The 1991 Donruss baseball card set was released at the tail end of the junk wax era, but still contained some notable rookie cards and veteran stars that have stood the test of time. While not as valuable as some sets prior to the overproduction boom of the late 1980s, there are still several 1991 Donruss cards that collectors seek out today for various reasons.
One of the top cards from the 1991 Donruss set is the Ken Griffey Jr. rookie card. Griffey emerged as one of the game’s biggest stars throughout the 1990s and his rookie is a true icon from this era. While not in the same stratosphere as more recent rookie cards like Mike Trout or Bryce Harper, Griffey’s 1991 Donruss RC routinely fetches over $100 in near mint to mint condition. The card captured Griffey at the beginning of his legendary career and remains one of the most iconic and desirable rookie cards from the junk wax era.
Another star rookie card available in 1991 Donruss was Chipper Jones. Like Griffey, Jones went on to have a Hall of Fame career and his rookie is the one collectors look to find from this set. Chipper’s breakout rookie season was in 1991 after being drafted number 1 overall, so this Donruss card captured him at the dawn of what became an outstanding 19 year career, mostly spent with the Atlanta Braves, that will likely lead to a plaque in Cooperstown. A Chipper Jones 1991 Donruss rookie in top condition can sell for $50-$75.
Two all-time great pitchers had their last rookie cards produced in the 1991 Donruss set in Greg Maddux and Tom Glavine. Both Maddux and Glavine emerged as ace starters for the Atlanta Braves in the early 1990s and their dominance led the team to a long run of division titles and a World Series championship. They are consensus Hall of Famers now but their rookie cards were available for cheap back in the early 90s. High grade examples of their 1991 Donruss rookies can still be acquired for $20-30 even today.
Another Hall of Fame bound pitcher with a card available in 1991 Donruss is John Smoltz. He broke in as both a starter and reliever for the Braves in the late 80s and 90s and anchored their rotations and bullpens during their most successful run. With over 200 career wins and 150 saves, Smoltz is only one of two pitchers to ever accomplish that feat. His 1991 Donruss rookie remains a popular and affordable collector item today in the $15-25 range.
While position players don’t typically carry the same long term value as elite pitchers, there are a few noteworthy position player veterans from the 1991 Donruss set. Perhaps the most notable would be Rickey Henderson’s card, as he was still in his prime stealing base seasons with the A’s in 1991. The all-time stolen base king and leadoff threat, Henderson’s card brings a premium even from the junk wax era, in the $15-20 range. Another veteran star, Ozzie Smith, also has a valuable card from 1991 Donruss as “The Wizard” was still patrolling shortstop for the Cardinals. His smooth defensive skills made him a fan favorite and his card can sell for $10-15.
A pair of young slugging outfielders also debuted in the 1991 Donruss set after breaks rookie seasons the year prior. Bobby Bonilla established himself as a solid run producer for the Pirates in the early 90s and his sophomore card still holds interest. Meanwhile, David Justice began showing power as he emerged with the Braves. While not typically big money cards, both Bonilla and Justice can be acquired in the $5-10 range in top condition from collectors seeking their early career performances.
One other pitcher who broke out earlier than most from the 1991 Donruss rookie class was Roger Clemens. After winning the AL Cy Young award in 1990 with the Red Sox, Clemens’ dominance was beginning to be established. His card isn’t typically as pricey as some others due to joining the league in 1984, but a sharp example can still attract $10-15 from collectors still active in the hobby from that era.
While 1991 Donruss overall carried much less value than predecessor sets due to overproduction, there are still several star players and eventual Hall of Famers who had their rookie or early career cards produced that year. The premier cards would be Ken Griffey Jr, Chipper Jones, and Greg Maddux, Glavine and Smoltz rookie cards. But veterans like Henderson, Smith, Bonilla and Justice also hold lasting appeal. For collectors looking to acquire affordable pieces of baseball history from the late 80s/early 90s, 1991 Donruss remains a set with cards still worth seeking out in the current market.
