10 Best Vintage Baseball Cards Under $1,000 to Buy Right Now

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Building a vintage baseball card collection doesn’t have to cost thousands. While some iconic cards fetch five- and six-figure prices, there’s still plenty of opportunity to own pieces of baseball history without breaking the bank.

This guide highlights 10 of the best vintage baseball cards you can still buy for under $1,000 — a mix of Hall of Famers, hobby favorites, and undervalued legends. Whether you’re collecting for nostalgia, investment potential, or just love the game, these cards offer a perfect entry point.

We’ve included recent price ranges, PSA population data, and insights into why each card matters, so you can make informed decisions while building a meaningful collection.

1. 1974 Laughlin Old-Time Black Stars Josh Gibson #8

Estimated Value (Raw): $500
Recent PSA 5 Sale: ~$900
PSA Population: 100+ total graded

Josh Gibson, often called the “Black Babe Ruth,” never played in Major League Baseball, but his legacy looms large. It’s widely believed he hit over 800 home runs in the Negro Leagues—numbers that, had he played in the majors, would place him among the greatest sluggers of all time.

While Gibson’s true rookie and earliest vintage cards are nearly unattainable, the 1974 Laughlin Old-Time Black Stars card offers collectors a rare and affordable opportunity. Designed by artist Bob Laughlin, the set pays tribute to Negro League legends, and Gibson’s card is one of the most desirable in the series.

Only ~100 copies have been graded by PSA, and recent sales have shown strong upward momentum. A PSA 5 recently sold for around $000, with raw examples typically selling between $425 and $700. That’s more than triple the card’s value from just a few years ago.

Collectors seeking a historically essential and truly scarce Gibson card should act fast. This is one of the best ways to own a piece of Josh Gibson’s legacy at a reasonable price.

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2. 1983 Topps Tony Gwynn Rookie Card (Autographed)

Estimated Value (PSA Authentic Auto): $350–$700
Estimated Value (Dual-Graded PSA/DNA): $700–$1,200+
PSA/DNA Certified Auto Population: Growing but still limited

Tony Gwynn is regarded as one of the purest hitters in baseball history. Gwynn’s approach at the plate was nearly unmatched as a career .338 hitter, eight-time batting champion, and 15-time All-Star. He collected over 3,100 hits during his Hall of Fame career and remains a beloved figure among collectors.

Gwynn tragically passed away in 2014, and since then, his 1983 Topps rookie card—especially autographed examples—has seen rising demand. While unsigned raw or graded copies are common, the signed and PSA-authenticated versions have grown in scarcity, especially those with higher dual grades.

Most signed Gwynn rookies on eBay fall into the PSA “Authentic Auto” category, meaning only the signature is authenticated, not graded. These typically sell between $350 and $700, but dual-graded examples (e.g., card 8 / auto 10) can sell well above $1,000 depending on condition and eye appeal.

For savvy collectors, this is a great under-the-radar buy. Picking up an authenticated Gwynn rookie at the lower end of the price range and submitting it for PSA dual grading could offer notable upside.

Search Signed Tony Gwynn Rookie Cards on eBay

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3. 1965 Topps Joe Morgan (RC) #16

Estimated PSA 8 Value: $800–$950
PSA 8 Population: ~600
Total PSA Graded by PSA: ~5,000+
PSA 9 Copies: ~100

Joe Morgan is among the greatest second basemen ever to play the game. A key member of the Big Red Machine Cincinnati Reds dynasty, Morgan was a two-time NL MVP and a 10-time All-Star. His blend of power, speed, defense, and plate discipline made him a generational talent.

Morgan ranks 4th all-time in WAR among second basemen, trailing only legends like Rogers Hornsby, Eddie Collins, and Nap Lajoie. Despite that elite company, his rookie card remains affordable relative to his legacy.

The 1965 Topps Joe Morgan rookie card, shared with Sonny Jackson, has seen over 4,000 PSA submissions, but only about 600 PSA 8s exist, with fewer than 100 graded higher. Depending on centering and eye appeal, a PSA 8 typically sells between $800 and $950.

This card feels undervalued long-term, given Morgan’s stature in baseball history. It’s an ideal addition for collectors building a Hall of Fame rookie card collection or those looking for lower-risk vintage baseball investments.

Search Joe Morgan Rookie Cards on eBay

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4. 1992 Score Joe DiMaggio Autograph – The Legend

Estimated Value (Ungraded): $800–$1,000
Recent PSA 7/10 Sale: $1,195
PSA Population: 145 graded (all variations)

The 1992 Score Joe DiMaggio Autograph card was a game-changer. At a time when certified autographs weren’t yet common, this release brought collectors one of the first on-card, pack-inserted autographs of a baseball legend — complete with serial numbering to just 2,500 copies.

Five themed versions exist: The Minors, The Rookie, The MVP, The Streak, and The Legend. Each card features DiMaggio’s blue-ink signature on the back, making them some of the most forward-thinking autograph inserts of the early ’90s.

Among these, The Legend variation is the most visually striking and among the most collected. Although a PSA 7 (auto 10) recently sold for $1,195, ungraded copies can still be under $1,000, often with strong signature quality.

With only 145 total graded copies across all five themes, these cards remain relatively under-the-radar, especially considering DiMaggio’s stature in the hobby. This is one of the best vintage-modern crossover autographs available, and a great submission candidate if you can find a clean raw version.

Search 1992 Score Joe DiMaggio Autograph Cards on eBay

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5. 1975 Topps Keith Hernandez Rookie Card #623

Estimated PSA 9 Value: $500–$700
PSA 9 Population: ~200
Total PSA Graded: ~2,700

Keith Hernandez remains one of the most beloved players not yet enshrined in the Hall of Fame. A two-time World Series champion, five-time All-Star, and 11-time Gold Glove winner at first base, Hernandez built a résumé that’s sparked continued Hall of Fame debate.

Following the Mets’ decision to retire his number 17, interest in his cards surged. His 1975 Topps rookie card — featuring the iconic four-player format — saw PSA 9 copies spike in value, with recent sales ranging from $500 to $900. Out of more than 2,000 total PSA-graded copies, only around 200 have earned a PSA 9, with even fewer in gem mint.

This card still flies under the radar relative to players of his caliber and popularity. If Hernandez eventually gets the nod from the Veterans Committee, prices could move quickly — but even without Hall induction, his continued presence as a fan-favorite Mets broadcaster keeps hobby demand strong.

Search Keith Hernandez Rookie Cards on eBay

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6. 1951 Bowman Monte Irvin Rookie Card #198

Estimated PSA 6 Value: $650–$750
PSA 6 Population: ~150
Total PSA Graded Higher: ~190

Monte Irvin was a star long before he reached the Major Leagues. A standout in the Negro Leagues, he joined the New York Giants in 1949 and quickly became one of their most impactful players. Irvin played a key role in helping the Giants reach the 1951 World Series and win the championship in 1954.

His 1951 Bowman rookie card is one of the more affordable options from the golden era of baseball. The card features a sharp portrait of Irvin in his Giants uniform, captured in the vivid painted style Bowman was known for during that era.

There are just over 150 PSA 6 (EX-MT) copies, with fewer than 200 total graded higher, making this card relatively scarce in strong condition. A PSA 6 typically sells between $650 and $750, and remains a smart long-term pickup for collectors seeking Hall of Fame rookies from the 1950s.

Given Irvin’s Hall of Fame status, his importance as a barrier-breaking player, and the growing appreciation for Negro League stars, this card feels like a low-risk, high-upside hold.

Search 1951 Bowman Monte Irvin Rookie Cards on eBay

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7. 1948 Bowman Phil Rizzuto Rookie Card (#6)

Estimated PSA 7 Value: $650–$700
PSA 7 Population: 85
Total PSA Graded Higher: ~100

Phil Rizzuto was a fan favorite and an integral part of the Yankees dynasty teams of the 1940s and 1950s. Known for his defense, hustle, and leadership, “The Scooter” helped lead the Yankees to seven World Series titles and later became a beloved voice in the Yankees’ broadcast booth.

His 1948 Bowman rookie card is one of the most accessible Hall of Fame rookie cards from the post-war era. While the design is simple, like much of the 1948 set, the significance is undeniable. It’s Rizzuto’s only recognized rookie card and remains affordable despite limited higher-grade availability.

There are just 85 PSA 7 (NM) graded copies, and fewer than 100 graded higher. A recent PSA 7 sold for around $650, which still feels like a bargain considering his Hall of Fame legacy and long-standing popularity among Yankees fans.

This is an ideal target for collectors building a vintage Yankees rookie collection — or anyone looking to scoop up undervalued cards from the first major post-war set.

Search 1948 Bowman Phil Rizzuto Rookie Cards on eBay

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8. 1933 Goudey Mickey Cochrane #76

Estimated PSA 5 Value: $650–$700
PSA 5 Population: ~98
Total PSA Graded Higher: ~150

The 1933 Goudey set is one of the most iconic baseball card issues of all time. While it features legends like Babe Ruth and Lou Gehrig, many Hall of Famers remain surprisingly affordable, including Mickey Cochrane.

Widely considered one of the top 10 catchers in baseball history, Cochrane was a two-time AL MVP, World Series champion, and one of the game’s earliest elite backstops. His legacy was so strong that Mickey Mantle’s parents named their son after him.

The 1933 Goudey Cochrane card is still underappreciated in the hobby, especially compared to his peers in the same set. A PSA 5 (Excellent) example sells for around $700, and the card is relatively scarce in that grade, with fewer than 100 PSA 5s and only about 150 graded higher.

For vintage collectors, this is one of the most underrated Hall of Fame cards in the Goudey set and a smart target for those building a pre-war Hall of Fame collection.

Search 1933 Goudey Mickey Cochrane Cards on eBay

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9. 1948 Bowman Bobby Thomson Rookie Card #47

Estimated PSA 8 Value: $550–$600
PSA 8 Population: 25
Total PSA Graded Higher: 5

Bobby Thomson etched his name into baseball history with “The Shot Heard ‘Round the World,” a walk-off home run that lifted the New York Giants over the Dodgers to win the 1951 NL pennant. It remains one of the most dramatic moments in the game’s history.

Although Thomson never reached the Hall of Fame, he was a three-time All-Star and a respected hitter, and his legacy lives on among vintage collectors.

His 1948 Bowman rookie card is a sleeper in the hobby. A PSA 8 example is exceptionally tough to find, with just 25 copies graded PSA 8 and only five higher. A recent sale of a PSA 8 came in under $600, which is tremendous value for such a limited, early post-war rookie card tied to one of baseball’s iconic moments.

If you can’t track down a PSA 8, lower-grade versions can often be found for under $150 and still offer great collector value.

Search 1948 Bowman Bobby Thomson Rookie Cards on eBay

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10. 1991 Upper Deck Pedro Martinez Rookie Dual Graded PSA 10/10 #2F

Pedro Martinez was one of the best pitchers of his era and arguably a top 15 pitcher overall in the history of the sport.

Signed copies of the 1991 Upper Deck Pedro Martinez rookie card with a dual PSA 10/10 grade are becoming tougher to find. 

Many collectors are unaware of these types of cards and their upside. According to PSA Cert, only 192 signed Martinez UD rookie cards have received the 10/10 dual-grade.

This card was recently valued at around $200-$250 at eBay auctions. Pedro’s Upper Deck rookie card is considered his most popular rookie card, as the PSA Registry has designated it as his Hall of Fame Rookie Registry card.

The PSA 10/10 Pedro rookie card might be my favorite investment opportunity on this list.