The 1991 Donruss baseball card set was one of the most popular releases of the early 1990s and contains several valuable rookie cards and stars from that era. While the entire set does not hold tremendous value today outside of a few select cards, there are certain 1991 Donruss cards collectors are always on the hunt for. Let’s take a deeper look at some of the top cards from the 1991 Donruss set that can still be worth money for collectors today.
Perhaps the most sought-after and valuable card from the 1991 Donruss set is the Ken Griffey Jr. rookie card. Widely considered one of the best players of his generation, Griffey was a true five-tool superstar and fan favorite throughout his career. His iconic swing and effortless talents in the outfield made him one of the most exciting players to watch. Griffey’s rookie card in the 1991 Donruss set, while not the highest printed rookie of all time, still captivates collectors due to his fame and status as a true icon of the game. In top gem mint condition, examples of Griffey’s rookie have sold for over $2,000. More common near mint to mint copies in the $200-500 range are still very desirable among collectors. The Griffey rookie is undoubtedly the crown jewel of the entire 1991 Donruss set.
Another huge star with a valuable rookie card in the ’91 Donruss set is Chipper Jones. Drafted first overall by the Atlanta Braves in 1990, Jones went on to have a Hall of Fame career largely spent in Atlanta. He was an eight-time All-Star, won the 1999 NL MVP Award, and helped the Braves to a World Series title the same year. Chipper Jones rookies in Near Mint to Mint condition have sold for $150-300 depending on centering and quality. Higher graded PSA/BGS Gem Mint 10 copies have cracked the $500 mark before. While not in Griffey territory, the Chipper Jones rookie remains one of the key cards from the 1991 Donruss set for Braves fans and collectors.
In addition to rookie cards, 1991 Donruss also contains valuable cards featuring players already established major leaguers. For example, cards featuring Atlanta Braves superstars like Tom Glavine, Greg Maddux, and John Smoltz from their dominant pitching rotations of the early 90s period are very popular. Hobby grade examples of these Braves aces could sell in the $50-100 range. Higher end PSA/BGS Slabs of each in Gem Mint can fetch over $200. Another esteemed veteran with a coveted 1991 Donruss card is Nolan Ryan. Even after retiring, cards of the all-time strikeout king remain steady hits with collectors. Near Mint Ryan cards change hands for $75-150 regularly.
Beyond rookies and stars, iconic 1991 Donruss base set cards with low printed numbers have developed strong followings as well. Two cards that fall into this category are the Frank Thomas and Cal Ripken Jr. cards found in the very last packs of a case. Known as the “Case Hit” cards, these have serial numbers over 700 and are much rarer in the set compared to the standard base cards. Case Hit editions of the Frank Thomas and Cal Ripken Jr. have been known to sell for $300-500 each depending on grade and buyer interest. Their scarcity and inclusion of the last pack “chase” factor adds tremendous appeal for completing a high-end 1991 Donruss set.
Perhaps the most famous insert set from 1991 Donruss is the Stadium Club subset. Featuring vivid photograph centered designs with a classic baseball aesthetic, 1991 Donruss Stadium Club cards became immediate classics. The most valuable from this insert are Hall of Fame talents like Nolan Ryan ($60-120), Rickey Henderson ($50-100), and Cal Ripken Jr ($40-80) in PSA/BGS slabs. Rarer short prints like the Robin Yount and Mike Mussina Stadium Club variants have been known to sell for over $250 in top grades as well. The iconic 1991 Donruss Stadium Club subset endures as one of the most aesthetically pleasing specialty inserts from the entire vintage era.
While retail value for bulk 1991 Donruss commons has stayed relatively flat, there are still numerous gems from the set that hold real collector value. Rookies of future Hall of Famers like Ken Griffey Jr., Chipper Jones, and others as well as superstar veterans and scarce serial numbered parallel cards continue attracting vibrant resale markets. Overall condition and professional grading significantly impact pricing, but the 1991 Donruss release—now firmly ensconced in the hobby’s nostalgic vintage window—will likely remain a cornerstone release that maintains solid collector enthusiasm decades later.
