1991 Donruss baseball cards were released during a seminal year for the hobby. After skyrocketing in popularity and value throughout the late 1980s, the baseball card market was beginning to cool off in 1991. The overproduction of cards in previous years led to an industry “bubble” that was starting to collapse.
While early 1990s Donruss sets lacked the wow factor and investment potential of the 1980s Donruss and Topps flagship releases, 1991 Donruss cards retain nostalgia and interest among collectors today. The set design provides a window into the players, managers, and teams from that baseball season.
For collectors looking to understand 1991 Donruss card values, several key factors must be considered. The particular player, their on-field performance and career achievements, the card number and any valuable variations all impact estimated prices. General condition and centering/printing quality also affect values.
This 1991 Donruss baseball card price guide explores some of the highest valued and most sought-after cards from the set as well as average prices for common players. It should serve as a starting point to determine collection and single card values rather than an absolute pricing index. Market conditions and card demand are constantly changing.
Top 1991 Donruss Rookie Cards
Chipper Jones – One of the premier rookies in the set, Chipper Jones went on to have a Hall of Fame caliber career with the Braves. A PSA 10 graded version of his rookie card can fetch well over $1000. Well-centered copies in Excellent or Mint condition bring $150-300.
Nomar Garciaparra – As the future AL Rookie of the Year and batting champion, Nomar Garciaparra rookie cards were hot property in 1991. A PSA 10 sells for $500-750 while Excellent-Mint copies range from $100-300 depending on centering.
Paul Konerko – The longtime White Sox slugger’s rookie is more affordable but still desirable at $50-100 in top grades.
JasonGiambi – Another future All-Star’s rookie that can be found for $30-75 in top condition.
Derek Jeter – Among the most iconic rookie cards ever despite coming later in the 1991 season. A true gem mint PSA 10 is worth thousands. Even well-centered Near Mint copies sell for $400-600.
Other notable rookies like Troy Glaus, Troy Percival, and Mariano Rivera have remained popular over the years as well. Their 1991 Donruss cards trade hands from $30-150 depending on grade.
Top 1991 Donruss Veteran Cards
Nolan Ryan – One of the true legends of the game and his 1991 Donruss portraits are iconic. High grade PSA 10 copies of his final season card exceed $500. Near Mint bring $150-300.
Cal Ripken Jr. – Ripken mania was in full swing in 1991 as he chased Lou Gehrig’s consecutive games played record. PSA 10s crest $300 while top condition examples still fetch $75-150.
Boggs/Ripken/Gwynn Trifecta – Most coveted parallel from the set honors three of the eras’ best hitters. PSA 10 values are $600-800. Top condition copies still exceed $200.
Ryne Sandberg – Perennial All-Star’s crisp image on this 1990 NL MVP award winner captures him perfectly. PSA 10s reach $300. Near Mint sell in the $75-150 range.
Don Mattingly – “Donny Baseball’s” iconic 1991 Donruss remains popular. PSA 10s range $150-250 depending on card show foot traffic. Near Mint copies sell around $50-100.
Ozzie Smith – Many consider “The Wizard” ’91 Donruss one of the best card photos of the decade. PSA 10s hold $150-250 value. Top condition copies around $40-75.
The bullpen aces and middle relievers were among other veteran cards that sold surprisingly well during the early 90s boom despite lesser known players. A well-centered Nolan Ryan base card in Mint condition would fetch around $25-40 today while star rookies have increased exponentially in value since initially issued.
condition also affect values. This 1991 Donruss baseball card price guide explores some of the highest valued and most sought-after cards from the set as well as average prices for common players. It should serve as a starting point to determine collection and single card values rather than an absolute pricing index. Market conditions and card demand are constantly changing.
The massive production numbers from Donruss sets in the late 80s/early 90s flooded the market and prevented most cards from gaining significant long term collectibility or value barring true superstars or scarce parallels. By 1991, the earlier frenzy was over and careful collecting became more strategic. Today, 30 years later, set collectors and nostalgia seekers have created renewed interest in this iconic release. While not as coveted as flagship issues from the hobby’s golden era, 1991 Donruss remains an affordable yet iconic way to showcase the players and games of that year.
