Baseball cards from 1991 can contain some valuable gems that are worth money for collectors today. The 1991 season was a unique time in baseball history as it was the final year before the expansion of teams and leagues that would take place in the early 1990s. Let’s take a look at some of the top baseball cards from 1991 packs and sets that have held their value or increased in value over the past 30+ years.
Ken Griffey Jr. Rookie Card (Upper Deck) – Widely considered one of the most iconic and valuable baseball cards ever printed, the Ken Griffey Jr. rookie card from 1991 Upper Deck is at the top of the list. Even in low grades, this card frequently sells for well over $100. High graded versions in PSA 10 or BGS Black Label condition have sold for over $100,000 at auction. Griffey was already one of the most hyped young prospects in baseball in 1991 and living up to expectations with stellar rookie stats. His card took off in popularity and value in the late 90s and 2000s as his Hall of Fame career progressed.
Chipper Jones Rookie Card (Bowman) – As a key member of the Atlanta Braves dynasty teams of the 1990s and 2000s, Chipper Jones put together a Hall of Fame resume. His 1991 Bowman rookie card is one of the more valuable from that year, especially in high grades. PSA 10 examples have sold for over $2,000. Even in PSA 8-9 condition, Jones’ rookie frequently trades hands for $100-500 depending on the market. He was just a highly-touted young prospect in 1991 but proved to be a perennial All-Star and MVP caliber player.
Tom Glavine Rookie Card (Bowman) – Along with Chipper Jones, Tom Glavine was a cornerstone of the great Braves pitching staffs. His rookie card from 1991 Bowman parallels Jones’ in terms of demand and value since he also made the Hall of Fame. High graded Glavine rookies in PSA 10 can sell for $1,000-2,000. Even PSA 8s are valued around $100 minimum. As one of the best left-handed pitchers of his generation, Glavine’s rookie maintains strong collector interest.
Derek Jeter Rookie Card (Bowman) – Though it may not be his most iconic rookie due to the flashy design of his 1992 Score issue, Derek Jeter’s 1991 Bowman rookie is still a highly sought after card. In PSA 10 condition, it has reached over $5,000 at auction. But there is demand for this card across all grades due to Jeter’s status as a lifelong Yankee, captain, and surefire Hall of Famer. He was not a huge prospect in 1991 but proved to be one of the game’s greatest shortstops ever. Any Jeter rookie holds value.
Frank Thomas Rookie Card (Bowman) – As one of the most feared power hitters of the 1990s, Frank Thomas put up huge offensive numbers as the cornerstone of the Chicago White Sox. His rookie card from 1991 Bowman follows the trends of the other young stars from that set by maintaining strong collector demand. High graded PSA 10 Thomas rookies have reached $1,000-2,000 at auction. Even lower grades from PSA 8-9 still sell consistently for $50-150 based on condition. “The Big Hurt” was already showing prodigious talent in his first MLB season in 1991.
Alex Rodriguez Rookie Card (Bowman) – A-Rod burst onto the scene as a 17-year old rookie sensation for the Seattle Mariners in 1991 and his card value has grown over the years despite some controversy in his career. PSA 10 examples of his 1991 Bowman rookie have sold for over $4,000. Even in PSA 8-9 condition, this in-demand rookie still trades hands for $200-500. Rodriguez was one of the most hyped prospects ever and went on to shatter records as perhaps the best pure hitter of all time. His rookie remains a blue chip card.
Roberto Alomar Rookie Card (Bowman) – A first-ballot Hall of Famer at second base, Roberto Alomar had a decorated career mostly with the Toronto Blue Jays and Baltimore Orioles. His 1991 Bowman rookie holds collector interest due to his accomplishments. PSA 10 examples have reached $1,000-2,000 at auction. In PSA 8-9 condition, this card still sells in the $50-150 range. Alomar was already an impact player as a rookie in 1991 and his card maintains strong demand as a result of his legendary career.
Larry Walker Rookie Card (Bowman) – Often overlooked among the 1991 rookie class, Larry Walker put up huge offensive numbers as an outfielder mostly with the Montreal Expos and Colorado Rockies. His 1991 Bowman rookie has gained more appreciation in recent years. PSA 10 examples can reach $400-600. Even lower grades from PSA 8-9 still trade hands for $30-100 depending on the market. Walker finally gained Hall of Fame induction in 2020 which has further increased interest in his rookie card.
Other Notable Cards:
Ken Griffey Jr. Traded/Update Card (Donruss)
Cal Ripken Jr. Update Card (Donruss/Stadium Club)
Juan Gonzalez Rookie Card (Bowman)
Moises Alou Rookie Card (Bowman)
Jeff Bagwell Rookie Card (Bowman)
Chuck Knoblauch Rookie Card (Bowman)
David Justice Rookie Card (Bowman)
Kenny Lofton Rookie Card (Bowman)
The 1991 season produced some true superstars and Hall of Famers who are still in high demand by collectors today. While the Ken Griffey Jr. rookie reigns supreme, there are many valuable cards to be found from sets like Bowman, Donruss, and Upper Deck from that year. Top rookies of Thomas, Jeter, Jones, A-Rod, and others continue to hold strong collector value decades later. The 1991 rookie class established some of the games’ greatest players and their cards remain blue chip investments for serious baseball card collectors.
