The 1991 Donruss baseball card set was released at the tail end of the “Junk Wax Era” of the late 1980s and early 1990s when a glut of mass-produced cards flooded the market. Despite this, the ’91 Donruss set still contained some highly coveted rookie cards and stars of the era that have retained value over the years. Here are some of the most notable and valuable cards from the 1991 Donruss baseball card collection.

Ken Griffey Jr. – At just 21 years old in 1991, Griffey Jr. was already establishing himself as one of the game’s brightest young stars. His sweet swing and Gold Glove-caliber defense in center field made him a fan favorite. Not surprisingly, his Donruss rookie card from that year is one of the key chases from the set. High grade examples in mint condition have sold for over $1,000. Even well-worn copies still fetch $50-100 due to Griffey’s enduring popularity and Hall of Fame career.

Mike Piazza – Another key rookie in the 1991 Donruss set was Piazza, who would go on to smash more home runs than any other catcher in baseball history. Piazza’s electric bat made him a perennial All-Star for over a decade. Like Griffey, Piazza’s rookie isn’t exactly expensive compared to vintage cards, but pristine copies in mint condition have sold for $500-800 due to his iconic status. More played versions can still sell for $50-150.

Nolan Ryan – Ryan may have been in the twilight of his Hall of Fame career in 1991 at age 44, but “The Express” was still blowing away batters with triple-digit heat. His ’91 Donruss is an iconic visual of one of the game’s most intimidating and statistically dominant pitchers ever. High grade Ryan rookies from his early 1970s career sell for thousands, but even his later cardboard is popular with collectors and has sold for $250-500 depending on condition.

Cal Ripken Jr. – Like Griffey and Piazza, Ripken’s 1991 Donruss is actually considered a “second year” card since he debuted in the majors in 1981. But it captures “Iron Man” at the start of his record-breaking streak of 2,632 consecutive games played. Always one of the most popular players of the 1990s, a pristine Ripken from ’91 Donruss can sell for $150-300. Most copies sell in the $25-75 range.

Roberto Alomar – Alomar burst onto the scene in 1988 and became a perennial All-Star and Gold Glover at second base throughout the 1990s for Toronto and Baltimore. His 1991 Donruss shows him in a Blue Jays uniform during the early days of his great career. Considered one of the best fielding second baseman ever, a high grade Alomar from 1991 still sells for $75-150 due to his on-field excellence and popularity in the hobby.

Tom Glavine – Glavine won his first Cy Young Award with the Atlanta Braves in 1991 and went on to rack up over 300 career victories primarily with the Braves and Mets. His Donruss rookie from that season is a key baseball card for fans of the dominant Atlanta teams and pitchers of the era. Near mint to mint Glavine rookies can sell in the $50-100 range.

Dennis Martinez – A pioneer as one of the first prominent Latino starting pitchers in the major leagues, Martinez’s ’91 Donruss shows him in a Expos uniform before he later enjoyed success with other franchises. The graceful right-hander won 245 games over his 23-year career and is beloved among collectors for breaking barriers. High grade Martinez cards from ’91 Donruss sell in the $30-75 range.

Eric Davis – After two All-Star seasons for the Reds and a monster 1990 MVP-caliber year, injuries slowed Davis’s career in later years. But his 1991 Donruss captures him during a still-dominant point in his career with Cincinnati when he seemed destined for the Hall of Fame. Even played versions may sell for $10-30 due to his fleeting peak of excellence in the late 1980s and early 1990s.

These represent some of the most notable and historically significant players featured in the 1991 Donruss baseball card set that seem to retain value with collectors decades later due to performance, popularity, and the special rookie or “action shot” nature of the specific cards. While victims of the junk wax era like many early 1990s releases, the ’91 Donruss set still contains cards that attract attention from investors and enthusiasts of the players and era. With the popularity of the hobby surging again of late, these cards may continue to climb modestly in value over time.