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.

The 1987 Topps baseball card set was the 66th series issued by Topps and featured cards of major league baseball players and managers. Some of the more notable cards from that year included:

Ryne Sandberg (#183) – The Chicago Cubs second baseman was considered one of the best all-around players in baseball in the late 1980s. His 1987 Topps card shows him fielding a ground ball, highlighting his gold glove defensive skills. That year, Sandberg would go on to win the NL MVP award, batting .297 with 19 home runs and 81 RBIs. His 1987 rookie card is one of the most valuable from the 1980s.

Ozzie Smith (#498) – Known as the “Wizard” for his flashy defensive plays at shortstop, Ozzie Smith was a staple for the St. Louis Cardinals throughout the decade. His 1987 Topps card depicts him backhanding a ground ball. At the time, Smith was regarded as the best defensive shortstop in baseball history with his patented backhand stab being his signature move. He would go on to win the 1987 NL Gold Glove Award.

Roger Clemens (#158) – The Boston Red Sox ace was establishing himself as one of the game’s most dominant pitchers. His 1987 Topps card showed him mid-windup, representative of his blistering fastball that was tops in the majors. That season, Clemens would go 24-4 with a 2.97 ERA and establish a new single season strikeout record with 291 Ks, winning the AL Cy Young and MVP awards. He was clearly the most feared pitcher in baseball at the time.

Don Mattingly (#519) – As the captain and heart of the New York Yankees, Don Mattingly was one of the most popular players in baseball during the late 1980s. His 1987 Topps card depicted him taking a big cut at the plate, highlighting his prodigious power from the left side of the plate. That season, Mattingly hit .327 with 35 home runs and 115 RBIs, winning the AL batting title and his fourth consecutive Gold Glove at first base award.

Kirby Puckett (#274) – The young Minnesota Twins centerfielder was coming into his own as a star player. His 1987 Topps card showed him diving for a sinking line drive, demonstrating his excellent range in the outfield. That year, Puckett hit .314 with 17 home runs and 94 RBIs, earning his first career All-Star selection and foreshadowing a Hall of Fame career anchored by his dynamic defensive skills and clutch hitting.

Jose Canseco (#552) – As a member of the Oakland Athletics, Canseco was just beginning to emerge as one of baseball’s most dynamic power hitters. His 1987 Topps card pictured him rounding the bases after one of his 40 home runs on the season, which set the new single season record for home runs. Canseco’s monster power swing changed the game and ushered in the steroid era. He would go on to win the 1987 AL Rookie of the Year and MVP awards.

Cal Ripken Jr. (#262) – The durable Baltimore Orioles shortstop was beginning to establish himself as the most dependable player in baseball. His 1987 Topps card showed him fielding a ground ball, exemplifying his excellent defensive instincts. Ripken was just beginning his record-setting streak of consecutive games played that would last until 1998. That 1987 season he played in all 162 games while batting .307 with 21 home runs and 84 RBIs.

Dwight Gooden (#121) – As a 22-year old phenom with the New York Mets, “Doc” Gooden possessed one of the most unhittable fastball-curveball combinations in baseball history. His 1987 Topps card captured him mid-windup, accentuating his blazing heater that year when he went 17-6 with a 2.84 ERA and 268 strikeouts. Gooden’s dominating performances helped lead the Mets to a surprise World Series appearance that year against the Minnesota Twins.

The 1987 Topps baseball card set featured some of the biggest stars and emerging talents in the game during a pivotal time for Major League Baseball. Cards like Sandberg, Smith, Clemens, Mattingly, Puckett, Canseco, Ripken and Gooden highlighted players who were not only among the best in 1987, but went on to have Hall of Fame careers and helped propel the sport to new heights in attendance and popularity during the late 1980s. For collectors and fans of the decade, the 1987 Topps set remains one of the most notable of the era.

The 1990 Topps baseball card set is considered one of the most iconic and collectible issues of all-time. Some of the notable rookies, players, and cards from the set that have stood the test of time include:

Ken Griffey Jr. Rookie Card (card #1): Widely considered the most valuable modern-era baseball card in existence, Griffey’s rookie exploded in popularity and price in the late 90s/early 2000s as his Hall of Fame career took off. PSA 10 examples now sell for well over $10,000. Even low-graded copies still fetch hundreds due to Griffey’s status as a fan favorite and one of the game’s greats. His smooth left-handed swing and effortless athleticism translated perfectly to the baseball card world.

Nolan Ryan Express Card (#160): This action shot of “The Ryan Express” wound up and delivering a fastball perfectly captured everyone’s view of the flamethrower at the time—all effortless, violent power. It’s one of the most iconic individual baseball cards ever made. Low-print run PSA 10s can sell for over $1,000 due to Ryan’s Hall of Fame career, status as the all-time strikeout leader, and this card specifically accentuating why he struck out so many.

Frank Thomas The Big Hurt (#456): Thomas’ moniker “The Big Hurt” is perfectly displayed on this card showing his hulking physique in the batter’s box. It became a defining image of the Hall of Famer’s authoritative presence. PSA 10s routinely sell for $200-400 now due to Thomas’ stellar career and this card highlighting the source of his power.

Brett Butler Steal Card (#521): This card captured Butler slithering into second base perfectly, highlighting why he was one of the game’s best basestealers. PSA 10s have sold for $300-500 recently since it’s such an iconic depiction of an underrated aspect of the game.

Roberto Alomar Rookie Card (#632): Alomar broke in with the Padres in 1988 but it wasn’t until 1990 Topps that collectors had a true Alomar rookie to chase. PSA 10s have crept up to the $1,000-1,500 range lately with Alomar’s success and 12-time All-Star selection. He was a star from the beginning.

Mark McGwire Home Run Leader (#93): McGwire smashing 49 home runs in 1987 was a sign of the impending power surge in baseball. This card highlighting his feat caught the start of the “Mark McGwire Era” and remains a iconic McGwire collectible. Higher-grade versions command $200-500.

Tom Glavine Rookie Card (#566): One of the premier pitchers of the 1990s, Glavine’s rookie is a key National League piece from the set. PSA 10s have reached $300-500 in recent years.

Ryne Sandberg (#568): Sandberg consistently delivered superb offensive and defensive play from the middle infield in the 1980s. This portrait card is iconic of the sure-handed Hall of Famer. Higher graded versions can reach $150-300 based on his legend status.

Cal Ripken Jr. (#633): Ripken was already a two-time All-Star and Rookie of the Year by 1990 but this clean-cut portrait was still early in his transition to superstardom and eventual Hall of Fame induction. It’s one of the key early Ripken chase cards from before his record-breaking consecutive games streak. Higher grades bring $100-300.

Ozzie Smith Back Flip (#422): No other baseball card perfectly captures the essence, flair and spirit of “The Wizard” quite like this action shot depicting one of his signature backflips. It’s one of the most fun, charismatic baseball cards ever. Even in lower grades, copies sell briskly for $50-150 due to the appeal.

Nolan Ryan Pitching (#138): This classic Ryan card shows him mid-windup, all intensity and violence about to be unleashed. Copies in any grade are staple parts of collections due to Ryan’s intimidating presence and legendary fastball.

The 1990 Topps set will always be remembered as a vintage issue loaded with stars, prospects, and perfectly captured baseball memories on cardboard. Decades later, these types of notable cards listed above continue increasing in prominence and price tag within the never-ending marketplace of collectible sports cards.