The 1991 Bowman baseball card set was the height of the baseball card boom in the late 80s and early 90s. Produced by Topps’ main competitor Bowman, the 1991 set featured prominent rookies such as Jaret Wright, Jeff Bagwell, Chipper Jones, Edgar Martinez, Jim Thome, Ken Griffey Jr., and Mike Piazza.
While not the flashiest set design-wise compared to the ultra-glossy entries in the late 80s Leaf and Score sets, 1991 Bowman cards hold significance as the last mainstream baseball card release before the market collapsed. Condition and serial number of cards from this set greatly impact their value today. Let’s take a deeper look at what makes some 1991 Bowman cards more valuable than others.
The headliners of the 1991 Bowman set are the rookie cards of Jaret Wright, Jeff Bagwell, Chipper Jones, Edgar Martinez, Jim Thome, Ken Griffey Jr., and Mike Piazza. In PSA 10 condition, these rookie cards can each fetch well over $1,000. While none reached the astronomical prices that Griffey’s rookie has achieved, they are still highly desired by collectors today.
Bagwell’s rookie card in particular has risen dramatically in value in recent years. Once a relatively cheap pickup, a PSA 10 Bagwell now sells for $3,500-$5,000 due to his Hall of Fame induction and Houston Astros fanbase. Jones’ equally acclaimed career has buoyed his rookie to a comparable $3,000+ range. Thome’s near-600 home run total makes his a strong $2,000+ card as well.
Condition is king when it comes to the valuation of any vintage or modern card. For the superstar 1991 rookies, even well-centered, sharp non-graded examples can fetch $500-1000 raw due to enthusiasm from team and player collectors. Heavily off-center or worse for wear copies may only pull $100-200.
Serial number also plays a part in 1991 Bowman values – though not as prominently as the premium rookie cards. Cards numbered to less than the standard print run of 3,000 like Jose Offerman (#698) are slightly more valuable among completionists at $50-100 in comparable condition to a generic serial. Missing number cards (no printing plates exist) can often excite interest as novelties too.
Veteran stars like Barry Bonds, Cal Ripken Jr., Roger Clemens all possess significant collector value from this set as well. In pristine PSA 10, their base cards reach the $250-500 range. With larger print runs, condition is even more critical – a worn generic serial copy maybe $10-20. Parallel and autographed issue cards from these veterans have the most potential, often cracking four-figure values pristine.
For team collectors, 1991 Bowman set builders, and completionists, there is value to locating any remaining common needs as well. Near-complete sets in average examined condition will pull $200-500, with team/player subsets like all Red Sox having their own collector appeal. But for casual buyers, only star rookie serial one and stars in high grades hold strong interest today.
While the massive sums from the first Griffey rookie are long gone, 1991 Bowman cards remain a highlight of the early 90s boom era. Fueled by stars like Bagwell finally achieving plaque, this final mainstream pre-bust release before the lean times maintains relevance and growing values for dedicated collectors of the players within. Condition is critical to maximize returns but the legendary rookie class ensures the 1991 Bowman set will have a place in collections for years to come.
