Desert Storm Baseball Card Price Guide
The Desert Storm baseball card set was released in 1991 during Operation Desert Storm by Leaf Trading Cards to commemorate American troops serving in the Persian Gulf War. The set features 84 cards with images of United States military personnel interspersed with stats and facts about the ongoing conflict. While production numbers were low given it was a one-year only release during wartime, the unique subject matter has made Desert Storm cards a popular collectible today. This price guide will breakdown the current market values for individual cards in the set.
Base Cards (Cards 1-70)
The base cards of the Desert Storm set feature portraits of American soldiers from different branches of the military on the front. The back contains their rank, name, military occupation, and home state. These cards are the most common to find on the secondary market. Here are the average prices you can expect to pay for base cards in near mint to mint condition:
Cards 1-20: $3-5 each
Cards 21-40: $2-4 each
Cards 41-60: $1-3 each
Cards 61-70: $0.50-2 each
The base cards do not carry significant premiums for any particular service member. Condition is the biggest factor for their prices. Heavily played examples can be found for under $1. Near mint, especially for early numbers, will fetch prices at the top of these ranges.
Insert Cards (Cards 71-80)
The insert cards of the Desert Storm set feature different military equipment, vehicles, and aircraft used in the Gulf War. These have smaller print runs and are more coveted by collectors. Here are the going rates for each insert in top condition:
Card 71 – M1 Abrams Tank: $15-20
Card 72 – F-15 Eagle: $10-15
Card 73 – Patriot Missile: $8-12
Card 74 – AH-64 Apache: $7-10
Card 75 – F-117 Nighthawk: $25-30
Card 76 – M2 Bradley: $5-8
Card 77 – UH-60 Black Hawk: $4-7
Card 78 – F-16 Fighting Falcon: $5-8
Card 79 – M16 Rifle: $3-5
Card 80 – M60 Machine Gun: $3-5
The F-117 Nighthawk stealth fighter is the most coveted insert due to its unique subject and lower print numbers. The Abrams tank also sees strong collector demand.
Short Print Cards (Cards 81-83)
Cards 81 through 83 were distributed in far fewer packs than the base and insert cards. They are considered short prints and command high prices from Desert Storm collectors. Here is what each typically sells for:
Card 81 – General H. Norman Schwarzkopf: $50-75
Card 82 – General Colin Powell: $40-60
Card 83 – President George H. W. Bush: $75-100
Getting any of these three short prints in top condition is an achievement for any collector. Near mint examples in the $100 range would be rare finds today.
Super Short Print Card (Card 84)
The ultra-rare Card 84 features an image of troops with a Patriot missile launching in the background. It is believed Leaf only printed around 100 of this card total. In the few auctions it comes up for sale, prices have ranged from $500-$1,000 depending on centering and condition. A true Desert Storm collection is not complete without locating this elusive super short print card.
Other Factors Affecting Desert Storm Card Prices
In addition to the card number, condition is the biggest determinant of Desert Storm card values. Heavily played cards can be 50% or more cheaper than near mint versions. Authenticity is also important to verify, as fake reprints have surfaced. Examine holograms, fonts, and card stock quality to ensure authenticity. Variations like oddball parallels also exist and may carry premiums over standard issues. Overall the Desert Storm set has developed a strong collector following and prices have increased steadily since the early 2000s as the Gulf War generation has aged. With its unique subject matter capturing a moment in history, the Desert Storm baseball card set remains a prized niche collectible today.
The Desert Storm baseball card set offers collectors a fascinating glimpse into the 1991 Persian Gulf War through its portraits and stats on American service members. While production was limited, demand has grown for completing this 84-card set focused on such a specific historical event. Condition, scarcity, and authenticity are key factors that influence the current market values found in this price guide for individual Desert Storm baseball cards. Whether you are just starting or adding to your collection, this overview provides insight into investment-quality examples to target from this celebrated military-themed trading card release.
