The 1991 Topps baseball card set is one of the most iconic and collectible issues in the company’s longtime history. While not quite as valuable as some older decades, the ’91 Topps set featured several huge stars and memorable rookie cards that are still sought after by collectors today. With 792 total cards in the base set and numerous insert varieties, there were plenty of notable names and images to scan through. Let’s take a closer look at some of the most interesting and valuable 1991 Topps baseball cards.
Perhaps the single most iconic card from the 1991 Topps set is card number 1 – Ken Griffey Jr. By 1991, Griffey was already well on his way to superstardom and his popularity had card collectors and fans excited. His clean swing and effortless play in center field made him a fan favorite. This card shows Griffey poised and determined in his sweet left-handed batting stance. The photo combined with his emerging star power have made this one of the most desirable rookie cards ever issued. PSA 10 graded versions currently sell for well over $1000.
Another star-studded rookie card is card number 117, featuring Edgar Martinez in a Seattle Mariners uniform. Martinez went on to have a Hall of Fame caliber career primarily as the Mariners designated hitter. He was known for his selective eye at the plate and ability to come through in clutch situations. This rookie card showcases his batting prowess. High-grade versions often surpass $100-$200 depending on condition.
Sticking with legendary hitters, card number 93 features a smiling Ken Griffey Sr. in his Cincinnati Reds uniform. This card marks one of the last baseball cards issued for Griffey Sr. before his career came to an end after the 1990 season. It’s a special piece of history to own a card highlighting one of the game’s great power hitters and the father of Ken Griffey Jr. Near mint copies typically sell in the $50 range or more.
Switching to the pitching side of things, card number 660 features a stone-faced Roger Clemens in a Boston Red Sox uniform. Clemens was already one of the game’s dominant aces by 1991. This card captures “The Rocket” mid-windup, ball in hand and locked in on the plate. Highly demanded by Red Sox and Clemens collectors, pristine PSA 10 versions reach over $150.
Card number 223 highlights outfielder Barry Bonds in a Pittsburgh Pirates uniform. Though not graded as highly as his later Giants cards, this marks one of Bonds’ early Pirates issues. It shows “Barrry” posing confidently with bat in hand. Bonds was already displaying his incredible physical skills by 1991 on his way to one of the greatest careers in MLB history. Near mint copies sell around the $30-$50 range today.
Moving on to team cards, number 336 captures the 1990 World Champion Cincinnati Reds in celebration on the field. This marked the Reds’ most recent championship at that point. It’s a coveted card among Reds fans and collectors to commemorate that successful era of Cincinnati baseball. Mint condition copies now sell for $25 or more.
Switching coasts, card number 749 highlights the 1991 American League Champion Oakland Athletics. Led by manager Tony La Russa and stars like Jose Canseco, Mark McGwire and Dennis Eckersley, the A’s were dominating the AL in the late 80s/early 90s. This team card is hotly pursued by A’s collectors. Near mint copies typically sell in the $15-$20 range.
The 1991 Topps set also included several memorable Stadium Club inserts highlighting unique ballpark photos. Among the most sought after is card number SCU42, shot at Atlanta-Fulton County Stadium. It captures Otis Nixon rounding third base for the Braves with the stadium in full view beyond the outfield. Highly coveted by Braves fans and Atlanta memorabilia collectors, pristine PSA 10 versions reach $75-$100.
The 1991 Topps baseball card set remains a crucial issue in the hobbies’ history. Loaded with stars, rookies and one-of-a-kind images, it created cards that resonate with collectors to this day. Key cards like Griffey Jr., Edgar Martinez, Ken Griffey Sr., Clemens, Bonds, and team/insert variations continue to be heavily demanded on the secondary market. For those looking to build an investment collection or re-live the great players and teams of that baseball era, 1991 Topps is a fantastic place to start.
