Tag Archives: 1991

HOW MANY CARDS IN 1991 FLEER BASEBALL SET

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The 1991 Fleer set was notable because it marked the return of Fleer to producing official MLB licensed cards after a one year absence. Sets produced without an MLB license in previous years, such as the 1990 Score set, were unable to use player names on the cards. So collectors were excited to see Fleer back with photographer approved images and players’ proper names listed.

The base card design for the 1991 Fleer set showed the primary player image on a light gray background with their name, team, and position listed underneath. The rear of the cards featured individual player stats from the 1990 season. There were 669 total base cards, with one card dedicated to each player on a MLB team’s roster as of opening day 1991.

In addition to the base cards, there were several specialty subsets included. There were 42 rookie cards featuring first year players like Jeff Bagwell. There was also a 9 card Franchise Famous Feats subset highlighting iconic moments in baseball history, such as Hank Aaron’s 715th home run. Fan Favorites was a 50 card subset voted on by readers of The Sporting News to showcase some of the most popular players among fans.

Fleer also debuted two new autograph subsets in 1991. A 10 card autographed rookie subset included signed cards of rookie stars like Chuck Knoblauch. There were also 11 total autographed cards obtained from various Fleer signings that featured signed cards of veterans and stars of the day like Nolan Ryan. These autographed inserts helped drive interest in the set from collectors.

The design and subsets in the 1991 Fleer set helped make it a fan favorite among the many issues released that year. The 780 total cards matched the high water mark that some of the larger sets had achieved. And collectors were happy to see baseball’s tradition of a new Fleer offering continue after a one year lapse. The player images, full names and individually customized backend stats also allowed this set to achieve the level of authenticity that collectors had come to expect from the premier manufacturers like Fleer and Topps.

While some individual cards have gained higher values in the secondary market due to certain players’ careers, overall the 1991 Fleer set remains an affordable and fan-pleasing issue for collectors of all levels today. It marked the return of one of the great names in the hobby at a time when interest in the baseball card market was intensifying. Fleer’s first post-licensing set helped solidify them once again as a leader in the industry and a preferred brand for both established and new collectors getting involved in the pastime of amassing complete baseball card sets from the early 1990’s era.

WHAT BASEBALL CARDS ARE WORTH MONEY IN 1991

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The baseball card market was very strong in the early 1990s, coming off a peak in the late 1980s. Many rookies and stars from the late 80s were still hot commodities in 1991. One of the most sought after cards from 1991 is the Ken Griffey Jr. rookie card. Griffey was already one of the game’s brightest young stars in 1991 and his rookie cards commanded a high price. In near mint condition, Griffey’s 1989 Upper Deck rookie card was selling for around $100-150 in 1991. By today’s standards that isn’t a huge amount, but for a 2 year old card at that time it was significant. Griffey’s tremendous talent and popularity ensured his rookie would retain value and appreciate over the long run.

Another top rookie card from 1991 was Frank Thomas’ 1989 Bowman card. “The Big Hurt” was coming off an outstanding 1990 season that saw him finish 2nd in MVP voting and he seemed poised for stardom. Thomas’ 1989 Bowman rookie card could be acquired for around $50-75 in mint condition in 1991. Both Griffey and Thomas went on to Hall of Fame careers and their early rookie cards from the late 80s proved to be among the best long term investments from that era.

Veteran star cards were also highly sought after in 1991. One of the most valuable veteran cards was the 1952 Topps Mickey Mantle card. Widely considered one of the most iconic cards of all time, the ’52 Mantle was still selling for an astonishing $1,000-1,500 in mint condition in 1991. Mantle’s career and status as a true legend ensured the demand for this classic card remained incredibly strong. Other all-time greats like Ted Williams, Babe Ruth, Willie Mays, and Hank Aaron from the 1950s also commanded 4-figure prices in the early 90s.

Rookie cards of up and coming young stars from the late 80s continued to gain value going into 1991 as well. Will Clark’s 1986 Fleer update rookie was selling for $75-100. Ken Griffey Sr.’s 1973 Topps rookie brought $50-75. Mark McGwire’s 1986 Topps rookie held at $40-60. Bret Saberhagen’s 1984 Fleer rookie maintained a $30-50 price tag. All were considered strong long term holds at those 1991 price points.

Vintage cards remained very collectible and held value too. Mantle and Mays’ rookie cards from 1952 Bowman carried estimates of $500-800 in 1991. Cards of other 1950s stars like Robin Roberts, Duke Snider, Early Wynn, and Del Ennis brought $30-50 bucks. The vintage appeal and condition challenges of the 1950s issues added significant scarcity value.

Rookies and young stars from 1990 were also just entering their prime collecting years. Some rising talents included Barry Bonds, Tom Glavine, Gregg Maddux, and David Justice. Their rookie cards from either 1988, 1989, or 1990 were starting to climb in price. Bonds’ 1986 Topps rookie and Glavine’s 1987 Donruss rookie could be acquired for $15-25 leading up to 1991. Maddux’s 1986 Fleer Update RC landed around $12-18 while Justice’s 1990 Score RC held at $8-12. All represented strong long term prospects at those affordable early 90s values.

One other factor driving considerable baseball card speculation and demand in 1991 were the various sets released around the turn of the decade by Upper Deck and Score. Players featured on popular ’89 Upper Deck cards like Nolan Ryan, Ozzie Smith, and Roger Clemens found renewed collector interest. Their cards regained or maintained substantial value going into ’91 compared to similar stars without UD exposure. This highlighted growing collector recognition of the premium modern sets as blue chip long term holdings.

The red hot collector market of the late 1980s carried strong momentum into 1991. Veteran stars of the 50s, emerging talents of the late 80s, and rookies from the modern start of the 90s all represented sound investments. Condition remained key to realizing full potential prices. But across the board, demand was high and baseball cards proved to be growing appreciating assets for collectors on the cusp of the forthcoming 1990s boom. Wise speculators who purchased and held top names from 1991 would reap huge rewards in the following decades.

WHAT 1991 BASEBALL CARDS ARE VALUABLE

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The 1991 baseball card set featured some very iconic and valuable rookie cards that are highly sought after by collectors today. One of the most notable rookies from the 1991 set is Frank Thomas’ rookie card. Frank Thomas went on to have an outstanding Hall of Fame career where he smashed 521 home runs and had an incredible .301 batting average. Due to his career accomplishments and being a true “star” of the 1990s, his rookie card remains one of the most valuable cards from the 1991 set. In near mint condition, his rookie currently sells for around $150-$200. Another very valuable rookie card is Chuck Knoblauch’s rookie, which has gained popularity in recent years. Knoblauch made 4 All-Star appearances in his career and was a member of the 1991 World Series winning Twins. His rookie card isn’t as expensive as Thomas’ but still fetches $30-50 in near mint condition.

Some big name veterans from the 1991 set that have valuable cards include Ken Griffey Jr., Nolan Ryan, Cal Ripken Jr., and Kirby Puckett. Griffey was already well on his way to superstardom in 1991 and his cards from that year sell very well. His base card in near mint condition goes for around $15-25 while rare insert and parallel versions can sell for over $100. Nolan Ryan, even at age 44 in 1991, was still dominating batters and his cards remain popular with collectors. His 1991 base card sells in the $10-15 range. Cal Ripken Jr. was capturing national attention in 1991 for his consecutive game streak and his base card sells for about $8-12. Kirby Puckett had just led the Twins to a World Series title in 1991 and proved to be a huge fan favorite, thus his base card sells in the $8-10 range. As star-studded players who built amazing careers, the rookie and star cards from these big names hold significant value in the collector market.

Somekey inserts and parallel cards from the 1991 baseball card set that are worth noting include the Opening Day subset, Desert Shield parallels, and Stadium Club insert set. The Opening Day subset featured image variation cards that are highly desired by collectors. In near mint condition, the Opening Day Frank Thomas and Griffey Jr. cards can fetch $30-50. There were also Desert Shield patriotic parallels printed in 1991 that featured special desert camouflage borders. The rare Desert Shield parallels of stars like Thomas, Griffey, Ripken, and Puckett are quite valuable, with some selling for over $100. The Stadium Club insert set featured beautiful glossy photo cards that were inserted randomly in wax packs. Mint condition rookies of Thomas, Knoblauch, and Griffey from this insert set command prices of $75-100+. With the insert sets adding rarity and dynamic photography, these cards bump up the value significantly compared to the base cards.

The 1991 Topps baseball card set remains a very collectible vintage release. While the base cards are very affordable lots, it features valuable rookie cards of future Hall of Famers like Frank Thomas and Chuck Knoblauch that hold value due to their careers achievements. Insert sets and parallel cards add more rarity and desireability by collectors when stars like Griffey Jr., Ripken, Puckett and Ryan are featured. For a set that is over 30 years old, 1991 Topps has aged extremely well from an investment standpoint. With the top rookies and stars continuing to gain in long term value, the 1991 Topps baseball set offers collectors a great opportunity to hold pieces of baseball history in their collections that will likely appreciate over time.

ARE THERE ANY 1991 BASEBALL CARDS WORTH MONEY

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The 1991 baseball card season featured rookie cards of future Hall of Famers like Chipper Jones and Craig Biggio. It was also the final year for Topps’ iconic design that had been used since the late 1980s. While there aren’t any ultra-high value cards from 1991, there are a handful that could be worth a decent amount of money depending on the grade and condition of the specific card. Let’s take a closer look at some of the top 1991 baseball cards that have retained value or increased in value over the past 30+ years:

Ken Griffey Jr. Rookie Card (Upper Deck #1) – Griffey’s legendary rookie card from Upper Deck is considered one of the best and most iconic of all time. Even though it’s not quite on the level of Mickey Mantle or Mike Trout rookie cards, graded gem mint PSA 10 copies have sold for over $10,000 in recent years. Most raw or lower grade copies in good condition can still fetch $100-300. Griffey was one of the biggest stars of the 1990s and his rookie remains highly desirable for collectors.

Chipper Jones Rookie Card (Fleer #91) – As a future first ballot Hall of Famer, Chipper Jones cards from his rookie season in 1991 have gained value over time. His base rookie card from Fleer isn’t overly rare but PSA 10 examples have reached over $1,000. Most raw or lower graded copies in good condition tend to sell in the $50-200 range depending on buyer interest. As Chipper’s status continues to grow after retirement, his rookie could see further appreciation.

Craig Biggio Rookie Card (Bowman #76) – Biggio made his MLB debut late in the 1988 season but 1991 Bowman featured his true rookie card. PSA 10 specimens have hit around $1,000 as well given Biggio’s Hall of Fame enshrinement. His rookie isn’t the most iconic but remains a key PC card for Astros and Biggio collectors that can still be acquired for $50-200 depending on condition.

Tom Glavine Rookie Card (Donruss #91) – While not his true rookie season (that came in 1987), 1991 Donruss featured Glavine’s first prominent rookie card after winning the NL Cy Young Award in 1991. Now a Hall of Famer, PSA 10 copies have reached $500-600. Most raw or lower grade copies in VG-EX condition can be found for $30-100.

Frank Thomas Rookie Card (Bowman #78) – Considered one of the finest all-around hitters of the 1990s, Thomas’ Bowman RC has retained value thanks to his huge accomplishments and Hall of Fame career. PSA 10 specimens have hit $400-500. Lower grades or raw copies usually sell in the $50-200 range depending on condition.

David Justice Rookie Card (Score #573) – As a two-time World Series champ with the Braves, Justice had decent career numbers that have kept collector interest in his 1991 Score rookie card. Higher graded PSA 10 copies have reached $300-400. Most raw or lower grade copies sell for under $50.

Greg Maddux Rookie Card (Fleer #232) – Maddux established himself as one of the best pitchers ever during the 1990s and is now in the Hall of Fame. His vintage rookie from Fleer doesn’t pop up too often. A PSA 10 example could Command $300-400, with raw or lower grade copies available for under $50 usually.

Bobby Bonilla Rookie Card (Donruss #24) – Bonilla was a known name during the late 1980s and early 90s thanks to big numbers with the Mets and Pirates. His Donruss RC has remained one of the more affordable vintage rookie cards from 1991. PSA 10 copies have sold around $150-200. Raw or lower grade cards are easily found for under $20.

Other notable 1991 rookie cards that could have value depending on grade include Terry Pendleton (Fleer), Randy Johnson (Bowman), Chuck Knoblauch (Fleer), Mark McGwire (Fleer), Paul Molitor (Donruss), and Bernie Williams (Fleer). Series 2 cards like Moises Alou and Mark Gardner also exist. Beyond rookies, key stars from 1991 like Nolan Ryan (Donruss), Cal Ripken Jr. (Fleer), Kirby Puckett (Fleer), and Roger Clemens (Score) have retained collector interest as well.

While the 1991 baseball card market isn’t white hot like the record-breaking sales from recent years, there are still several cards from the season that can be worthwhile long-term investments – especially if acquired and preserved in pristine mint condition. The rookie cards of future Hall of Famers like Griffey, Jones, Biggio, and Thomas are always good bets to appreciate over decades as their legends grow. With patience and a discerning eye, astute collectors can still find opportunities to profit in the cardboard from 30 years ago.

WHAT ARE THE MOST VALUABLE UPPER DECK BASEBALL CARDS FROM 1991

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One of the most valuable cards from the 1991 Upper Deck set is the Ken Griffey Jr. rookie card. Griffey Jr. went on to have an outstanding career and is considered one of the greatest players of all time. His rookie card is one of the most iconic and sought after in the entire hobby. In a PSA 10 gem mint condition, Griffey Jr.’s rookie currently sells for over $10,000 and has reached as high as $22,000 in auctions. Even in lower grades of PSA 8 or 9, it still fetches thousands. This is because Griffey was such a talented, exciting young player who really took the league by storm in his rookie year in 1989.

Another extremely valuable 1991 Upper Deck card is the Frank Thomas rookie card. Like Griffey, Thomas had one of the best and most productive careers of any player in the 1990s. He won two MVP awards and racked up over 500 home runs and 1,500 RBI in his career. In pristine mint condition, a PSA 10 graded Frank Thomas rookie has sold for around $7,000-$9,000. But even in lower grades, it commands $2,000 or more because collectors appreciate his dominance during the 1990s as one of baseball’s premier sluggers. Thomas was just starting to break out in 1991, making his first rookie card in high demand for collectors of him.

Two other notable rookies worth big money from the 1991 Upper Deck set are Chipper Jones and Brad Ausmus. Chipper Jones went on to have a Hall of Fame career with the Atlanta Braves and is considered one of the greatest third basemen ever. A PSA 10 Chipper Jones rookie can sell for $4,000-$6,000. Meanwhile, catcher Brad Ausmus did not have the career production of the others, but he was nonetheless a key rookie in 1991 who played in the league for 18 years. In top grades like a PSA 9, his rookie has sold for $800-$1,000, showing the demand even for lessheralded players’ first cards.

In addition to popular rookies, 1991 Upper Deck also featured valuable cards of veteran superstars. One of the most significant veteran cards is the Nolan Ryan Express card, depicting him in mid-windup for the Texas Rangers. With his express train nickname and the capturing of his epic fastball, this Ryan issue sells for $2,000-$3,000 in high grades like PSA 9-10. The Ken Griffey Sr. and Roberto Alomar cards are also coveted by collectors for their subject’s talents and tend to sell in the $500-$1000 range in top condition. Stars like Cal Ripken Jr., Ryne Sandberg, and Tony Gwynn routinely demand $200-$500 even in lower grades from collectors wanting cards of these Hall of Famers.

Two inserts from 1991 Upper Deck that consistently sell for $1,000 or more are the Turkey Red parallel set and Draft Picks special issue cards. The parallel Turkey Red cards were printed on ultra-thick card stock and featured similar but subtly contrasting designs from the base set. Specific Turkey Red singles of sought-after players like Griffey Jr. and Frank Thomas tend to attract bids over $1,000 when pristine. Likewise, the Draft Picks insert set highlighting stars directly out of high school like B.J. Surhoff and Darren Daulton bring similar prices in top condition due to their rarity and subject matter highlighting the UD set’s theme of talented young future pros.

While it featured many valuable stars and rookies, 1991 Upper Deck had a special allure and proved hugely influential as one of the earliest modern mass-produced baseball sets upon release. This is evident given how well its cards have held value and appreciation over the decades since. Whether owing to rookie cards of soon-to-be superstars, inserts highlighting young talent, or depictions of seasoned vets, the 1991 Upper Deck release contained many individual cards that can be considered true collector’s gems worth well over $1,000 in high grades to this day.

WHAT 1991 UPPER DECK BASEBALL CARDS ARE WORTH MONEY

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The 1991 Upper Deck baseball card set is considered one of the most iconic and valuable sets in the modern era of collecting. There are several highly sought after rookie and star player cards from this set that can be worth significant money if in pristine near-mint or gem mint condition. Let’s take a closer look at some of the top cards that fetch higher prices from enthusiasts and investors.

One of the most valuable and famous cards from the 1991 Upper Deck set is the Ken Griffey Jr. rookie card. Widely considered one of the best player cards of all-time, the Griffey Jr. rookie was the true star of the 1991 set and has maintained its value extremely well over the past 30 years. PSA 10 graded versions of this card in flawless mint condition have sold for tens of thousands of dollars, with one example achieving over $100,000 at auction in recent years. Even lower graded PSA 8 or 9 copies can sell for thousands. This rookie debuted “The Kid” in all his promise and remains one of the most desirable cards for collectors even today.

Another huge star player in the 1991 Upper Deck set is Mark McGwire. His rookie card from this release is also extraordinarily valuable, especially in high grades. PSA 10 McGwire rookies have crossed the $10,000 threshold at auction before. Like Griffey, there was immense excitement around McGwire’s rookie season and home run chasing abilities that make this one of his definitive early player cards. Even in lower PSA 7 or 8 condition, a McGwire 1991 Upper Deck rookie can still net over $1,000 due to strong demand. No collection of high-end 1990s cards is complete without one of these in the binder.

In addition to star rookie cards, the 1991 Upper Deck set also featured valuable veteran and HOF player cards that are tops on enthusiast want lists. For example, the Frank Thomas “The Big Hurt” card from this set earns top dollar – a PSA 10 version recently sold for over $5,000. Other powerful sluggers like the Mark McGwire and Will Clark base cards can fetch $300-500 each in high grade as well. And for Hall of Famers like Nolan Ryan, Tom Glavine, Wade Boggs, or Kirby Puckett – their ’91 UD issue in pristine condition will sell for $200-300 range each. Even Kenny Lofton and David Justice rookie cards can get over $100 PSA 10.

The 1991 Upper Deck set introduced serially numbered parallel “Gold” parallel subsets that are extremely collectible nowadays. Highlights from this short print Gold parallel run include the Griffey Jr. (#150/175), McGwire (#93/175), Chuck Knoblauch rookie (#120/175) and Juan Gonzalez rookie (#60/175). Graded mint PSA 10 examples have sold for $2,000 up to almost $10,000 for the prized Griffey Jr. Gold. These parallel cards mark some of the earliest insert sets in the modern market and only served to make the 1991 Upper Deck product line even more sought after and historically important.

The 1991 Upper Deck baseball card set revolutionized the entire industry and its highly coveted rookie cards of future Hall of Famers like Griffey Jr. and McGwire have kept interest and demand high even decades later. The combination star power, rookie debuts, HOFers, and innovative parallel subsets in this 900+ card masterpiece make it a veritable gold mine of valuable hit cards for savvy collectors and investors. With rarer graded mint versions of cards like the Griffey Jr. rookie holding incredible sums at auction, the 1991 Upper Deck set stands tall as one of the most collectible issues of the modern era. Its legendary status is only matched by the immense prices its finest conditioned examples continue to achieve.

The 1991 Upper Deck baseball cards like the Ken Griffey Jr, Mark McGwire, Frank Thomas, Nolan Ryan and others rookies and stars mentioned above are consistently some of the highest value and most sought after cards from the entire set when found in top PSA 10 and sometimes PSA 9 condition. They represent the best talent from that year and have proven to retain and increase their worth to an unmatched degree among hobbyists and investors. The combination of star power debuts, historic significance, and finite high quality supplies make these some of the most memorable money cards in the sport for collectors to pursue.

WHAT 1991 TOPPS STADIUM CLUB BASEBALL CARDS ARE WORTH MONEY

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The Ken Griffey Jr. rookie card is usually considered the most valuable card from the 1991 Topps Stadium Club set. Griffey was already one of the brightest young stars in baseball when he debuted in this set. His graceful style of play and prolific home run hitting made him extremely popular with fans. The Griffey rookie is one of the most iconic and sought-after cards in the entire hobby. In pristine mint condition, it can sell for over $1000. Even well-worn near-mint copies often trade hands for several hundred dollars. Griffey went on to have a legendary career and is considered one of the greatest players of all time, making his rookie card a must-have for serious collectors.

Chipper Jones debuted as rookie in the 1991 set and his card also garners significant interest, although not quite on the level of Griffey. Jones had a long and decorated 19-year career spent entirely with the Atlanta Braves, winning the 1999 National League MVP award. He was an 8-time All-Star and helped the Braves win the 1995 World Series. High-grade versions of his rookie card can sell for $200-300 given his elite playing career and the fact that he is now a first-ballot Hall of Famer. Even in played condition, it is worth $50-100 due to his status as a true legend of the game.

Dennis Martinez of the Montreal Expos made history on July 28, 1991 by throwing the 13th perfect game in major league history against the Los Angeles Dodgers. His perfect game card from this set can sell for $150-250 depending on condition, as it captures one of the rarest individual feats in baseball. Any card marking a significant milestone or record performance increase in value substantially. His performance has become part of baseball lore and the card is an important piece of memorabilia for any collector.

Tom Glavine, who was just starting his Hall of Fame career with the Atlanta Braves, has a reasonably valuable rookie card in this set worth $50-100 even in played condition. Glavine went on to win 305 career games, two Cy Young Awards, and help the Braves win the 1995 World Series. He was known for his pinpoint control and deceiving changeup, making him a fan favorite for years. With a prestigious 22-year career capped by his Hall of Fame induction in 2014, his rookie card remains a key piece for team and player collectors.

Ken Griffey Jr., Chipper Jones, Dennis Martinez, and Tom Glavine represent some of the best long-term investments a collector could make from this vintage set. These were future Hall of Famers, award winners, or record-setters who performed at an elite level for many years. Their rookie cards will always be in demand as a result. Of course, there are plenty of other stars featured who could increase in value like Terry Pendleton, Chuck Knoblauch, or Jeff Bagwell. High-grade examples of rookies, stars, and cards marking milestones from proven superstars will be the 1991 Topps Stadium Club cards that hold value best long-term. For the casual collector, even played copies of Griffey, Jones, and others will hold nominal value just due to their career achievements and fame in the game.

The 1991 Topps Stadium Club set features many future Hall of Famers and impact players at the start of their careers. Rookie cards like Ken Griffey Jr., Chipper Jones, and others will almost certainly increase in value as their players’ legends are cemented further with time. Other factors like perfect games, milestones and postseason heroics can elevate certain cards substantially too. For collectors and investors, focusing on high-quality versions of the elite talents like Griffey, Jones, Martinez and Glavine represent the safest long-term investments to retain and increase value over decades. This set truly captured lightning in a bottle by presenting so many all-time great careers right at their outset and will continue to be coveted by collectors accordingly.

WHAT 1991 BASEBALL CARDS ARE WORTH THE MOST

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The 1991 Topps baseball card set is considered one of the most valuable sets from the late 1980s-early 1990s period. Several factors contributed to certain 1991 cards achieving high values over the years, including significant player accomplishments after being rookie cards as well as short printing of select players which drove scarcity. Let’s take a closer look at some of the most valuable 1991 baseball cards based on PSA 10 gem mint grades and recent sales data:

The clear standout card from the 1991 Topps set in terms of value is the Ken Griffey Jr. rookie card. Widely considered one of the most iconic rookie cards of all time, Griffey would go on to have a Hall of Fame career while capturing the popularity of a new generation of baseball fans. The rarity of high grade Griffey rookies also fuels the demand, as BGS/PSA 9s routinely sell for over $1,000 and the elusive PSA 10 grade carries estimates upwards of $10,000. Another rookie card that has grown exponentially in value is Chipper Jones, who had a 19 year career entirely with the Atlanta Braves that culminated with a Hall of Fame induction. High grade 1991 Chipper Jones rookies now eclipse the $2,000 mark as one of the elite third baseman cards from the 1990s.

Staying in Atlanta, the 1991 Tom Glavine rookie card is a highly sought after piece from the set for collectors of Braves stars from that era championship teams. Graded examples have sold between $500-1000 despite Glavine not having the flashy offensive stats of Griffey or Chipper. Another pitcher who breaks the $500 mark is Dennis Eckersley’s card, buoyed by his dominant seasons as both a starter and Hall of Fame closer. Eckersley’s is a unique case of a star player with value derived mostly from his late career renaissance rather than being a true rookie card. Rounding out the $500+ club from 1991 Topps is Bryce Harper’s ultra-short printed rookie card, which was just the 3rd year of issue for Topps Update Series but exploded in value after Harper’s early superstardom.

Staying in the triple digit range, elite shortstop/third baseman Wade Boggs maintains strong demand because of his consistency and career batting title record. High grades of his 1991 card hit the $300-400 range. Another consistent performer,Craig Biggio also commands $200-300 for top conditioned examples of his rookie due to his 3,000 hit career and versatility around the diamond. Mark McGwire’s monster home run chasing season with the Athletics in ’87 made his 1991 rookie extremely popular before performance enhancing drug controversies hurt its value slightly from the $200-300 peaks. Lastly, the ’91Topps card of fan favorite Ken Caminiti routinely closes for $150-$200 in top condition as one of the most visually appealing rookie designs from the set.

The 1991 Topps baseball set remains a highly investable vintage release due to star players like Griffey, Chipper and Glavine emerging as future Hall of Famers. Short prints and low population gems of these rookies continue appreciating over time. Established veterans like Boggs, Eckersley and Biggio maintained strong followings that transferred to solid card values. While PSA 10 examples of the true blue chip ’91 rookies are out of reach for most collectors, there are still plenty of affordable graded gems around $100-500 from this iconic release that can form the foundation of a successful long term collection.

HOW MUCH IS 1991 TOPPS BASEBALL CARDS WORTH

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The 1991 Topps baseball card set is a very popular and valuable set from the junk wax era of the late 1980s and early 1990s. Although production numbers were high for cards from this time period, there are still some extremely valuable rookie cards and stars cards that command a high price from collectors.

One of the most well-known and valuable cards from the 1991 Topps set is the Ken Griffey Jr. rookie card. Widely considered one of the best rookie cards of all time, the Griffey Jr. card is the true star of the entire 1991 set in terms of value. In mint condition, pristinely centered copies of this card in a Gem Mint 10 grade regularly sell for thousands of dollars, with $2,000-$5,000 being a common range. Well-centered near-mint to mint copies in grades 8-9 still easily fetch $500-$1,000 each as well. Even heavily played copies in Poor grade sell for $100 or more due to the card’s legendary status.

Other valuable rookie cards from 1991 Topps include Eric Karros, Darren Daulton, and Chuck Knoblauch. High-grade copies of these rookies can reach values of $50-150 each depending on condition, with the Karros and Daulton having more demand than Knoblauch generally. Less heralded rookie cards of players like Mark Gardner, Darrin Fletcher, and Ron Gant command prices of $10-30 each for graded mint copies as well.

In addition to rookies, there are also plenty of star player cards that hold value from 1991 Topps. A highlight is the Nolan Ryan card, with a mint PSA 10 version selling in the $400 range. Other powerhouse cards like the Cal Ripken Jr., Kirby Puckett, Jose Canseco, and Frank Thomas command $50-150 each in top grades as well. The Sandy Koufax card, which was the last official issue of the pitching great, also fetches $50-100 in high grades due to its significance.

Continuing down the rung of star players, quality copies of cards featuring Mark McGwire, Barry Bonds, Roger Clemens, Don Mattingly, and Ozzie Smith can reach prices of $25-75 each, depending on the individual player’s popularity and the specific card’s condition grading. Even role players from successful teams like the Twins or A’s rookie stars teams have found robust collector interest in recent years.

There are also oddball short prints and die-cut variants sprinkled throughout the base 1991 Topps set that cause collector excitement. The Frank Thomas “Captain Crunch” cereal box style short print is particularly hot, valued at $75-150 in pristine condition. An ungraded copy still fetches $30-50 each. The Greg Jefferies and Mark Portugal die-cuts also command $30-75 each for grades 8-10 pieces.

When it comes to grading and conditions affecting the price of 1991 Topps cards, there is no question that higher grades yield higher values. A Near Mint to Mint 8 grade typically will see a card valued at 60-80% the price of a PSA 10 Gem Mint. By the time condition drops to a PSA 6 Very Good or lower, prices drop considerably, often by half or more compared to a mid-grade 8-9 version. Centering also plays a key role – cards that are off-center significantly may grade lower and sell for less than a perfectly centered counterpart.

While production numbers make most 1991 Topps base cards only valuable in higher grades today, there are still plenty of popular stars, rookies, and rare variants that maintain excitement among collectors and enable strong prices consistently. The Ken Griffey Jr. rookie leads the way, but the set as a whole performs well due to the combinations of star power, historical significance, and condition rarity of high mint grades surviving 30 years later. This ensures the 1991 Topps set will continue to be popular with collectors and investors for many years to come.

WHAT 1991 TOPPS BASEBALL CARDS ARE WORTH MONEY

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The 1991 Topps baseball card set is considered one of the most valuable issues from the early 1990s. While not all cards from the set command huge prices, there are several notable rookie cards and stars from that season that can net a nice return for collectors if in high grades. Let’s take a closer look at some of the top 1991 Topps cards that hold significant value:

Ken Griffey Jr. (#113) – Widely considered one of the best baseball cards of all-time, Griffey’s rookie is the crown jewel of the 1991 set. In pristine mint condition, a PSA 10 Griffey rookie has sold for over $100,000. But even well-centered examples in lower graded (7-9) bring in thousands. This iconic card is so sought after because Griffey was one of the most exciting young players of his era and went on to have a Hall of Fame career.

Chipper Jones (#114) – As one of the best third basemen in baseball history, Chipper Jones’ rookie card is highly valued as well. PSA 10’s have sold in the $20,000 range in recent years. Like Griffey, this is a true star’s first card that remains highly collectible and desirable. A Jones rookie in good condition can still fetch $500+.

Tom Glavine (#230) – The smooth lefty became a pitching legend and 2-time Cy Young winner. His rookie card stands out in the set as well. Pristine PSA 10’s have cracked $10,000, with most graded 7-9 examples in the $200-500 range depending on centering and corners.

Greg Maddux (#251) – Widely considered one of the best pitchers ever, Maddux’ rookie is highly coveted too. PSA 10’s have closed for over $8,000, with most others grading 7-9 bringing a few hundred dollars still.

Frank Thomas (#437) – “The Big Hurt” had one of the most dominating offensive careers ever for a first baseman. His rookie is highly sought after as well, with PSA 10’s commanding $2,000-3,000 and most others still fetching $100+ in decent shape.

Cecil Fielder (#476) – Though his career was short-lived, Fielder blasted 51 homers in 1990 to lead the league, making his rookie very desirable. A PSA 10 has sold for over $1,500, with most others above a 7 bringing $100-300 based on condition.

Dennis Martinez (#503) – A solid pitcher who threw a perfect game later in his career, Martinez’ rookie is an affordable option for collectors. PSA 10’s have reached $800, with most in the 7-9 range selling in the $50-150 range.

Edgar Martinez (#529) – The legendary Seattle DH had one of the sweetest strokes ever. His rookie is reasonably priced, with PSA 10’s still under $1,000 and most others $50-250 depending on centering and corners.

Roberto Alomar (#557) – One of the best second baseman ever, Roberto’s card remains popular. A 10 has exceeded $1,000, with most others still $100-300 based on condition.

Others to watch for that could still return solid value include rookies of Mo Vaughn, Andrew Jones, Mike Piazza, and Darren Daulton. Key stars like Cal Ripken Jr., Kirby Puckett, Barry Bonds, Mark McGwire, and Nolan Ryan command higher prices as well from collectors seeking pop culture icons.

Overall condition is extremely important when valuing 1991 Topps cards both raw or graded. As the cards have aged 30 years now, finding high-grade specimens with tight centering, sharp corners and no creases/blemishes is challenging. But those that maintain their quality have shown strong resilience in the marketplace. The star power and rookie cards featured make this one of the best vintage sets to target if chasing cards from the early 1990s era and beyond. Plenty exist in lower grades too at affordable levels for most collectors just seeking player copies to complete their want lists. But the crown jewels of the 1991 Topps set centered around Griffey, Jones, Glavine, Maddux and others will always remain elite investments from the peak of the original baseball card boom years.

While not every 1991 Topps card holds huge monetary value, there are certainly notable cards from star players and top rookies that have proven to retain strong collector demand and appreciation overtime. For those first Topps issues of future Hall of Famers like Griffey, Glavine, Maddux and others, the 1991 set serves as an iconic capsule of the transition from the 1980s boom to modern collecting era. So whether looking to complete a childhood collection or invest in vintage commodities, the 1991 Topps release deserves a close look from any serious baseball card trader or investor.