The 1991 Upper Deck baseball card set was the third issued by the card manufacturer Upper Deck. Considered one of the classic vintage sets from the early 1990s, the 1991 Upper Deck cards had a large subset of star players that have remained popular with collectors. Let’s take an in-depth look at some of the top cards from the 1991 Upper Deck set and their estimated values today.
The set has 762 total cards in the base issue. Some of the notable rookies included in the set are Andy Benes, Gregg Olson, and Fred McGriff. All three went on to have solid MLB careers and their rookie cards remain collectibles today. A Benes or Olson rookie in near mint condition could fetch around $10-15, while a McGriff rookie in the same grade would sell for $20-30.
One of the real drawing cards in the 1991 Upper Deck set was the Ken Griffey Jr. rookie card. Widely considered one of the most iconic baseball cards of all-time, Griffey’s rookie is still highly sought after by collectors decades later. In pristine near mint to mint condition, examples of Griffey’s rookie routinely sell for $300-500. Well-centered copies in absolute gem mint grade have even exceeded $1000 at auction. Even in worn, playedEX-MT condition a Griffey rookie still holds value around $75-150 due to its legendary status.
Other star young players making their Upper Deck rookie debuts in 1991 included Chuck Knoblauch, Derek Bell, and John Smoltz. The Knoblauch and Bell rookies in near mint can go for $10-20 each, while a pristine Smoltz rookie would sell in the $30-50 range today. Their cards remain popular for team and player collectors. Meanwhile, veterans like Barry Bonds, Wade Boggs, and Nolan Ryan had some of the highest print runs in the set. Common near mint examples of their base cards trade for around $1-5 each currently.
Ace pitchers Tom Glavine and Greg Maddux both played for the Atlanta Braves in 1991 and had some of the most iconic cards from the set as well. A Glavine or Maddux in near mint condition might sell for $15-25 individually. But one card that stands out as being much rarer is the Greg Maddux autograph card from the set, numbered to only 100 copies. In gem mint condition, a Maddux auto easily fetches over $1000 and could bring several thousand dollars when graded and preserved in the sought-after BGS/PSA 10 gem mint gem.
Two other short print cards that have gained significant value over the years are the Ken Griffey Jr. Action Pose card and the Nolan Ryan Milestones card, both only available in random 1 in 120 packs. The Griffey action pose in near mint could sell for $50-75 and potentially over $150 in a PSA 10. The Ryan Milestones card celebrating his 3000th strikeout meanwhile has risen above $100 for a near mint copy and approached $300 for top graded gems. These short prints added significant allure to the 1991 Upper Deck set at the time.
The design aesthetics of the entire 1991 Upper Deck set also contributed to its enduring popularity. With bold colors, fun action shots, and illustrative artistic styling, the cards maintained real visual appeal decade after decade. For team and player collectors, filling out a complete near mint or better 1991 set remains a coveted and challenging goal. A full base set in Excellent to Near Mint condition grades would sell today in the $400-600 range depending on centering quality.
In gem mint PSA 10 or BGS 9.5 condition however, a 100% complete 1991 Upper Deck set in pristine state would command an auction price well in excess of $10,000. Individual cards like the Griffey and Maddux rookies or premium short prints are what really drive the multi-thousand dollar prices when part of a high-end graded collection. For vintage collectors, the 1991 Upper Deck Baseball set remains one of the most iconic issues and gives insight into the early careers of some true MLB legends. Condition sensitive examples of Griffey, Maddux, Glavine and others in top grades will likely retain and increase value for years to come.
The 1991 Upper Deck Baseball card set features some true iconic rookie cards, short prints and star veterans that maintain significance with collectors decades later. While common Hall of Fame players can be acquired fairly reasonably in nice shape, it is the true gem mint condition star rookies, autographs and short prints that really hold the highest dollar values today. For sports card investors, examples of premier cards from the 1991 Upper Deck issue graded high have proven to be a worthwhile long term holding. The creative designs, talented photographers and overall popularity of the players captured make it an undisputed classic among vintage baseball card releases.
