The 1991 Topps baseball card set was the 70th year for Topps to produce baseball cards and featured 792 total cards including insert cards. The 1991 season was an exciting one with many storylines including the World Series matchup between the Minnesota Twins and Atlanta Braves. Let’s take a look at the top 10 most valuable and desirable 1991 Topps baseball cards based on condition, player performance, and cultural significance from that year.

Ken Griffey Jr. (Card #1)

Widely considered the most coveted card from the 1991 Topps set, Griffey’s rookie card is iconic. Griffey was already one of the game’s brightest young stars and would go on to have a Hall of Fame career. His effortless swing and athleticism made him a fan favorite. In mint condition this card can fetch thousands of dollars due to its extreme scarcity. Many were pulled from packs and played with which has driven the pop reports way down. The card also captures Griffey perfectly with his smooth lefty swing on full display.

Tom Glavine (Card #663)

Glavine would go on to win 305 career games and two Cy Young awards making this one of the best rookie cards from the set. Glavine emerged as the staff ace for the Braves dynasty teams of the 1990s. In a PSA 10 gem mint, this flashy colorful card can sell for over $1000 due to Glavine’s outstanding career. The photo shows off his windup and competitive fire that made him a great pitcher for so long.

Cal Ripken Jr. (Card #680)

Ripken was already a fan favorite and known for his incredible ironman streak when this card was released. In 1991, he won the AL MVP and led the Orioles back to the playoffs. The card design perfectly captures Ripken’s smooth defensive skills at shortstop. Even in well-worn condition this card holds value due to Ripken’s enduring popularity and Hall of Fame career that was just taking off in 1991. PSA 10 examples can reach $700-800.

David Justice (Card #355)

Another Atlanta Braves star, Justice enjoyed a breakout 1991 season batting .329 with 24 home runs. This helped propel the Braves to the World Series. Justice went on to have an excellent career making this one of the best rookie cards in the set. In a PSA 10 gem mint state it can sell for over $300 due to its relative scarcity and Justice’s important role on those great Braves teams.

Jeff Bagwell (Card #690)

Bagwell’s iconic rookie card features a close-up of his determined face in the on-deck circle. Already showing off his thick forearms and competitive fire, this card foreshadowed Bagwell’s Hall of Fame career that would see him hit 449 home runs. Even well-worn copies hold value due to Bagwell’s enduring popularity in Houston. A PSA 10 can reach $500 due to its rarity and subject.

Kirby Puckett (Card #682)

Already a two-time AL batting champion by 1991, Puckett was a fan favorite known for clutch hits in October. This card captures Puckett gearing up in the on-deck circle with his trademark batting gloves wrapped around the bat. Pricing ranges from $50-150 depending on condition but demand remains strong for one of baseball’s most beloved players who would help lead the Twins to two World Championships in 1991 and 1987.

Terry Pendleton (Card #656)

As a key member of the 1991 World Series champion Braves, Pendleton’s star power rose substantially. He won the NL MVP and batting title that year. This card jumped in value, selling for $100-200 in top grades due to Pendleton’s breakout performance. The sharp photo shows his classic open stance at the plate that served him well.

John Smoltz (Card #660)

Arguably the most formidable staring pitcher of the late 1990s, Smoltz was just beginning his Hall of Fame career in 1991. This rookie card hints at Smoltz’s potential, showing his mid-delivery windup. High-grade versions fetch $75-150 due to Smoltz’s storied career that would see him win over 200 games and record 154 saves.

Chuck Knoblauch (Card #683)

Already a star in Minnesota by 1991, Knoblauch won the AL Rookie of the Year and batted .314 during his first full season. This card captured Knoblauch’s ability both at the plate and in the field at second base. Pricing is $30-100 based on condition for this popular rookie card of one of the game’s rising talents at the time.

Tom Henke (Card #689)

As the hard-throwing closer for the 1991 World Series Champion Twins, Henke saved 27 games and posted a 1.92 ERA. This card caught Henke’s windup and intensity on the mound that helped make him one of the game’s elite relievers of the early 1990s. High grades bring $50-150 since Henke enjoyed several productive seasons as a closer after his breakout championship year.

While not the most valuable set overall, 1991 Topps boasted rookies, young stars and veterans that all played key roles in one of baseball’s most exciting seasons. Cards like Griffey Jr., Glavine, Ripken and Puckett remain among the most popular and collectible from the entire 1980s and 90s era.