The 1991 Topps baseball card set was released at the tail end of the junk wax era of the late 1980s and early 1990s. While not the most collectible set from that time period, there are still some notable 1991 Topps cards that collectors look out for. Let’s take a deeper look at some of the top cards from the 1991 Topps release that hold value both for their on-field accomplishments and rarity in the hobby.
One of the most desired rookie cards from the 1991 Topps set is catcher Mike Piazza’s card. Piazza went on to have a Hall of Fame caliber career primarily with the Dodgers and Mets, establishing himself as arguably the greatest hitting catcher of all time. His rookie card, number 160 in the set, remains quite valuable even decades after its release. High grade Piazza rookies in PSA 10 condition have sold for over $10,000 when in gem mint condition. Lower graded copies still trade hands for hundreds of dollars.
Another rookie card collectors seek is pitcher Todd Van Poppel’s #210 card. Van Poppel was one of the top pitching prospects of his time but never lived up to the hype in the majors. Still, his rookie is of interest since he was such a touted prospect coming out of high school in 1990. Well-centered and near-mint Van Poppel rookies can fetch $50-100 due to their notoriety from his prospect days.
Hall of Famer Kirby Puckett has one of the most iconic cards from the 1991 set with his #77 issue picturing him winking. Puckett tragically passed away in 2006 but his on-field prowess and likable personality have kept his cards popular for collectors. High grade Puckett wink cards change hands for $300-500 while more played copies can be found in the $50-100 range.
Another valuable but somewhat more challenging card to obtain in high grade is Cal Ripken Jr.’s #13 issue, which was released shortly before he broke Lou Gehrig’s consecutive games played record in 1995. Ripken had established himself as a perennial all-star by 1991 which adds to the card’s appeal. Near-mint PSA 8 Ripken rookies sell for $150-250 if originally well-centered with clean surfaces.
Hall of Famer Barry Larkin has a very sought after rookie card at #445 in the 1991 Topps set. Larkin went on to have a brilliant career primarily with the Reds that culminated with his induction into Cooperstown in 2012. His stellar play and accomplishments keep his rookie card as a desired piece for collections focused on that era. High grade Larkin rookies in PSA/BGS Gem Mint 10 can bring over $1,000 due to their rarity and his impressive resume.
While not quite the household names that Piazza, Ripken, and Larkin became, pitcher Dennis Martinez’s #329 card and pitcher John Smoltz’s #454 rookie also hold solid value for collectors. Martinez had a long, successful career that saw him toss a perfect game in 1991. Smoltz would go on to rack up over 200 wins and 150 saves en route to Cooperstown. Near-mint copies of both rookie cards can sell in the $50-100 range.
In addition to the hot rookie cards, error variants and one-of-one parallel prints within the 1991 Topps set attract premium dollars. Card #51 featuring pitcher Bert Blyleven was printed without a team name on some copies, making them quite unique for collectors. Near-mint Blyleven team-less errors have sold for over $1,000 given their scarcity. A reversed negative parallel of Ken Griffey Jr’s #249 card also holds grand value since it’s the only known example.
While producers overprinted many 1980s and early 1990s issues, well-preserved 1991 Topps autographed cards still carry significance. Authenticated, on-card signatures of stars like David Justice, Willie McGee, and Tom Glavine that grade PSA/BGS 9-10 can reach $300-500 depending on the player signing the card. Lesser names signed upon issue may only net $50-100 but are still a priority find for collectors of custom vintage autographs.
Even though the 1991 Topps set comes from a generally unfavorable producing period, choice rookie cards, memorable traded players, autographs, and errors maintain strong appeal for vintage baseball collectors. High grade examples of cards like Piazza, Ripken, Larkin, Smoltz, and Martinez lead the way as cornerstone inclusions. With patience and a watchful eye on the market, dedicated investors can still profit long-term from special 1991 Topps issues if acquired smartly. For fans of the era, it also offers a fun way to reminisce about the players and moments that defined 1991 MLB action.
