Baseball cards from 1991 can contain some valuable gems that are worth money for collectors today. The 1991 baseball card market saw the rise of stars like Barry Bonds, Tom Glavine, and Greg Maddux in their early career years. For collectors looking to potentially cash in, here are some of the top 1991 baseball cards to watch out for that could yield a nice return:
Ken Griffey Jr. Rookie Card (Upper Deck #1) – Widely considered one of the most iconic and valuable baseball cards ever printed, Griffey’s rookie card from 1991 Upper Deck is the undisputed king from that year. PSA 10 Gem Mint copies have sold for over $100,000 at auction. Even lower graded copies in PSA 8 or BGS 9 condition can fetch thousands. Griffey was already a budding superstar at age 21 with the Mariners and this card perfectly captures the excitement around his pro debut.
Barry Bonds Rookie Card (Bowman #56) – As one of the greatest players ever, Bonds’ rookie card from his breakout 1986 season with the Pirates maintains strong collector demand. High-grade PSA 10 examples have sold for $30,000+, with PSA 9s bringing $5,000+. Even raw copies in excellent shape can sell for $1,000+. Bonds went on to smash the single season and career home run records, making this an essential piece of baseball history.
Tom Glavine Rookie Card (Score #690) – Glavine won 305 career games and two Cy Young Awards for the Braves, cementing his Hall of Fame status. His popular rookie card from Score in 1991 remains a key Atlanta issue. PSA 10 copies have sold for over $5,000, with PSA 9s bringing $1,000-2,000. Even raw near-mint copies can sell in the $300-500 range. Glavine was already establishing himself as an ace pitcher at age 25.
Greg Maddux Rookie Card (Fleer Update #U-16) – Maddux is considered one of the greatest pitchers ever with his pinpoint control and four Cy Young Awards. His scarce rookie card update issue from Fleer documents his early success with the Cubs. PSA 10 copies have sold for over $4,000, with PSA 9s bringing $1,000-2,000. Even raw near-mint copies can sell for $300-500. Maddux went on to dominate well into his late 30s for the Braves.
Chipper Jones Rookie Card (Bowman #528) – As the longtime star third baseman for the Braves franchise, Jones’ rookie card remains a popular Atlanta issue. PSA 10 copies have sold for over $3,000, with PSA 9s bringing $1,000-2,000. Even raw near-mint copies can sell for $300-500. Jones went on to a Hall of Fame career and this card captures the beginning of his rise with the Braves organization.
Derek Jeter Rookie Card (Score Rookie All-Star #40) – One of the most iconic Yankees of all-time, Jeter’s rookie card is a must-have for any collection. PSA 10 copies have sold for over $3,000, with PSA 9s bringing $1,000-1,500. Even raw near-mint copies can sell for $300-500. The card perfectly captures “The Captain” at the dawn of his brilliant 20-year career in pinstripes.
Mike Piazza Rookie Card (Fleer #372) – As arguably the best hitting catcher ever, Piazza’s rookie card remains a Dodger cult favorite. PSA 10 copies have sold for over $2,500, with PSA 9s bringing $800-1,200. Even raw near-mint copies can sell for $200-300. The card documents Piazza’s early success with the Dodgers before his later career renaissance with the Mets.
Frank Thomas Rookie Card (Bowman #340) – “The Big Hurt” went on to dominate the AL for two decades and this card captures the start of his rise. PSA 10 copies have sold for over $2,000, with PSA 9s bringing $600-800. Even raw near-mint copies can sell for $150-250. Thomas was already displaying his mammoth power potential at age 23 with the White Sox organization.
Roberto Alomar Rookie Card (Bowman #652) – Alomar put together a Hall of Fame career primarily with the Blue Jays and Orioles and remains a fan favorite in both cities. His rookie card is still sought after by collectors. PSA 10 copies have sold for over $1,500, with PSA 9s bringing $400-600. Even raw near-mint copies can sell for $100-150. The card captures Alomar at the start of his 12x All-Star career.
Ken Hill Rookie Card (Fleer #548) – Hill had a solid career winning 143 games primarily with the Rangers and Cardinals. His scarce rookie card stands out for collectors. PSA 10 copies have sold for over $1,000, with PSA 9s bringing $300-500. Even raw near-mint copies can sell for $75-100 due to limited popuation. Hill went on to have some strong seasons after this card was issued.
The 1991 baseball card market contains some true blue chip rookie cards and early career issues that are worth serious money today for avid collectors. Cards like the Griffey, Bonds, Glavine, and Maddux rookies maintain incredible value decades later. Even stars like Jeter, Thomas, and Piazza have rookie cards worth hundreds to thousands in top grades. For those who held onto their 1991 collections, there could be profitable gems waiting to be uncovered. Grading and researching the condition and scarcity of each key card issue from that year is highly recommended before pursuing any sales.
