The 1991 Leaf baseball card set featured some of the biggest stars and rookies from that MLB season. While it didn’t have the same mainstream popularity as sets from Topps or Donruss, Leaf cards from the early 1990s have grown significantly in value amongst collectors in recent years. Several key rookie cards and short-printed variations make certain 1991 Leaf cards extremely valuable today.
One of the most coveted and expensive 1991 Leaf cards is the Ken Griffey Jr. rookie card. Widely considered one of the best player collections cards of all-time, Griffey’s iconic upper-deck rookie shot him striding towards center field. His smooth left-handed swing and effortless play in center field made him an instant fan favorite. While Griffey Jr. rookie cards from Donruss and Upper Deck that same year carry higher values, the Leaf version still commands big money. In high grades like PSA 9 or 10, Griffey’s 1991 Leaf RC routinely sells for $500-750. Lower graded copies in PSA 8 still trade hands for $200-300.
Another highly sought after rookie card from the 1991 Leaf set is Chipper Jones. As the #1 overall pick in the 1990 MLB Draft by the Atlanta Braves, Jones burst onto the scene in 1991 by being named NL Rookie of the Year. He would go on to have a Hall of Fame career primarily with the Braves, winning the World Series in 1995. Jones’ dazzling rookie season made his 1991 Leaf card a hot commodity. In gem mint condition it can sell for $400-500, with most PSA 9s going for $250-350. Even in lower grades like PSA 8, Chipper’s rookie Leaf still fetches $150-200.
Speaking of Atlanta Braves stars, another valuable 1991 Leaf card is the Tom Glavine rookie. The lefty starter won 305 career games and two Cy Young Awards over a dominant 22-year career. He was a key piece of those dominant Braves rotations in the 1990s that won the 1995 World Series. Glavine’s Leaf rookie isn’t as iconic as his Topps or Stadium Club versions. But for Braves collectors it remains a prized piece. PSA 10 examples can sell for $400-600, with 9s going for $250-350 and PSA 8s trading around $150-200.
Two big name short prints from the 1991 Leaf set that add huge value are the Frank Thomas and Mark McGwire cards. Only 100 copies of each were inserted randomly in packs that year. Both players would go on to have huge MLB careers launching mammoth home runs. In high grade, the Thomas SPP routinely sells for $1,000-1,500 in PSA 9-10 condition. The McGwire short print in top gem grades can exceed $2,000. Even in lower PSA 8 condition, these tough pulls still sell for $500-800 depending on the player pedigree.
Anothervaluable Leaf variation is the Barry Bonds ’92 Olympics’ card, which features a photo of him competing in the 1992 Summer Olympics in Barcelona. Only about 200 of these Bonds insert cards were produced. Finding high grade PSA 9-10 copies available for sale is extremely rare, with the last few selling for upwards of $3,000 when they hit the market. Even well-worn PSA 8 versions can still net $1,000-1,500 due to the incredibly low print run.
Outside of rookies and variations, completed career collectors also drive demand for stars’ base 1991 Leaf cards in top condition. For example, a PSA 10 of Nolan Ryan consistently sells in the $200-300 range. The Ryan card pictures him pitching for the Texas Rangers at age 43 during the final season of his Hall of Fame career. Other all-time greats like Ryne Sandberg, Kirby Puckett, and Roger Clemens in PSA 9-10 also trade hands in the $100-200 range.
While it didn’t receive the same initial fanfare as sets from Topps or Donruss in 1991, Leaf has developed quite a cult following amongst collectors today. Featuring iconic rookie cards of future Hall of Famers like Griffey Jr., Chipper Jones, and Glavine plus tougher SPPs and inserts makes certain 1991 Leaf baseball cards very valuable investments in the hobby over 30 years later. For set completionists or star PC collectors, pristine examples of stars’ base cards also hold solid value and appreciation potential long-term.
