The 1991 Topps baseball card set is considered one of the most valuable sets from the late 1980s-early 1990s period. Several factors contributed to certain 1991 cards achieving high values over the years, including significant player accomplishments after being rookie cards as well as short printing of select players which drove scarcity. Let’s take a closer look at some of the most valuable 1991 baseball cards based on PSA 10 gem mint grades and recent sales data:
The clear standout card from the 1991 Topps set in terms of value is the Ken Griffey Jr. rookie card. Widely considered one of the most iconic rookie cards of all time, Griffey would go on to have a Hall of Fame career while capturing the popularity of a new generation of baseball fans. The rarity of high grade Griffey rookies also fuels the demand, as BGS/PSA 9s routinely sell for over $1,000 and the elusive PSA 10 grade carries estimates upwards of $10,000. Another rookie card that has grown exponentially in value is Chipper Jones, who had a 19 year career entirely with the Atlanta Braves that culminated with a Hall of Fame induction. High grade 1991 Chipper Jones rookies now eclipse the $2,000 mark as one of the elite third baseman cards from the 1990s.
Staying in Atlanta, the 1991 Tom Glavine rookie card is a highly sought after piece from the set for collectors of Braves stars from that era championship teams. Graded examples have sold between $500-1000 despite Glavine not having the flashy offensive stats of Griffey or Chipper. Another pitcher who breaks the $500 mark is Dennis Eckersley’s card, buoyed by his dominant seasons as both a starter and Hall of Fame closer. Eckersley’s is a unique case of a star player with value derived mostly from his late career renaissance rather than being a true rookie card. Rounding out the $500+ club from 1991 Topps is Bryce Harper’s ultra-short printed rookie card, which was just the 3rd year of issue for Topps Update Series but exploded in value after Harper’s early superstardom.
Staying in the triple digit range, elite shortstop/third baseman Wade Boggs maintains strong demand because of his consistency and career batting title record. High grades of his 1991 card hit the $300-400 range. Another consistent performer,Craig Biggio also commands $200-300 for top conditioned examples of his rookie due to his 3,000 hit career and versatility around the diamond. Mark McGwire’s monster home run chasing season with the Athletics in ’87 made his 1991 rookie extremely popular before performance enhancing drug controversies hurt its value slightly from the $200-300 peaks. Lastly, the ’91Topps card of fan favorite Ken Caminiti routinely closes for $150-$200 in top condition as one of the most visually appealing rookie designs from the set.
The 1991 Topps baseball set remains a highly investable vintage release due to star players like Griffey, Chipper and Glavine emerging as future Hall of Famers. Short prints and low population gems of these rookies continue appreciating over time. Established veterans like Boggs, Eckersley and Biggio maintained strong followings that transferred to solid card values. While PSA 10 examples of the true blue chip ’91 rookies are out of reach for most collectors, there are still plenty of affordable graded gems around $100-500 from this iconic release that can form the foundation of a successful long term collection.
