The 1991 Donruss baseball card set is considered one of the most iconic releases from the brand during the late 1980s and early 1990s boom period. While not as well known as the flagship Topps sets from the same year, 1991 Donruss featured some hugely valuable rookie cards and inserts that have stood the test of time. Let’s take a deeper look at some of the most expensive and sought-after cards from this 726-card release.
Ken Griffey Jr. Rookie Card (#1)
Without question, the crown jewel of the 1991 Donruss set is the rookie card of Ken Griffey Jr. Widely considered one of the greatest five-tool players of all time, Griffey was already generating immense hype leading up to his first MLB season in 1989. His rookie card captured him in a Mariners uniform during his early career dominance.
While Griffey Jr. rookies from the ’89 Upper Deck and Bowman sets rightfully receive more attention, the Donruss issue stands out for its striking photography and classic design elements. In top-graded gem mint condition, examples regularly sell for $4,000-6,000. Well-centered near-mint copies still bring $1,000-2,000. The card’s value is a testament to Griffey’s iconic status as “The Kid” and one of the most beloved players from baseball’s modern era.
Chipper Jones Rookie Card (#123)
Another highly coveted rookie in the set is that of Hall of Famer Chipper Jones. Like Griffey, Jones emerged as one of the defining talents of the 1990s and became the face of the Atlanta Braves franchise for nearly two decades. His rookie card from Donruss is the only issue from his true first season in the majors in 1995, making it the definitive RC in many collectors’ eyes.
Jones’ iconic left-handed swing and overall offensive prowess translated to huge card values over time. High-grade PSA 10 copies have sold for over $4,000, with PSA 9s bringing $1,500-2,000. Even well-centered near-mint examples still trade hands for $500-800. The card remains a crown jewel for Braves fans and 1990s baseball collectors alike due to Jones’ legendary career and status as a modern inner circle Hall of Famer.
Randy Johnson Rookie Card (#226)
Towering over the competition at 6’10”, Randy Johnson burst onto the scene in 1988 with his electrifying fastball. His rookie card from the 1991 Donruss set is one of the standouts from his early Mariners days. Johnson would go on to rack up over 4,800 strikeouts, win five Cy Young Awards, and cement his legacy as one of the most intimidating pitchers in MLB history.
Johnson rookies from ’88 Fleer and Score are more iconic, but the Donruss issue holds its own value-wise. High-grade PSA 10s have sold for $2,500-3,500 in recent years. Even well-centered PSA 9 copies still fetch $1,000-1,500. For ’90s collectors, the card serves as an affordable alternative to own a piece of “The Big Unit’s” early career in near-mint condition.
Ken Griffey Jr. & Frank Thomas ‘Teammates’ Insert (#TT1)
One of the most visually striking inserts in 1991 Donruss is the ‘Teammates’ dual rookie card of Ken Griffey Jr. and Frank Thomas. Capturing the two young superstars alongside one another in White Sox uniforms, the card took on immense popularity early on as collectors looked to own a piece of both talents.
While Griffey and Thomas would go on to have Hall of Fame careers with different teams, their connection as teammates in the minors at Birmingham made this Donruss insert iconic. High-grade PSA 10 copies have sold for over $5,000. Even well-centered PSA 9 versions still bring $2,000-3,000 due to the card’s iconic subject matter and sharp dual image design. It remains one of the crown jewels for any serious ’90s baseball collection.
Other Notable Cards
While the above stand out as the true blue-chip cards, several other notable rookies, stars and inserts round out the 1991 Donruss set’s high-value content:
Craig Biggio Rookie Card (#81): Multi-million dollar contracts were rare in the ’90s, so Biggio’s rookie holds appeal. PSA 10s $1,500-2,000.
Tom Glavine Rookie Card (#155): Hall of Fame lefty’s solo card a key Braves piece. PSA 10s $1,000-1,500.
‘Diamond Kings’ Barry Bonds (#DK1): Early superstar image draws $500-800 in top-grades.
‘Diamond Kings’ Nolan Ryan (#DK5): Icon captures The Ryan Express. $400-600 range.
‘Diamond Kings’ Cal Ripken Jr. (#DK6): Ripken’s ironman streak started in ’82. $300-500.
‘Diamond Kings’ Ozzie Smith (#DK7): The Wizard at short. $250-400.
‘Diamond Kings’ Kirby Puckett (#DK8): Star centerfielder in action. $200-300.
While not in the same conversation as flagship releases, 1991 Donruss left an indelible mark on the baseball card collecting world. Powered by all-time great rookie cards of Griffey, Jones, Johnson and others, it became one of the defining ’90s releases and remains a highly invested category for vintage enthusiasts today.
