The 1991 Fleer baseball card set was released during a unique time in the baseball card industry. Fleer had lost the license to produce Topps cards and 1991 would be their first year producing cards with their own photos and design. At the time, the baseball card market was starting to decline from its peak in the late 1980s. The 1991 Fleer set still contained some valuable and interesting cards that have stood the test of time.
The set contains 792 total cards and includes rookie cards of future Hall of Famers Chipper Jones, Jim Thome, and Trevor Hoffman. The photos and design style took a more modern approach compared to previous years. The borders are thinner and many of the photos feature players in action shots rather than static poses. This added a new dynamic look that collectors appreciated. While production numbers were high for the era, fewer 1991 Fleer boxes were saved sealed compared to flagship Topps sets of the time. This has kept mint conditioned examples relatively scarce in the modern market.
Some of the most valuable cards from the 1991 Fleer set include:
Chipper Jones rookie card (card #1): Widely considered one of the top rookie cards of the 1990s, the Chipper Jones is the crown jewel of the 1991 Fleer set. In gem mint 10 condition, PSA-graded examples regularly sell for $2,000-$4,000. Even well-centered raw copies in near mint to mint condition command $500-$1,000. Jones went on to a Hall of Fame career primarily with the Atlanta Braves and his rookie card remains one of the most coveted from the junk wax era.
Ken Griffey Jr. (card #92): Known for his electric play style and one of the most popular players of the 1990s, Griffey’s cards always demand a premium. His 1991 Fleer is one of his more scarce early production issues. PSA 10 examples have sold for over $1,000 with mint 9 copies bringing $300-$500.
Frank Thomas (card #207): “The Big Hurt” was coming into his own as one of baseball’s best power hitters during the 1991 season. His Fleer card captures him during his early White Sox tenure. PSA 10s have gone for $800-$1,200 with near mintplus raw copies at $200-$300.
Ryne Sandberg (card #350): The smooth-fielding second baseman is shown taking a lead off first base in this action shot centered card. Considered one of the sharper looking cards in the set. PSA 10s have crossed $500 with solid mint raw copies at $150-$250.
Roberto Alomar (card #629): Another action photo capturing the smooth-fielding second baseman. Graded mint 9 copies have sold for $300 with a PSA 10 recently bringing over $500. Alomar went on to a Hall of Fame career and this early card remains popular.
Jim Thome rookie card (card #772): Arguably the standout rookie card from the set besides Chipper Jones. Thome blasted 612 career home runs and remains one of the game’s most respected sluggers. Low-population PSA 10 Thome rookies have brought over $1,000 with mint 9s at $300-$500.
While production numbers on the entire 1991 Fleer set were high like many issues from the late ’80s/early ’90s, the lack of sealed boxes has prevented an oversupply on the secondary market. Many of the top stars and rookies from this set remain affordable compared to similar years. Investors would be wise to snatch up low-graded examples of the Chipper Jones, Ken Griffey Jr., Frank Thomas, and Jim Thome cards which could appreciate further as their careers are cemented in Cooperstown. Condition-graded samples of Sandberg, Alomar and others also seem like holds that will retain value long-term. The 1991 Fleer baseball card set holds memories for collectors of the junk wax era while also providing opportunities for savvy investors.
Some other factors influencing the values of 1991 Fleer cards include:
Player autographs and memorabilia cards: Signed and game-used relic versions of stars like Griffey, Thomas, Jones, and Thome have sold for thousands. Even lesser known players can earn a premium with an autograph.
Variations: Errors, missing team logos, photo variations fetch interest from die-hard collectors. Examples include an Cal Ripken Jr. batter variation card and Andy Van Slyke missing a St. Louis logo card.
Promos: Short printed promotional cards awarded through contests have a very low population and can be quite valuable. This includes a Kirby Puckett award leaders card.
Higher grades: As with any set, pristine mint 9 and gem mint 10 graded samples enjoy the largest price bumps. Condition is critical to maximize 1991 Fleer value.
Complete/unfinished sets: Holders of full unopenered 1991 Fleer wax packs or intact factory sets can earn thousands. Incomplete sets are also valued based on included stars.
While no 1991 Fleer card has eclipsed the true vintage icons in price like a 1952 Topps Mickey Mantle, the combination of rookie star power, scarce higher grades, and relatively affordable pricing overall should ensure this fun set from baseball card history remains a staple for collectors and investors in the decades to come. Properly cared for examples of Chipper, Griffey, Thomas and the other stars seem poised to hold and possibly increase in value long-term.
