The 1991 Donruss baseball set featured some of the biggest young stars in baseball at the time and included several highly valuable rookie cards that are sought after by collectors today. While not quite as iconic or valuable as some of the legendary rookie cards from the 1980s, there are plenty of desirable cards from the ’91 Donruss set worth discussing.
Perhaps the most famous and sought-after card from the 1991 Donruss set is the Ken Griffey Jr. rookie card. Widely considered one of the best all-around players of his generation, Griffey was already garnering huge hype and excitement as one of baseball’s brightest young stars heading into his rookie season of 1989. His ubiquitous upper deck rookie that year is one of the most iconic cards in the hobby’s history. While Griffey had already been featured on rookie cards by 1991, his Donruss issue that year remains highly coveted by collectors.
In gem mint 10 condition, the Griffey Jr. rookie from 1991 Donruss can fetch thousands of dollars. Even well-centered Near Mint to Mint 9 copies still sell for hundreds. What makes this particular Griffey rookie so desirable is that, unlike the 1989 Upper Deck card which had massive prints and is still fairly common today, the ’91 Donruss print run was much lower. It’s not quite as rare as some other Griffey rookies, but finding high grade copies in collections today is still fairly difficult. The card perfectly captures Griffey’s immense talent and excitement from those early years.
Another absolutely critical rookie card from the 1991 Donruss baseball set is that of shortstop Barry Larkin. A future Hall of Famer and one of the greatest shortstops in baseball history, Larkin’s time with the Cincinnati Reds was defined by consistent excellence both at the plate and in the field. Although not quite as well known to the wider public as other stars of his era, Larkin is revered by baseball historians and sabermetricians for his all-around brilliance. His Donruss rookie from 1991 is one of the key cards for any collection focused on the game’s best players.
In pristine gem mint condition, a PSA-graded 10 Barry Larkin 1991 Donruss rookie can sell for well over $1000. Even 9s still command significant prices in the high double or low triple-digit range. Because Larkin never had the same mainstream hype as contemporaries like Griffey or Bonds, his rookie cards saw somewhat lower initial prints and demand. But for enthusiasts of the game, the Larkin rookie perfectly represents the arrival of one of its most complete and respected talents. Finding high grade copies to add to a collection takes some effort but may be a wise long-term investment.
While not rookies, cards featuring other young future stars like Frank Thomas and Tom Glavine from the 1991 Donruss set also hold great value today. Thomas was already establishing himself as arguably the game’s most feared slugger by 1991. Any of his key cards from that season can sell for well over $100 in top condition. Glavine, meanwhile, won his first of two Cy Young Awards in 1991 and is today regarded as one of the best pitchers in Atlanta Braves franchise history. His commons from the ’91 Donruss set typically sell for $50-100 based on grade.
For collectors focused specifically on star players from the 1990s Atlanta Braves dynasty, cards like a Griffey Jr., David Justice, or Ron Gant from the 1991 Donruss set are must-owns. Justice went on to become a vital cog in the Braves offense for years, winning a World Series in 1995. Gant’s explosive 1991 season made him a fan favorite. Both players’ key cards demand $50-150+ in top shape. The 1991 Donruss set also featured rookie cards for players like Ruben Sierra, Larry Walker, and Mark Lemke that hold value to Braves devotees.
In addition to young star players, the 1991 Donruss set is noteworthy for featuring some of the game’s biggest active legends at the time late in their careers. Highlights include a Nolan Ryan card, which tends to sell for $75-150+ based on condition, as well a rookie card reprint of the ageless Rickey Henderson, which brings $50-100. Key cards starring sluggers like Kirby Puckett, Eric Davis, and Will Clark can also often be found in the $50-150 range.
When it comes to investment potential long term, the rookies and early career cards of players like Griffey, Larkin, Thomas, and Glavine from the 1991 Donruss baseball set offer collectors a fascinating window into the arrival of some true giants in the game. The lower initial print runs compared to other baseball card releases of the time period mean finding high grade examples takes effort but may prove quite rewarding decades from now. For fans of 1990s baseball teams like the Braves, there are also plenty of affordable stars and prospects worth owning. Overall, 1991 Donruss endures as one of the most historically significant modern issues in the hobby.
