One of the most valuable rookie cards from the 1991 Donruss set is the Ken Griffey Jr. rookie card. Griffey was one of the biggest young stars to enter Major League Baseball in the late 80s and early 90s. His sweet left-handed swing and game-changing defense in center field made him a fan favorite. The Griffey Jr. rookie card is particularly sought after in high grades of mint condition like NM-MT 7 or GM-MT 8. In top condition, the Griffey Jr. rookie has sold for over $2,000. Even in well-worn condition around fair or good, the card still holds value nearing $100 due to Griffey’s legendary career and status as a fan favorite.
Another extremely valuable rookie card from the 1991 Donruss set is the Chipper Jones rookie. Like Griffey, Chipper emerged as a young superstar for the Atlanta Braves franchise in the 1990s. He was an 8x All-Star, won the 1999 NL MVP award, and helped lead the Braves to a World Series title in 1995. In pristine near mint to mint condition, the Chipper Jones rookie card can sell for over $1,000. More commonly, ones in decent used condition will sell for $100-200 range. Chipper had a first-ballot Hall of Fame career at third base, cementing his rookie card as a highly sought after piece for any serious baseball card collection.
In terms of star veterans from 1991 Donruss, few hold value like the Nolan Ryan card. Ryan was a living legend in 1991 at age 44, holding the all-time record for career strikeouts. His presence and dominance on the mound influenced generations of baseball fans. The Nolan Ryan card is one of the most iconic in the entire Donruss set. High grades in the NM-MT 7 to GM-MT 8 range have sold for over $500 before. Even in well-loved condition around fair-good, the Ryan will still sell in the $50-100 range. He was simply one of the most entertaining and renowned pitchers to ever play.
Another active veteran star with a valuable 1991 Donruss card is Roger Clemens. In 1991, Clemens was in his prime winning years with the Boston Red Sox and on his way to a record 7 Cy Young Awards. The “Rocket” was establishing himself as one of the most feared pitchers in MLB history. His card carries value even today, with near mint and better grades reaching $100-200. Well-worn copies still hold $20-50 in value for collectors due to Clemens’ phenomenal accomplishments on the mound throughout his 24 year career. He went on to also play for the Toronto Blue Jays, New York Yankees, and Houston Astros en route to a Hall of Fame induction.
In addition to rookies and active stars, 1991 Donruss cards for legendary players whose careers ended prior also hold great nostalgic value. A prime example is the Hank Aaron card from that year’s set. Aaron sadly passed away in January 2022, but his impact and records as MLB’s all-time home run king have cemented his legacy forever. High grades of the Aaron card in near-mint to mint can sell for hundreds, nearing $500 in rare cases. But even common well-loved copies still carry $50-100 in value. Aaron was a hero and trailblazer who showcased sheer determination in the face of racism to accomplish what many thought impossible.
Some other key 1991 Donruss baseball cards holding value include rookies like Tom Glavine, Mike Piazza, and Chuck Knoblauch. Star veterans like Cal Ripken Jr., Wade Boggs, Ozzie Smith command respect. And legends like Willie Mays, Roberto Clemente and Johnny Bench bring nostalgia. The 1991 Donruss set contained marquee names and future Hall of Famers that resonate to this day. In the hands of savvy collectors, desirable copies in pristine condition can appreciate nicely decades later. But even well-played versions still retain meaningful value for nostalgic baseball fans and investors.
The 1991 Donruss baseball card set featured rookies, veterans and legends that all shape what the hobby cherishes decades later. Keys like the Griffey Jr., Chipper Jones and Nolan Ryan rookies coupled with stars of Clemens and Ripken maintain strong buyer demand. But legendary names like Aaron, Clemente and Bench also hold cache. For the astute collector, valuable versions in top grades represent sound holdings. But even well-loved common copies retain worthwhile value to commemorate baseball history. The 1991 Donruss set holds a special place among collectors, with many cards today still trading hands steadily.
