The 1991 Upper Deck baseball card set was truly revolutionary for the hobby. As the first licensed baseball card set produced by Upper Deck, it reinvented what a trading card could be through superior quality, detailed photography, and franchise trademarks. Not only did it help spark a vintage sports card boom in the early 1990s, many of the cards from this 762-card flagship set have become extremely valuable today for collectors and investors.
While there are several high-quality rookie and star player cards that can fetch large sums, some stand out as particularly desirable based on player performance, career milestones reached, and rarity. Here are some of the most valuable 1991 Upper Deck baseball cards to look out for:
Ken Griffey Jr. Rookie Card (#1)
Junior was already one of the most hyped prospects ever when he debuted with the Seattle Mariners in 1989. His 1991 Upper Deck rookie is considered one of the premier rookie cards in the hobby due to his stellar career, popularity, and under-production compared to demand for the card. High grades have sold for over $10,000 and PSA 10 Gem Mint examples have reached as much as $50,000 at auction. Any Griffey Jr. rookie in good condition holds value because he went on to become a 13-time All-Star, 10-time Gold Glove winner, and is still the highest-selling baseball card of all time based on aggregate sales.
Frank Thomas Rookie Card (#191)
The Big Hurt established himself as one of the best hitters of his generation winning back-to-back American League MVPs in 1993-1994. Like Griffey, overwhelming demand for Thomas’s rookie has kept prices elevated even for well-centered, but lower graded copies suitable for most collectors’ budgets. Crack of the Batin’ Frank became a true athletic celebrity spokesperson and his rookie is a must-have for White Sox PC collectors and vintage card investors. PSA 10 Gems have brought in excess of $15,000 at auction.
Alex Rodriguez (#432)
A-Rod was already a hot young talent with impressive power numbers as a shortstop when this rookie card was printed. Having gone on to smash career home run records while playing for marquee franchises like the Mariners, Rangers, and Yankees, Rodriguez is one of the most notable stars of his era. His Upper Deck rookie remains a strong hold even after a controversial career due to his prolific stats and name recognition with the general public. Near-Mint to Gem Mint 8s and 9s can be found for $1,000-3,000 with a 10 crossing $5,000.
Chipper Jones Rookie Card (#520)
As the top overall pick of the 1990 draft and a switch-hitting, power-hitting third baseman, expectations were sky-high for Jones coming into the majors with the Atlanta Braves in 1995. He exceeded all of them by becoming the youngest player ever to win the National League MVP award that year. Jones notched over 450 home runs and 8 All-Star appearances while helping the Braves to a World Series title in 1995. His rookie card is one of the most affordable hall of famers from the ’90s football era. An 8 fetches $1,000-1500 while a 9 recently sold for over $3,000.
Roberto Alomar Rookie Card (#660)
The smooth-fielding second baseman debuted with the Padres in 1988 but made his biggest impact with the Blue Jays teams he helped lead to back-to-back World Series wins in 1992-1993. Alomar won Rookie of the Year in ’88 and 10 Gold Gloves over his career establishing himself as one of the best all-around players of his generation. Graded 9 copies command $2,000-3000 with a rare PSA 10 selling for over $9,000 in recent years. He provides impressive career stats and name recognition for a star player at a premium position.
Barry Larkin Rookie Card (#105)
One of the most complete all-around shortstops of the late ’80s/early ’90s, Larkin was the driving force behind the “Nasty Boys” era Cincinnati Reds teams. He captured an NL MVP in 1995 while spending his entire 19-year career with Cincinnati, racking up nearly 2,400 hits and an impressive .295 average. Larkin’s slick defense and consistent offensive production have kept his rookie in demand from Reds PC collectors and veteran card investors. High grades between 8-10 usually sell for $1,500-5,000 range last year.
Tom Glavine Rookie Card (#388)
Though not quite as hyped as some others during his pro debut in 1987, Glavine went on to establish himself as one of the top lefty starters in baseball history. His pinpoint control and two Cy Young Awards pitching for the Braves allowed him to notch over 300 career wins and 2 World Series rings. Along with Greg Maddux and John Smoltz, Glavine helped define one of the greatest starting rotations of all time. Even in lower grades, this well-known player’s rookie has value in the $300-800 range and 9s can reach $2,000.
Mark McGwire Rookie Card (#255)
Big Mac exploded onto the scene in 1987 launching 49 home runs for the A’s to set a new rookie record. His imposing frame and prodigious raw power made him an instant fan favorite. McGwire went on to challenge Roger Maris’ single-season home run record in 1998 before steroid allegations tarnished his legacy later in his career. Still, his immense talents as one of the game’s premier sluggers through the 1990s give his rookie lasting recognition. High grades in the 7-9 range bring $1,500-2,500 at auction.
This covers some of the premier prospects, rookie stars, and Hall of Fame players featured in the 1991 Upper Deck baseball set that have proven to maintain or increase in value for collectors over the past 30 years. With its superior quality, rookie cards of future superstars, and huge popularity upon release, 1991 Upper Deck is undoubtedly one of the crown jewels of the vintage sports card boom era and an essential piece of memorabilia for serious collectors. Prices for these star cards could continue climbing as the players’ careers are commemorated further in the years to come.
