The 1991 Topps baseball card set is considered one of the most iconic issues of the modern era. While it lacks some of the star power of previous years, the set still contains several highly sought after rookie cards and keys to iconic players. When analyzing the most valuable 1991 Topps cards, condition and scarcity are major factors. Here’s a look at the top 10 most valuable 1991 Topps baseball cards based on PSA 10 population reports and recent auction prices:
Ken Griffey Jr. (card #91)
Widely considered one of the best players of his generation, Ken Griffey Jr. was already emerging as a star by 1991 in just his third MLB season. His iconic swinging pose made this one of his most recognizable rookie cards. In a PSA 10 gem mint condition, it has sold for over $1,000 given Griffey’s legendary status and the card’s visual appeal. Lower graded copies can still fetch $100-$500 depending on condition.
Bryce Harper (RC, card #569)
While still in the early stages of his career, Bryce Harper had already generated immense hype as the number one pick in the 2010 draft. His rookie card shows him in a Washington Nationals uniform, powerfully swinging away. PSA 10 examples have sold for over $1,500 due to his perennial All-Star play and the card’s scarcity in pristine condition with a PSA 10 population of just 23 copies. Lower grades sell from $50-$300.
Barry Bonds (card #646)
One of the most prolific home run hitters in MLB history, Barry Bonds was already establishing himself as a superstar by 1991 with four All-Star appearances under his belt. This pivotal card captures him during his Pirates days right before free agency. PSA 10 examples have sold for around $1,800 while lower condition copies range from $100-$500 depending on the grade.
Alex Rodriguez (RC, card #393)
Alex Rodriguez arrived on the scene in 1994 with immense buzz and did not disappoint, becoming a 14-time All-Star and three-time MVP. His powerful rookie card swing from the 1991 set is highly sought after in pristine condition. PSA 10 examples have sold for over $2,000 given the card’s significance as one of the first impressions of A-Rod’s Hall of Fame caliber career. Lower graded copies sell between $50-$300.
Ozzie Smith (card #574)
Considered one of the greatest defensive shortstops of all time, Ozzie Smith was a staple in St. Louis throughout the 1980s. This 1991 issue captures him during his prime years with the Cardinals. In PSA 10 condition, examples have sold for around $2,100 highlighting the card’s blend of star power and condition scarcity with a PSA 10 population of just 15 copies. Lower grades sell from $100-$500.
Jeff Bagwell (RC, card #689)
A key member of the “Killer B’s” Houston Astros teams, Jeff Bagwell was already making noise in 1991 during his rookie campaign. This popular card features one of his iconic stances at the plate. PSA 10 examples have sold for approximately $2,300 with his hall of fame caliber career and the card’s limited pristine population of 20 copies contributing to its value. Lower condition cards sell from $50-$300.
Tim Raines (card #91)
One of the most underappreciated players of the 1980s, Tim Raines was a phenom during his days with the Montreal Expos generating over 70 WAR during his career. His 1991 issue captures him during his Expos prime years. PSA 10 copies have sold for around $2,400 underscoring the appeal of his generational speed and the card’s great visuals combined with scarcity at gem mint level. Lower grades sell between $100-$500.
Frank Thomas (RC, card #634)
Nicknamed “The Big Hurt”, Frank Thomas delivered one of the most consistent power hitting careers in MLB history. This popular rookie card depicts him during his early days with the Chicago White Sox. PSA 10 examples have sold for approximately $3,000 highlighting the card’s significance as one of the first glimpses of Thomas’ hall of fame excellence combined with its limited pristine population of 15 copies. Lower grades sell for $100-$500.
Mark McGwire (card #369)
Mark McGwire thrilled fans throughout the 1990s with his epic home run feats, smashing the single season record. This key 1991 issue was released right before his breakout 1992 campaign. PSA 10 copies have sold for around $3,200 due to McGwire’s iconic power hitting legacy and the allure of the card’s classic design paired with scarcity at gem mint condition levels. Lower grades sell between $100-$500 depending on condition.
Kirby Puckett (card #491)
Widely considered one of the greatest Twins of all time, Kirby Puckett was well established as a perennial All-Star by 1991 fresh off a World Series victory. His energetic swing on this card captures the heart of Puckett’s stellar career. PSA 10 examples have sold for upwards of $3,500 given the blend of Puckett’s beloved status, the card’s perfect visual, and the extreme rarity of finding it in flawless mint condition with a PSA 10 population of a mere 13 copies. Lower condition copies range between $200-$700 depending on the grade.
The 1991 Topps set is iconic for its vast array of stars and stars of the future. While it may lack some huge headliners compared to previous years, several of the all-time greats are represented through entertaining rookie cards and career defining images. Condition combined with scarcity are the key determinants of value, and at the pinnacle stand the most coveted PSA 10 examples of stars like Puckett, McGwire, and Thomas driving them to prominent status as the premier 1991 Topps cards to acquire.
