The 1991 Leaf baseball card set is considered one of the most iconic and valuable sets from the late 1980s and early 1990s. The set featured 528 cards and included rookie cards of future Hall of Famers like Chipper Jones, Jim Thome, and Jeff Bagwell. While the set did not have the same widespread popularity as Topps or Donruss at the time, it has developed a strong cult following in the decades since. Let’s take a deeper look at some of the top cards from the 1991 Leaf set and what they can fetch on the current collectibles market.
One of the most sought-after and valuable cards from the 1991 Leaf set is the Chipper Jones rookie card. As a perennial All-Star and MVP for the Atlanta Braves who would go on to be inducted in the Hall of Fame in 2018, Jones is considered one of the greatest third basemen of all time. His rookie card from the 1991 Leaf set, while not his true rookie as he had prior MLB appearances in 1995, is still one of the key cards for any serious baseball card collector. In near-mint to mint condition, Jones’ rookie routinely sells for $500-1000. Pristine, gem mint examples in a PSA 10 or BGS 9.5+ grade have been known to fetch $3000-5000.
Another highly valuable rookie card is Jim Thome’s 1991 Leaf issue. Thome smashed 612 home runs in his 22-year career and was a five-time All-Star. He remains one of the most prolific power hitters in MLB history. Thome’s rookie card is extremely scarce in high grades due to the fragile cardboard stock Leaf used. Still, even well-worn near-mint copies sell in the $100-200 range. PSA/BGS gem mint 10s have sold for over $1000. The card holds tremendous nostalgia as Thome’s prodigious home run power was evident even as a rookie.
Jeff Bagwell is another Hall of Famer who debuted in the 1991 Leaf set. The four-time All-Star and 1991 NL Rookie of the Year first appeared in the Leaf issue during his breakout season with the Houston Astros. Like Thome’s, Bagwell’s rookie is quite tough to find in pristine condition. Due to his status as an Astros legend and Houston’s growing fanbase, the card has seen rising prices in recent years. Near-mint copies in the 7-8 range will sell for $50-100, while a PSA 10 has reached over $800 at auction.
In addition to star rookies, the 1991 Leaf set featured many other talented young players who would go on to have solid MLB careers. One such example is Moises Alou, who had a productive 17-year career primarily with the Expos/Nationals and Cubs. Alou’s rookie card can be acquired for $10-20 in worn condition but jumps up to $50-100 in sharp near-mint to mint copies. Fellow outfielder Kenny Lofton also debuted in 1991 Leaf. The six-time All-Star stolen base king’s rookie sells for $15-30 depending on condition.
The set also included veterans and franchise stars entering their primes. For example, the Kirby Puckett card is highly sought after by Twins fans given his status as a hometown hero. In well-centered, sharp condition Puckett’s ’91 Leaf sells for $30-50. Meanwhile, the Nolan Ryan card holds nostalgia for fans of the legendary flamethrower’s later career. Even in played condition Ryan’s issue can fetch $10-15.
While production values and design of the 1991 Leaf set were not on par with the majors of the time, it has developed a strong cult following for featuring the rookie cards of future Hall of Famers and stars. Condition is extremely important, as the cardboard stock was prone to damage. But for key rookie cards of Chipper Jones, Jim Thome, and Jeff Bagwell graded gem mint, collectors are willing to pay thousands. The set remains a treasure trove for finding the early cards of stars from the 1990s and represents an iconic snapshot of MLB on the brink of a new era.
