The 1991 Conlon Collection baseball card set holds significant nostalgia and value for collectors from that era. Issued by Conlon Company in 1991, the complete 400 card set featured players from that year and earlier and came packaged in factory-sealed wax packs just like the cards kids traded and collected in the late 80s and early 90s baseball card boom.

While the 1991 Conlon Collection cards don’t carry the same cachet as a true Topps flagship set from that time period, the cards still represent a key moment in the history of the hobby and contain many valuable rookie cards and stars from baseball’s golden age. For collectors who came of age during the junk wax era but missed out on the true vintage rookies from the 1950s-1970s, the 1991 Conlon Collection offered a chance to grab cards of baseball legends at affordable prices.

Some key aspects that contribute to the nostalgia and enduring value of cards from the 1991 Conlon Collection set include:

Nostalgic Designs – The simple yet classic Conlon card designs from 1991 pay homage to the early 1970s Topps designs many collectors grew up with. The red color scheme and team logo at the bottom evoke memories of childhood summers ripping packs.

Rookie Class of ’91 – Cards like Larry Walker, Bobby Ayala, and Brad Ausmus from their true rookie seasons in 1991 are key components to any collection from that year. While not quite as rare as earlier rookies, these still have strong nostalgia and value as players’ first MLB cards.

Stars of the Past – The 1991 Conlon set also included cards from as far back as the 1950s featuring legends like Mickey Mantle, Willie Mays, Hank Aaron, and more during their playing days. For collectors just getting into the hobby, these provided affordable access to icons from baseball’s Golden Era.

Affordable Vintage – In the 1990s, collectors could still find unsearched boxes and cases of 1970s and 80s vintage cards in discount stores. The 1991 Conlon cards allowed those collecting on a budget to expand their collections with stars from the past at penny prices.

Factory Sealed Wax Pack Experience – Opening a pack and seeing what rares or stars you pull provided the same rush of excitement as the original issues. Conlon expertly replicated that fun, nostalgic experience collectors had as kids.

So while not as highly regarded as a true Topps flagship issue, the 1991 Conlon Collection still holds value as a unique time capsule offering an affordable bridge between the junk wax era and true vintage cards in the bargain bins of the early 90s. Prices for key cards have steadily risen over the past 20+ years as those collectors from that time period mature in their collecting careers and incomes.

Some of the standout rookie and star cards that command the highest prices from the 1991 Conlon Collection include:

Larry Walker RC #1 – As one of the biggest rookie stars of the 1991 season, Walker’s coveted #1 card regularly brings $100-200 graded in PR-MT condition. An undisputed key to any Canadian collector’s childhood.

Jim Abbott RC #223 – The legendary one-armed pitcher’s sole rookie card holds symbolic value for collectors and can reach $80-150 graded. An inspirational story from the 1990s.

Barry Bonds #25 – Even as a bright young star in 1991, Bonds’ card demand has only grown since. Expect to pay $50-100 for a PSA 9 example of this Pittsburgh Pirates issue.

Ozzie Smith #110 – Perhaps the most iconic defensive shortstop ever, collectors clamor for “The Wizard’s” earlier St. Louis Cardinals issues like this one. PSA 9s sell in the $75-150 area.

Rickey Henderson #143 – “Man of Steal’s” earlier Oakland A’s tenure gets remembered fondly through this card. Well-graded examples can exceed $100. Henderson remains a fan favorite.

Kirby Puckett #155 – “Puck” dominated the 1990s for Minnesota and his earlier smiling Twins card is a classic. Near Mint copies pull in excess of $150.

Nolan Ryan #231 – Any of “The Ryan Express’s” earlier cards are sought-after items, with this Rangers issue netting over $125 PSA graded. Arguably the greatest power pitcher ever.

Other star cards like Roberto Alomar #16, Kenny Lofton #234, Sandy Alomar Jr. $240 and Dennis Eckersley #353 command prices easily surpassing $50 in top condition as the collectors who grew up with this set mature in their careers and disposable incomes to acquire childhood favorites.

While not considered top-tier vintage like the true 1970s flagship issues, the 1991 Conlon Collection cards hold immense nostalgia and value connections for a whole generation of collectors. Prices have steadily risen over the past 20+ years for the want lists of stars and key rookies that defined baseball in the early 1990s. For affordability and fun factors, the 1991 Conlon Collection remains a cherished childhood relic and affordable bridge to the eras before the overproduction of the 1990s junk wax boom took over.