The 1991 Topps baseball card set is considered one of the more valuable series from the late 1980s and early 1990s due to several highly sought after rookie cards and stars of the era featured in the set. Some of the top cards from the 1991 Topps set that could potentially hold significant value if in near mint/mint condition include:

Ken Griffey Jr. Rookie Card (#1): Widely considered one of the most iconic rookie cards of all time, Griffey’s rookie card is the crown jewel of the 1991 Topps set. Even in just average condition, Griffey rookie cards easily fetch hundreds of dollars. A mint condition PSA 10 graded Griffey rookie has sold for over $50,000, making it one of the most valuable modern baseball cards on the market. This card is a must-have for any vintage baseball card collector.

Frank Thomas Rookie Card (#660): Though not as valuable or iconic as Griffey’s rookie, Frank Thomas still had a Hall of Fame caliber career and his rookie card remains quite sought after by collectors. Even well-worn copies sell for $50-100, while a PSA 10 can bring $2,000-3,000 due to its relative scarcity in pristine condition.

Cal Ripken Jr. (#677): Ripken had already won the Rookie of the Year and an MVP by 1991, but his cards from this era remain very popular. The #677 card in particular holds value as one of Ripken’s main iconic cards from his prime years. Condition variations can value this card between $10-200.

Dennis Martinez Perfect Game Card (#433): This card commemorates Martinez’s July 28, 1991 perfect game for the Montreal Expos, making it a very memorable and desirable card for collectors. Even in played condition it can fetch $25-50, though a gem mint copy could be worth hundreds.

David Cone (#311): Cone’s career year in 1991 saw him win 20 games and the Cy Young Award. His main Topps card highlighting those accomplishments is quite valuable, in the $15-50 range depending on condition.

Dwight Gooden (#206): Though past his 1985 Rookie of the Year season, Doc Gooden was still a top pitcher in 1991. Any card from his mid-80s peak holds value, with the #206 around $10-30 usually.

Roberto Alomar (#151): Alomar won a Gold Glove in 1991 and went on to a Hall of Fame career. His main card in the set has a value range of $5-15 typically.

Jeff Bagwell Rookie Card (#686): Not necessarily as acclaimed as other rookie cards, Bagwell’s was still the start of a great career. His rookie holds steady value of $10-30 depending on condition.

Chad Curtis Rookie Card (#398): Curtis had a long but unspectacular career, but his rookie remains in demand due to the popularity of rookie cards in general. Expect to pay $5-15.

Tom Glavine Rookie Card (#633): Like Bagwell’s, Glavine’s rookie isn’t super valuable but interest remains for a 300-game winner’s first card. Usually $5-15 based on condition.

In addition to single high-value cards, there are also several stars whose entire set of main cards could hold added value as a complete group. Players like Ruben Sierra, Jack McDowell, and Terry Pendleton had quality seasons in 1991 spread across their various Topps issue cards that year (#338, 696 and 557 respectively as examples).

With the rise of the internet and online sales forums, 1991 Topps cards have cemented their place as a gateway set into the early 1990s vintage cards that launched stars like Griffey, Thomas, and Bagwell. The combination of iconic rookie cards and career-year highlights make it a compelling set for collectors both casual and die-hard. With proper preservation, any of the above named singles or complete team/player sets could gain even more value over time. Condition, of course, is key – with mint 10 grades exponentially increasing worth. But for relatively affordable vintage cardboard, 1991 Topps remains an excellent investment 27 years later.

While there are certainly 1991 Topps cards worth much more than others, the entire set contains valuable pieces of baseball history. For collectors on a budget, focusing on affordable yet iconic singles like Martinez’s perfect game issue or the rookies of Bagwell and Glavine can satisfy nostalgia. But the true crown jewels remain the rookie hits of Griffey, Thomas, and Alomar/Bagwell – cards that may never lose their luster as vintage favorites.