HomeTop List30 Most Valuable Baseball Cards of All Time

30 Most Valuable Baseball Cards of All Time

What is your opinion towards baseball cards? Do you think they are worth the money?

First introduced to the public in the mid-1960s, baseball cards were not mass-produced until the 1980s.

It was around the same time the price for these tiny cards skyrocketed.

The piece of cardboard is now worth millions. The cards printed in the late 80s and early 90s have maximum value today.

Let’s check them out one at a time.

Quick Overview

Name of Cards Value
30. 1914 Cracker Jack Joe Jackson $200,000
29. 1939 Play Ball 92 Ted Williams $200,000
28. 1933 Goudey 106 Napoleon Lajoie $264,000
27. 1952 Topps Eddie Mathews $270,000
26. 1911 Turkey Red Cabinets Ty Cobb $300,000
25. 1933 Lou Gehrig Goudey $300,000
24. 1932 Babe Ruth U.S. Caramel $300,000
23. 1902-1911 Ty Cobb W600 Sporting Life Cabinets $300,000
22. 1909-11 Ty Cobb T206 White Border Bat Off Shoulder $315,000
21. 1948 Leaf 79 Jackie Robinson $350,000
20. 1933 Sport Kings 2 Babe Ruth $400,000
19. 1948 Leaf 8 Satchel Paige $432,000
18. 1915 Cracker Jack 30 Ty Cobb $504,000
17. 1910 Shoeless Joe Jackson Old Mill $600,000
16. 1968 Jerry Koosman/ Nolan Ryan Topps $660,000
15. 1909 Sherry Magee T206 Error $680,000
14. 1909 Shoeless Joe Jackson American Caramel $719,000
13. 1909 T206 Eddie Plank $850,000
12. 1963 Topps 537 Pete Rose $900,000
11. 1952 Topps 312 Jackie Robinson $960,000
10. 1969 Reggie Jackson Topps RC 260 $1 Million
9. 1955 Roberto Clemente Topps RC 164 $1.1 Million
8. 1909-11  T206 Ty Cobb Back $1.1 Million
7. 1951 Bowman Mickey Mantle $1.4 Million
6. 1916 (M101-5) Sporting News Babe Ruth Rookie Card $3.3 Million
5. 2009 Bowman Chrome Mike Trout Superfactor Autograph $3.9 Million
4. 1933 Goudey 53 Babe Ruth $4.2 Million
3. 1952 Mickey Mantle Topps $5.2 Million
2. 1914 Babe Ruth Baltimore News $6 Million
1. 1909-11 T206 White Border Honus Wagner $6.6 Million

Most Valuable Baseball Cards

All the information and details has been compiled from the trusted sites including Wikipedia, New York Post, and Forbes.

30. 1914 Cracker Jack Joe Jackson

The 1914 Cracker Jack Joe Jackson has a staggering value of $200,000.

You may find similarities between the two cards of Cracker Jack Joe 1914 and 1915 as they both look identical.

1914 Cracker Jack Joe Jackson Valuable Baseball Card
1914 Cracker Jack Joe Jackson Baseball Card (Sources: Goldin Auctions)

Cracker Jack Joe 1914 was packed inside the box of candy, and when the temperature rose, the contents became stickier and more hazardous to the trading cards enclosed with the sweet and gooey treats.

29. 1939 Play Ball 92 Ted Williams

1939 Play Ball 92 Ted Williams card with PSA 9 grading will cost you around $200,000.

Ted Williams is regarded as one of the best hitters of all time.

1939 Play Ball 92 Ted Williams Valuable Baseball Card
1939 Play Ball 92 Ted Williams Baseball Card (Sources: PSA)

He has one of the best carriers in baseball, with home runs challenging Ruth’s record.

However, this black and white card of Ted Williams is one of the best and most highly-priced rookie cards of all time. It is quite impossible to find his genuine rookie card in good condition.

28. 1933 Goudey 106 Napoleon Lajoie

This 1933 Goudey 106 Napoleon Lajoie with PSA 9 graded was sold in 2019 for $264,000.

He was considered one of the best defensive second batters at that time. This is one of his rarest cards.

1933 Goudey 106 Napoleon Lajoie 
1933 Goudey 106 Napoleon Lajoie (Source: Sports Collectors Daily)

1933 Goudey set was the first set of sports cards to come with bubble gum in every pack.

Likewise, we all know the 1933 Goudey set is all about Ruth cards, but actually, Napoleon Goudey set is one of the rarest.

27. 1952 Topps Eddie Mathews

The 1952 Topps Eddie Mathews with PSA 9 graded will cost you around $270,000.

Mathews is well known for his power-hitting skills and is one of the greatest home run hitters.

1952 Topps Eddie Mathews Valuable Baseball
1952 Topps Eddie Mathews Baseball (Source: Sports Collector Daily)

Moreover, Matthews appears in the 1952 Toops set but is quietly known for his rookie card.

This 407 set is one of the most incredible sets of the card, and it’s challenging to collect the whole set.

26. 1911 Turkey Red Cabinets Ty Cobb

The 1911 Turkey Red Cabinets Ty Cobb with PSA 8 graded will cost you around $300,000.

Ty Cobb cards are one of the most popular sets of cards with the best version of the grade.

1911 Turkey Red Cabinets Ty Cobb Valuable Baseball
1911 Turkey Red Cabinets Ty Cobb Baseball Card (Sources: PSA)

However, there are two versions of this card, but it does not make any difference in the value. Both of them are expensive and valuable cards.

This card was offered and featured in Turkey red cigarette packs.

25. 1933 Lou Gehrig Goudey

The 1933 Lou Gehrig Goudey with PSA 9 mint will cost you around $300,000.

Gehring has two cards in his Goudey set, which are #92 and #160.

1933 Lou Gehrig Goudey Valuable Baseball Card
1933 Lou Gehrig Goudey Baseball Card (Sources: PSA)

However, both feature the same image, with #92 having a dark blue background. However, #160 is challenging to find and has a lighter blue background.

Similarly, they are one of the most popular sets of the Lou Gehrig. In the auction of 2018, it was sold for $275,000, making it one of the highest-priced cards in history.

24. 1932 Babe Ruth U.S. Caramel

The 1932 Babe Ruth U.S. Caramel with PSA 9 will cost you around $300,000.

1932 U.S Caramel is one of the most desirable sets in the hobby.

1932 Babe Ruth U.S. Caramel
1932 Babe Ruth U.S. Caramel (Source: Pinterest)

These 32 sets of the card have become one of the most valuable sets of Ruth.

Likewise, he is also known as the Sultan of Swat and one of the most famous cards with beautiful red background.

23. 1902-1911 Ty Cobb W600 Sporting Life Cabinets

The 1902-1911 Ty Cobb W600 Sporting Life Cabinets with PSA 2 grade sold in the 2020 spring collection for $300,000.

W600 sporting life cabinets set of the collection was issued in 1902-11.

1902-1911 Ty Cobb W600 Sporting Life Cabinets
1902-1911 Ty Cobb W600 Sporting Life Cabinets (Sources: PSA)

However, Ty Cobb’s card, which makes a list, was released in 1907.

Likewise, this card mounted on heavy cardboard has become popular and sold at on best price.

22. 1909-11 Ty Cobb T206 White Border Bat Off Shoulder

The 1909-11 Ty Cobb T206 White Border Bat Off Shoulder is another vintage Ty Cobb. The PSA 9 graded will cost you around $315,000.

There are two similar cards, “Bat off Shoulder” and “Bat on Shoulder,” but most of the collectors prefer “Bat off Shoulder.”

1909 1911 T206 White Border Ty Cobb Bat off Shoulder
1909 1911 T206 White Border Ty Cobb Bat off Shoulder (Sources: PSA)

Similarly, all the four different cards of Ty Cobb in the T206 set have become popular vintage cards in the hobby.

Even though these cards are not as desirable as others, they are high priced since they exist in excellent condition.

21. 1948 Leaf 79 Jackie Robinson

The 1948 Leaf 79 Jackie Robinson card with PSA 9 Graded costs around $350,000.

Robinson broke the color barrier in baseball leagues and is regarded as a hero of baseball.

1948 Leaf 79 Jackie Robinson Valuable Baseball Card
1948 Leaf 79 Jackie Robinson Baseball Card (Sources: PSA)

Likewise, the authentic rookie card of Jackie Robinson is 1948 leaf #79, an important piece of card in the hobby.

Even though cards seem to be poorly printed and colored, the demand for cards is high.

20. 1933 Sport Kings 2 Babe Ruth

The 1933 Sport Kings 2 Babe Ruth is the legendary card of Babe Ruth that costs around $400,000.

This 1933 set of cards contains a total of 48 cards.

1933 Sport Kings 2 Babe Ruth
1933 Sport Kings 2 Babe Ruth (Sources: Amazon)

However, this might not be his iconic card, but the great image in the card makes it one of the desirable cards of Ruth.

19. 1948 Leaf 8 Satchel Paige

The 1948 Leaf 8 Satchel Paige Card with PSA 8 graded version will cost you around $432,000.

This card is well famous due to Pahie’s great impact on the game of baseball.

1948 Leaf 8 Satchel Paige
1948 Leaf 8 Satchel Paige (Source: Goldin Auctions)

The 1948 Leaf 8 cards of Satchel Paige are also known as the post-war card to collect.

Unfortunately, there aren’t many cards of the Paige in the hobby, but this card is a legendary card.

Likewise, Paige’s leaf is his true rookie card, and it’s hard to find in the set due to the short print.

18. 1915 Cracker Jack 30 Ty Cobb

The 1915 Cracker Jack 30 Ty Cobbs card with PSA 9 mint will cost you around $504,000.

Cobb’s iconic status in baseball gives the highest price to his cards.

1915 Cracker Jack 30 Ty Cobb
1915 Cracker Jack 30 Ty Cobb (Sources: PSA)

He is one of the first five players to be inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame.

Furthermore, a beautiful set with a red background was introduced in 1915 in boxes of Crackerjack.

17. 1910 Shoeless Joe Jackson Old Mill

The 1910 Shoeless Joe Jackson Old Mill card of Joe Jackson with PSA 3.5 graded will cost you $600,000.

1910 Joe Jackson card was less popular in comparison to 1909 caramel cards.

However, this is only a very rare pre-war era card of Shoeless Joe Jackson, which increased the price of a card.

1910 Shoeless Joe Jackson Old Mill
1910 Shoeless Joe Jackson Old Mill (Sources: PSA)

Similarly, the beautifully printed card with a red border was featured in Old Mill cigarettes packs in 1910.

The VG+ 3.5 graded version of the card was sold for $600,000 at a sports auction held in February 2019.

16. 1968 Jerry Koosman/ Nolan Ryan Topps

The 1968 Jerry Koosman/Nolan Ryan Topps card will cost you $660,000.

This is the combo featured of Koosman Nolan and Ryan Topps as 1968 rookie stars.

1968 Jerry Koosman Nolan Ryan Topps
1968 Jerry Koosman Nolan Ryan Topps (Sources: Amazon)

Even though many people are not so fond of duo cards, this is an exceptional case; most collectors love this card.

However, the card’s price seems to be on the top level and is seen as a solid investment piece.

15. 1909 Sherry Magee T206 Error

The 1909 Sherry Magee T206 Error is the legendary card of Sherry Magee that will cost you around $680,000.

1909 Sherry Magee T206 Error Baseball Card
1909 Sherry Magee T206 Error Baseball Card (Sources: Goldin Auction)

This card was initially misspelled as ‘Magie’ at the end of the image and is well known as an error card.

However, this one is one of the most famous error cards in the entire hobby and the rarest of whole sets.

14. 1909 Shoeless Joe Jackson American Caramel

The 1909 Shoeless Joe Jackson American Caramel card of Joe Jackson with PSA 8 graded will cost you around $719,000.

American Caramel Joe Jackson
American Caramel Joe Jackson (Sources: PSA)

E90 card of 1909 was featured with caramel candy and directly targeted at kids, so this set of cards was one of the common cards at that time.

However, this card of Joe Jackson is famous due to the popularity of “shoeless Joe Jackson.”

Likewise, he was one of the best players on the baseball field.

13. 1909 T206 Eddie Plank

The 1909 T206 Eddie Plank card of Eddie Plank with PSA 8 graded will cost you around $850,000.

Eddie Plank T206
Eddie Plank T206 (Sources: PSA)

The second most desirable T206 set was Eddie Plank’s card featuring a white border and blue background.

Plank’s card seems so rare due to the poor printing quality and anti-tobacco advocates, which was the reason for the removal of the card.

The interesting fact about him is that he was never seen smoking.

12. 1963 Topps 537 Pete Rose

The 1963 Topps 537 Pete Rose card of Pete Rose with PSA 10 will cost you around $900,000.

Pete Rose 1963 Topps(
Pete Rose 1963 Topps (Source: eBay)

His card is not that difficult to find, but their higher version is tough to get with a high price.

However, collectors love to collect his rookie card as a true classic.

Even though the card is plentiful in the lower version, the higher version of the rookie card is hard to find.

11. 1952 Topps 312 Jackie Robinson

The 1952 Topps 312 card of Jackie Robinson will cost you around $960,000.

Jackie Robinson Rare Card
Jackie Robinson Rare Card (Source: Amazon)

The card features a red background with a smiling face of Robinson with the bat over his shoulder, which looks similar to the Mantle card.

Likewise, only nine copies of the card have survived to this day.

10. 1969 Reggie Jackson Topps RC 260

The 1969 Reggie Jackson Topps RC is a legendary card of Reggie Jackson that will cost you more than $1 million.

1969 Reggie Jackson Most Valuable Baseball Card
1969 Reggie Jackson Baseball Card(Sources: Sports Memorabilia)

Another RC card worth money is the 1969 Reggie Jackson. This card was recently sold at the winter sports auction in February 2020 for $1 million.

9. 1955 Roberto Clemente Topps RC

The 1955 Roberto Clemente, Topps RC card with PSA 9, graded sold in winter auction 2021 for $1.1 million.

Roberto Clemente is one of the finest Latin players who became National Baseball Hall Famer in 1973.

Robert Clemente Topps 1955 Valuable Baseball Card
Robert Clemente Topps 1955 Baseball Card(Sources: eBay)

Similarly, his legendary carrier with aggressive play in the field makes him one of the most special baseball players.

Unfortunately, he died in a plane crash while going for aid to earthquake victims. Only 11 PSA 9 graded cards of Roberto exist today.

8. 1909-11  T206 Ty Cobb Back

PSA 4.5  VG-EX of Ty Cobb will cost you around $1.1 million.

T206 set is regarded as one of the special sets for many reasons, where Ty Cobb Back is the fifth card of the set.

1909 11 T206 Ty Cobb Tobacco All Time Valuable Card
1909 11 T206 Ty Cobb Tobacco All-Time (Sources: PSA Cards)

Likewise, it has a portrait of Cobb with red background. Most of the cards of the Cobb are found in low graded. That’s why Ty Cobb Back is one of the rarest among all, with a 4.5 PSA grade.

In addition, out of all the Ty Cobb cards, this one is one of the most expensive cards.

7. 1951 Bowman Mickey Mantle

The 1951 Bowman Mickey Mantle Card with PSA 9 graded was sold for $1.4 million.

Mickey Mantle Bownman 1951 Valuable Card
Mickey Mantle Bowman 1951 (Source: Forbes)

The Mantle is one of the most widely collected cards. Likewise, this card is one of the best cards of the Mantle, with a beautiful design where the Mantle is ready at the bat.

However, his 1952 Topps card is among the popular cards and preferred by most people, but this 51 bowman card is one of the best cards ever printed.

6. 1916 (M101-5) Sporting News Babe Ruth Rookie Card

1916 (M101-5) Sporting News Babe Ruth Rookie Card with PSA 8 was sold for $3.3 million.

Babe Ruth Sporting News 1916 Valuable Card
Babe Ruth Sporting News 1916 (Source: PSA Cards)

It is one of the most difficult to find rookie cards of the most outstanding player who ever lived.

5. 2009 Bowman Chrome Mike Trout Superfactor Autograph

The 2009 Bowman Chrome Mike Trout Superfactor Autograph card with PSA 9 graded sold in 2020 auction for $3.9 million.

Mike Trout Most Valuable Card Of All time
Mike Trout (Sources: Beckett)

That not only beat the previous world record for the 1909-11 T206 Honus Wagner, but it also smashed it.

This is an extremely rare card.

4. 1933 Goudey 53 Babe Ruth

The 1933 Goudey 53 Babe Ruth card with PSA 9 graded sold in June 2021 for $4.2 million.

Babe Ruth is regarded as one of the most destructive hitters ever played in baseball history.

1933 Goudey 53 Babe Ruth Valuable Card
1933 Goudey 53 Babe Ruth (Source: PSA Cards)

There are four different Babe Ruth cards in the 1933 Goudey set that are; 53, 144, 149, and 181. All of them are listed as one of the most valuable baseball cards of all time.

Similarly, from these four-set, the 1933 Goudey 53 set is one of the toughest to find in good condition.

3. 1952 Mickey Mantle Topps

The 1952 Mickey Mantle Topps, one of the most valuable baseball cards with PSA 9 graded, was sold in January 2021 for $5.2 million.

Graded a Mint PSA 9, one of six copies to achieve the grade from the company, the sale came through a private sale.

Mickey Mantle Most Valuable Cards
Mickey Mantle (Source: Flickr)

Mickey entered sports in 1952 and became instantly popular. At that time, Mantle’s cards were printed with so many standards.

However, due to the overproduction, the cards were dumped in the Hudson River.

2. 1914 Babe Ruth Baltimore News

The 1914 Babe Ruth Baltimore News, a rare piece of baseball card with SGC 3 graded copy, sold in June 2021 for $6 million.

Babe Ruth Baltimore News Most Valuable Card Of All Time
Babe Ruth Baltimore (Source: PSA cards)

The card of Babe Ruth Baltimore News represents a 19-year-old Ruth as a minor league pitcher of his hometown.

However, PSA has noted an almost century-old card indicates as one of the known serving legendary and rare cards of all time.

1. 1909-11 T206 White Border Honus Wagner

The 1909-11 T206 White Border Honus Wagner, the most valuable baseball card with SGC 3 graded, sold in August 2021 for $6.6 million.

Honus Wagner is known as “The Flying Dutchman” of the baseball era and one of the best baseball players.

The card was designed and produced by the American Tobacco Company from 1909-11.

Honus Wagner Most Valuable Cards Of All Time
Honus Wagner Most Valuable Cards Of All Time (Sources: Flickr)

However, the production of the card stopped after a certain period because Wagner did not want children to buy the packet of cigarettes for his cards. Due to the limited production, this is the rarest card.

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