The 1991 Upper Deck baseball card set was truly a landmark release that contained many valuable and coveted rookie cards. While not quite as iconic or valuable as the flagship 1989 set, the ’91 Upper Deck cards still featured some of the best young talent that would come to define the 1990s. Let’s take an in-depth look at some of the most valuable rookie and star player cards from the 1991 Upper Deck set.
One of the clear standouts and most expensive cards from the set is the Kirby Puckett rookie card. Puckett had already established himself as an All-Star by 1991 with two batting titles and a World Series MVP under his belt. His rookie card was still a hotly desired item. In mint condition, Puckett’s 1991 Upper Deck RC routinely fetches $1000 or more. The card captured Puckett in his Twins uniform during his breakout years. He is posed from a three-quarter view, showcasing his muscular build. The card has sharp colors and details that help it maintain a premium despite being over 30 years old.
Another highly valuable Twin is Chuck Knoblauch’s rookie card. Knoblauch established himself as the Twins stellar second baseman throughout the 1990s. Like Puckett, his Upper Deck RC was a true rookie card that has immense value to collectors. In a PSA 10 gem mint state, it can sell for over $800. The card pictures Knoblauch from a side angle, his legs coiled and poised in his batting stance. The blue and red Twins colors really pop on this card stock. After a few down years, interest and prices on this card are rising again.
Chipper Jones had one of the longest and most productive careers of any third baseman in history. Naturally, his 1991 Upper Deck rookie card is a key piece for any collection. Jones is pictured from a three-quarter view, his orange Braves uniform vibrant against the green field. Even in lower grades, buyers are still willing to shell out $300-500 due to Jones’ status as a future Hall of Famer and longtime franchise cornerstone. In a true mint PSA 10 condition, expect to pay $1000+. This card captured the beginning of a surefire superstar and continues to appreciate in value.
Pitching prospects like Kevin Brown, Kerry Wood, and Jason Schmidt all had valuable rookie cards in the 1991 Upper Deck set as well. Brown’s card typically sells in the $200 range, capturing the flamethrowing righty bursting towards the plate from the San Diego Padres. Wood’s card isn’t quite as collectible as his epic 1998 Bowman Chrome RC, but still fetches $150-250 in high grade due to his dominant prime. Schmidt’s card similarly sells for $150-200 due to his outstanding career as a reliable starter. These pitchers all had careers that lived up to their prospect status.
Star veterans like Barry Bonds, Frank Thomas, Ken Griffey Jr., and Cal Ripken Jr. all had popular star cards as well. Bonds’ iconic power stance and bulging muscles made his card a fan favorite. In PSA 10 condition, it can reach over $1000. “The Big Hurt” Thomas poses confidently in his White Sox uniform on a card that sells for $400-600 graded. Griffey’s electric smile and fluid Left-field form combined to make his card one of the set’s most iconic designs. Even well-centered PSA 8 copies sell for $300. And Ripken’s imposing size and glare on his Orioles card inspired collectors for $250-400 a copy.
Some other key rookie and star cards include:
Derek Jeter (Yankees): Future Hall of Famer’s rookie card valued at $500 PSA 10.
Alex Rodriguez (Mariners): Early talent flashes on rookie that brings $250 PSA 10.
Moises Alou (Pirates): Strong prospect card valued around $150 in top grade.
Barry Larkin (Reds): Smooth shortstop’s star power lifts card above $300 PSA 10.
David Justice (Braves): Power-hitting outfielder spotlighted at $200 PSA 10.
Robb Nen (Marlins): Dominant reliever has $150 card in pristine condition.
Mark McGwire (A’s): Already an All-Star, his moonshot swing looks great at $400 PSA 10.
The 1991 Upper Deck baseball card set launched the careers of future Hall of Famers like Chipper Jones, Derek Jeter, and Alex Rodriguez. Established stars like Barry Bonds, Frank Thomas, and Ken Griffey Jr. had iconic cards as well. Condition is king when evaluating the value of these 30 year old cardboard treasures. But for the right mint copy of a star rookie or veteran, collectors are still willing to pay top dollar to own a piece of baseball history from the early 1990s Upper Deck glory days.
