw near mint/mint copies sell for $1,000 or more because this was the preferred Jones rookie among collectors.
While rookies tend to drive the prices for most vintage sets, hall of famers who were already established stars in 1991 also have cards from that year’s Score set that carry significant bank. For example, Nolan Ryan’s card is highly sought after. As baseball’s all-time strikeout king still active in 1991 at age 44, collectors loved chasing Ryan’s card. High grade PSA 9+ versions can sell for $500-$1,000. Another power pitcher who remained a stat stuffing workhorse well into his late 30s was Tom Seaver. Seaver’s 1961 rookie card is a true giant, but his 1991 Score issue still trades hands for $300+ in top condition.
Two superstar shortsops from the 1980s who were still in their prime in 1991 also have valuable Score cards. Cal Ripken Jr.’s offensive and defensive consistency made his Baltimore Orioles cards hugely popular. A PSA 9+ 1991 Cal Ripken Jr. Score fetches $150-$250. Over in the National League, Ozzie Smith remained the best defensive infielder in baseball well into his 30s. His 1991 Score is a fan favorite, with PSA 9 examples bringing in $100-$200 due to “The Wizard’s” enduring popularity.
Four all-time sluggers who smacked home runs in 1991 have Score issues that hold value as well. Dave Winfield launched his 472nd and final home run that year for the California Angels at age 39, capping a hall of fame career. High grade copies of his ‘91 Score sell for $75-150. Jim Rice collected his last hits as a member of the Kansas City Royals in ‘91 after 16 years with the Boston Red Sox. PSA 9 examples of his Score card trade between $50-$100. Reds slugger Tony Perez continued raking into his mid-40s, crushing 15 home runs for Cincy in 1991. Well-centered versions of his card fetch $40-$75. Lastly, “Hammerin” Hank Aaron appeared on Score one final time in 1991 after leaving his managerial position with the Atlanta Braves, commemorating his record 755 career home runs. PSA 9+ Hank Aarons can bring $40-$60.
While Griffey Jr.and Chipper Jones captivated the hobby as exciting rookies, veterans like Cecil Fielder put up huge power numbers to take the league by storm in 1991. Fielder smashed 51 home runs for the Detroit Tigers that year, launching him to the cover of Score. His mammoth season resulted in huge initial demand for his ‘91 Issue that holds true to this day. Near mint Fielder cards trade hands between $30-50. Future hall of famers like Craig Biggio and Frank Thomas also made their MLB debuts in 1991 and showed early flashes of greatness. Though not true rookie cards, their first Score issues as rookies can still sell for $20-30 raw.
For players who had breakout seasons in 1991 but didn’t sustain careers, there are still nice value opportunities to be found. Dennis Martinez tossed his perfect game for the Montreal Expos that year at age 34. His ‘91 Score capturing that milestone achievement routinely sells for $25-35 graded. Kenny Lofton blazed to prominence as a rookie for the Cleveland Indians in ‘91, making the All-Star team and stealing 66 bags. Lofton’s electric career arc only adds to demand for his Score rookie between $15-25. Dark horse slugger Danny Tartabull bashed 25 home runs for the Royals, netting him $10-15 for his ‘91 issue.
In conclusion, 30 years later the 1991 Score set remains a treasure trove for baseball card collectors chasing rookie sensations, living legends, or special seasons distilled onto cardboard. With the likes of Junior, Chipper, Fielder and more defining their greatness that year, ‘91 Score captured some true all-time pieces of collectibles. Whether it’s a superstar rookie at the pinnacle or a veteran displaying excellence one last time, certain 1991 Score cards have proven to retain serious money and historic value when higher grades are attained. The talent and history within the set keeps collectors coming back three decades later.
