The 1991 Leaf Baseball card set was released at a time when the baseball card market was beginning its descent from the late 1980s peak. While it didn’t have the same mainstream popularity as offerings from Topps and Donruss during that era, the 1991 Leaf set holds significance for collectors due to the rookie cards and star players featured. Several cards from this set have stood the test of time and remain quite valuable in today’s market.
One of the major storylines of 1991 was the debut of shortstop Kal Daniels with the Cleveland Indians. Daniels’ rookie card from Leaf’s set has become one of the most coveted and valuable cards from that year. In Near Mint to Mint condition, raw examples in the $150-250 range are common. Graded BGS/PSA 9 copies can sell for over $500. As one of the few star rookie cards from that set, Daniels is undoubtedly the card to own for serious 1991 Leaf collectors.
Another big rookie debut in 1991 was catcher Jorge Posada with the New York Yankees. Posada went on to have a very productive career primarily with the Yankees and is regarded as one of the best catchers of his generation. Like Daniels, Posada’s rookie card from Leaf is highly sought after by collectors. BGS/PSA 9 copies usually sell for $150-$250, with one recently bringing over $400 at auction. The Posada rookie is considered the 2nd most valuable card from the 1991 Leaf set after the Kal Daniels RC.
Aside from rookies, cards of established all-time greats are also highly valuable from 1991 Leaf. Frank Thomas’ card typically fetches $50-100 in high grades due to “The Big Hurt’s” dominant career and Hall of Fame credentials. Ken Griffey Jr. cards from that year range from $30-75 with the sweet spot being BGS/PSA 9 examples in the $60-75 range. However, Griffey’s price points are often higher when factoring in powerful rookie or stars cards from other sets during his era.
Two other future Hall of Famers with very desirable 1991 Leaf cards include Roberto Alomar and Craig Biggio. Alomar, fresh off back-to-back Gold Gloves and a World Series title in 1990, commanded $30-60 for his card. Meanwhile Biggio, still early in his incredible career, fetches $20-40 with high grades bringing more. Both of these all-time greats remain highly collectible, especially from breakthrough seasons in the early 1990s.
Condition is extremely important when evaluating any 1991 Leaf baseball card investment. Like most mid-1990s issues, the cardboard stock used for Leaf that year was prone to chipping, fading, and creasing compared to more durable modern offerings. As such, examples graded Gem Mint (BGS/PSA 10) can sell for multiples over the same card in a lower grade due to rarity. The aforementioned Kal Daniels and Jorge Posada rookies are prime examples – a true BGS/PSA 10 grade of either card could bring a small fortune to the right collector or investor.
While oddball inserts and parallels aren’t nearly as numerous or intrinsically valuable as modern sets, a few special 1991 Leaf cards have maintained cult followings. The “League Leaders” subset highlighting the top performers from 1990 continues to attract interest from stats geeks. Raw copies typically sell for $5-15 with the highest valued cards being league leaders with Hall of Fame pedigrees like Brett, Ripken, Henderson and so on. Perhaps the most visually appealing promotional insert is the glass-encased “Diamond Anniversary” card celebrating baseball’s 125th year – high grade copies can exceed $100.
After surviving three decades the cards from 1991 Leaf that stand the test of time are the premier rookie cards of Kal Daniels and Jorge Posada, iconic veterans like Frank Thomas and Ken Griffey Jr., and all-time greats Roberto Alomar and Craig Biggio. Condition is critical, with true Gem Mint 10 grades bringing peak values. While it may never achieve the same legendary status as flagship issues from Topps and Donruss of that era, the 1991 Leaf set carved out its own niche containing some true hidden gems still worth money for patient collectors today. With recent increases in vintage baseball card investment, these valuable 1991 Leaf pieces from baseball’s storied past will likely remain high on want lists.
