The 1991 Topps baseball card set is considered one of the most valuable releases from the early 1990s. While it doesn’t have any true “superstars” like some other years, there are still several cards that can fetch big money from avid collectors if they are in pristine condition. Let’s take a closer look at some of the top 1991 Topps baseball cards that are worth pursuing for your collection or to potentially sell.
Ken Griffey Jr. (card #1) – Widely considered the best player of the 1991 rookie class, Griffey’s iconic upper deck rookie card from 1989 is one of the most valuable baseball cards ever printed. His 1991 Topps rookie is still highly sought after by collectors. In near mint to mint condition, it can sell for $50-100. A true gem mint copy could potentially reach $200-300.
Tom Glavine (card #17) – The two-time Cy Young Award winner had a hall of fame career, but his rookie card in the 1991 Topps set is still relatively affordable for most collectors. In mint condition, it sells in the $10-20 range. Near mint copies can be found for under $10.
Greg Maddux (card #30) – Like Glavine, Maddux put together a Cooperstown worthy career. His 1991 Topps rookie is one of the more valuable cards from the set. Mint condition copies sell for $30-50, while near mint will go for $15-25.
Roberto Alomar (card #44) – Alomar was one of the best second basemen of his era and a 12-time All-Star. His 1991 Topps rookie is a solid mid-range card from the set. Near mint sells for $15-25 and mint can reach $30-40.
Chipper Jones (card #58) – As the No. 1 overall pick in the 1990 draft, Jones was one of the most heralded prospects coming into the 1991 season. His rookie card is one of the better long-term investments from the set. Near mint copies sell for $15-25, while a true gem mint could reach $50-75.
Derek Jeter (card #253) – Many consider Jeter’s 1992 rookie card to be his true first, but he does appear in the 1991 set as an 18-year-old prospect for the Tampa Yankees. It’s an ultra-rare pull, but mint condition copies have sold for over $500 before. Most sell in the $75-150 range.
Jeff Bagwell (card #280) – Bagwell put together a Hall of Fame career and his 1991 Topps is one of his earliest mainstream rookie cards. Near mint sells for $15-25, while mint can reach $30-40.
Frank Thomas (card #282) – “The Big Hurt” won back-to-back American League MVP awards in 1993-1994. His 1991 Topps is considered an early rookie by many. Near mint sells for $15-25, mint reaches $30-40.
Mark McGwire (card #284) – In the early 90s, McGwire was already one of the game’s top power hitters. His 1991 Topps is a solid mid-range card. Near mint sells for $10-15, mint reaches $20-30.
Jeff Reardon (card #430) – As the active career saves leader at the time, Reardon’s 1991 Topps is one of the better short prints from the set. In mint condition, it sells for $15-25. Near mint goes for $10-15.
While not true “rookie cards,” the 1991 Topps set also features early career cards of Barry Bonds (card #49), Cal Ripken Jr. (card #65), Wade Boggs (card #66), and Ozzie Smith (card #74) that can sell for $5-10 in near mint condition.
Some other key short prints and parallel cards to watch for include the gold foil parallel cards (#1/1991), black foil parallel cards (#1/125), and special “Traded” update cards that feature players who were traded mid-season. High-grade mint condition copies of these specialty cards can sell for $50-150 depending on the player featured.
The 1991 Topps baseball card set is loaded with young stars and future Hall of Famers. While the true superstars like Griffey, Maddux, and Glavine command the highest prices, there are several solid mid-range rookie and prospect cards that can be acquired for $10-30 in top-notch condition as well. For the savvy collector or investor, it remains one of the most affordable vintage sets with long-term upside potential. With patience and a keen eye for quality, there are still valuable finds to be made by picking through boxes and packs of 1991 Topps baseball cards.