The 1991 Fleer baseball card set is regarded as one of the most iconic issues in the modern era of the sport. While it did not feature any rookies that went on to huge superstar careers, the 1991 Fleer set contained several young stars andHall of Famers that have become hugely valuable vintage cards over the past 30 years. Let’s take an in-depth look at some of the most costly gems from the 1991 Fleer set if found in top condition.
The most expensive and coveted card from the 1991 Fleer set is the #416 Ken Griffey Jr. card. Widely considered one of the best all-around player prototypes of the 1990s, Griffey was already establishing himself as a perennial All-Star and elite power threat by 1991 in just his third MLB season. His sweet lefty swing that generated effortless home runs was a thing of beauty to watch. In a Near Mint Mint (N-M/MT) 8 grade, Griffey’s 1991 Fleer rookie has sold for over $12,000. In pristine Mint (MT) 10 condition, the Griffey is worth around $25,000-$30,000.
Staying with future Hall of Famers, the #198 Nolan Ryan card also fetches big money in the hundreds to thousands of dollars today for elite copies. Ryan was in his age 44 season in 1991 but was still dealing heat for the Texas Rangers, as evidenced by his 301 strikeouts that year. In NM-MT 8 or MT 10 grade, the Ryan 1991 Fleer sells in the $800-$2,000 range. Another Texan star, #253 Juan Gonzalez, consistently sold for $350-$500 in top condition as Gonzalez burst onto the scene by batting .296 with 33 home runs as a 23-year-old in 1991.
A couple of other young stars that fetch 4 figures for pristine MT 10 copies of their 1991 Fleer cards are #353 Barry Bonds ($1,000-$2,000) and #414 Mark McGwire ($1,200-$1,800). Bonds was in his prime in 1991 with the Pirates, hitting .250 with 25 home runs and 50 stolen bases while establishing himself as perhaps the best all-around player in baseball. McGwire was also in his athletic prime in 1991 with the A’s, belting 33 long balls. Both players in MT 10 condition demand high prices from die-hard collectors.
Two other veteran Hall of Famers that have valuable and iconic 1991 Fleer cards are #109 Andre Dawson and #312 Dave Winfield. Dawson was a 14-time All-Star entering his age 36 season with the Cubs in 1991. His career was winding down but he still had pop, batting .230 with 19 home runs that year. Dawson’s 1991 Fleer in top condition sells for $500-$800. Meanwhile, Winfield was a member of the legendary 1991 Twins championship team. The smooth-swinging outfielder knocked in 94 runs hitting behind Kirby Puckett and Kent Hrbek. Winfield’s 1991 Fleer in pristine condition sells for $350-$550.
Other very expensive 1991 Fleer cards include #14 c Roberto Alomar (MT 10 prices around $800), #188 c Mike Piazza (MT 10 around $650), #221 Dennis Eckersley (MT 10 around $450), #251 Kirby Puckett (MT 10 values $500-600) and #325 Robin Yount (MT 10 approximately $400). Both Alomar and Piazza were budding superstars in 1991 in their early 20s, with Hall of Fame arcs ahead. Eckersley, Puckett and Yount were all flagship players for their franchises in the early 90s as well.
While star power and players with Hall of Fame resumes dominate the upper echelon of valuable 1991 Fleer cards, there are also a few more budget-friendly gems for collectors on a budget:
#54 Kenny Lofton (NM-MT 8 around $50): Lofton was an emerging star for Cleveland developing his trademark stolen base prowess in 1991.
#237 Moises Alou (NM-MT 8 $30-50): Alou burst onto the scene batting .267 with 11 home runs as a 23-year-old rookie with the Pirates in 1991.
#297 Chili Davis (NM-MT 8 $20-40): Davis put up a solid .267 BA, 19 HR, 79 RBI season for the Angels at age 30 in 1991.
#356 Tom Glavine (NM-MT 8 $15-30): Glavine posted a solid 15-11 record and 3.68 ERA for the Braves in just his second MLB season in 1991.
#419 Gregg Jefferies (NM-MT 8 $10-20): Jefferies showed early promise batting .301 as a 21-year-old rookie second baseman for the Mets in 1991.
While it may lack huge star rookies compared to sets like 1990 or 1992 Fleer, the 1991 vintage has stood the test of time with valuable cards featuring MLB’s biggest stars of the early 1990s, both in their prime and winding down Hall of Fame careers. For high-grade examples, it remains a solid set for long-term investing in the modern vintage baseball card market.
