The 1991 Donruss baseball card set is considered one of the most iconic and valuable sets from the late 1980s and early 1990s. Produced by Donruss during the height of the baseball card boom, the 1991 Donruss set showcases the biggest stars and top rookies from that season. While the glut of cards produced during the boom years diminished values overall, certain 1991 Donruss cards still hold significant collector value today. Let’s take a closer look at some of the top cards and their estimated values.
Ken Griffey Jr. was already one of the most exciting young players in baseball in 1991 and his card is among the most sought after and valuable from the set. In a PSA 10 Gem Mint condition, Griffey’s rookie card can fetch $2,000 or more. Even in lower grades of PSA 8 or Beckett 8.5, it still commands $300-500. Griffey went on to have one of the greatest careers in MLB history and his rookie card remains one of the iconic cards from the junk wax era.
Another huge star and one of the best players of his generation, Barry Bonds also has a very valuable rookie card from the 1991 Donruss set. Like Griffey, a PSA 10 Gem Mint Bonds rookie in pristine condition can sell for $2,000 or more. In lower grades it still holds substantial value, with PSA 8s going for $500-800. Even raw or lower graded versions still sell for $100-300 depending on condition. Bonds went on to break the all-time home run record and his rookie card remains highly sought after.
While 1991 Donruss had several other star rookie cards, none are more valuable than the “Big Three” of Griffey, Bonds, and Chipper Jones. Jones had an incredible career mostly spent with the Atlanta Braves and won the National League MVP in 1999. His rookie is one of the most iconic from the early 90s. A PSA 10 Gem Mint Jones rookie can sell for over $1,000. PSA 8s go for $300-500 and raw or lower grades still demand $100-200. Even after retiring in 2012, Jones remains one of the most beloved players and his rookie among the most coveted from 1991 Donruss.
In addition to rookies, several star veterans from 1991 Donruss hold strong values as well. For example, Nolan Ryan’s card was hugely popular even before he broke the all-time strikeout record. A PSA 10 Gem Mint Ryan fetches $800-1000, with PSA 8s at $300-500. Another Texas Rangers legend, Juan Gonzalez has a very valuable card from his breakout 1991 season when he won the AL MVP and led the league in home runs and RBI. A PSA 10 Gonzalez can sell for $500-800, with PSA 8s at $200-400.
Two other star pitchers with valuable 1991 Donruss cards are Tom Glavine and Greg Maddux. Both were already aces on the rise with the Atlanta Braves and would go on to have Hall of Fame careers. A PSA 10 Glavine can sell for $500-700, with PSA 8s around $200-300. Maddux’s card holds similar values, with a PSA 10 at $500-600 and PSA 8s at $200-300. Both remain highly collectible cards for their excellence on the mound and as cornerstones of those great Braves teams in the 1990s.
While the star rookies and veterans command the highest prices, there are several other notable 1991 Donruss cards that can still hold collector value depending on grade. For example, the rookie card of Bobby Bonilla, who had a solid career mostly as a productive power hitter, has gained popularity in recent years. A PSA 10 would sell for $300-500, with PSA 8s around $100-200. The rookie of Mark McGwire, before his infamous home run chase and steroid admission, has found renewed interest. PSA 10s go for around $200-300, with PSA 8s at $75-150.
Frank Thomas’ rookie card from 1991 Donruss is another that sees strong collector demand. As one of the premier sluggers of the 1990s who never had PED controversies, “The Big Hurt’s” rookie remains popular. A PSA 10 sells in the $200-300 range, with PSA 8s around $75-150. Ken Caminiti’s rookie card from his eventual 1996 NL MVP season can also hold value. PSA 10s are $150-250, and PSA 8s around $50-100 given his playing career and character issues later in life.
While production numbers diminished overall values from the junk wax era, certain star rookie cards and veteran cards from the iconic 1991 Donruss set remain highly sought after and hold significant collector value, especially in top grades. Keys cards like Griffey, Bonds, Jones, Ryan, and Gonzalez can still command prices of $500 or more in pristine PSA 10 condition. Even lower graded versions still demand collector interest. For serious baseball card investors and collectors, certain 1991 Donruss pieces remain sound long-term holdings.