The 1991 Upper Deck baseball card set is considered one of the most iconic and valuable vintage card sets from the junk wax era of the late 1980s and early 1990s. While production numbers were massive for many sets during this time period, Upper Deck cards stood out for their superb photography and cutting edge design. Nearly 30 years later, the 1991 Upper Deck set still captivates collectors and its most valuable cards continue to demand steep prices at auction.

Released in March 1991, the 762 card base set contained photos, stats and biographies for players in both the American and National Leagues. The set also included 36 traded/team change update cards, bringing the total number of unique cards to 798. Upper Deck was renowned for using high quality photograph and a unique style that set it apart from competitors like Donruss and Fleer. Most notably, the photography focused on clear action shots that showed each player in game situations. Meanwhile, the thick card stock and glossy finish gave the cards a very durable feel.

While production numbers were high overall during the junk wax era, the 1991 Upper Deck set had a slightly lower print run compared to some other sets from that time. Beckett Almanac estimates around 60 million total packs were produced. For comparison, production estimates are around 125 million packs for the 1990 Donruss set and 75 million packs for the popular 1992 Topps set. Still, 60 million packs represented a massive increase compared to sets from the 1970s and 1980 that numbered in the millions of packs rather than tens of millions.

This large output had the natural effect of depressing values for most common cards in the long run. Certain short printed and star rookie cards have held and increased in value due to strong demand from collectors. Here’s a look at some of the most valuable and desirable 91 Upper Deck cards that still command big prices today in near mint to mint condition:

Ken Griffey Jr. RC (#1): Widely considered the crown jewel of the set, Griffey’s iconic rookie card in this set is the most coveted. In pristine gem mint 10 condition, this card has sold for over $10,000 at auction. Near mint 9 copies still regularly sell for $2,000-4,000.

Frank Thomas RC (#99): Another highly sought after rookie, with Thomas going on to have a Hall of Fame career. Pristine PSA 10 gem mint examples have sold for over $6,000. Near mint 9 copies sell in the $1,000-2,000 range.

Mark McGwire (#75): McGwire’s breakout 1990 season and early career success makes his base card more valuable. PSA 10 examples have sold for over $3,000, with most graded near mints selling for $500-1,000.

Cal Ripken Jr. (#278): Ripken’s legendary Iron Man streak adds to his popularity and value. PSA 10’s have sold for around $1,000-2,000 while most graded near mints go in the $300-700 range.

Nolan Ryan (#388): Even later in his career, the Texas Rangers version of Ryan in this set remains a fan favorite. PSA 10’s have sold for $600-1,000, with near mints around $200-400.

Don Mattingly (#531): Years removed from his early stardom with the Yankees, Mattingly was still popular when included in 1991 Upper Deck. PSA 10 examples have crossed $500 at auction.

Barry Bonds (#608): Collectors love Bonds’ iconic rookie season in this set. PSA 10 mint copies sell for around $300-500, while most near mints trade hands for under $200.

In addition to stars and key rookies, several other short printed parallel inserts have also gained value over time due to their rarity and subject matter. This includes the 22 card 1991 Tek Insert Set highlighting catcher player Mike “Pudge” Rodriguez that can fetch over $1,000 complete in high grade. The 1991 Upper Deck set saw a massive boom in popularity and prices in the mid-1990s as the players featured began reaching their athletic primes. While overall values cooled off during the early 2000s glut, the upper echelon rookie cards and parallels have rebounded strongly in recent years.

For collectors, assembling a complete high grade 1991 Upper Deck base set today would represent a sizable six figure investment. While common players remain cheap, topping $10,000 total to acquire the entire 762 card base in near mint to gem mint condition is easily attainable. Meanwhile, a select group of the superstar rookie cards and key inserts have truly stood the test of time. Even in today’s saturated vintage sports card market nearly 30 years later, the elite 1991 Upper Deck cards continue shattering auction records and remaining fixtures on collector want lists worldwide. Alongside iconic vintage sets from the 1950s and 1960s, 1991 Upper Deck also deserves recognition as cementing its place among the most legendary and investment worthy releases in the entire history of the baseball card collecting hobby.

While production numbers were quite high for the era, the 1991 Upper Deck baseball card set endures as a seminal release due to the unparalleled photography, construction and star power featured within. Particularly its top rookie cards of Griffey, Thomas and McGwire continue elevating to new price heights with each passing year. The stellar reputation and enduring popularity of Upper Deck from 1991 is a big reason it remains a must own set for any serious card collector or investor even today.