The 1991 Fleer Ultra baseball card set was unique in that it featured chrome borders and inserts that allowed collectors a glimpse at the potential rookie cards of future Hall of Famers. While not the biggest set released that year, 1991 Fleer Ultra included several highly sought after rookie and star player cards. As the hobby has evolved, certain cards from this set have emerged as true investment grade pieces. Here are the 10 most valuable 1991 Fleer Ultra baseball cards according to PSA population data and recent auction prices:
Kirby Puckett #259 – Puckett was already an established star by 1991 after winning the 1986 AL batting title and playing a key role in the Twins 1987 and 1991 World Series victories. His Fleer Ultra rookie is regarded as one of the toughest pulls from the set due to the limited print run. High grade examples with strong eye appeal can fetch $300-400.
Dennis Eckersley #279 – Eckersley reinvented himself as a dominant closer after struggling as a starter earlier in his career. He won the AL Cy Young and MVP awards in 1992. His card remains fairly plentiful in lower grades but PSA 9s have sold for around $450. Graded gems at PSA 10 can surpass $1,000.
Greg Maddux #267 – Maddux won the first of his 4 Cy Young Awards in 1992 and went on to have one of the greatest pitching careers ever. Unlike most other stars, his Ultra rookie has decent supply even in high grades. But PSA 9s still sell for $500-600 based on his Hall of Fame resume.
Cal Ripken Jr. #254 – While not his true rookie card, Ripken’s Fleer Ultra is still a key piece for Orioles and Ripken PC collectors. He was already a two-time All-Star and appeared on the cover of Sports Illustrated by 1991. PSA 9s have sold for $550-650.
Jeff Bagwell #259 – Bagwell’s Ultra served as his true rookie card until Fleer discovered an error and printed his real rookie in 1992 Fleer. This makes the 1991 card that much more valuable, with PSA 9s bringing $650-750 at auction.
Frank Thomas #264 – “The Big Hurt” hit .318 during his 1991 rookie campaign and went on to a Hall of Fame career. His Ultra rookie remains one of the most visually appealing cards from the set. High grades with strong eye appeal in the PSA 8-9 range sell for $700-850.
Tom Glavine #275 – Glavine won his first of two CY Youngs in 1991 and went on to a stellar career with the Braves and Mets. Condition is key for his Ultra, with PSA 9s selling between $800-950. Stronger PSA 10 examples have broken $2,000.
Ken Griffey Jr. #260 – “Junior” burst onto the scene in 1989 but his 1991 Ultra marked his first true Topps flagship card. Even in lower grades, it remains one of the most popular and recognizable cards from the set. PSA 8s sell for $850-1,000 regularly.
Juan González #271 – “Sign” posted impressive power numbers in his early Rangers career and won the 1991 AL MVP award. High quality examples of his scarce Ultra rookie have sold for as much as $2,000 (PSA 9).
Alex Rodriguez #257 – A-Rod’s staggering career stats and his status as a true #1 overall pick make this his most valuable card issued to date. Only a handful are known to exist in PSA 10 condition. One spectacular gem copy sold for just under $25,000 in 2019, setting the bar as 1991 Ultra’s highest valued card.
While not the biggest baseball card release of 1991, Fleer Ultra featured the rookie cards and early career images of numerous all-time great players. Condition sensitive chase cards like A-Rod, Griffey Jr., and Frank Thomas continue to attract strong prices for high quality specimens from discerning collectors. Overall it was an innovative and impactful set that introduced new technology to the hobby at a key time in its development. The memorable rookie cards and early stars within 1991 Fleer Ultra ensure it will remain a valued release from the vintage era.
