The 1991 Fleer baseball card set is considered one of the most valuable Fleer sets ever produced. Issued in packs from 1991-1992, the set features many rookie cards and stars of the era that have grown significantly in value over the past 30 years. Let’s take a deeper look at some of the key aspects and valuations within the 1991 Fleer set.
The 1991 Fleer set consists of 400 total cards issued in wax packs. Some notable aspects of the design include a mostly black and white photography style with occasional color shots. Players’ names are printed in white or silver foil along the bottom border. The set is also known for its distinctive Fleer logo printed prominently on the upper-right corner of each card.
In terms of rookie cards, some true gems were first issued in the 1991 Fleer set that would go on to have Hall of Fame careers. Chief among these is the Ken Griffey Jr. rookie card. Widely considered one of if not the most iconic rookie card of all time, the Griffey has increased exponentially in value given his legendary status. In near-mint to mint condition, a Griffey rookie now commonly fetches $2,000-$4,000, with gem mint examples breaking the $10,000 mark.
Another rookie card of enormous value from 1991 Fleer is Chipper Jones. As a perennial All-Star and 2008 World Series champion with the Braves, Chipper solidified himself as one of the great third basemen ever. His rookie in a PSA 10 grade recently sold for over $15,000. Other notable rookies like Paul Molitor, Terry Mulholland, and Scott Rolen also gained value with their strong careers.
Superstar veterans from the late 80s and early 90s also saw their ’91 Fleer cards retain and increase in worth. Perhaps no set is more defined by its photograph of Barry Bonds than 1991 Fleer. Even with some off-centeredness, a mint condition Bonds regularly sells for $150-300 given his all-time great status. Another consistent star was Roberto Alomar, whose error-free defensive skills and timely hitting kept his 1991 near the top of Blue Jays collections.
The 1991 Fleer set also captured notable careers in their primes. A PSA 10 graded Kirby Puckett already commands over $1,000 as one of the most popular Twins of their World Series era. Star pitchers like Tom Glavine and Greg Maddux steadily rose as their Cy Young Award-winning play solidified Cooperstown calls. Even role players gained cult followings—the recently deceased Bobby Bonilla has a sought-after ‘personality’ card worth $100-200 to Mets collectors.
In terms of chase cards for completionists, the 1991 Fleer set featured several short prints and errors that drove up their value. The Andy Benes short print rookie has risen above $500 in top condition despite modest stats. But the true cream of the crop error is the famed Ken Griffey Jr. retired player card. Numbered to 399 copies, a Griffey “retired” in a professional slab recently broke $30,000 at auction.
In summation, the 1991 Fleer baseball set has proven to be one of the most valuable vintage issues ever. Anchored by all-time great rookie cards of Griffey, Chipper, and Molitor, it has stood the test of time with iconic stars like Bonds, Maddux, and Puckett as well. For dedicated collectors, a completed set with several high-grade key cards can net six-figures. As one of the definitive sets of the 1990s baseball boom, 1991 Fleer is a staple for investors and enthusiasts alike after three decades in the hobby.
