The 1991 Donruss baseball set is considered one of the most iconic and valuable issues from the junk wax era of the late 1980s and early 1990s. While sets from this time period produced cards in enormous numbers, certain rookie cards and stars from the ’91 Donruss set have stood the test of time and grown substantially in value. Let’s take an in-depth look at some of the most valuable and desirable cards collectors seek out from this release over 30 years later.
Perhaps the most well-known and expensive card from the set is the Ken Griffey Jr. rookie card. Widely considered one of the best players of his generation, Griffey was already generating huge hype leading up to his first MLB season in 1989. His rookie card from Donruss’ flagship set that year is one of the most iconic in the modern era. While production numbers were massive back then, heightened demand for Griffey’s rookie over the decades has seen PSA 10 gem mint examples eclipse $100,000. Even lower graded copies in the 7-9 range will set a collector back thousands.
Griffey’s star power and iconic status as “The Kid” is a big reason for his rookie’s high value. But another factor is the card’s simple yet effective design from Donruss. It features a clean image of Griffey in his Mariners uniform with no distracting borders or text boxes. This allows his smiling face and smooth left-handed swing to really pop off the card. It’s considered one of the best and most aesthetically pleasing baseball card designs ever.
While Griffey tops the value chart, there are several other notable rookies and young stars from the ’91 Donruss set that can fetch four-figure prices or more in high grades. Chipper Jones had already broken into the big leagues in 1990 but his rookie card remained elusive until Donruss. High-grade versions regularly sell for $500-1000 given Jones’ Hall of Fame career and status as a Braves legend.
Tom Glavine also had his rookie card in the 1991 Donruss set after winning Rookie of the Year honors in 1987. The two-time Cy Young Award winner played his entire career for the Braves and is also enshrined in Cooperstown. PSA 10 Glavine rookies can reach $400-600. Another Braves hurler who debuted in 1991 Donruss was John Smoltz. Though he didn’t emerge as a star until later, mint Smoltz rookies have gained value in recent years thanks to his Cy Youngs and Hall of Fame induction, selling for $300-500.
In addition to rookie standouts, the set featured several superstars entering their primes in the early 1990s. Perhaps none shined brighter than Barry Bonds. After winning his first MVP in 1990 with the Pirates, Bonds was already on his way to an all-time great career. High-grade versions of his ’91 Donruss card in Pirates garb have cracked $1000. Another perennial MVP candidate, Frank Thomas also had one of his earliest Donruss issues in 1991 as he began his dominance with the White Sox. PSA 10 “Big Hurt” cards reach $400-600.
Ken Griffey Jr. wasn’t the only highly-touted young outfielder making his Donruss debut in 1991 either. Bobby Bonilla burst onto the scene in 1986 and established himself as an All-Star by 1991 with the Pirates. His card isn’t on the Griffey/Chipper/Thomas level, but PSA 10s can still fetch $150-250 given Bonilla’s offensive prowess early in his career. Another toolsy outfielder with a bright future ahead was Ron Gant of the Braves. While injury issues prevented Gant from reaching his full potential, his 1991 Donruss is still a sought-after rookie for Braves PC collectors, selling in the $75-150 range in top condition.
The 1991 Donruss set also featured several other notable veterans entering the later stages of excellent careers. Nolan Ryan, nearing the end of his 27-year MLB tenure, saw one of his final Donruss issues released. High-grade versions of “The Ryan Express” command $150-250 given his status as arguably the greatest pitcher in baseball history. White Sox ace Jack McDowell won the AL Cy Young in 1993 and had one of his best seasons in 1991. PSA 10s of “Black Jack” have increased to $75-150 in recent years. And Dodgers/Expos legend Tim Raines, still producing at an All-Star level, had one of his nicer looking Donruss cards from the set valued at $50-100 in top shape.
While production numbers on the entire 1991 Donruss baseball set were enormous due to the junk wax era, certain star rookie cards and veterans have proven to hold value due to performance and career accolades attained after the set was released. Keys like Griffey, Chipper, Glavine, Smoltz, Bonds and Thomas lead the way at hundreds or thousands for top-graded examples. But there are also solid mid-range investments to be found in cards like Gant, McDowell, Raines, Bonilla and Nolan Ryan that can return $50-250 for pristine, well-preserved copies. Three decades later, the ’91 Donruss set still produces some of the most iconic and valuable cards that any baseball collector would love to add to their collection.
