The 1991 Topps baseball card set is considered one of the more valuable issues from the early 90s. While it does not contain any true “mega-hits” on the level of a rare Mike Trout or Mickey Mantle rookie card, there are still several standout cards that can fetch significant money from grade 10 PSA collectors. Let’s take a deeper look at some of the key 1991 Topps cards that hold strong valuations today.
We’ll start with the big one – Ken Griffey Jr. card #1. Widely regarded as the best all-around player of the late 80s/early 90s generation, Griffey’s prolific rookie season made his 1991 Topps debut one of the most coveted modern rookie cards. In mint condition, a PSA 10 Griffey Jr. can sell for well over $1000, with some iconic examples bringing upwards of $2000-2500. Even well-centered PSA 9 copies still demand $400-600 on the market. Griffey was truly a fan favorite and his ascending MLB career through the 90s only added to this card’s long-term demand.
Another young star on the rise in 1991 was Fred McGriff, who was entering his prime with the Toronto Blue Jays. McGriff’s card #166 is one collectors specifically chase for its sharp photography and centering qualities needed to achieve a PSA 10 grade. Like Griffey, a pristine McGriff ’91 Topps in a 10 holder can sell north of $1000. PSA 9 copies hold value of $300-400 as well. McGriff went on to hit 30+ home runs in each of the next 6 seasons, cementing this card as an early specimen of “The Crime Dog’s” all-star caliber play.
Shifting to pitchers, Nolan Ryan’s card #97 remains highly sought after not just for his pitching prowess, but also due to this marking one of his final vintage Topps issues before retirement. Even at age 44 in 1991, Ryan was still a workhorse and fan favorite and his card reflects that enduring appeal. A PSA 10 Ryan ’91 fetches $800-1000, with PSA 9s around the $250 price point. Fans of “The Ryan Express” era especially love finding a pristine copy of one of his later starring baseball cards.
The 1991 set also featured rookie cards for future Hall of Famers like Chipper Jones and Jim Thome. While not quite on the level of Griffey in terms of demand, high grade Jones and Thome rookies can still bring $200-400 for PSA 10s. These served as early specimens of two prolific sluggers who would go on to have outstanding MLB careers. Collectors still appreciate obtaining a mint early version of such talents before their success fully manifested.
Shifting gears slightly, the 1991 Topps design also highlighted star international players who were making names for themselves stateside. Perhaps no player better represents this than Canadian outfielder Larry Walker on card #454. A consistent 20+ home run hitter through the 90s, Walker’s prowess was coming to the forefront in 1991. His card still garners solid prices today, with a PSA 10 reaching up to $600-800 and PSA 9s around the $150-250 range depending on market activity. Walker was one of the premier power hitters of his era and his spotlight in the ’91 issue reflects his growing stardom.
Last but not least, the 1991 Topps set featured the final baseball card appearances for soon-to-be Hall of Famers like George Brett on card #244 and Dave Winfield on card #360. Their respective PSA 10 gems can each command $500-700 today based on the legendary careers and name recognition they established. Even PSA 9 copies hold values around $150-300 given their “final card” status. Collectors appreciate preserving the last fleeting baseball memories of such greats before retirement sealed their on-field legacies.
While 1991 Topps lacks true titans like a Griffey Jr. rookie PSA 10, there remains solid long-term value to be found throughout the set’s other stars. Young talents like McGriff and Walker shined early, while veterans Ryan, Brett and Winfield sealed brilliant careers. Rookies Jones and Thome hinted at future Cooperstown careers as well. For today’s sophisticated PSA collectors, high grade versions of these acclaimed cards continue to serve as prized baseball memorabilia holding solid appreciating value. The 1991 issue remains a fun and affordable vintage set for finding stars both emerging and established.
