The 30 Most Valuable Baseball Cards of All Time (2024 Update)

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Continuing the history of baseball cards, we’ve compiled a list of the most valuable ones.

If one thing is clear, it’s that vintage, pre-war, and post-war cards continue to appreciate and, over most periods, outperform the stock market indexes.  

I’ve narrowed this list to thirty of the hobby’s rarest, most valuable, and most sought-after baseball cards.

From a price standpoint, some of these cards might be out of reach for many collectors. 

But, some lower-graded versions on this list are potentialy within reach for collectors with deeper pockets. 

For comparing values, we used PSA 9 values for cards graded in that condition; otherwise, we used the next highest grade below that. Note that this list does not have a specific order.

1. 1909 T206 Honus Wagner #497

Estimated Value (PSA 2): $8 Million

The so-called “mona-lisa” of collectible baseball cards, the T206 Honus Wagner card is probably the most recognizable for non-card collectors. The card’s rarity is due to American Tobacco pulling production of its card early in its run.

Wagner was among baseball’s all-time greats, respected for his hitter’s prowess and defensive abilities. 

The reason for the removal of Wagner is subject to debate but centers on either Wagner not wanting to be associated with a smoking product or due to a lack of adequate compensation. 

This card’s scarcity (note that between PSA and SGC, there are less than 100 copies) and its ultimate legend have led to a massive increase in value over the years.

Each sale on the T206 Wagner seems to break a previous record. A PSA 5(OC)Wagner sold for $3.2 million in 2016, an SGC 3 graded copy sold in 2021 for $6.6 Million, and then in 2022, an SGC 2 copy sold for a record-breaking $7.25 million in a private sale.

When anyone asks what the most expensive baseball card in the hobby is, the T206 Wagner is usually a safe answer.

I expect any future Honus Wagner T206 card sales to eclipse any previous records.

2. 1952 Topps Mickey Mantle #311

Estimated Value (PSA 9): $13 Million+

Considered one of the crown jewels for baseball card collectors, the 1952 Topps Mickey Mantle is a thing of beauty. The card’s scarcity (aside from its age) can be attributed to Topps’s low print run of high-series cards (Mantle is one of them). 

Add to this a legendary story about former Topps exec Sy Berger dumping cases of cards into the Atlantic Ocean, and it’s no surprise the Mantle is a popular and valuable baseball card. 

Even non-baseball fans are familiar with Mickey Mantle and his legend remains strong to this day. His colorful nature and offensive abilities have led to his continued popularity today with collectors.  

In early 2021, a PSA 9 version of the 1952 Topps Mickey Mantle card sold for $5.2 million. However, a year later, an SGC 9.5 copy sold for a record-breaking $12.6 Million.

Even lower-grade copies are selling well; note that a PSA 7 copy of Mantle’s card recently sold for $128,000.

Note that collectors need to beware of counterfeit Mantle ’52 Topps cards.

3. 1914 Baltimore News Babe Ruth #9

Estimated Value (PSA 2): $12 Million

This pre-rookie card of legendary slugger Babe Ruth is considered one of the rarest baseball cards in history. It was issued two years before he first appeared on a card as a major league player in the 1916 M-101-4/5 set.   

Babe Ruth was the ultimate legend. Babe was not only the best batter but also the best pitcher at the same time!

Only ten known versions of this card (one held by the Babe Ruth Museum) exist. Sales have been quite rare—the last sale for a while was a PSA 2-graded version that sold for $575,000 in 2012.  

However, in late 2023, an SGC 3 graded copy sold for $7.2 million at an REA auction. REA noted it was the ‘second-finest confirmed example and the highest graded to appear at public auction in more than fifteen years.’

The Babe Ruth Sporting News rookie card is such a rare and desirable piece that future auctions will likely continue to eclipse previous record-breaking sales.

4. 1916 Sporting News Babe Ruth RC #151

Estimated Value (PSA 6): $2 Million

The 1916 Sporting News (M-101-4/5) Babe Ruth is not his first card, but is considered to be his true “rookie card” as the earlier Baltimore News card from 1914 was considered a pre-rookie or minor league card. 

This ” Bambino ” rookie card features Ruth in a pitching pose with the Boston Red Sox before getting shipped off to the rival New York Yankees.  The card is quite rare as PSA notes that only 29 versions of this card have been graded.  

Note that a recent sale of PSA 6 copy of the Sporting News Ruth sold for $1.5 million at Goldin Auctions, below what I might have expected. 

5. 1909 T204 Ramly Walter Johnson

Estimated Value (PSA 8): $300,000

These cards, distributed by Ramly Cigarettes, are among the toughest finds of all early tobacco cards. PSA reports only 2,700 graded cards out of the 121-card set, meaning that on average, there are only about 22 graded cards for each player in the set. 

Walter Johnson was simply a dominant pitcher, known to be one of the top five best pitchers to ever play the game.  

Check out this rare footage of “The Big Train”

The Walter Johnson T204 Ramly card is one of his most valuable baseball cards. According to PSA, there are only 31 graded versions in circulation.

A PSA 8 version of the card sold for $132,000 in early 2018, and another PSA 8 copy sold for $252,000 in 2021 at Heritage Auctions. That last sale was during the pandemic market peak, but given the demand and rarity of the Ramly Walter Johnson card, I would expect any public sales to break records.

6. 1951 Bowman Mickey Mantle RC #253

Estimated Value (PSA 9): $3.5 Million

While his 1952 Topps card gets all the limelight, Mickey Mantle’s 1951 Bowman card is his true rookie card and a fine one to behold. The ’51 Bowman set is one of my favorites and features breathtaking color portraits.  

The Mantle rookie card features the Yankee great in an unforgettable pose, with a blue sky and clouds offering a wonderful background.

Mick’s rookie card was a high-series card, and as is common with later-numbered cards, the Mantle often suffered from various print and centering issues.

PSA notes over 1500 graded Mantle rookies, but only 1 PSA 10 and 9 PSA 9 graded versions.  

PSA 8 graded copies have been hovering near $450K to 500K, and there have been several sales recently, so we have good comps there.

However, the last PSA 9 Mantle sold for $3.2 Million in early 2022, following a sale at $750K in April of 2018.

Thus, I think the price has been set for a PSA 9 Bowman Mantle and I can’t see future sales dipping below $3 Million.

Keep an eye out for fake 1951 Bowman Mantle cards, which are among the most common forgeries in the hobby.

7. 1933 Goudey Babe Ruth #53

Estimated Value (PSA 9): $3.5 Million

As evidence of just how popular “The Babe” was at the time, the 1933 Goudey (R319) set features four cards of Ruth (#53, #144, #149, #188).

According to PSA, card #53 (yellow background) is the hardest to find, followed by #149 (red background). Card #144 (aka ‘Full Body Ruth’) was double-printed and is more widely available.

From a value perspective, all of the cards carry significant value in high-grade condition, but because of the scarcity, Ruth card #53 (yellow background) is the most valuable in the set.

A PSA 9 (Mint) copy of the #53 Goudey Ruth sold at auction in 2021 for a whopping $4.2 Million, representing the craziness at the peak of the pandemic-driven card market. I think a future sale might come closer to $3 Million to $3.5 Million.

Please be on the lookout for any fake 1933 Goudey Ruth cards. 

8. 1909 T206 – Joe Doyle Error Card

Estimated Value (PSA 3): $500,000

Never has an error on a baseball card proven more valuable than on the 1909 T206 baseball card of one Joe Doyle. 

Doyle, a pitcher for the New York Highlanders of the American League at the time, was a good player but only lasted five seasons and had only 22 wins.

His T206 card is supposed to have “American” on the bottom front, but the error card says “Nat’l.”  

There are less than ten known variations of the card, with the most recent sale of a PSA 3 version of the card selling for over $400K.

Why can’t my “f*#$ face” Billy Ripken’s be worth this much?!?

9. 1909 E90 American Caramel – Joe Jackson 

Estimated Value (PSA 8): $1.5 Million

The American Caramel (E90) cards of 1909 were featured inside of packs of caramel candy and targeted directly at kids.  Of all the early candy and gum cards (noted as E cards in the hobby) the E90 set is actually one of the most common among all cards.  

The E90 Joe Jackson card is the most valuable baseball card in the set, not necessarily due to scarcity but due to the popularity of “Shoeless” Joe Jackson.  

Jackson was a phenomenal player, yet despite his prowess on the field, he was never enshrined in the Baseball Hall of Fame. This was due to his involvement in the 1919 Black Sox scandal.

According to PSA, about 80 of the Jackson cards have been graded, although most are in low-grade condition. Hence, there is a demand for higher-grade versions of the card. In 2016, a PSA 8 Jackson was sold for a record $667K at auction.

The scarcity will likely lead to higher prices realized for better-condition versions of the card.

10. 1914 Cracker Jack Ty Cobb #30

Estimated Value (PSA 8): $500,000

A beautiful set with striking red backgrounds, Cracker Jack cards were issued from 1914 to 1915 in boxes of Cracker Jack. While the 1914 set was issued with the Cracker Jack boxes, in 1915, they offered a mail-in program for complete factory sets, making the 1914 issue more of a rarity.   

PSA notes 4,500 graded cards from the 1914 set, while over 12,000 from the 1915 set have been graded. The Ty Cobb from the 1914 set is a beautiful card and is one of Cobb’s most sought-after issues.

Only 77 cards have been graded through PSA. The most recent sale of a PSA 8 Cobb was in January 2022 for $516K, following the sale of a PSA 8 in early 2018 for $144K.

Given the relative scarcity of the card and the demand for Cobb cards, I’d expect a sale over $500,000 today.

11. 1951 Bowman Willie Mays RC #305

Estimated Value (PSA 9): $800,000

The one true rookie card for the late Willie Mays, the 1951 Bowman card is one of the most sought-after Mays cards in the hobby.  

“The Say Hey Kid” was one of the most complete ballplayers of all time, finishing with 660 home runs while also winning a record-tying 12 gold glove awards. 

 The 1951 Bowman set is a landmark set, with the rookie cards of Mickey Mantle and Mays (#305).

Higher-graded copies of the Mays card are tough to find, with only 10 PSA 9s in existence and no known 10s. PSA estimates a PSA 9 Mays to be worth over $800K. 

12. 1938 Goudey Joe Dimaggio RC #274

Estimated Value (PSA 9): $500,000+

Considered the true rookie card of one Joltin’ Joe DiMaggio, the 1938 Goudey card features players in a cartoon pose.  The set actually features two cards of DiMaggio, #250 (without cartoon background) and #274 (with cartoon background).

PSA notes that card #274 is tougher to find, but both are difficult to find in high grade.

Even decades later, Joe DiMaggio’s cards remain highly sought after among vintage card collectors. DiMaggio led the Yankees to nine world championships while captivating young and old with his hitting, running, and defensive skills; he was truly a great all-around ballplayer.

The most recent sale of a Mint 1938 Goudey DiMaggio rookie card (#274) happened in early 2017, with a PSA 9 version selling for nearly $300K.

In today’s market, a high-grade version of the DiMaggio card would likely net closer to $500K.

13. 1954 Topps Hank Aaron RC #128

Estimated Value (PSA 9): $900,000

The only true rookie card for “Hammerin” Hank Aaron is highly demanded even despite its widespread availability (PSA notes that over 3,800 Aaron rookies have been graded). Still, finding a mint version is a challenge, as only 30 PSA 9 versions and 2 Gem Mint–PSA 10 cards exist.   

Aaron still has a huge collector base given his popularity as a player. Many still consider him the true all-time home run leader. 

See the Most Watched Hank Aaron Rookie Cards on eBay

A PSA 10 Aaron rookie card sold for $357K back in 2012–who knows what a similar card would sell for today, but I could guess that it might likely fetch more than $1 Million. 

14. 1911 T205 Gold Border Ty Cobb

Estimated Value (PSA 8): $200,000

While the T206 set gets all the attention, the following release from the American Tobacco Company (known as the T205 Gold Borders set) in 1911 is one of the most popular baseball card sets of the tobacco/pre-war era.  

The gold borders of the cards make finding high grades even tougher than the white-border T206 set, as many cards have chipping on the sides. The most desirable card from the set is the Ty Cobb card, which has only 33 graded versions of PSA 6 and above (with no 9s or 10s in existence).

 PSA estimates that an NM (8) version of the card is worth over $150K. 

15. 1909 T206 Ty Cobb –Ty Cobb Back

Estimated Value (PSA 4): $1 Million

The famed T206 set features four cards of Ty Cobb, yet one variation is even rarer than the famous “holy grail” T206 Honus Wagner card. 

The T206 Cobb card with a Ty Cobb back features a beautiful watercolor portrait of Cobb on the front with an advertisement for his tobacco brand, reading “Ty Cobb—King of the Smoking Tobacco World” on the back.  These cards were included in tins of Ty Cobb tobacco.  

There are only 18 graded versions of the card via PSA. The last sale was in August 2021, when a PSA 2.5 copy sold for $372K.

Given the scarcity, I think we might see a narrowing of the gap between Wagner and Cobb in the coming years. Ty Cobb baseball cards are one of the better long-term investments for vintage collectors. 

16. 1933 Goudey Nap Lajoie #106

Estimated Value (PSA 9): $380,000

The 1933 Goudey set is the first sports card product packaged with bubble gum in every pack.  I love this set, just a classic look.  While the 1933 Goudey Ruth cards are probably the most well known, the rarest card is actually the Nap Lajoie card (#106).

Lajoie was not initially included in the set, yet due to an outcry from fans, Goudey later produced it in 1934. The only way to get the card was to mail a request to Goudey.  

According to PSA, less than 100 of the Lajoie cards have been submitted for grading. If you’re lucky to have one, it is worth a pretty penny; a high-graded PSA 9 Lajoie sold for $384,000 in Jan 2022.

17. 1887 N172 Old Judge- Cap Anson

Estimated Value (PSA 8): $500,000

One of the first tobacco cards ever produced, the 1887-1890 (N172) cards were issued in packs of Old Judge and Gypsy Queen cigarette packs.  The set is known as one of the largest sets ever created, as there are over 500 players and 3000 variations known.   

Anson was considered one of the best players of the dead ball era and the first to reach over 3000 hits.  He was elected to the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1939.

The Cap Anson card (in uniform) is the most valuable baseball card in the set and quite scarce, as there are only three PSA-graded cards in existence. A PSA 8-graded version of Anson (one of him in a portrait but not in uniform) sold for close to $100K back in 2016, yet I’d expect a similar graded copy to fetch nearly $500K today.

18. 1955 Topps Roberto Clemente RC #164 

Estimated Value (PSA 9): $1 Million

Known as a consummate professional, humanitarian, and multifaceted athlete, Clemente was one of the best ball players of his day. He earned an all-star berth in fifteen of his eighteen professional seasons, attaining exactly 3000 hits, four batting championships, and twelve gold glove awards.

Clemente’s rookie card is the most valuable card in the 1955 Topps set.

Clemente’s career was cut short by a tragic plane crash at the age of 38. His baseball cards are highly sought after, especially his 1955 Topps card (#164), considered his true rookie card.  

Note that while there was also a Bowman baseball card set produced in 1955, Clemente had contractual rights cornered by Topps and was not included in the 1955 Bowman set. 

A gem mint (PSA 10) version of the Clemente rookie sold for $432K at auction in 2012.  However, a recent PSA 9 copy sold for $1.1 Million at auction in 2021, eclipsing all previous Clemente RC sales. A few later sales fell short of this auction sale, with the last auction in 2023 of a PSA 9 copy netting only $960K.

19. 1952 Topps Willie Mays #261 

Estimated Value (PSA 9): $500,000

Although not his true rookie card, the 1952 Topps Willie Mays card is the first Topps card to feature Mays and is one of the most popular baseball cards in the hobby. The card isn’t truly scarce. PSA notes that it has graded over 1600 cards, yet it is rare to find one in mint condition, as only 13 have garnered a PSA 9 grade, with only one perfect 10.   

High-grade versions of the card have reached monumental sales records in recent years.  Five PSA 9 versions of the Mays card were sold in 2017, with prices ranging from $235,000 to $478,000.

Several recent sales in 2021 and 2022 of PSA 8 copies eclipsed the $200K mark. 

20. 1948 Leaf Jackie Robinson RC #79

Estimated Value (PSA 9): $350,000

The true rookie card of Jackie Robinson is the 1948 Leaf card (#79).  The man who broke the color barrier in major league baseball is one of the true heroes of his time.  His legacy is never forgotten and his cards are highly desirable.   

The 1948 Leaf Baseball card set is somewhat odd in that it was the first set printed in color following World War II and is the only set issued by Leaf during the post-war era.

The Robinson card is truly a classic, yet it is not truly scarce compared to other short-printed issues in the set (Satchel Paige is one example).   

There are over 1000 cards that have been graded by PSA, yet only 50 or so have been graded 8 or higher.

A PSA 9 is estimated to be worth over $350K; however, collectors can find lower-graded versions of the card for close to $1000.

21. 1948 Leaf – Satchel Paige #8

Estimated Value (PSA 9): $400,000

While the 1948 Leaf Robinson card is most popular due to its impact on baseball, the 1948 Leaf Satchel Paige card is popular for reasons beyond his legacy.

Paige’s baseball cards have grown in popularity and price in recent years, with a big push due to a long overdue recognition of negro league stats by MLB. 

Paige’s 1948 Leaf card is his true rookie card. It is actually a short print, making it one of the hardest cards to find in the set. A near-mint condition card is estimated by PSA at around $400,000.

22. 1939 Play Ball – Ted Williams RC #92

Estimated Value (PSA 9): $150,000

The true rookie card for Red Sox great Ted Williams, the 1939 Play Ball card (#92), is a sought-after card for many vintage collectors.  

The ‘Splendid Splinter’ was one of the best hitters to play the game and the one that even many baseball players of today model themselves after.

PSA has 845 reported graded 1939 Ted Williams Play Ball cards, so it’s not impossible to find, but only about 100 with a PSA 8 grade or better.

A mint version is likely worth six figures, as PSA estimates a 9-graded card is worth $200,000. Note that if you’re looking for a more affordable option, you can typically find one for between $1000 and $2000 in Poor to Good condition.

23. 1933 Goudey – Lou Gehrig (#92, #160)

Estimated Value (PSA 10): $800,000

Gehrig has two cards in the 1933 Goudey set (#92 and #160), but both feature the same image with one (#92) that has a darker blue background. Card #160 is the rarer of the two, but both still are worth six figures in near mint to mint condition.

Note that the Goudey cards are not even considered to be his true rookie cards–that would be his 1925 Exhibits card, yet given the size of the Exhibits cards, many don’t equate them with true “baseball cards.”

A PSA 10 ’33 Goudey Gehrig (#92) sold for $275K at auction in early 2018, making it one of the highest-priced card sales in history.

However, a PSA 9 #92 copy sold for $672K in a 2022 auction, eclipsing all past sales for the card.

The highest sales price for card #160 was in 2019, when a PSA 9 copy sold for $576K.

24. 1963 Topps – Pete Rose RC #537

Estimated Value (PSA 10): $900,000

The Pete Rose rookie card isn’t necessarily hard to find, but higher-graded versions are due to the top blue borders, which are prone to chipping. Despite his inability to crack the Hall of Fame, collectors still love Pete Rose, and this rookie card is a true classic.

Past sales of high-grade Rose rookie cards have surpassed even the most optimistic expectations. In 2016, a Gem Mint version of Rose’s rookie sold for $717K at a Heritage vintage auction.

What might that card be worth eight years later?  Even PSA 9 Rose rookie cards are hot, with recent sales ranging from $80K to $100K.  

Lower-grade Rose rookie cards are plentiful, however, so if you are looking to grab a rookie card of one of the best all-time hitters, you can do it for close to $1000. 

25. 1909 T206 – Eddie Plank 

Estimated Value (PSA 8): $850,000

Considered to be the second most desirable card behind the “holy grail” Honus Wagner of the T206 set, the Eddie Plank card is extremely rare.

No one is exactly sure why the Plank card is so rare; some believe it is because of a poor printing plate or potentially Plank’s aversion to tobacco, which might have led to manual removal of his card. 

Only 72 Eddie Plank cards have been graded from PSA, with only 1 Near Mint condition card. PSA estimates that the PSA 8 card is worth approximately $850K.

However, I could easily see a 7 figure auction result if one were to come to market today.

26. 1910 Standard Caramel (E93) Honus Wagner 

Estimated Value (PSA 9): $500,000

While certainly not as recognizable as his T206 card, Honus Wagner’s 1910 E93 Standard Caramel card is quite challenging to find and probably one of the more underrated cards of the pre-war era. 

PSA data shows that less than 100 graded versions of the Wagner have been produced, with only a handful garnering a near-mint rating or better.

A PSA 9 version of the Wagner card was sold at Memory Lane auctions in early 2012 for over $218K.

Given the scarcity of this Wagner card’s higher grades, I would consider its seemingly high price a worthwhile investment and expect higher-grade copies to keep breaking records at auction.

27. 1954 Topps Ernie Banks RC #94

Estimated Value (PSA 10): $350,000

Before there was Derek Jeter, there was Ernie Banks, one of his era’s best slugging and fielding shortstops.  

This is the rookie card for Cubs great and Hall of Famer Ernie Banks. In his prime, Banks was one of the most feared hitters of the day, earning back-to-back MVP awards from 1958 to 1959. 

Banks finished his career with 512 home runs; his 277 home runs as a shortstop were a career record at the time of his retirement.

His 1954 Topps rookie card is scarce compared to some of the early tobacco or candy cards of the day.  PSA has graded nearly 2000 Bank cards, yet finding one in Mint condition is challenging, as only 14 have earned a PSA 9, and only two have been graded gem mint. 

The last sale of a PSA 10 Banks happened in 2012 for over $142K!  What would that card be worth today? Considering that a PSA 9 copy last sold for almost $200K in Dec 2022, I’d expect a PSA 10 copy today to break at least $300K at auction.

Check Out The Most Watched Derek Jeter Rookie Cards on eBay

28. 1911 General Baking (D304) – Ty Cobb

Estimated Value (PSA 8): $300,000

This Ty Cobb card is one of the hobby’s most coveted early baking card issues from the rare D304 General Baking Co. series. The cards were issued between 1911 to 1914 with loaves of bread and are often referred to as the “Brunner’s Bread” collection.  

The Cobb card is just a thing of beauty, with its striking colors and a near smile from Cobb, a rarity from the hard-edged ballplayer. 

These cards are scarce; many never made it past the dinner table.  There is one known PSA 8-graded version of the card, which was last sold for $94K back in 2010.  It would likely get multiple six-figure offers in today’s market. 

29. 1910 Old Mill T210 – Joe Jackson

Estimated Value (PSA 3): $1 Million

A very rare pre-war era card of the infamous “Shoeless” Joe Jackson, the 1910 Old Mill (aka T210 or “Red Borders” set) cards were distributed in packs of Old Mill cigarettes.

It’s a humongous set, with over 600 cards that feature cards of minor leaguers at the time.  

The Jackson card features him on the New Orleans Pelicans, a minor league team, between his stints with the Philadelphia Athletics and the Cleveland Naps. Jackson reportedly was “scolding the ball all season long for the Pelicans.”  

His T210 card is one of the rarest cards of the pre-war era; only a handful are known to exist. 

The last known sale was in 2019 when a PSA 3.5 copy sold for $600K at auction.

I’d expect any good to very good copies to net nearly $1 Million or more at auction today.

30. 1911 Turkey Reds (T3) – Ty Cobb 

Estimated Value (PSA 8): $400,000

Featuring breathtaking artwork, these cards were offered via a redemption program and featured in Turkey Red cigarette packs.  These are larger “cabinet” style cards measuring 5 3/4″ x 8″ with six different backs for the cards.

The Ty Cobb card is the most popular of the set, and the cards are quite rare, as less than 100 have been graded by PSA. The best-graded known version, a PSA 8, is estimated to be worth at least $400K.  

If you enjoyed this piece, please be sure to check out our other ‘Most Valuable’ guides:

The Most Valuable Football Cards Of All Time

The Most Valuable Basketball Cards Of All Time

The Most Valuable Hockey Cards Of All Time