The 1991 Score baseball card set featured several young stars and rookies that have gone on to have Hall of Fame careers. While the set itself is not one of the highest regarded of the early 1990s, there are indeed some valuable cards collectors seek after from that year. Let’s take a closer look at some of the top notable 1991 Score baseball cards that have held or increased in value over the decades.
One of the most valuable 1991 Score rookie cards is that of Gregg Jefferies. Jefferies was a highly-touted prospect coming up through the Mets farm system and his rookie card captured him at the beginning of what some thought would be a star career. While injuries hampered Jefferies, his card remains a key rookie card from the set. PSA 10 Gem Mint examples have sold for over $1000 in recent years. Another rookie to command high prices is Bobby Witt Jr. While still in the early stages of his career, Witt turned heads in his rookie season of 2021 and his 1991 Score RC has appreciating alongside his rising star status. PSA 10s trade hands for $500-600.
Two veterans whose 1991 Score cards remain sought after are Nolan Ryan and Ozzie Smith. Ryan was in his age 44 season but still striking out plenty as a member of the Rangers. His 1991 card seems to settle in the $50-70 range graded PSA/BGS 10. Considered one of the greatest defensive shortstops ever, Ozzie Smith’s smooth fielding made him a fan favorite. His 1991 Score card has found new admiration and seems to be increasing some in value, with PSA 10s reaching up to $75-100. Both Ryan and Smith had long, successful careers that maintain collector interest in their early 90s cardboard.
Staying in St. Louis, the 1991 Score rookie card of Ray Lankford is another that increased in magnitude over the years. Lankford went on to have a productive 15-year career, mostly with the Cardinals, and was a key part of their pennant-winning teams in the mid-90s. With a PSA 10 bringing close to $250 today, his rookie card shows how a good career can uplift even a seemingly average prospect card in value. Speaking of the Cardinals, their superstar first baseman, Mark McGwire, also has a valuable 1991 Score issue. Graded mint examples settled in the $150 area, as Big Mac’s monster home run seasons retain collectors’ focus despite controversies later in his career.
Shifting gears to the American League, the rookie cards of payroll All-Stars like Cecil Fielder,ruben sierra, and Spike Owen have held respectable value considering they were once commons. Fielder smashed 51 home runs in his ROY season of 1990 and his 1991 Score RC in PSA 10 condition can be had for around $50-75. Sierra was a feared slugger for many seasons and his pristine rookie cards trade between $30-50. Owen was a speedy outfielder for Toronto and Texas – his RC seems steady at $15-25 graded mint. Both Fielder and Sierra maintained long, productive careers that preserved interest in their early baseball cards long after their playing days concluded.
Two star pitchers who also have valuable 1991 Score cards are Tom Glavine and Roger Clemens. Glavine was already establishing himself as an Atlanta Braves ace and his card in PSA/BGS 10 condition goes between $75-100. Clemens was in his age 30 season with the Red Sox but was coming off back-to-back CY Young Awards. His 1991 Score appears to be holding its value best around the $125 price point in top grade. Both hurlers would have Hall of Fame careers and remain easily recognizable to modern collectors, sustaining high demand for their vintage cardboard.
While the 1991 Score baseball set may not be the most acclaimed issue of its time, there are still several star rookie and veteran cards that hold or have increased in significant value for collectors over the decades. Young stars like Jefferies and Witt, as well as veterans Ryan, Smith, Glavine and Clemens, are the most expensive 1991 Score issues when graded pristinely. But solid careers were also able to uplift once-average cards such as Lankford, Fielder and Sierra to valuable status today. For collectors looking to add premium pieces from the early 90s to their collections, 1991 Score offers notable options like these that have proven to retain longevity in the hobby.
