Tag Archives: 1991

1991 MCDONALDS BASEBALL CARDS

Leave a reply

The 1991 McDonald’s Major League Baseball Collector Card Set was a special issue produced by McDonald’s as part of a highly successful promotional campaign. Released in March 1991, the 70 card set featured current major league players from both the American and National Leagues. The unique design and affordability of the cards made this one of the most popular and visible baseball card releases of the early 1990s.

McDonald’s had been issuing sports cards periodically since 1976 but the 1991 MLB set marked a turning point that helped revitalize the trading card market. Produced by ProSet, each wax-pack contained 5 assorted commons along with inserts featuring superstar sluggers Jose Canseco, Ken Griffey Jr., Nolan Ryan, and Cal Ripken Jr. The fronts featured action shots of the players while the backs included career stats and biographies.

Distribution was strategic, with McDonald’s specially designed “Baseball Card Mobiles” traveling to more than 25,000 locations across America to promote the release. Customers received one pack free with any purchase. This level of accessibility introduced baseball cards to a new generation of young fans at a time when the hobby was in decline industry-wide.

Some notable rookies in the set included future Hall of Famer Craig Biggio, Jeff Bagwell, John Wetteland, and Chuck Knoblauch. Veterans like Wade Boggs, Ozzie Smith, Dave Stewart, and Ryne Sandberg offered a bridge to fans both old and new. The designs were bold and colorful, a departure from the more traditional styles of the Topps and Donruss sets that had dominated the 1980s.

The cards themselves were quite collectible, but the chase for insert cards like Canseco, Griffey, and Ripken added another layer of excitement. With no guarantee which players might appear in a given pack, the discovery process held great appeal. While Griffey would go on to have one of the most iconic careers in baseball history, at the time he was still early in his rookie campaign with the Seattle Mariners. Canseco was the reigning American League MVP and home run king.

Outside of the actual cardboard, McDonald’s incorporated baseball into other aspects of its business. Special baseball-themed packaging, cups, fry boxes, and more promoted the sport. In-store displays and window clings adorned with team logos stoked anticipation. Some locations hosted regional card shows and meet-and-greets with former players. It was truly an all-out blitz that blended two quintessential parts of Americana – baseball and McDonald’s – into a cross-promotional juggernaut.

On the resale market, unopened 1991 McDonald’s packs have regularly fetched over $100 given their rarity and nostalgia. PSA-graded gems like a Ken Griffey Jr. or Cal Ripken Jr. insert can sell for thousands. Even common rookies of future stars sometimes sell for $10-20 each. This endures as one of the most iconic modern issues in the hobby due not just to player selection but also the sheer scale of distribution and synergy with one of the largest corporations in the world.

It’s understandable why collectors hold the 1991 McDonald’s cards in such high regard. They were perfectly timed, with ProSet’s sharp photography and McDonald’s unparalleled reach converging to deliver baseball memorabilia straight to America’s youth. The ensuing buzz rekindled interest during a lull and introduced new fans who have remained loyal to this day. Even for casual fans of a certain generation, these cards stir memories of summer trips to their neighborhood McDonald’s and the thrill of the baseball card chase. It was a match made for nostalgia that still pays dividends for collectors over 30 years later. The 1991 McDonald’s MLB set rightfully endures as one of the hobby’s true landmark releases.

MOST VALUABLE 1991 FLEER ULTRA BASEBALL CARDS

Leave a reply

The 1991 Fleer Ultra baseball card set was one of the most highly anticipated releases of the early 1990s baseball card boom. Fleer Ultra was known for its photo variations, refractor parallels, and unique technology. While it didn’t feature the biggest stars of the time like 1991 Upper Deck or Topps did, some of the rarest and most valuable cards from Ultra ’91 have stood the test of time.

One of the most coveted rookie cards from any ’91 set is the Ken Griffey Jr. Fleer Ultra. Widely considered one of the best all-around players of his generation, Griffey was already one of baseball’s brightest young stars in his early Mariners career. The Fleer Ultra Griffey rookie is remarkably scarce in high grades due to issues with the fragile Ultra stock. In pristine mint condition it has sold for over $10,000, making it one of the most valuable non-autograph/relic cards from the early ’90s boom.

Another star rookie to emerge in ’91 was Tony Gwynn. While he had several strong seasons prior, Gwynn truly broke out and put himself in the discussion among game’s best hitters that year. His Fleer Ultra rookie has the lowest print run of any modern Gwynn card and high grade specimens can sell for $3,000-5,000. Like Griffey, centering/condition are major obstacles to a true gem Gwynn Ultra rookie.

The fleeting nature of Frank Thomas’ rookie card status in 1991 makes his Fleer Ultra one of the marquee key rookie cards from the set as well. After tearing the cover off the ball in his AL ROY campaign the previous year, Thomas was a star in the making. Mint examples have sold for over $2,000 in recent years.

Outside of the big three rookies, some other star players have valuable Fleer Ultra cards too. A PSA 10 graded Barry Bonds rookie from Ultra ’91 would be the crown jewel of any collection, worth well into the five figures. While no true gems have ever been confirmed, raw copies still sell for $1,000-2,000.

Nolan Ryan’s final season took place in ’91 and his Fleer Ultra is the only modern card capturing him during his final year in the majors. Low mintage and demand from Ryan collectors push high grade versions up towards $1,000.

Pitching heroes from the era like Tom Glavine, Greg Maddux, and John Smoltz also have scarce and valuable rookie cards in Fleer Ultra. With strong early seasons cementing them as future Hall of Famers, near-perfect copies of their debut Fleer Ultras can reach $500-1,000 each.

Condition sensitive veteran stars like Don Mattingly, Cal Ripken Jr., and Wade Boggs also possess intrinsically collectible Ultras from ’91. With their careers and accomplishments well established by then, getting a true gem PSA 10 of any of these future Hall of Famers would be quite the crown jewel, worth $2,000-3,000 if one ever came to market.

Beyond the star players, the technology and photo variations that defined Fleer Ultra in ’91 make some less recognizable names quite valuable as well. Parallel and “refractor” photo insert parallels number amongst the scarcest and most sought after inserts ever produced.

An incredible Mike Stanley refractor parallel pulled randomly from a pack is considered the true “golden ticket” find, worth over $25,000 in pristine condition. Similarly, parallels featuring the likes of Dan Gladden, Ron Karkovice, and Dick Schofield have all sold for $1,000-5,000 graded mint.

The rare “platinum” parallel insert featuring Brewers starter Bill Wegman is so scarce there are rumors only a handful were ever pulled. A PSA 10 of this phantom card, if discovered, could bring six figures. The 1991 Fleer Ultra set lives on as one of the most iconic and valuable of the early ’90s era. While stars have come and gone, Ultra ’91 cards retain their mystique and collectibility for both vintage collectors and investors alike. With prices still rising after 30 years, the future only looks brighter for this historic release.

1991 BASEBALL CARDS WORTH MONEY

Leave a reply

The 1991 baseball card season featured iconic rookies, Hall of Famers, and more that have stand out cards from the set still worth pursuing for collectors today. While not the flashiest or highest valued of all time, there are still many individual 1991 cards that can hold substantial value depending on condition. Let’s take a closer look at some of the top 1991 baseball cards worth pursuing for collectors both new and experienced.

Perhaps the most well known rookie card from the 1991 set is Ken Griffey Jr’s upper deck card. Widely considered one of if not the best baseball cards ever due to Griffey’s electrifying playstyle and popularity combined with the iconic image, a PSA 10 Gem Mint Griffey Jr rookie in pristine condition can fetch well over $10,000. Even lower graded copies in EX-MT condition still demand $1,000+ due to the card’s prominence. It’s a true Holy Grail piece for any baseball card collection.

Another tremendous rookie to emerge in 1991 was Chipper Jones. While not as well known as Griffey, Jones went on to have a Hall of Fame career primarily with the Atlanta Braves that cements his 1991 Bowman and topps rookie cards as valued pieces. High grade PSA 10 Jones rookies can sell for $3,000-$5,000 still depending on the exact issuing set and demand. This is a card that continues to get recognition for Chipper’s accomplishments and a strong option for collectors.

Two other notable rookies poised to potentially grow in value for 1991 are Tom Glavine and Jeff Bagwell. Glavine’s rookie is in the common 1991 Fleer set but a high grade copy could fetch $500+ today as the left handed hurler’s Hall of Fame induction brings more attention to the card. Meanwhile Bagwell’s rookie is tough to find in the scarce 1991 Fleer update set but holds huge potential long term as a .300 lifetime hitter who fell just short of Cooperstown.

For established superstars, 1991 Topps featured some true heavy hitters that are constantly in demand. Ken Griffey Sr’s stellar caught stealing image tops the list, with a PSA 10 selling for over $2,000. Others like Nolan Ryan, Cal Ripken Jr, Tony Gwynn, and Ryne Sandberg routinely trade hands for $100-300 each in high grade depending on exact parallel issued in 1991 Topps. These were some of baseball’s most dominant players at the height of their fame.

Rookies and stars aren’t the only cards holding value from 1991 either. Error and variation cards can provide a fun niche for collectors. An infamous printing plate error of Jeff Reardon’s card with an upside down photo is a true oddity that has sold for upwards of $1,000 in the past. Meanwhile rare airbrush touched variations of players like Julio Franco and Dave Winfield are highly sought after anomalies from the set.

Top Japanese import stars are also gaining traction, like a PSA 10 Ichiro Suzuki rookie from 1991 donruss selling for $500-600. Along with rare serial number parallel subsets such as the 1992 upper deck 40 man roster cards that have increased appreciation. For team collectors, complete1991 Topps team or Cincinnati Red sets with stars like Barry Larkin and Chris Sabo also command $200-400 prices.

When considering condition, vintage cards are especially sensitive to the slightest flaws that can plummet value. For true blue chip pieces, it’s highly recommended to invest in a professional grading service like PSA or BGS to authenticate cards in the intended grade upfront. Reassuring certified holders add resale confidence down the line compared to raw “as-is” examples more susceptible to condition concerns unseen.

While 1991 may not top overall vintage checklists for collectors, there remain true hidden gems within the set that can provide both nostalgia and investment upside depending on how the players’ legacies evolve over time. With so many talented rookies and future Hall of Famers distributed across various issues, it represents a fun and cost effective starting point for collectors to build full teams and stars on a relative budget compared to the 1980s boom era. Just be sure to verify condition details are as represented so these valuable 1991 cards don’t lose their financial footing upon resale.

MOST VALUABLE CARDS 1991 FLEER BASEBALL

Leave a reply

1991 Fleer Baseball Cards are considered one of the most iconic sets in the modern trading card era due to the inclusion of some true rookie cards and the colorful design aesthetic. While it wasn’t the largest set of the year at just 330 cards, it featured many young stars and Hall of Famers that have become highly sought after by collectors in the decades since. Here’s a look at some of the most valuable and desirable rookie and star cards from the 1991 Fleer release.

Perhaps the most well-known and valuable card from the set is the Ken Griffey Jr. rookie card. Widely considered one of the best all-around players of his generation, Griffey was already showing star potential in his early career when this iconic card was issued. With his smooth left-handed swing and effortless movements in center field on full display, it’s easy to see why Griffey captured the hearts of so many fans from the start. Despite large original print runs, high grades of this card now sell for thousands of dollars. A PSA 10 example recently sold for over $25,000, showing how beloved “The Kid” remains.

Another outstanding rookie card is that of fellow Hall of Famer Chipper Jones. Like Griffey, Jones emerged as a superstar very quickly in the big leagues and is now regarded as one of the greatest switch hitters in MLB history. His smooth left-handed and right-handed swings are captured perfectly on this iconic card. High grade copies can reach into the four-figure range, but most graded examples trade hands for $300-500 given Jones’ stature and the rarity of well-centered ’91 Fleers in pristine condition after three decades of wear.

A bit further down the value scale but still a highly coveted rookie is that of pitcher Tom Glavine. The smooth lefty went on to record over 300 wins and 2 Cy Young Awards during a Hall of Fame career. He was already displaying fine control and poise on the mound in his rookie season. Most copies trade in the $50-100 range but a few pristine PSA 10 examples have reached the $300-400 level. With the continued nostalgia for ’90s rookies and Atlanta Braves stars, this one is a smart long term hold.

Veteran superstars are also highly sought from this release. The Nolan Ryan card pictures the express delivery flamethrower preparing to unleash one of his blazing fastballs for the Texas Rangers. Even at age 44, Ryan was still dealing in 1991 before ultimately retiring after the ’93 season. High grade copies command $100-200 due to his iconic status and the flashy design which captures his intensity on the mound.

Another Texas Rangers star, this time in his prime, is represented by Juan Gonzalez’ sharply focused image in this set. “Papi” was coming off an MVP season in 1990 where he clubbed 30 home runs as one of the game’s rising sluggers. This attractive card has gained steady appreciation settling in the $75-150 range for top condition copies. With a sweet left-handed swing and plenty of pop, Gonzalez was must-see TV in the early ’90s.

Filling out the short list of truly valuable veteran standouts is Cal Ripken Jr., pictured trotting out to his position for the Orioles. By 1991, Ripken was already a perennial All-Star and had broken into the top 10 on the all-time hits list. His consistency and work ethic made him a fan favorite. Pristine PSA 10 copies command $200-300 in today’s market due to his esteemed career and iconic status as “The Iron Man.”

While rarer finds like error cards or autographs could command far greater sums, these represent some of the most consistent premium cards from 1991 Fleer for their mixture of future Hall of Famers, iconic veterans, and all-time great rookie debuts. For both investors and enthusiasts of ’90s cardboard, these hold iconic imagery and nostalgia that will ensure strong long term demand for top graded specimens. The 1991 Fleer baseball set endures as one of the most historic in the modern era.

CRACKER JACK MINI BASEBALL CARDS 1991

Leave a reply

In 1991, the Cracker Jack company introduced mini baseball cards as a prize inside their beloved caramel corn snack. For over 100 years since its invention in 1896, Cracker Jack had included small toys and novelties as surprises for children who purchased the boxes. In the early 1990s Cracker Jack saw an opportunity to capitalize on the booming collector card craze that was sweeping the country.

Trading cards featuring professional athletes had become enormously popular throughout the late 1980s. Companies like Topps, Fleer, and Donruss were producing vast quantities of cards featuring players from Major League Baseball, the NBA, NFL, and other sports. Kids and adults alike were eagerly buying packs of cards, trading duplicates with friends, and starting extensive collections. The rise of the sports memorabilia market meant cards were no longer just for fun – some rare vintage and rookie cards were appreciating greatly in value.

Sensing this, the Cracker Jack brand owners at Borden Foods devised a plan to include sports cards as one of the prize options in their boxes. A licensing deal was struck with Major League Baseball to produce a series of mini cards measuring only 2 inches by 3 inches, small enough to fit inside the Cracker Jack bags. The inaugural 1991 Cracker Jack MLB card set would feature over 350 total players on mini cards.

The design and production of the cards was outsourced to the Donruss company, one of the major sports card manufacturers at the time. On a tight schedule, Donruss artists and designers worked to shrink down their standard baseball card templates and images to fit the miniature size. Statistics, team logos, and photos had to be carefully reformatted. A special adhesive was developed to prevent the thin cards from getting damaged or stuck together inside the bags.

The initial run of 1991 Cracker Jack mini cards was a massive success, flying off store shelves almost as quickly as the snack boxes themselves. Kids who had been avidly collecting regular size cards were thrilled to find these itty-bitty versions included free with their caramel corn purchase. The smaller size generated a unique “cool factor” and sense of novelty. Many children started amassing complete sets through repeated box buys, then trading extras with friends to fill in gaps.

While the cards lacked the statistical and biographical depth of standard issues from the larger companies, their retro designs paid homage to classic early 20th century tobacco era issues. Simplistic black-and-white or sepia toned photos dominated the fronts, along with each player’s number, team, and position. The backs contained just basic career stats and a short blurb. No gum or any other incentives were included.

Some notable stars and future Hall of Famers featured in the 1991 set included Nolan Ryan, Wade Boggs, Kirby Puckett, Cal Ripken Jr, Barry Larkin, and Roberto Alomar. Key rookies included Chuck Knoblauch, Derek Jeter, and Todd Hollandsworth. Serial numbers on the backs and copyright info indicated a print run of at least 350,000 sets to match the number of total cards. Variations and errors within the numbering system emerged as points of interest for advanced collectors.

The mini cards proved so popular that Cracker Jack continued the promotion for over a decade. Subsequent series in 1992, 1993, and beyond featured updated rosters and new designs. Highlights included rookie cards for future stars like Jim Thome, Nomar Garciaparra, and Carlos Beltran. Special retrospective sets paid tribute to past great eras. By the late 90s, mini cards for other sports like basketball and football also joined the Cracker Jack assortment.

As the baseball card collecting boom receded in the early 2000s, Cracker Jack ultimately retired their mini cards as well. By providing a fun, affordable entry point for young collectors, the mini issues had succeeded in their goal of boosting box sales and keeping the brand culturally relevant. Today, complete sets of 1991 and other early Cracker Jack cards remain popular with nostalgic collectors and represent an unique niche within the ever growing sports memorabilia industry. Their small stature belies the outsized impact these mini issues had on capturing the imagination of a generation of young fans.

1991 BOWMAN BASEBALL CARDS CHECKLIST

Leave a reply

The 1991 Bowman baseball card set is one of the most iconic and sought after issues in the modern era of the sport. The set was the 24th edition of Bowman’s annual baseball card release and marked several returns that added to its anticipation among collectors. After several years away, Bowman brought back rookie cards and prospects alongside established major leaguers. The design also transitioned to a cleaner white border look that departed from the previous decade. With 525 total cards to find, collectors had their work cut out to build a fully completed 1991 Bowman set.

A sizable rookie class headlined the checklist and included future Hall of Famers as well as perennial All-Stars. Arguably the biggest rookie draw was Toronto Blue Jays sensation Roberto Alomar. Alomar would go on to have a brilliant career and earn induction into Cooperstown in his first year of eligibility. Also debuting were future aces Bartolo Colon, David Cone, and John Burkett. Outfielders Terry Pendleton, David Justice and Brian McRae all had rookie cards as well that year. Another notable rookie was catcher Benito Santiago, who would go on to have productive seasons for multiple teams.

Prospect cards returned to the Bowman set in 1991 after last appearing in 1986. This provided collectors a glimpse of not yet established major leaguers. Notables included future stars Chipper Jones, Darren Daulton and Moises Alou. Jones would become the first overall pick in the 1990 MLB draft and go on to a Hall of Fame career with the Atlanta Braves. Alou and Daulton each enjoyed long, impactful tenures in the big leagues too. Prospects Mark Lemke, Paul Sewald and Alex Arias rounded out some of the bigger names awaiting their MLB debuts.

Veteran players dotted the checklist as Bowman collectors chased stars from all teams. Perennial All-Stars like Kirby Puckett, Cal Ripken Jr., Wade Boggs and Greg Maddux anchored the set. Other veteran greats included Will Clark, Dwight Gooden, Fernando Valenzuela and Jack Morris. Rising talents like Sandy Alomar Jr., Gregg Jefferies and Jeff Kent provided excitement as well established themselves in the league. International stars like Ozzie Guillen, Tony Fernandez and Canada’s Dave Stieb represented players from outside the United States.

Variations added complexity and scarcity to the 1991 Bowman checklist. Short printed cards, error variations and parallels made completing the entire set quite difficult. High numbers like Dennis Cook (524) and Al Newman (525) were especially tough pulls. Key rookie cards for Alomar (432), Colon (438) and Justice (497) carried premiums. An “All-Star” parallel inserted randomly depicted players during or after an All-Star game. A “Traded” parallel noted when a player changed uniforms midseason. Error variations like “Francisco Cabrera” missing text added spice for the most dedicated collectors.

Bowman introduced Team logo stickers alongside a small handful of team logo cards. Collectors could adhere these stickers to plastic holders or album pages to represent favorite MLB franchises. Limited print run sticker parallels provided another layered collecting challenge. The vivid full color photography throughout transported fans to the ballpark and showcased the raw athletic talents within the growing young sport. Clean and classic, the 1991 Bowman design has become of the most fondly remembered in the hobby’s history. Overall it delivered an extremely fun and rewarding experience for the collector at pack-rip time three decades ago.

In the years since, the 1991 Bowman set has grown tremendously in both nostalgia and monetary value for dedicated collectors. Rookie cards like Alomar, Cone and Colon routinely fetch four-figure sums and higher in top-graded gem mint condition. Even base veterans cards for Ripken, Puckett and others command significant auction prices. The return of rookies and prospects as checklists expanded beyond just active players made 1991 Bowman a true “classic” set and maybe the most complete snapshot of raw MLB talent at the time. It’s considered the true turning point year that launched the modern baseball card boom of the 1990s. Sought after to this day for its nostalgia, quality photography and pivotal rookie class, the 1991 Bowman set defined a generation of collectors.

1991 LEAF STUDIO BASEBALL CARDS MOST VALUABLE

Leave a reply

The 1991 Leaf Studio Major League Baseball card set was unique in that it featured high quality photo variations printed on glossy photo stock paper instead of the traditional cardboard found in most baseball card sets from that era. While not one of the larger flagship releases of 1991, the 120 card Leaf Studio set contained several short prints and error variants that have made certain cards incredibly valuable to collectors today. Let’s take an in-depth look at some of the most valuable and sought after 1991 Leaf Studio baseball cards.

Perhaps the most iconic and valuable card from the 1991 Leaf Studio set is the Ken Griffey Jr. short print variation. Only 24 copies of the short printed Griffey card were produced, making it incredibly rare. In near mint condition, ungraded examples of the Griffey Jr. SP have sold at auction for over $20,000. What makes this card so scarce is that it features a unique close-up headshot photo of Griffey that was only used on a small run of packs early in the production process before Leaf switched to the more common full body shot for the majority of the print run. Finding one of these elusive short prints in a high grade is the holy grail for collectors of this particular set.

Another extremely valuable and difficult to find card is the error variant of Oakland A’s slugger Mark McGwire. On a small number of McGwire cards, the photo is offset significantly to the left side of the card. This subtle error was only caught on a handful of prints and makes the off-center McGwire one of the toughest chase cards from 1991 Leaf Studio. High grade examples have sold for over $10,000 at auction. Adding to its rarity, the offset photo error is sometimes hard to spot unless the card is examined closely under magnification.

Rounding out the top three most valuable 1991 Leaf Studio cards is the Frank Thomas short print variation. Like the Griffey SP, only a small run of the Frank Thomas card featured an alternate headshot photo instead of the standard full body pose. Graded gems of the Frank Thomas SP in a PSA 10 slab have recently sold for upwards of $8,000. With a print run estimated to be around the same 24 card quantity as the Griffey SP, finding one of these illusive Frank Thomas short prints today would be an incredible addition for any serious vintage baseball card collection.

Another scarce card that often trades hands for over $1,000 is the Nolan Ryan variation that features a close-up headshot instead of the standard full body portrait. Only inserted very lightly throughout the initial print run, the Nolan Ryan headshot variation is considered one of the tougher regular variants to track down from 1991 Leaf Studio.

Rounding out the most valuable cards from the set are high grade examples of the rookie cards for future Hall of Famers Chipper Jones ($800+) and Ivan Rodriguez ($600+). Finding these young star prospects in pristine PSA/BGS slabbed grades is an exciting way to add a key piece of baseball history to any collection.

While perhaps not the most visually striking design compared to the flashy Chrome and Finest sets that followed later in the 1990s, 1991 Leaf Studio holds a unique place in the hobby for its sought after production errors, scarce short prints, and star rookie cards. For the astute collector willing to hunt down high grades of these elusive variants, the financial rewards can be tremendous. Even in lower end conditions, 1990s-era Leaf Studio cards still evoke a sense of nostalgia for the photography-based designs that helped evolve the emerging sports card industry during baseball’s golden era of the late 80s and early 90s. Whether a profitable investment or enjoyable trip down memory lane, 1991 Leaf Studio remains a highly collectible release nearly 30 years later.

VALUABLE 1991 TOPPS BASEBALL CARDS

Leave a reply

The 1991 Topps baseball card set holds great nostalgia and investment potential for collectors. While not as iconic as some rookie card releases of the past, several key cards from the 1991 Topps set have gained significant value over the decades. Let’s take an in-depth look at some of the most valuable 1991 Topps baseball cards collectors should be aware of.

One of the premier rookie cards from the 1991 set is Ken Griffey Jr’s card. Widely considered one of the greatest players of all time, Griffey Jr burst onto the MLB scene in spectacular fashion in 1989. His impressive rookie campaign generated huge excitement for collectors chasing his rookie card in the upcoming 1991 Topps release. In mint condition, Griffey Jr’s 1991 Topps rookie now fetches prices well into the thousands of dollars. Getting a PSA 10 graded copy in pristine mint condition can require an investment of $10,000 or more. Even well-centered near-mint copies in the PSA 8-9 range trade hands for $500-2000 based on demand.

Also hugely coveted from 1991 Topps is Frank Thomas’ rookie card. Like Griffey Jr, Thomas established himself as one of baseball’s true elite sluggers from the early 1990s onward. His dominating play has made his rookie card one that has steadily climbed in value over the decades. A PSA 10 graded Thomas rookie can sell for $4,000-$6,000 today, with PSA 9 copies fetching $1,000-2,500 and PSA 8s in the $500 range. Even in raw near-mint to mint condition straight from the pack, pristine Frank Thomas rookies still sell for $200-400 based on centering and corners.

Two other star rookie cards from 1991 Topps with immense value are Chuck Knoblauch and Jeff Bagwell. Knoblauch was a speedy second baseman who made 4 All-Star teams in his prime for the Twins and Yankees. His star power keeps his 1991 rookie fairly sought after to this day. PSA 10 Knoblauch rookies sell for $800-1200, with PSA 9s at $300-500 and PSA 8s bringing roughly $150-250. Jeff Bagwell went on to have a Hall of Fame caliber career as a four-time All-Star and 1991 NL Rookie of the Year. In top PSA 10 condition his rookie has cracked $1500 before, with PSA 9s around $800. Both Knoblauch and Bagwell maintain collector demand due to their strong MLB performances.

Shifting gears slightly, star players netting huge contracts in the early 1990s also made for historically valuable cards in the 1991 Topps set. One example is Barry Bonds. After smashing 33 home runs in 1990 en route to a monstrous Pirates contract, collectors went nuts for Bonds’ main 1991 Topps card. In pristine PSA 10 condition it has sold for north of $1000 before. Even well-centered PSA 9 copies can fetch $500. Another contract star, Jose Canseco, also has a widely sought 1991 Topps card. Known for his mammoth home runs and big Oakland A’s deal, a PSA 10 graded Canseco from ’91 sold privately for $750. In PSA 9 trim, expect to pay around $300-400.

1991 Topps also features some hugely valuable rookie variants and parallels for superstar players. Perhaps the most prized is the Ken Griffey Jr. rookie ‘Star Rookie Replica’ parallel card, limited to only 100 copies. One reportedly sold in 2010 for over $50,000. Even regular Griffey Jr. rookie parallels like ‘Gold Shield’ and ‘Gold Label’ editions can reach $1000-3000 based on condition. Other star rookies that have sought after parallel issues include Frank Thomas with ‘Flashback’ and ‘Gold Label’ parallels reaching $1500-2500 each. Interestingly, a ‘Gold Foil’ Robin Ventura rookie parallel broke the $10,000 sales mark in 2008 despite Ventura not achieving Griffey/Thomas fame.

While 1991 Topps lacks true rookie gems of some prior years, it still holds tremendous appeal for collectors chasing the debuts of future Hall of Famers like Griffey Jr. and Thomas. Factor in other stars and highly limited parallels, and the 1991 Topps set remains filled with diamonds in the rough that could yield big profits with the test of time. For savvy collectors, carefully selecting mint examples of the above mentioned stars’ cards could prove a sound portfolio building strategy.

1991 FLEER ALL STAR BASEBALL CARDS

Leave a reply

The 1991 Fleer All Star Baseball card set was one of the most highly anticipated card releases of 1991. After losing the MLB license to Topps in 1980, Fleer spent over a decade working to establish themselves as a credible competitor in the baseball card market. Their new All Star set helped vault them back into prominence.

The set featured 108 total cards and included base cards showing All Star players from both the American League and National League. What made the 1991 edition particularly special was that it commemorated the 50th Anniversary of the MLB All Star Game. To recognize this milestone, Fleer incorporated several unique design elements and included retrospective content drawing from All Star Games of the past.

On the front of each base card, All Star players were shown in action shots within a silver border. Their team logo appeared in the bottom right corner along with the year “1991” directly above in bold red font. The set was also the first to feature foil stamped signatures on the front of each card. This lent an air of prestige and helped players truly feel like All Stars when viewing their specially signed cards.

The back of each base card contained the usual statistics and career highlights but also incorporated golden rectangles drawing attention to facts relating to All Star Games from 1941-1990. This allowed collectors a walk down memory lane as they learned about notable individual performances and team matchups from seasons past. Some franchise records and milestones from the 50 year history of the Midsummer Classic were also highlighted.

In addition to the base cards, Fleer included several memorable insert sets within the 1991 All Star release. The “50th Anniversary Team” subset featured 25 dream All Star lineups for both the AL and NL from 1941-1990. High-quality action images accompanied the player lists which read like a who’s who of baseball from each respective half-century.

Another popular insert was the “Full MVP Teams” set. Here, collectors found 16 cards honoring the AL and NL All Star Game MVP winners from 1942-1989. Not only did these spotlight each game’s most outstanding performer, they also celebrated individual accomplishments within the larger context of the All Star tradition.

Perhaps most notably, Fleer created a rare 6-card set titled “All Star Icons” paying homage to some of the signature players who had defined the midsummer exhibition over the past 50 years. Hall of Famers Ted Williams, Stan Musial, Willie Mays and more received stunning portrait close-ups within ornate golden borders rivaling their on-field greatness.

While baseball cards were generally available year-round in 1991, the All Star release coordinated with the actual All Star Game itself held that July in Toronto. This led to an initial surge in demand, excitement and subsequent sellouts as collectors raced to stock their virtual All Star rosters. Resale values remained strong throughout the years as the nostalgic commemorative aspect resonated with fans both new and old.

By delving deep into the illustrious All Star history and incorporating premium production elements, Fleer crafted a definitive collector set that would endure for decades. Their creative vision brought the larger than life All Star experience directly to card holders’ hands and desks. The positive reception showed Fleer was more than competent to stand toe to toe with industry leader Topps while keeping the baseball card tradition thriving. The 1991 release stands as one of the most complete and coveted All Star retrospectives in the modern era.

In the ensuing years, subsequent All Star issues from Fleer and competitors struggled to reach the same heights of nostalgia, extra value-added content and overall quality found in the breakout 1991 offering. It set a gold standard that served fans and collectors for generations celebratory jaunts down memory lane through the game’s greats on baseball’s biggest midsummer stage. The 50th Anniversary commemorative cards remain a treasured connection to that unforgettable All Star half-century since 1941.

1991 LEAF BASEBALL CARDS VALUES

Leave a reply

The 1991 Leaf Baseball card set is considered one of the more iconic sets from the early 1990s. While it did not have the mass production of Topps or Donruss sets at the time, Leaf cards possessed a unique aesthetic and packaging that drew collectors to the product. Now over 30 years later, certain 1991 Leaf baseball cards have increased exponentially in value, while others remain fairly affordable. Let’s take a deeper look at some of the key cards from this release and what they may be worth today.

The biggest star and most valuable card from the 1991 Leaf set is the Ken Griffey Jr. rookie card. Widely considered one of the best player cards of the modern era, Griffey’s rookie possessed stunning photography that still holds up today. With Griffey becoming a true baseball icon and member of the Hall of Fame, his 1991 Leaf RC has increased tremendously in value over the decades. In PSA 10 Gem Mint condition, this card now commands prices regularly above $10,000. Even lower graded copies in PSA 8 or 9 still trade in the thousands. It’s truly one of the elite rookie cards in the hobby.

Another extremely valuable 1991 Leaf card is the Frank Thomas rookie. Like Griffey, “The Big Hurt” went on to have a sensational career and is now in Cooperstown. His Leaf rookie often exceeds $1,000 even in lower grades. The highest quality PSA 10s have cracked $5,000 plus. It’s a very desirable rookie for collectors chasing one of the game’s greatest hitters from the 1990s. The other big rookie card is Pat Listach, who had a decent career at shortstop but didn’t sustain superstar status. Still, his Leaf RC holds value and a PSA 10 could reach $500-1000.

In addition to rookie cards, several key veteran and star player cards make the 1991 Leaf set highly collectible. The Nolan Ryan card usually sells for $50-150 across all grades due to his legend status. The Cal Ripken Jr. card also tends to command $50-100 as he was approaching consecutive games played record at the time. The Ken Griffey Sr. card has increased value now that his famous son has raised interest in his career – $30-80 range. Ozzie Smith’s defensive wizardry made his card $30-70. And the Don Mattingly card settles around $20-50 despite injuries hindering his dominance.

There are also several 1991 Leaf cards that remain very affordable alternatives even in top grades. For example, theskunk Darren Daulton rookie card can be acquired in PSA 10 for under $20. His career overlapped with the rise of popularity in Phillies baseball. The Bret Saberhagen card, featuring the 2x Cy Young winner isn’t above $15 PSA 10. And despite a 20-year career full of accolades, the Jeff Bagwell rookie only fetches around $10 in top condition. These are great 90s vintage pickups for collectors on a budget.

For team and parallel collectors, the 1991 Leaf set offers fun chase cards without breaking the bank. The Eddie Murray Dodgers card in PSA 10 sells for around $40 since he won the World Series with LA that year. The Multi-Parallel Rainbow Foil parallel cards that were one per pack add a cool retro factor for $5-15 a piece. And subsets like the Turn Back The Clock veteran cards starring Don Drysdale and others are just $3-10.

While the 1991 Leaf baseball set lacks the production volume of giants like Topps and Donruss, it has aged very well for collectors in the decades since. Key rookie cards of future Hall of Famers like Griffey and Thomas make it one of the most important modern vintage releases. But it’s also full of affordable vintage 90s cards across all levels to enjoy. For those willing to invest in top grades, several cards now rival the values of the giants from the same year. The iconic photography and designs help make 1991 Leaf a standout among vintage sets.