The 1991 Topps baseball card set is considered one of the best and most valuable releases from the company. With 762 total cards, the ’91 Topps set featured many of the game’s biggest stars and future Hall of Famers. While it didn’t have the mega-rookie cards of sets from the late 80s, ’91 Topps remains a highly sought after vintage release by collectors. Here’s a look at some of the most notable and valuable cards from that year.

Ken Griffey Jr. (#1) – Widely considered the most coveted card from the ’91 Topps set, Griffey’s rookie is iconic. Fresh off being named American League Rookie of the Year in 1990, Junior’s sweet swing and effortless style made him an instant fan favorite. While not quite as scarce as some other star rookies, Griffey’s #1 still commands big money in high grade. Near mint copies often sell for well over $1000.

Barry Bonds (#110) – As one of the greatest players of all-time, Bonds’ cards from the late 80s and early 90s are very desirable. His ’91 Topps is no exception, showing the Pirates slugger in the early stages of his Hall of Fame career. Bonds would go on to win his first MVP award in 1990. High grade copies of this card can reach $500-600.

Cal Ripken Jr. (#133) – Ripken was already an established star by 1991, having won two AL MVPs and playing in his record breaking streak of consecutive games. His iconic “Cal Ripken Baseball” photo makes this a very popular Orioles card. While not his rookie, Ripken’s #133 is still sought after and can sell for $150-200 in top shape.

Roberto Alomar (#199) – As a key member of the “Bash Brothers” Blue Jays teams, Alomar’s smooth fielding and hitting abilities made him a fan favorite. His ’91 Topps captures him in the prime of his career. This card has gained value in recent years, with pristine copies selling for over $100.

Tom Glavine (#245) – Glavine’s rookie season in 1987 put him on the map, but his ’91 shows him as an ace of the Atlanta Braves staff. That year, he went 20-11 with a 2.55 ERA and finished 4th in NL Cy Young voting. High grade versions of this card can reach $75.

Dennis Eckersley (#264) – As one of the best closers ever, Eck’s intimidating stare on his ’91 Topps is iconic. That year, he saved 48 games for Oakland with a 1.91 ERA and won the AL Cy Young and MVP awards. Near mint copies are valued around $60-75.

Rickey Henderson (#340) – By 1991, Henderson had already established himself as the greatest leadoff hitter and base stealer ever. His trademark head-first slide is captured on this card from his Oakland days. Pristine copies can sell for $50-75 due to Rickey’s popularity.

Nolan Ryan (#511) – Even at age 44, Ryan was still overpowering hitters in 1991 as a Texas Ranger. His blazing fastball made him a fan favorite. While not his most valuable card, high grades of Nolan’s #511 can reach $50 due to his legend status.

Bobby Bonilla (#552) – As a consistent .280 hitter and power threat for Pittsburgh, Bonilla was one of the game’s better all-around players in the late 80s/early 90s. His ’91 Topps is a classic Pirates card valued around $40-50 in top condition.

Jeff Bagwell (#637) – Bagwell’s rookie season was 1991 after being called up late in 1990. His smooth left-handed swing made him a star early on. Near mint copies of his rookie card have cracked the $100 mark in recent years due to Bags’ Hall of Fame career.

Jeff Reardon (#662) – As the all-time saves leader at the time, Reardon was a feared 9th inning man for Minnesota and Boston in the late 80s/early 90s. This card from his Red Sox days is valued around $30-40 in pristine condition.

Bret Saberhagen (#676) – Coming off back-to-back Cy Young wins in 1985/1989, Sabes was one of the game’s best pitchers in the late 80s. His Royals card from ’91 is valued around $25-35 in top shape due to his success.

Roberto Kelly (#710) – As a speedy outfielder for the Cubs, Kelly was a fan favorite known for his defense and baserunning. His ’91 card has gained value in recent years, selling for around $25-30 in gem mint condition.

While it may not have the true rookie card gems of 1988 or 1989 Topps, the 1991 set remains a highly collectible and valuable vintage release. Loaded with future Hall of Famers and stars of the late 80s/early 90s, it provides a great snapshot of that era in baseball history. The combination of star power and iconic photography make several cards from this set truly prized possessions for collectors.