The 1991 Fleer Ultra baseball card set is considered one of the most iconic and valuable sets from the early 1990s. With its innovative design and inclusion of some of the game’s biggest stars, the ’91 Ultra set became hugely popular upon its release and remains a favorite among collectors today. Let’s take a deeper look at some of the key aspects that make this set stand out.
The ’91 Ultra set was the third release by Fleer after gaining the MLB license in 1989. It marked a departure from the traditional baseball card design that had been the norm for decades. Gone were the drab team colors and simple action shots. Instead, Fleer Ultra featured colorful, borderless photos with a glossy finish. Players almost appeared to pop off the card thanks to this innovative new look. The photography and card stock also represented a leap forward compared to Topps and Donruss at the time.
In terms of rookie cards and star power, the ’91 Ultra set had it all. This was the true rookie year for future Hall of Famers Chipper Jones, Jim Thome, and Jeff Bagwell. All three would go on to have incredible careers and their rookie cards from this set are highly coveted by collectors. Other huge names like Ken Griffey Jr., Nolan Ryan, Cal Ripken Jr., and Barry Bonds also had prominent cards. For players born in the 1970s and 1980s, this was likely one of the first baseball card sets they collected as kids. The nostalgia factor has only increased its popularity over the decades.
In terms of rarity and value, the headliners of the ’91 Ultra set start with Chipper Jones’ rookie card. PSA 10 Gem Mint examples have sold for over $10,000 in recent years. Jim Thome’s rookie similarly commands thousands in top grade. The Bonds and Griffey cards also hold value as two of the most recognizable players of the 1990s. But there are also several short prints and parallel subsets that drive prices. The “Ultra Variations” parallel offered different color photo variations that are quite rare to find in high grade. The Ultra Collector’s Choice redemptions could be exchanged for autographed memorabilia cards that are now highly valuable.
The condition of the cards is especially important for the ’91 Ultra set due to the unconventional cardboard stock used. The glossy finish was prone to chipping and wear. As a result, high grade Gem Mint 10 examples suitable for a professional grading service like PSA or BGS are exceedingly difficult to locate today. Even top rookies will sell for hundreds in a PSA 9 Near Mint grade compared to thousands for a PSA 10. This scarcity drives up prices at the top end of the population report. For example, a PSA 10 Chipper Jones rookie just sold at auction for over $22,000.
In the 30 years since its release, the 1991 Fleer Ultra set has cemented its place as one of the most iconic and valuable modern issues. Its innovative design and star power made it an instant hit with collectors. While production numbers were high for the early 1990s, the condition issues have thinned out high grade specimens over time. With each passing year, nostalgia only increases for players who remember ripping packs of ’91 Ultra as kids. The rookie cards of future Hall of Famers like Chipper Jones, Jim Thome, and Jeff Bagwell will always be blue-chip investments. For set builders and investors, 1991 Fleer Ultra remains a benchmark of the modern era.
The combination of groundbreaking photography, star rookies and short prints, and the challenges of finding high grade examples due to the stock used have all contributed to the ’91 Ultra set achieving classic status. Nearly 30 years later, it retains immense popularity and its most valuable cards continue to break records at auction. Whether being collected and admired or investment pieces for portfolios, 1991 Fleer Ultra ensured its place in card collecting history.
