The 1991 Topps baseball card set featured 792 total cards released in wax packs, rack packs and vending boxes. The set showcased players from all 26 Major League Baseball teams at the time. While most cards in the set hold little monetary value today, there are a few standout rookie cards and star players that have increased drastically in price over the decades. Let’s take a look at some of the most valuable 1991 Topps baseball cards on the secondary market in 2022.
Kenny Lofton Rookie Card #206 – Considered one of the premier rookie cards from the 1991 Topps set, Kenny Lofton’s card has shot up in value in recent years. Lofton went on to have a superb career playing center field for the Cleveland Indians, San Francisco Giants, Atlanta Braves, Chicago White Sox, Philadelphia Phillies, Pittsburgh Pirates and Los Angeles Dodgers from 1991-2007. He was a six-time All-Star, four-time stolen base leader and helped lead the Indians to the 1997 World Series. In high graded gem mint condition, Lofton’s rookie card in a PSA 10 can fetch $1,500 or more on the current market. Even lower graded copies in PSA 8 or Beckett Graded Services 8.5+ condition still sell for $300-500.
Tom Glavine Rookie Card #351 – Atlanta Braves left-handed pitcher Tom Glavine had one of the finest pitching careers of his generation, winning 305 games and two Cy Young Awards over 22 seasons. Naturally, his rookie card from 1991 Topps is one of the most coveted in the set. High grade PSA 10 copies of Glavine’s rookie in near pristine condition are now trading hands for $4,000-5,000. PSA 9 or BGS 9 versions still demand $1,500-2,500 prices. Even well-centered copies in PSA 8 grade sell for $500-800 making it a worthwhile investment card still.
Greg Maddux #93 – Like teammate Glavine, Atlanta Braves righty Greg Maddux went on to have a Hall of Fame career winning 355 games and four Cy Young awards from 1986-2008. His 1991 Topps main set card portrays him as a Chicago Cub but holds immense value still. PSA 10 condition examples routinely sell for $3,000-4,000 each. Even well-centered PSA 9s can be had for $1,000-1,500. His prowess and place among the all-time great pitchers ensures the card maintains appreciation over time.
Frank Thomas #305 – Nicknamed “The Big Hurt,” Frank Thomas DESTROYED major league pitching during his career, slugging 521 home runs and earning two American League MVPs. His 1991 Topps rookie card saw a massive spike after his Hall of Fame induction in 2014. High-graded PSA 10 Thomas rookies are truly rare and oversized, now worth $6,000-8,000 each. Even PSA 9 condition copies command $2,500-3,500 prices reflecting his legend status.
Ken Griffey Jr. #1 – Considered the crown jewel card of the entire 1991 Topps baseball set, junior Griffey’s popular rookie appearance as the very first card is iconic. High grades of this notoriously difficult card to preserve are nearly unobtainable today. The few PSA 10 examples that surface rarely trade hands, with auction prices exceeding $25,000. Well-centered PSA 9 copies still sell for $8,000-12,000 showing no signs of slowing demand. Griffey was arguably the most exciting and commercially successful player of the 1990s, cementing this as one of the prized vintage cards of the modern era.
Bobby Bonilla #629 – While best remembered for his lucrative 2011 Mets player contract settlement, utility man Bobby Bonilla had a productive 16-year MLB tenure. His 1991 Topps regular issue card possesses surprise value too. PSA 10 examples hover around the $800-1,200 range now. Even well-centered PSA 9 versions can be found in the $300-500 range. Bonilla fans, set collectors seeking a high-grade copy of an unlikely star have fueled buying over the years.
Other Notable 1991 Topps Baseball Cards:
Cal Ripken Jr. #153 – Always popular. PSA 10s around $500.
Darren Daulton #135 – Key ’93 Phils. PSA 9s $300-400.
John Kruk #201 – ’93 MVP year. PSA 9s $200-300.
Tony Gwynn #331 – Perennial .300 hitter. PSA 9s $200-300.
Ozzie Smith #463 – Top defensive wizard. PSA 9s $150-250.
Dave Stewart #759 – ’89 WS MVP. PSA 9s $100-150.
While the 1991 Topps base set contains over 750 total cards most hold nominal value, the high-grade rookie cards and stars from the era like Griffey, Thomas, Glavine, Maddux and Bonilla have proven to be wise long-term investments. With the vintage baseball card market still experiencing high demand, pronounced cards from the set should retain and likely increase in secondary pricing making 1991 Topps a favorite of both collectors and investors alike. Grading integrity and condition are imperative to realize top dollar, especially for the true blue-chip key rookie pieces from the treasure trove 1991 release.
