The 1991 Fleer baseball card set is considered by many collectors to be one of the more desirable vintage card issues from the late 1980s and early 1990s. While it doesn’t contain any true “gem mint” cards that could sell for tens of thousands, there are a number that in high grades could still fetch hundreds or even a few thousand dollars. Let’s take a closer look at some of the key 1991 Fleer cards that have retained or increased in value over the past 30 years.
The biggest star and most valuable card from the 1991 Fleer set is without question the Ken Griffey Jr. rookie card. Often considered one of the top 3 rookie cards of all time along with the Mickey Mantle and Ted Williams rookies, a pristine Griffey Jr. rookie in mint condition could sell for over $10,000 today. Even well-centered near mint copies are bringing $1,000-2,000. What makes the Griffey rookie so iconic is that it perfectly captures his youthful exuberance and talent that would make him a future Hall of Famer and one of baseball’s most popular stars ever.
Another rookie from the 1991 Fleer set with big money potential is Chipper Jones. As the #1 overall pick in the 1990 draft by the Atlanta Braves, Jones went on to have a Hall of Fame career primarily with the Braves. His rookie card doesn’t command Griffey prices but mint and near mint copies can still sell for $300-700. The card captures Jones at the beginning of what became an illustrious 19-year career. Also keep an eye out for rookie cards of future stars like Jeff Bagwell, Moises Alou, and David Justice from this set – all could be worth $50-150+ in top grades.
In addition to rookie stars, the 1991 Fleer set featured several established superstars entering their primes like Barry Bonds, Nolan Ryan, and Roger Clemens. The Barry Bonds card in particular has increased in value as his legacy and career home run record has been cemented. A near mint or better Bonds card can sell in the $75-150 range today. The Nolan Ryan and Roger Clemens cards aren’t quite as valuable but still hold value of $25-50 for top-graded copies. Other established stars like Wade Boggs, Ozzie Smith, and Tony Gwynn have cards worth $10-30 in high grades as well.
One of the more interesting “sleeper” cards that has appreciated nicely from the 1991 Fleer set is the Cal Ripken Jr. At the time, Ripken was already a 2-time AL MVP and multiple All-Star but was still a few years away from breaking Lou Gehrig’s iconic consecutive games played record. His card doesn’t get nearly the attention of the big rookie stars but in mint condition has increased to $50-100 value range in recent years. It captures Ripken entering his prime as an Orioles legend and one of the game’s great iron men.
In addition to star players, the 1991 Fleer set also featured several popular managers and coaches that have sustained value. The Bobby Cox and Tony LaRussa manager cards can be worth $10-20 in top grades as they were future Hall of Famers. The Don Baylor and Bill Madlock coach/former player cards also sell in the $5-15 range. And for team collectors, mint hometown team cards of stars like the Griffey Mariners, Bonds Pirates, and Boggs Red Sox cards are especially desirable.
While it may lack any true gem mint “holy grails,” the 1991 Fleer baseball card set remains a very collectible vintage issue. With stars like Ken Griffey Jr., Barry Bonds, Cal Ripken, and rookie gems of Chipper Jones, Jeff Bagwell and others, it features many cards that can still hold value of $50-150+ in pristine near mint to mint condition when graded. For collectors of ‘80s and ‘90s cards, or those looking to potentially find hidden treasures from the past in their childhood collections, 1991 Fleer is certainly a set that could pay off down the road.
