The 1991 Topps baseball card set is considered one of the most iconic and valuable releases from the late 80s and early 90s. While not the flashiest set design compared to some previous years, 1991 Topps featured many of the game’s biggest stars and future Hall of Famers. Let’s take a look at some of the best and most desirable cards collectors search for from the 1991 Topps set.
Ken Griffey Jr. (#1) – Widely considered the most coveted card from the 1991 set, Griffey’s rookie card has long been a holy grail for collectors. Even in lower grades, this card still demands a premium price due to Griffey’s status as a true five-tool superstar and one of the most popular players of the 90s. In mint condition, a 1991 Griffey rookie can fetch well over $10,000.
Frank Thomas (#99) – Like Griffey, Thomas’ rookie card established him as a future Hall of Famer and one of the game’s most feared hitters during his prime years with the White Sox. Thomas smacked .318 with 29 home runs in his rookie season of 1990. High-grade versions of his rookie card still sell for thousands.
Roberto Alomar (#250) – Alomar made his Topps debut in 1991 and went on to have a stellar career that landed him in Cooperstown. This card shows an early glimpse of his smooth fielding skills at second base. It remains quite collectible and valuable, especially for Blue Jays and Orioles fans.
Greg Maddux (#379) – One of the top pitching cards from the set, Maddux’s third Topps issue came on the heels of his breakout 1990 NL Cy Young season. He went on to have one of the best careers by a right-handed pitcher ever. High-grade versions can sell for over $1000.
Tom Glavine (#410) – Like Maddux, Glavine’s 1991 Topps card featured him during his early years with the Atlanta Braves. He would go on to anchor their rotation for over a decade and win 305 career games. This card remains a favorite of Braves collectors.
Rickey Henderson (#500) – The 1991 issue captured “Rickey Being Rickey” as he stole his 939th career base, passing Lou Brock for the all-time stolen base record. Arguably the greatest leadoff hitter and base stealer ever, Henderson’s cards from the late 80s and early 90s are always in high demand.
Nolan Ryan (#600) – One of the most intimidating pitchers who ever lived, Ryan’s 1991 Topps card came during his final season with the Texas Rangers. It shows him dealing during his record-setting 27th MLB season. Any card featuring “The Ryan Express” remains a must-have for collectors.
Cal Ripken Jr. (#646) – Ripken was already a two-time AL MVP and multiple-time Gold Glover by 1991. This issue came during his run of playing in 2,632 straight games, a record he broke in 1995. It remains one of the top shortstop cards from the set.
Barry Bonds (#656) – Bonds’ 1991 Topps issue featured him in his early superstar years with the Pittsburgh Pirates. He smacked 33 home runs that season and finished third in NL MVP voting. It serves as an affordable preview to his eventual all-time great home run prowess in the late 90s.
Kirby Puckett (#676) – Puckett was already a six-time All-Star and three-time batting champion by 1991. This card captured him during the Twins’ World Series championship season where he took home MVP honors. It’s a favorite for Twins fans and Puckett collectors.
Roberto Clemente (#700) – One of the true icons of the game, Clemente’s tragic death in a plane crash in 1972 made his vintage cards even more desirable for collectors. His final Topps issue in 1973 remains extremely scarce. The 1991 Topps tribute card pays homage to his greatness and humanitarian work.
Other notables from the 1991 Topps set include cards featuring Mark McGwire, Wade Boggs, Ozzie Smith, Roger Clemens, Tony Gwynn, and Nolan Ryan’s milestone 5,000th career strikeout. The design is relatively simple compared to flashy 90s sets that followed, but 1991 Topps captured many all-time great players and future Hall of Famers starting or continuing their legendary careers. It remains one of the most iconic releases for collectors even 30 years later.
