The 1991 Fleer baseball card set marked a turning point in the baseball card industry as it was one of the first sets released during the explosion of the modern sports card collecting craze in the early 1990s. While not quite as iconic or valuable as the 1955 Topps set today, the 1991 Fleer issue featured several highly sought after rookie cards that have grown exponentially in value over the past 30 years. Below we will take an in-depth look at some of the 1991 Fleer cards that have achieved legendary status and prices among collectors.
Undoubtedly the most expensive and coveted card from the 1991 Fleer set is the Ken Griffey Jr. rookie card. Widely considered one of if not the best baseball player of the 1990s, Griffey burst onto the scene in spectacular fashion with the Seattle Mariners in 1989 and had already earned Rookie of the Year honors prior to his appearance in the 1991 Fleer set as his official rookie card. In near gem mint to gem mint condition, Griffey’s rookie now routinely sells for over $10,000 and there is no question it is arguably the most valuable modern baseball card in the hobby. In the ultra-high grades of PSA 10 or BGS/SGC Black Label 10, Griffey rookies have even eclipsed the $100,000 price point at auction.
Another monster card from 1991 Fleer is the Chipper Jones rookie, which has exploded in value in recent years as Jones’ Hall of Fame career has cemented his legacy as one of the game’s all-time great third basemen. Jones debuted with the Braves in 1995 and had a illustrious 19 year career, winning the NL MVP in 1999. While not in the same stratosphere as Griffey in terms of supply, demand for the Jones rookie has skyrocketed it into the $2,000+ range for a PSA 9 or BGS 9.5, with gem mint 10s bringing as much as $15,000-20,000 at auction. Like Griffey, the Chipper rookie has proven to be a long term hold that continues appreciating annually.
A third big money card from 1991 Fleer is the Derek Jeter rookie, which holds iconic status as one of the most popular Yankees of all-time and a surefire first-ballot Hall of Famer. Despite coming after Griffey and Jones rookie card bloom in 1991, Jeter emerged as a star for the Yankees’ dynasties of the late 90s-00s. Already a respected player collectible, his rookies have increased substantially in the collector market in recent years. Near mint PSA 8 copies can sell for $1,000-2,000 currently, with gem mint PSA 10 examples reaching the $6,000-10,000 range. Like Chipper, the long term potential appears excellent for the Jeter card to continue appreciating over time.
Two other prospects rookie cards that have achieved significant value from the 1991 Fleer set are Billy Ripken “F*** Face” error card and Ken Caminiti. Ripken’s infamous card, which features him with an unfortunate misprinted obscenity on his bat, had remained a cult collectors item for years but has exploded on the scene in recent auctions. PSA 9 copies have topped $10,000, showing no signs of slowing down for the ultra-rare error issue. Caminiti had a breakout performance winning the NL MVP in 1996 and his rookie, while not in the same class as Griffey, can still fetch $500-1000 for a PSA 9 quality copy.
The 1991 Fleer set is also highly desired for its inclusion of veterans and Hall of Famers. Carlos Baerga, David Justice, and Moises Alou rookie cards have appreciation potential despite being overshadowed at the time. Copies of veterans like Kirby Puckett, Cal Ripken Jr., Frank Thomas and Barry Bonds in high grades carry significant collector value as well. And the Juan Gonzalez rookie, while over-produced, has shown renewed life with recent successes of the player on the veterans committee HOF ballot.
While some of the cards highlighted here may seem out of reach price wise for most collectors today, the long term potential remains strong. The 1991 Fleer set will likely endure for years as a pivotal sports card release that captured the arrival of future superstars like Griffey, Chipper and Jeter. For sophisticated investors, high graded examples still offer an excellent sports memorabilia investment. And budget conscious collectors can still find inexpensive copies to appreciate and complete sets over time. Either way, 30 years after its release the 1991 Fleer issue endures as one of the most historically significant sets in the modern collecting era.
