The 1991 Donruss baseball card set is considered one of the most iconic and valuable sets from the late 1980s and early 90’s junk wax era. While most boxes from that time can be found for just a few dollars, some of the individual cards have skyrocketed in value in recent years. Let’s take an in-depth look at some of the priciest 1991 Donruss cards on the market today.

Ken Griffey Jr. Rookie Card (#1)
This is easily the crown jewel of the 1991 Donruss set and one of the most desirable rookie cards of all time. Widely considered the best baseball player of the 1990s, Griffey’s iconic swing and grace on the field made him a fan favorite from the start of his career. His rookie card captured the beginnings of what would become a Hall of Fame career. While condition is certainly a factor, even low-grade Griffey rookie cards in PSA 8 or Beckett Graded Gem Mint 9.5 condition can fetch over $10,000. Near-Mint Mint (PSA 10) examples have sold for as much as $55,000. In a true perfect “black label” PSA 10 Gem Mint condition, a Griffey Jr. rookie could realistically sell for over $100,000, making it one of the most valuable non-autograph modern baseball cards in existence.

Cal Ripken Jr. (#76)
While not as iconic as the Griffey rookie, Cal Ripken Jr.’s impressive MLB records and accomplishment make his base 1991 Donruss very desireable as well. Often overlooked despite all Ripken achieved, including breaking Lou Gehrig’s consecutive games played streak, his card has grown in value in recent years. PSA 8 or BGS 9 examples can sell for $500-800, while true gem mint PSA 10 or BGS 10 grades have seen prices reach over $2,500. Given Ripken’s status as arguably the most durable and consistent player ever, his 1991 Donruss may continue climbing as one of the better ’90s era cards to hold long term.

Frank Thomas (#218)
Prior to injuries cutting his career short, Frank Thomas established himself as one of the elite power hitters in baseball during the early 1990s. His mammoth home runs and back-to-back MVP awards in 1993 and 1994 made “The Big Hurt” a fan favorite. Graded copies of his 1991 Donruss card in PSA 8 or BGS 9 condition range from $300-450. True gem mint PSA 10 or BGS 10 examples have reached as high as $1,250 at auction. While not in the same echelon of value as Griffey or Ripken long term, Thomas’ card remains a solid premium ’90s cardboard holding.

Tom Glavine (#300)
A 300+ game winner and two-time Cy Young award winner, Tom Glavine cemented his Hall of Fame credentials during his time with the Atlanta Braves. His 1991 Donruss stands out not just for Glavine’s accomplishments, but also due to the rarity of high graded copies. PSA 8 or BGS 9 examples hover around $150 value today. But true mint PSA 10 or BGS 10 Glavine rookies have been known to sell for over $500 due to theirdifficulty to grade as flawless. For condition-conscious collectors, Glavine remains a desired rookie during a time when many others are over produced in perfect grades.

Barry Larkin (#324)
Arguably the finest shortstop of the 1990s not named Alex Rodriguez, Barry Larkin enjoyed a brilliant 12 year career largely spent with the Cincinnati Reds. He would rack up numerous accolades including a 1995 NL MVP award and 12 career Gold Gloves. Like Glavine, high grade examples of Larkin’s rookie card are quite rare. PSA 8 or BGS 9 versions range from $100-150. But true gem mint PSA 10 or BGS 10 Larkin 1991 Donruss rookie cards have reached astronomical prices over $1,000 due to their challenge to grade flawlessly. Larkin remains one of the highest valued ’90s era certified rookies outside the true superstars.

Wilson Alvarez (#326)
No Hitter Game Card
On August 11, 1991 Wilson Alvarez of the Chicago White Sox threw the sixth no-hitter in team history against the Baltimore Orioles. Donruss recognized this incredible feat by accidentally giving Alvarez’s card the photo and back graphic from that famous no-hitter game against Baltimore. This creates an extremely rare inadvertent variations card. Many collectors are unaware of Alvarez’s outstanding defensive play and command prior to arm issues shortening his career. High graded examples in PSA 8 or BGS 9 condition have sold for $300-450 in recent auction. But true mint PSA 10 or BGS 10 copies of Alvarez’s esteemed no-hitter variation have reached over $1,000 for serious White Sox or variation collectors.

Tom Pagnozzi (#373)
Autograph Variation
For reasons still unknown, a small number of 1991 Donruss Tom Pagnozzi cards came autographed directly on the front of the card. How these rare factory autographs occurred remains a mystery almost 30 years later. Pagnozzi enjoyed a decent 11 year career primarily with the St. Louis Cardinals but is hardly one of baseball’s biggest stars of the era. Still, this autograph variation captures huge collector demand for signed rookie cards. Even in low PSA 8 grade, autographed Pagnozzi variations have sold for over $800. True gem mint PSA 10 or BGS 10 autographed examples could fetch well over $2,000 if one ever becomes available publicly. Despite an otherwise ordinary player, Pagnozzi’s autograph variation stands as one of the true oddball gems from the 1991 Donruss set.

While it hasn’t gained the same iconic status as other ’90s era sets like Topps Finest or Upper Deck, 1991 Donruss holds tremendous value for nostalgic collectors and early rookie card investors. Headlined by all-time greats like Ken Griffey Jr. still fetching five figure prices, the set shows no signs of slowing down three decades later. Keeping valuable 1991 Donruss cards protected in third party slabs like those from PSA, BGS, SGC and others has proven wise for preserving condition long term and achieving the highest prices from enthusiastic buyers. But for most, still finding inexpensive boxes of 1991 Donruss reminds us why it remains one of the defining sets from baseball collectibles’ early junk wax boom.