The 1991 Topps baseball card set is considered one of the most valuable releases from the late 80s and early 90s. While it did not have any major rookies, there were plenty of exciting veteran players featured that produced some of the most sought after and expensive cards from the set. Let’s take a closer look at some of the top cards from the 1991 Topps baseball card series.

Ken Griffey Jr. (#221) – Often cited as one of the most visually appealing cards ever produced, Griffey’s 1991 Topps card is arguably the standout in the entire set. With its bright colors and action shot of “The Kid” swinging his bat, this card captured Griffey in his athletic prime. Highly coveted by collectors both for its aesthetics and subject, graded PSA 10 examples routinely sell for well over $1000. Even in raw, ungraded condition this remains one of the most valuable cards from 1991 Topps.

Nolan Ryan (#334) – As one of the most respected and intimidating pitchers in baseball history, it’s no surprise that Ryan’s cards are always in high demand. His 1991 Topps issue depicts him mid-windup and was the last card produced while he was still an active player. Receiving a PSA 10 grade makes this card exceptionally rare, with values reaching the $500-700 range. But even well-centered near mint copies still pull in $100+. Any Nolan Ryan card is an automatic inclusion among the year’s most investable cardboard.

Barry Bonds (#212) – Bonds was already establishing himself as one of the game’s premier power hitters by 1991. His card shows him taking a big rip at the plate and captured the beginning of what would become one of the most prolific home run hitting careers ever. Like Griffey, the photography and design makes this card an aesthetically pleasing one for collectors. High grades can fetch $300-500, with raw copies around $75-150 depending on condition.

Cal Ripken Jr. (#90) – As the reigning AL MVP and one of baseball’s most durable iron men, Ripken was a star in 1991. His card depicts him fielding at shortstop and was a harbinger of his run at Lou Gehrig’s consecutive games played record. PSA 10s sell between $150-250, while well-centered near mint copies can be acquired for $50-100. A dependable star player on a perennial contender, Ripken cards are always in demand.

Roberto Alomar (#313) – One of the smoothest fielding second basemen in MLB history, Alomar began making a name for himself in 1991 with the Toronto Blue Jays. His card shows his signature elegant defense and became an iconic image. Higher end PSA 10s have traded hands for $150-250, though most NM/MT copies can be found for under $50. As a Hall of Famer with widespread fanfare, Alomar cards from his early Toronto years hold solid value.

Tom Glavine (#486) – Glavine had begun to emerge as an ace for the Atlanta Braves by 1991. His card depicts him in the windup and was an early indicator of what was to come – two Cy Young Awards and 305 career wins. PSA 10s have reached $150, while most raw near mint copies stay below $40-50. As a notable member of those great Atlanta teams, Glavine cards maintain interest decades later.

Dennis Eckersley (#493) – Already a veteran by 1991, “Eck” had reinvented himself as one of baseball’s premier closers. His imposing image on the mound made his card highly sought after. PSA Gem Mint 10s have brought $150-200, though raw near mint copies stay affordable at $30-50. As a Hall of Famer with an interesting career switch, Eckersley maintained collector interest years after his playing days ceased.

Rickey Henderson (#225) – The greatest leadoff hitter and basestealer in MLB history, Henderson was in his prime with Oakland in 1991. His card depicts him pulling into second base and was a snapshot of his dynamic play. PSA 10s have reached $250, with raw near mint copies from $75-125 depending on centering. Arguably the most collectible Rickey Henderson card issued during his playing career.

Will Clark (#133) – “The Thrill” was the premier power hitting first baseman for the Giants in 1991. His card captured him unleashing his mighty left-handed swing that launched many home runs. Higher graded PSA 10s have hit $150, while most well-centered near mints fall in the $30-50 price range. Clark fans and Giants collectors seek out this memorable issue.

1991 Topps Baseball in summary boasted iconic images of emerging superstars like Ken Griffey Jr. and Barry Bonds as well as veteran stars closing out their Hall of Fame careers like Nolan Ryan and Rickey Henderson. While it lacked any true rookie cards, years later it still produced many of the set’s most valuable and visually striking issues. For collectors, 1991 Topps remains one of the most exciting and investable releases from the junk wax era of the late 80s/early 90s.