The 1991 Topps Baseball set includes 792 base cards. It was produced in a period of high print runs, yet several cards have retained or gained value due to player legacy, rarity in high grades, or specific production errors. The set’s design includes white borders, team logos, and player photos bordered by colorful nameplates. Key attributes driving value include PSA 10 population scarcity, Hall of Fame status, rookie designation, and unique printing anomalies.
Why Are Some 1991 Topps Cards Valuable?
Cards from this set hold value primarily due to grading scarcity and player significance. PSA 10 graded versions of some cards are difficult to find due to centering issues and print defects common in early 1990s production. Value is not derived from scarcity of print but scarcity in pristine condition. Hall of Famers and award winners dominate the list of valuable entries.
1. Chipper Jones Rookie Card #333 – PSA 10: $200
The Chipper Jones rookie card sells for about $200 in PSA 10 condition and shows his rookie designation prominently. This card features Jones in his Atlanta Braves uniform at the plate. The border exhibits mild yellowing in many raw copies but high grade examples maintain crisp color and sharp corners. Collectors prize the rookies of Hall of Famers and Jones cemented his status with a stellar career.
This card’s centering issues during printing mean a PSA 10 is rare. The face is well centered vertically while the edges meet sharp focus standards. The parallel Tiffany version is much rarer and often fetches significantly higher prices due to condition stability.
2. Nolan Ryan #1 – PSA 10: $120
Nolan Ryan card number one in the set fetches around $120 in PSA 10 grade. The portrait shows Ryan in his Astros cap with bold signature-themed design. Many base set cards of this era wear edge whitening from pack insertion but high grade examples preserve full gloss. The card honors his career milestones with dynamic layout.
Centering is the toughest aspect for grading this card. Off center but crisp edges can still achieve mid grades but a gem mint is uncommon. Demand remains strong among vintage hobbyists because of Ryan’s legendary fastball and career strikeout records.
3. Ken Griffey Jr. #790 – PSA 10: $110
The Ken Griffey Jr. card is valued near $110 in PSA 10 format and highlights his iconic swing image. The glossy photo captures Griffey mid-swing with clear detail of his bat and batting gloves. Centering challenges make PSA 10 versions sought after. Griffey’s youthful energy in the photo reflects his impact on early 1990s baseball culture.
Print lines sometimes run through the nameplate area causing grading deductions. Collectors examine the photo edges and name clarity when assessing condition. The card remains a staple in any collection focused on superstar rookies and MLB memorabilia.
4. Frank Thomas #79 – PSA 10: $90
Frank Thomas card number seventy nine sells around $90 in perfect condition. The card shows him in an early career pose at the plate. Many raw copies show minor surface wear under the photo but graded examples retain high gloss. Thomas’s Hall of Fame credentials backed by MVP seasons boost collector interest.
Gloss retention and corner sharpness play a large role in determining PSA grade. Minor print imperfections near the team logo can affect evaluation. The card holds significance as it captures his rise before his dominant professional years.
5. Cal Ripken Jr. #150 – PSA 10: $80
Cal Ripken Jr. card number one hundred fifty is priced near $80 in gem mint condition. The image shows him fielding at shortstop wearing the Orioles uniform. The white borders on this set often exhibit slight discoloration but the best examples retain original brightness. Ripken’s streak and Hall of Fame status maintain steady demand.
Graders pay close attention to corner edges as minor duress from carton packs can compromise mint status. Surface gloss is also inspected for age-related wear. This card represents one of his most collected standard issues.
6. Bo Jackson #600 – PSA 10: $85
Bo Jackson card number six hundred fetches around $85 for a PSA 10 copy. The photo captures his baseball batting stance despite his shared two-sport fame. The high gloss surface and rich color contrast make it visually appealing. Raw cards often have slight print banding along the edges.
Jackson’s dual NFL and MLB career add desirability to his baseball cards. The card is reviewed closely for centering and edge wear. It remains a highlight in crossover sports collections.
7. George Brett #540 – PSA 10: $70
George Brett card number five forty sells for around $70 in top grade. The portrait captures his batting posture with sharp uniform detail. Gloss is typically preserved in high grade versions despite the aging cardstock. Brett’s Hall of Fame legacy draws collectors even from decades after printing.
Border whiteness is often a concern for grading. Slight yellowing or corner bumps reduce value significantly. The card continues to hold relevance among those who value consistency in player performance.
8. Rickey Henderson #670 – PSA 10: $65
Rickey Henderson card number six seventy is valued near $65 in gem mint PSA. The image emphasizes his leadoff stance and dynamic movement. Surface clarity is typically strong. Minor centering flaws often prevent many raw copies from achieving PSA 10.
Collectors focus on Henderson’s stolen base record when evaluating this card. Sharp corners and unblemished edges improve grade potential. It remains essential in collections themed around speed and baserunning legends.
9. Barry Bonds #570 – PSA 10: $60
Barry Bonds card number five seventy commands around $60 for a PSA 10 copy. The frame shows Bonds in a batting motion with modern design for that time. Gloss retention and sharp borders drive grading outcomes. Minor surface specks reduce raw card quality.
Collectors view this card as part of Bonds’s early career legacy before his peak power years. Centering precision plays a major role in evaluating gem mint status. The card remains relevant despite ongoing debates around Bonds.
10. Tony Gwynn #180 – PSA 10: $55
Tony Gwynn card number one eighty is priced near $55 in PSA 10 grade. The image shows him at the plate with sunlight highlighting his batting stance. Gloss is typically well preserved in high grade copies. Minor print indents under the team logo can detract from raw condition.
Collectors appreciate Gwynn’s reputation as a contact hitter with multiple batting titles. Condition quality depends on edge sharpness and original gloss. This card remains a staple in careful modern-era collections.
11. Mark McGwire #270 – PSA 10: $60
Mark McGwire card number two seventy has an estimated PSA 10 value of $60. It features a clean action photo of McGwire mid-swing, representing his power-hitting years before his record-breaking seasons. While the card is common in raw condition, PSA 10 versions are less frequent due to centering problems and print defects.
Collectors focus on this card as a midpoint between his early career and his peak. It reflects the consistent design of the 1991 Topps set and carries historical relevance for fans tracking the evolution of power hitters through the 1990s.
12. Greg Maddux #35 – PSA 10: $55
Greg Maddux card number thirty five sells for about $55 in PSA 10. It captures him in a pitching pose during his early years with the Cubs. The image showcases his classic delivery, and collectors value this card for documenting the foundation of one of the best pitching careers in MLB history.
Though not a rookie, this card is important for those collecting Hall of Fame pitchers. Common issues include top border centering and slight print misalignment. The card remains significant in any pitching-focused collection.
13. Roger Clemens #530 – PSA 10: $50
Roger Clemens card number five thirty trades around $50 in PSA 10 condition. The design shows Clemens in the middle of his delivery, wearing the Red Sox uniform. The card reflects his presence as a dominant figure in early 1990s pitching.
Grading difficulties often stem from print lines across the sky backdrop. This card is frequently part of collections that track Clemens’ complex legacy, blending award success with controversy.
14. Sammy Sosa #210 – PSA 10: $50
Sammy Sosa card number two ten holds a PSA 10 value of about $50. It features him early in his career with the White Sox. The pose shows Sosa in mid-throw from the outfield, capturing his athleticism before his transition into a power hitter.
Collectors consider this an essential early card despite it not being a rookie. Common flaws include poor centering and slightly rough cuts on the top edge. It’s often revisited in the context of Sosa’s role in the home run race of the late 1990s.
15. Jose Canseco #700 – PSA 10: $45
Jose Canseco card number seven hundred sells for approximately $45 in PSA 10 grade. The image features him in a batting stance, showcasing his power-hitter identity during the peak of his career. The nameplate’s vivid coloring and clear team branding increase the card’s visual appeal.
Collectors with a focus on late 80s and early 90s sluggers prioritize this card. Raw versions often exhibit surface scratches from handling. In top condition, it’s a consistent piece in home run-focused card collections.
16. Ozzie Smith #510 – PSA 10: $45
Ozzie Smith card number five ten holds a value around $45 in perfect condition. The image shows Smith preparing for a throw, symbolizing his defensive excellence. The card maintains the signature design elements of the 1991 Topps series with a focus on action shots.
The condition is frequently impacted by slight surface marks and off-center alignment. As one of the top shortstops in MLB history, his cards consistently attract attention from position-specific collectors.
17. Wade Boggs #380 – PSA 10: $40
Wade Boggs card number three eighty is valued at about $40 in PSA 10. It captures Boggs at the plate with his signature focused expression. The card’s design highlights his consistent batting approach and career achievements.
Centering and edge wear are common issues for this release. It’s often collected as part of Hall of Fame position player sets, especially those built around high batting averages and OBP figures.
18. Ryne Sandberg #410 – PSA 10: $40
Ryne Sandberg card number four ten sells for around $40 in gem mint condition. The image shows Sandberg fielding, reflecting his Gold Glove defensive skills. The card is a staple in collections of second basemen or Cubs greats.
Grading challenges include subtle surface wear and inconsistent corner cuts. Despite its high population, collectors still seek PSA 10 copies due to Sandberg’s consistent popularity.
19. Robin Yount #300 – PSA 10: $40
Robin Yount card number three hundred carries a PSA 10 value near $40. It features a photo of Yount swinging with focused composure, highlighting the longevity of his career. The card’s clean design allows for easy grading when well preserved.
This is one of Yount’s later cards, making it more collectible for those building Hall of Fame timelines. Flaws often include bottom edge roughness and slightly dull corners.
20. Kirby Puckett #450 – PSA 10: $40
Kirby Puckett card number four fifty sells for about $40 in PSA 10. The card captures Puckett in mid-swing, conveying his aggressive batting style. It has strong appeal due to his role in the Twins’ World Series campaigns and consistent All-Star appearances.
Surface quality is usually solid, but grading hinges on exact centering and border clarity. This card is commonly featured in player-focused collections from the American League Central era.
21. Dennis Eckersley #460 – PSA 10: $40
Dennis Eckersley card number four sixty holds a market value of approximately $40 in PSA 10 condition. The card displays Eckersley in mid-delivery, emphasizing his transition from starter to dominant closer. His unique pitching role adds historical value.
Condition issues typically involve soft top corners and occasional color bleeding in the team label. This card is especially popular among collectors who focus on specialized pitching roles or postseason standouts.
22. Don Mattingly #100 – PSA 10: $40
Don Mattingly card number one hundred sells for around $40 in top condition. The image shows Mattingly at the plate, consistent with his disciplined and contact-heavy style. Despite not being a Hall of Famer, Mattingly cards remain consistently desirable.
Common grading issues include slight off-centering and edge nicks, especially along the top edge. The card holds steady demand among Yankees collectors and fans of 1980s baseball stars.
23. Dave Winfield #280 – PSA 10: $35
Dave Winfield card number two eighty trades around $35 when graded PSA 10. The portrait captures him in motion, reflecting his athletic background and long-standing outfield success. The card balances classic layout with a bold, in-game photo.
Graders often reject cards for faint surface lines or top edge micro-fraying. Winfield’s legacy and multi-sport talent add value, especially among collectors who track players across multiple franchises.
24. Harold Baines #90 – PSA 10: $35
Harold Baines card number ninety sells for approximately $35 in PSA 10. It presents Baines preparing to swing with a focused stance. The card remains popular following his controversial Hall of Fame induction.
Centering consistency and color clarity determine grading success. The card is commonly sought by White Sox collectors and those who focus on designated hitters and long-career players.
25. Barry Larkin #510 – PSA 10: $35
Barry Larkin card number five ten is priced at around $35 in PSA 10 grade. The photo shows Larkin in a fielding stance, reflecting his role as a defensive leader for the Reds. His MVP season and postseason performances support the card’s continued interest.
Collectors evaluate surface gloss and corner uniformity closely on this card. It remains a strong component in shortstop-themed collections and Hall of Fame sets from the 1990s.
26. Paul Molitor #330 – PSA 10: $35
Paul Molitor card number three thirty commands a price near $35 in gem mint condition. The image portrays Molitor mid-swing, a reference to his long and consistent batting performance. The card has a clean, uncluttered look that favors grading.
Condition issues include bottom edge fuzziness and slight printing shifts. Molitor’s versatility and post-playing managerial role maintain consistent demand for his base cards.
27. Alan Trammell #220 – PSA 10: $35
Alan Trammell card number two twenty carries a PSA 10 value around $35. The image captures his infield presence during pre-pitch setup. This card is appreciated among collectors who follow defensive excellence and team loyalty.
Graders check for minor ink flares in the corner graphics and top edge wear. The card is popular in Tigers-themed sets and builds centered on career longevity.
28. Andre Dawson #160 – PSA 10: $35
Andre Dawson card number one sixty is valued at about $35 in PSA 10 condition. The card features Dawson in a batting pose during his late-career tenure. His MVP award and multiple Gold Gloves bolster interest in high-grade copies.
The card often suffers from faint print lines near the helmet area. Still, it remains an integral part of collections based on Hall of Fame outfielders or the Montreal Expos’ legacy.
29. Dale Murphy #620 – PSA 10: $35
Dale Murphy card number six twenty sells for around $35 in gem mint condition. The photo shows Murphy in mid-swing with a focused look. Though not a Hall of Famer, Murphy’s two MVP seasons keep his memorabilia relevant.
Grading depends heavily on corner sharpness and nameplate alignment. The card appeals to collectors of 1980s superstars and Braves history.
30. Joe Carter #360 – PSA 10: $35
Joe Carter card number three sixty fetches roughly $35 in PSA 10 condition. The card captures Carter in a calm stance at the plate, predating his 1993 World Series home run. Though not widely collected early on, his late-career highlights sustain interest.
Surface consistency and side edge smoothness influence PSA evaluations. The card is frequently included in postseason-themed sets and collections focused on clutch performances.
31. Carlton Fisk #370 – PSA 10: $35
Carlton Fisk card number three seventy holds a market value of about $35 in PSA 10 condition. The card shows Fisk in his catching gear, representing one of the most durable players at his position. This image reflects the gritty and seasoned stage of his career with the White Sox.
Edge chipping and minor centering issues are typical in raw examples. Despite his long tenure starting in the 1970s, cards from the 1991 set still carry value due to nostalgia and consistent collector interest.
32. Robin Ventura #110 – PSA 10: $35
Robin Ventura card number one ten trades at roughly $35 when perfectly graded. The photo shows Ventura in the field with smooth posture, reflecting his potential as a key infielder. Though not a Hall of Famer, Ventura remained a relevant player and later served as a major league manager.
Condition sensitivity is highest around the top border and corners. This card finds appeal in collections focused on early 1990s prospects and players with post-career visibility.
33. John Smoltz #150 (All-Star) – PSA 10: $35
John Smoltz’s 1991 All-Star card, numbered one fifty, sells for around $35 in PSA 10 condition. This variation card highlights his selection to the National League team, with a distinctive All-Star design layout. Smoltz would later become one of the few pitchers with major success as both a starter and reliever.
Collectors pursue both base and All-Star variants for completeness. The glossy finish and centered portrait are difficult to preserve without minor flaking or surface scratches.
34. Tony Fernandez #350 – PSA 10: $35
Tony Fernandez card number three fifty carries a value near $35 in PSA 10 grade. The card depicts Fernandez mid-fielding, representing his precision and agility as a shortstop. Though not a household name, Fernandez had a strong career and was known for his defense and consistency.
Print alignment and surface marks are the main concerns for grading. The card appeals to team collectors and those focused on underappreciated defensive specialists.
35. Bobby Bonilla #200 – PSA 10: $35
Bobby Bonilla card number two hundred holds steady around $35 when in PSA 10. The card shows him with a bat resting on his shoulder in a relaxed stance. Bonilla had strong years in the late ’80s and early ’90s, though his legacy is often humorously tied to his deferred Mets contract.
Despite his popularity, PSA 10 copies are not overly common due to color misregistration and lower print quality in some runs. The card’s cultural resonance keeps it circulating among collectors.
36. Bret Saberhagen #250 – PSA 10: $30
Bret Saberhagen card number two fifty typically sells for $30 in PSA 10. It shows him mid-windup, wearing a Royals uniform. A two-time Cy Young winner, Saberhagen’s card serves as a reminder of peak performance periods during an otherwise inconsistent career.
Print issues, especially in background gradients, complicate PSA assessments. The card remains a niche favorite among Royals collectors and pitching aficionados.
37. Dwight Gooden #460 – PSA 10: $30
Dwight Gooden card number four sixty is priced around $30 in PSA 10 condition. The image presents Gooden in a calm moment, reflecting a shift from his explosive mid-’80s seasons. While his performance declined, his early dominance still supports collector interest.
Raw cards often suffer from edge wear and light fading around the jersey detail. It’s a consistent presence in Mets-focused builds or sets featuring Cy Young winners.
38. Ellis Burks #170 – PSA 10: $30
Ellis Burks card number one seventy sells for approximately $30 when graded gem mint. It shows Burks batting, highlighting his offensive capabilities. Though not a superstar, he had several productive seasons, especially in Colorado.
Collectors seek flawless surface clarity and uniform edge cuts. This card remains modestly valued but collectible among those who follow solid all-around players of the 1990s.
39. Eric Davis #240 – PSA 10: $30
Eric Davis card number two forty carries a PSA 10 value of about $30. The card shows Davis in mid-run, illustrating his combination of speed and power. Though injuries impacted his career trajectory, he remains a favorite in Reds history.
Typical grading problems involve top edge inconsistencies and corner softness. It’s a nostalgic inclusion in collections highlighting multi-tool players or late ’80s standouts.
40. Kevin Appier #305 – PSA 10: $30
Kevin Appier card number three hundred five trades near $30 in PSA 10. The card depicts Appier pitching for the Royals during his early seasons. While not a Hall of Famer, Appier had a reliable career and was a core piece of Kansas City’s rotation in the 1990s.
Grading is impacted by slightly fuzzy edges and lower contrast in some prints. His card is regularly found in pitching-themed sets and regional Kansas City collections.
41. Rafael Palmeiro #340 – PSA 10: $30
Rafael Palmeiro card number three forty is valued around $30 in PSA 10 condition. The card captures Palmeiro in a smooth swing, reflecting his role as a consistent power hitter during the 1990s. Despite controversy surrounding his career’s end, Palmeiro’s offensive stats remain impressive.
PSA 10 examples are impacted by minor centering flaws and occasional gloss loss. His inclusion in any power-hitter-focused collection is expected, especially given his multiple 100-RBI seasons and high career hit total.
42. Dave Stewart #370 (All-Star) – PSA 10: $30
Dave Stewart’s All-Star card number three seventy is priced at approximately $30 in gem mint grade. The card design differs from base issues and shows Stewart following through on a pitch. He was one of the dominant postseason pitchers of his era.
Grading is often compromised by surface print marks in the darker photo background. Stewart’s value in hobby circles stems from his consistent October success and leadership role in championship teams.
43. Will Clark #430 – PSA 10: $30
Will Clark card number four thirty carries a market value of about $30 when perfectly graded. The image shows him in his batting stance, with an intense look that reflects his competitiveness. Clark was a central figure for the Giants throughout the late 1980s and early 1990s.
The card’s surface gloss and corner sharpness are key grading factors. Clark remains a hobby favorite due to his leadership role and standout postseason performances.
44. Howard Johnson #290 – PSA 10: $30
Howard Johnson card number two ninety sells around $30 in PSA 10. The card shows Johnson mid-swing, with a focus on his offensive production. A member of the Mets’ 1986 championship team, Johnson later became a consistent power-speed contributor.
Condition sensitivity includes print alignment issues and subtle border dings. His presence in early 1990s card sets adds depth to position-specific or Mets-centric collections.
45. Jack McDowell #500 – PSA 10: $30
Jack McDowell card number five hundred trades near $30 in PSA 10 condition. It features him mid-delivery, capturing the focus that led to his 1993 AL Cy Young win. This card represents the early stages of his peak pitching years.
Graders frequently spot light fading near the photo’s upper corners. Despite limited long-term fame, McDowell’s strong mid-career run sustains interest in his cards among pitching enthusiasts.
46. David Justice #150 (All-Star) – PSA 10: $30
David Justice’s All-Star card number one fifty holds a PSA 10 value of around $30. It shows Justice following through on a powerful swing, symbolizing his rising status in MLB at the time. As a Rookie of the Year winner and consistent contributor, Justice attracted wide hobby interest.
Print line inconsistencies and centering issues affect grading. Collectors of early 1990s Braves or rising stars from that era often seek this version.
47. Fred McGriff #420 – PSA 10: $30
Fred McGriff card number four twenty is priced around $30 in PSA 10 condition. The photo captures McGriff in a strong batting posture, reflecting his power and consistency. His induction into the Hall of Fame boosted interest in previously undervalued cards.
Common flaws include top edge softness and gloss fade. The card is frequently added to slugger-themed collections or sets featuring consistent RBI producers.
48. Tom Glavine #220 – PSA 10: $30
Tom Glavine card number two twenty carries a value of about $30 when graded PSA 10. The image shows him in full delivery, emphasizing his control and poise. Glavine would become a cornerstone of the Braves’ pitching staff throughout the decade.
Surface finish and centering are the key challenges in grading. His card remains central to collections based on Hall of Fame pitchers or Braves’ postseason dominance.
49. Kevin Mitchell #190 – PSA 10: $30
Kevin Mitchell card number one ninety holds a value of roughly $30 in gem mint grade. It shows Mitchell at bat during his tenure with the Giants, shortly after his 1989 MVP season. Despite a short peak, his offensive numbers stood out during his prime.
Grading issues include corner rounding and minor print specks on the team logo. The card appeals to fans of 1980s power hitters and National League MVPs.
50. Ron Gant #390 – PSA 10: $30
Ron Gant card number three ninety closes the list with a PSA 10 value near $30. It features him batting in a wide stance, reflecting his power-speed combo. Gant had consecutive 30–30 seasons, making his card popular during the era.
Raw cards often suffer from slight left-right centering shifts. This card is regularly included in Braves collections and sets emphasizing athletic versatility.