13 Vintage Baseball Cards That Are Worth a Fortune
Did you collect baseball cards in high school? You could be in luck. Like cassette tapes, vinyl records, and old board games, some vintage baseball cards offer collectors the chance to cash in on rare, sought-after pieces of memorabilia. In particular, cards that feature iconic players or are in mint condition have sold for millions of dollars. From Mickey Mantle to Babe Ruth, here are 13 baseball cards that are worth a small fortune today.
1. 1952 Topps Mickey Mantle
Considered the most iconic and rare baseball card of the post-war era, this card sold for a staggering $12.6 million at an auction in 2022. Its value stems from Mantle’s legendary career coupled with the card’s limited production run. The 1952 Topps set was also the first to feature color photos, making it a visual standout. As a rare card from Mantle’s early years, it has long been considered the “Holy Grail” for collectors and baseball enthusiasts.
2. 1914 Babe Ruth Baltimore News
With fewer than 10 known copies in existence, this card is considered ultra rare and valuable. It captures Ruth before he became a legend with the New York Yankees, during his time as a minor leaguer with the Baltimore Orioles. In 1914, it sold for a whopping $7.2 million, making it one of the most expensive baseball cards in history.
3. 2009 Mike Trout Bowman Chrome Draft Prospects Superfractor Autograph 1/1
Considered a modern marvel, this autographed Mike Trout card sold for a cool $3.94 million at auction. As the only one of its kind ever produced, the card stands out among contemporary collectibles as a unique item. Trout’s dominance in the league coupled with the card’s rarity make it one of the most sought-after items in the modern sports card market.
4. 1933 Babe Ruth Goudey Sport Kings #2
Babe Ruth’s 1933 Goudey card has fetched over $1.2 million at auction. The baseball legend’s lasting impact on the game and his iconic career make this card a must-have for die-hard fans. Collectors also value it for capturing Ruth’s cheeky smile and larger-than-life persona. Copies are selling for an insane range on eBay, going from high thousands to over $82,000.
5. 1909-11 Eddie Plank T206
This card’s value stems from its rarity due to printing issues that caused many to be destroyed. With only a few copies left in circulation, collectors are eager to own this piece of history, with one selling for $850,000 at auction. The card is considered a super rare and valuable find for those who want to own a relic of baseball’s early days.
6. 1909 Shoeless Joe Jackson American Caramel
Though Joe Jackson’s career is forever marked by the Black Sox Scandal, where eight players were accused of intentionally losing the World Series, his reputation as one of the best hitters in baseball remains intact. This card, which features one of the earliest images of Jackson, only adds to its appeal. It sold for $667,189 and remains a coveted piece among collectors.
Fun fact: Jackson gained his nickname after he took off his brand new cleats during a game because they were giving him blisters.
7. 1909 Sherry Magee T206 Error
This Sherry Magee “Magie” card is famous for its misspelling. Though corrected prints are more common, the incorrect version of the cards are more sought after, leading to a recent sale of $660,000. The rare printing mistake has made it one of the most coveted cards among collectors and fans of the sport.
8. 1933 Lou Gehrig Goudey #160
Lou Gehrig, known as the “Iron Horse,” is featured in this famous and acclaimed 1933 Goudey set. His legacy as one of the greatest first basemen and his tragic battle with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) all served to enhance the card’s sentimental and monetary value. A pristine version of this card has fetched nearly $600,000 at auction.
9. 1948 Jackie Robinson Leaf RC #79
This card, which commemorates Jackie Robinson’s groundbreaking rookie season, is considered historically significant and highly valuable for collectors. As the first African American player to break the MLB’s color barrier, Robinson’s card is in high demand due to its cultural legacy. In 2022, it sold for over $468,000 at auction.
10. 1954 Topps Hank Aaron Rookie
Hank Aaron’s rookie card is worth up to $358,000, especially in mint condition. Known as the “Home Run King,” Aaron’s impact on the sport is noteworthy. After breaking Babe Ruth’s home run record, Aaron went on to cement his name as one of the sport’s all-time greats. The card’s vibrant design coupled with Aaron’s legacy help drive up its value.
11. 1955 Roberto Clemente Topps Rookie
Roberto Clemente’s rookie card is cherished not only for his legendary baseball career, but also for his humanitarian efforts. His tragic death in a plane crash while delivering aid in Puerto Rico only increased the card’s significance, with copies selling for over $100,000 on eBay. Clemente’s card embodies a player and philanthropist who excelled both on and off the field.
12. 1963 Pete Rose Topps Rookie
Pete Rose’s rookie card captures the beginning of MLB’s all-time hits leader. Despite his controversial lifetime ban from the Hall of Fame due to gambling, collectors covet this card for its unique historical background. A mint condition version has sold for $717,000 at auction, while copies on eBay are going for anywhere from several thousand to a whopping $2 million.
13. 1909 Honus Wagner T206
As one of the most famous and valuable baseball card in existence, the Honus Wagner T206 card has achieved legendary status. Only a few dozen are known to exist due to Wagner’s refusal to have his likeness used for tobacco advertising. In 2022, a version of the card sold for a record-breaking $7.25 million in a private sale.