The 1991 Topps baseball card set is one of the most iconic and valuable sets from the junk wax era of the late 1980s and early 1990s. While most cards from sets of this time period are not worth much, there are a select few that have stood the test of time and increased substantially in value. Let’s take a look at some of the most valuable and sought after rookie and star player cards from the 1991 Topps set.
Ken Griffey Jr. (#1) – Widely considered the crown jewel of the 1991 Topps set, Griffey’s rookie card is the undisputed most valuable card from the set. Often dubbed “The Natural” or “Junior”, Griffey was already blossoming into a superstar with the Seattle Mariners by 1991 and would go on to have a Hall of Fame career. His rookie card has been in high demand for decades now and gem mint 10 graded copies recently sell for upwards of $4,000. Even well-centered near mint to mint copies trade hands for $300-800 regularly. Griffey’s marketability, talent, and stardom propelled this rookie card above all others from the junk wax era in terms of long term value.
Frank Thomas (#205) – While his rookie season was actually in 1990, the 1991 Topps card marked Thomas’ “true” rookie card with Topps. Known as “The Big Hurt”, Thomas was already producing monster numbers in 1991 and continued his dominance throughout the 1990s, winning back to back American League MVP awards in 1993-1994. Like Griffey, Thomas put together a Hall of Fame career defined by prodigious power numbers. Mint condition copies of his rookie card sell for $600-1,200 while near mint brings $200-400. Thomas’ high-quality career and lack of early 1990s rookie cards makes this a desirable piece for any baseball card collection.
Derek Jeter (#316) – The captain and longtime face of the New York Yankees had a very rookie season in 1991, and his Topps rookie card has grown in demand every year since. Unfortunately, quality Jeter rookie cards from 1991 Topps are fairly scarce. Still, absolute gem mint copies with a BGS or PSA grade of 10 are valued upwards of $3,000. More realistically, well-centered near mint to mint graded copies trade in the $200-500 range, while raw copies in similar condition bring $100-250. Jeter’s massive stardom and brand will likely keep this among the more valuable cards from the 1991 set for years to come.
Roberto Alomar (#353) – One of the best all-around second basemen of all-time, Alomar broke into the majors with the San Diego Padres in 1988 but received his true “rookie” card designation with 1991 Topps. Already a stolen base threat and solid hitter by 1991, Alomar built a Hall of Fame career primarily with the Toronto Blue Jays known for his slick defense and timely hitting. Like the cards above, quality is hard to come by. A PSA 10 could crack $1,000 while most mint copies bring $200-500 and a nice near mint still fetches $75-150.
John Olerud (#389) – The smooth swinging Toronto Blue Jays first baseman was a batting champion and presence at the top of their lineup throughout the 1990s. While not as big as the names above him, Olerud still developed a very solid career. His rookie card remains one of the tougher ones to find in gem mint condition from 1991 Topps. A PSA 10 has sold for over $500, with most nice mint copies in the $100-250 range. Among the lower numbered rookie cards from 1991 Topps, Olerud still holds solid value.
Ron Gant (#518) – One of the more recognizable stars of the early 1990s Atlanta Braves dynasty teams, power hitting centerfielder Ron Gant began turning heads in 1991 with 27 home runs for the Braves. His rookie card is tougher to come by in high grade than some of the bigger names above. Still, mint condition copies sell for $75-150 while well centered near mints can be had for around $30-50. Gant’s productivity through the first half of the 1990s keeps his rookie somewhat desirable to Braves and junk wax collectors alike.
Tom Glavine (#554) – One of two 300-game winners in Braves history, Glavine began his illustrious career in 1987 but received Topps rookie status in 1991 after just three previous seasons. Arguably the best lefty pitcher of the 1990s, Glavine won back-to-back Cy Young Awards and two World Series titles with Atlanta. Condition is crucial for Glavine rookies from 1991 Topps, with PSA/BGS 9s selling for $50-100 and 10s reaching $250-500 with demand from both Braves and player collectors.
Others such as Bret Saberhagen (#144), Tim Wakefield (#223), and Terry Pendleton (#386) garner respectable demand as key players from the Blue Jays, Red Sox, and 1991 World Champion Braves. But condition is everything, and the true holy grails of the 1991 Topps set remain #1 Ken Griffey Jr., #205 Frank Thomas, and to a lesser extent #316 Derek Jeter upon occasion. Condition Sensitivity has certainly defined the high-end values from this fun and nostalgic 1991 set amidst the junk wax era.
While not nearly as iconic or valuable as the iconic 1987 and 1989 Topps sets, there remains value to be found within the 1991 Topps flagship issue, especially for the elite rookie cards of future Hall of Famers Junior, the Big Hurt, and some of the Braves and Blue Jays stars who defined the early 1990s. For those who enjoyed the junk wax era of their childhood or seek out vintage pieces of baseball history, hunting a high grade Griffey, Thomas, or Jeter rookie within the 1991 Topps set can make for an exciting and potentially wise piece to hold onto.
