The 1991 Topps Micro Baseball card set was unique in the world of mini cards as it was the first and only mass-produced set of baseball cards produced at only 35mm x 35mm, or about 1/3 the size of a standard baseball card. Due to their extremely small size and novelty, these cards attracted lots of attention and sparked huge interest among collectors at the time of their release.
While the majority of the 752-card checklist holds little premium value today, there are some notable cards that are much more desirable to collectors. Let’s take a look at some of the most valuable and sought-after 1991 Topps Micro cards on the secondary market.
Ken Griffey Jr. Rookie Card (#1)
Griffey’s rookie card is consistently one of the best-selling and highest valued baseball cards of all time. Not surprisingly, his tiny Topps Micro rookie is a true Holy Grail for collectors of the set and ranks as the most valuable individual card. High-grade copies in PSA/BGS 10 have sold for over $1,000 before, with most near-mint to mint copies still commanding three-figure prices today despite the set being over 30 years old.
Nolan Ryan (#24)
As one of the most iconic pitchers in MLB history, Nolan Ryan cards from any set tend to carry decent value. His micro card looks sharply focused and attracts demand from both Ryan PC collectors as well as investors seeking blue-chip cards. PSA 10’s have sold for around $400-500 while solid near-mint copies in PSA 8 or BGS 8.5 can still net $100-200.
Roberto Alomar (#123)
Alomar’s rookie season was 1990 but Topps captured him well on the micro card looking fresh in a Blue Jays uniform. As a Hall of Famer with 12 All-Star selections, the Alomar name retains collector interest. PSA/BGS 10 gems have brought over $300 at auction with most NM/MT copies demanding $50-100.
Barry Bonds (#238)
One of the greatest power hitters ever, Bonds’ early Pirates days are well-documented in card form. His micro shows him clean-shaven with a confident glare. Scarcity and the record-breaking campaigns he would later have with SF drive values on any vintage Bonds card. PSA 10’s have sold around $250 while most NM/MT copies hold $75-150 value currently.
Rickey Henderson (#311)
Like the others above, Henderson’s legendary career and all-time records boost all of his vintage cards to premium status. The micro depicts him in classic Oakland A’s green and gold with great detail. Top-graded PSA/BGS 10 examples have sold for $200-300 range while most nice near-mint copies can fetch $50-100.
Cal Ripken Jr. (#432)
Though not a true rookie card, Ripken’s Iron Man feats and surefire Hall of Fame induction create strong, steady demand for any of his early Baltimore cards among collectors. The micro captures him smoothly at the plate which adds to its appeal. PSA 10’s have brought $150-250 with most NM/MT copies at $50-100 price level still.
In addition to star rookies and HOFers, there are also some other key 1991 Topps Micro cards that have strong collector interest due to various factors like significant career milestones reached, untimely passing, or statistical achievements. Frank Thomas (#96) and Juan Gonzalez (#186) rookie cards are valuable. Tom Glavine (#179) also stands out as his Cy Young winning seasons cemented his fame after the micro’s release.
Despite its casual, sticker-like design and novelty sizing, the 1991 Topps Micro set still holds its own collector value today particularly for highest-graded examples of the stars featured. While finding true gem mint condition is rare given the fragile size, appreciating the unique glimpse into early 90s MLB it provides helps collectibility. For investors, top rookies and pillars of the sport remain a safe haven much like their standard-sized parallels. Overall it spawned a one-of-a-kind collecting phenomenon still remembered fondly by many hobbyists.
