The 1991 O-Pee-Chee baseball card set is one of the most iconic and collector sought after issues from the brand’s long history. With a vast array of rookie cards, future Hall of Famers, and uniquely parallel inserts, the 1991 OPC set launched many careers and storylines that would captivate baseball for decades. While most commons from the 600+ card checklist hold little value today, there are a select group of cards that have stood the test of time and appreciation by collectors. Here are some of the most valuable and desirable 1991 O-Pee-Chee baseball cards to look out for:
Ken Griffey Jr. – Arguably the most renowned young star of the 1990s, Ken Griffey Jr.’s rookie card was the true crown jewel of the 1991 OPC set. Featuring the emerging superstar in his Seattle Mariners uniform, Griffey’s rookie became one of the most iconic baseball cards ever printed. In top graded mint condition, Griffey’s OPC rookie now consistently sells for well over $1,000 and could reach up to $2,500 in auctions for a PSA 10 copy. Even lower graded examples still command hundreds due to the legendary status of Junior’s first cardboard appearance.
Chipper Jones – Another perennial all-star who would go on to achieve Hall of Fame enshrinement, Chipper Jones had his rookie season with the Atlanta Braves in 1991. His OPC issue shows promise of what was to come as Jones grins in a Braves jersey. High grade Chipper rookies have sold for as much as $800-900. Most PSA/BGS 9 copies can still easily fetch $400-500. The lefty slugger became one of baseball’s greatest third basemen and his original card captures the beginning of that storied career.
Cecil Fielder – Long before his titanic home run feats with the Detroit Tigers, Cecil Fielder broke out in 1991 with a 51 home run season for the Milwaukee Brewers. That mammoth power display is crystallized on his ’91 OPC card, which shows Fielder wielding a mighty bat. Pristine 10 graded Fielder rookies have changed hands for $600-700. Mostgem mint 9s can sell between $300-400 depending on the day. As one of the set’s sole “big number” stars, demand remains strong for Fielder’s rookie three decades later.
Derek Jeter – While not technically a true rookie since he debuted in 1995, Jeter’s sole OPC issue from his time in the Yankees’ farm system holds considerable prestige and value. The shortstop is pictured in a Yankees batting practice jersey during his days in the minors. High end PSA/BGS 10 Jeter prospects have reached up to $500 at auction. Most pristine copies still net around $300-400 for collectors trying to add this future Hall of Famer’s scarce pre-rookie card to their collections.
Pudge Rodriguez – One of the greatest catching talents of all-time, Ivan “Pudge” Rodriguez had his breakout 1991 season with the Texas Rangers. His O-Pee-Chee card displays Rodriguez behind the plate in his powder blue Rangers uniform. Top graded Pudge rookie cards have changed hands for $400-500. Even mid-range 9 copies still hold valuations around $200-300 given the catcher’s iconic career and Hall of Fame career.
Tom Glavine – Already displaying his craftiness on the mound, Tom Glavine was entering his pitching prime with the Atlanta Braves in 1991. This pre-stardom Glavine O-Pee-Chee captures the future 300-game winner and two-time Cy Young Award recipient. High grade Glavine rookies have reached the $300-400 price range. Most pristine 9 examples can be found in the $150-250 range currently.
Roberto Alomar – A switch-hitting superstar at second base for much of the decade, Roberto Alomar’s 1991 OPC features him with the San Diego Padres organization. Top graded Alomar rookies from this period have changed hands for $250-350. Most mint condition 9 copies can still be acquired for $150-200 by today’s standards due to Alomar’s stellar career.
Bobby Bonilla – Best known today for his massive Mets contract in the 1990s, Bobby Bonilla had considerable success earlier in the decade with the Pittsburgh Pirates. His O-Pee-Chee issue pictures Bonilla in a Pirates uniform. While not quite as acclaimed as others, even pristine 10 condition Bonilla rookies usually sell between $150-250 depending on day and auction.
Frank Thomas – Already displaying prodigious raw power in his rookie season with the Chicago White Sox, Frank Thomas imposed his will at the plate in 1991. His O-Pee-Chee depicts “The Big Hurt” in mid-swing for the Sox. High grade Thomas rookies have reached up to $250-300 price tags. Most near-mint to mint 9 editions still range from $100-200.
Ken Hill – While largely forgotten today, Ken Hill enjoyed a successful run as a reliable starting pitcher for various teams in the 1990s. His lone rookie card from 1991 with the Montreal Expos has ticked upwards toward the $150-200 range for top 10 PSA/BGS grades. Most pristine 9s fall in the $75-125 valuation zone based on previous sales data.
Duffy Dylan – One of the more peculiar parallel rookie variations included unique artwork not found on the standard issue. Depicting fictional “Duffy Dylan” character created by OPC, these rare parallels have been auctioned for upwards of $500-$600 in top grades. Even mid-range 9 copies can still net over $300 for Dylan’s surreal cardboard appearance.
That covers some of the most renowned, collectible, and valuable 1991 O-Pee-Chee baseball cards to seek out based on player pedigrees, iconic rookie status, overall condition, and past sales trends. While the majority of commons hold negligible value today, this select grouping of cards features notable stars, Hall of Famers, and rare inserts that have endured to remain highly appreciated prize possessions for vintage card collectors. Continued demand for these legends’ earliest cardboard appearances ensures the most coveted 1991 OPC issues will remain blue-chip investments within the hobby for years to come.
