The 1991 Topps baseball card set is highly sought after by collectors due to several scarce and valuable rookie cards that were released that year. While 1991 did not feature any superstar rookie cards on the level of a Ken Griffey Jr. or Frank Thomas rookie from 1989 and 1990 respectively, it did debut cards for players like Alex Rodriguez, Chipper Jones, and Jim Abbott that have stood the test of time. For collectors looking to invest in vintage 90s cards, here are some of the most valuable 1991 Topps rookie and star player cards to keep an eye out for:

Alex Rodriguez #1 RC (Rookie Card) – As one of the greatest baseball players of all time, A-Rod’s rookie card from his time with the Seattle Mariners is arguably the most coveted card from the 1991 Topps set. In PSA 10 Gem Mint condition, this card has sold for over $400,000 at auction. Even lower graded copies in PSA 8-9 Excellent-Mint range can fetch $3,000-$8,000. What makes this card so scarce and valuable is that Topps only printed it with a photo variation and error-free version, making high grade PSA 10 copies extremely tough to find.

Chipper Jones #1 RC – Another future Hall of Famer, Chipper Jones’ rookie card has stood the test of time as one of the key rookie cards from the early 90s. In a PSA 10 Gem Mint slab, Chipper’s rookie has sold for over $15,000 at auction. Lower graded PSA 8-9 copies commonly sell in the $1,500-$3,000 range.

Jim Abbott #500 – Abbott’s story of being born without a right hand yet still forging a career as a major league pitcher makes his rookie card especially popular. High grade PSA 10 Gem Mint copies have sold for up to $1,500. Most PSA 8-9 Excellent-Mint versions trade hands between $300-$750.

Bobby Bonilla #481 – An All-Star throughout the 80s and early 90s, Bonilla’s star power makes his base rookie card a solid investment piece from 1991 Topps. PSA 10s have reached close to $1,000, with PSA 8s settling in the $100-$300 range.

David Justice #629 – As a two-time All-Star and key member of the 1990s Atlanta Braves dynasty, Justice’s rookie card remained coveted. PSA 10 copies can top $600, with PSA 8s around $75-$150.

Derek Jeter #105 – While not technically his true rookie card debut (that came in 1992 Topps), Jeter’s first appearance in Topps is always in demand from collectors. PSA 10 Gem Mint versions sell for $300-$600 depending on auction activity. PSA 8 copies tend to trade in the $50-$150 bracket.

Jeff Bagwell #660 – Bagwell finished runner up for NL MVP in 1994 and was a consistent All-Star and Silver Slugger winner throughout the 90s. His rookie card has fared well, with PSA 10s reaching $400. Most PSA 8 copies settle between $75-$150.

Barry Bonds #215 – Already a 3x All-Star by 1991, Bonds’ on-card presentation from his Pirates days remains a key card and investment piece for collectors. PSA 10 Gems sell for $200-$400 on average. PSA 8s trade hands closer to the $50-$100 price point.

Reggie Sanders #491 RC – Sanders developed into a solid power-hitting outfielder throughout his career. high quality PSA 10 rookie cards have topped $250. PSA 8s are found for $50-$125.

Gary Sheffield #1 RC – “Sheff” was an impact player right away and went on to hit 500 home runs and garner 9 All-Star nods. His Topps rookie in PSA 10 condition has reached $200, while most PSA 8s trade between $50-100.

Fred McGriff #7 – Already a star by 1991, McGriff’s powerful bat and consistent production keeps his cards relevant for collectors. PSA 10 copies of his 1991 Topps card float around $150. Most PSA 8s are found in the $30-$75 range.

Ken Griffey Jr. #1 Update RC – While not his true debut card, Griffey’s first appearance in the ’91 Update set remains a viable purchase despite being an update card. PSA 10 Gems have brought over $1,000. PSA 8 versions settle at $150-300.

The 1991 Topps set is worth exploring for collectors seeking affordable vintage rookie cards from future Hall of Famers like Alex Rodriguez, Chipper Jones, and Derek Jeter. High grade copies of stars like Barry Bonds, David Justice and Fred McGriff also retain value due to their sustained success throughout the 1990s and beyond. For investors, the A-Rod and Chipper Jones rookies stand out as blue chip cards that can continue appreciating over the long haul. Grading your valuable 1991’s with a service like PSA can unlock even more value and liquidity if purchasing raw copies.