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About This Card
The 1991 Fleer Dave Smith #517 card captures the Houston Astros closer during a pivotal era of MLB history, offering collectors a tangible piece of 1990s baseball nostalgia.
Dave Smith
1991 • Fleer
Major League Baseball • Houston Astros
Seller Offer
1 available$0.99
Active-Listing Market: $1.50
Updated 2 days ago34% below
Condition
Excellent
Card Number
517
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Primary Seller
New
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30-day ReturnsMarket & Price History
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30-day Price History
Raw / Ungraded
eBay Active Listings · Asking Prices evidence · captured Nov 12, 2026
Product Overview
Description
The 1991 Fleer Dave Smith #517 card stands as a definitive snapshot of the Houston Astros during the early 1990s, representing one of the most recognizable designs in sports card history. Dave Smith, known for his reliability on the mound, is featured on card number 517, serving as a key identifier for collectors seeking to complete their roster of vintage Houston Astros memorabilia. For investors and hobbyists alike, the 1991 Fleer release holds a permanent place in the collective memory of the hobby. The brand’s approach to player photography and typography set a standard that influenced subsequent years, making this card a staple in any serious collection of 1990s baseball. Whether you are focused on team-specific sets or broader league-wide projects, the #517 designation provides a clear reference point for cataloging and trading. The enduring appeal of this product lies in its accessibility and historical context. As the market for vintage sports cards continues to mature, items from the early 90s remain highly sought after for their nostalgic value and relative affordability compared to earlier decades. This card allows collectors to engage with a specific moment in Dave Smith’s career and the Houston Astros’ franchise history without the premium associated with earlier, scarcer issues. It represents a bridge between the classic design sensibilities of the past and the modern collecting habits of today, making it a versatile addition to any shelf. ## What makes the 1991 Fleer set distinct in baseball card history? This shift in design language helped establish Fleer as a major competitor in the market and influenced the look of trading cards for the rest of the decade. ## Is the 1991 Fleer Dave Smith #517 card a rookie card? No, this card is not a rookie card. Dave Smith debuted in Major League Baseball earlier than 1991, so this issue represents a standard base card from the middle of his career rather than his first professional appearance. ## How can collectors verify the authenticity of vintage Fleer cards? Collectors typically verify authenticity by examining the card’s physical characteristics, such as the paper stock, ink density, and border alignment, against known genuine examples. For high-value items, third-party grading services can provide encapsulation and certification, though for standard 1991 issues, visual inspection and reputable sourcing are often sufficient.
Last Listing Activity
11/1/26
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Product Specs
Card Details
The catalog profile below summarizes the card identity, featured subject, and notable collectible traits.
Featured Subject
The subject, team, league, and sport context tied to this card.
Print Details
Production details and format-specific attributes.
Material
Card Stock
Language
English
Available Offers
Available Offer for This Card (1)
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Featured Offer
New
Condition
Excellent
Seller PriceShipping Extra
$0.99
Collector Ownership
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SuperCatch Expert Analysis
Market Value Insight
This 1991 Fleer Dave Smith card represents a standard base issue with no special attributes, placing it at the entry-level price tier for the player's collection. As a non-premium insert or parallel, it trades significantly below the value of any rookie or autographed counterparts featuring the same athlete. The current pricing reflects its status as a common commodity within the broader Fleer baseball set landscape.
Rarity Breakdown
The card lacks any scarcity mechanics such as serial numbering, short-print designation, or parallel finishes, meaning it shares identical supply characteristics with the base set. Without limited edition constraints or unique production runs, the supply is determined solely by the original print volume of the standard issue. This absence of rarity factors results in high availability relative to more specialized variants in the same product line.
Investment Outlook
As a standard base card rather than a rookie issue or high-end parallel, this item offers minimal appreciation potential driven by scarcity mechanics. Collector demand is likely limited to those completing specific set breaks or seeking affordable entry points into the 1991 Fleer product. The lack of special attributes means it relies entirely on general market interest in the brand rather than unique collector incentives.
AI-Generated Editorial Analysis
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes the 1991 Fleer set distinct in baseball card history?
This shift in design language helped establish Fleer as a major competitor in the market and influenced the look of trading cards for the rest of the decade.
Is the 1991 Fleer Dave Smith #517 card a rookie card?
No, this card is not a rookie card. Dave Smith debuted in Major League Baseball earlier than 1991, so this issue represents a standard base card from the middle of his career rather than his first professional appearance.
How can collectors verify the authenticity of vintage Fleer cards?
Collectors typically verify authenticity by examining the card’s physical characteristics, such as the paper stock, ink density, and border alignment, against known genuine examples. For high-value items, third-party grading services can provide encapsulation and certification, though for standard 1991 issues, visual inspection and reputable sourcing are often sufficient.
