A Collector’s Guide to Topps High-Number Baseball Cards
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High-number baseball cards refer to cards released toward the end of Topps sets, typically making them some of the final cards printed in each series. These high-number cards were initially produced in smaller quantities, often due to declining demand as baseball seasons wound down.
Beginning with the iconic 1952 Topps set and continuing until 1973, high-number cards have become highly collectible due to their scarcity and inclusion of prominent players. Collectors prize these cards, which include Hall of Famers, rookie cards, semi-stars, and commons.
While high-number cards were generally printed in the last series of each year, some 1950s sets included high-numbers mid-series, adding complexity to the collecting landscape.
Notably, some sets also feature “semi-high” numbers, or series released just before the high-number series, which are also desirable among collectors.
In today’s market, high-number cards remain popular and valuable, making high-grade examples increasingly rare. This guide overviews the notable high-number cards from each Topps set year, highlighting key players and collectible cards.
1952 Topps High-Number Cards (#311-407)
The 1952 Topps high numbers are legendary, mainly due to Mickey Mantle’s #311 card. The Mantle is more than a collectible—it’s a cultural icon. In today’s collecting circles, the Mantle card represents a “holy grail” item that transcends baseball card collecting and appeals to investors, pop culture enthusiasts, and serious collectors alike. High-grade examples of this card have reached near-mythic status, with recent sales in the tens of millions.
Collecting Insight: For those looking to acquire the 1952 Topps high-number cards, focusing on cards with good centering and sharp corners is key; however, costs can get out of control quickly. Many of these cards, particularly Mantles’, suffer from print defects and centering issues, which can significantly impact their value. Even low—to mid-grade Mantles have investment potential due to the cultural cachet surrounding this card.
Notable 1952 High-Number Hall of Famers
- Jackie Robinson (#312)
- Roy Campanella (#314)
- Leo Durocher (#315)
- Pee Wee Reese (#333
- Hoyt Wilhelm RC (#392)
- Eddie Mathews RC (#407)
How Rare Are ’52 Topps High Numbers?
The 1952 Topps high-number cards (cards #311-407) are significantly rarer than the rest of the set. This rarity is due to several factors specific to Topps’ production and distribution practices that year:
Low Production and Demand: The high numbers were released late in the baseball season, around the time interest in cards traditionally dropped as baseball ended. Anticipating lower demand, Topps produced fewer high-number series cards than earlier series cards.
Card Disposal: Legend has it that many unsold 1952 high-number cards, particularly in the New York area, were eventually dumped in the Atlantic Ocean by Topps to clear inventory, further reducing the number available in circulation.
Limited Regional Distribution: High numbers were primarily distributed in the northeast, restricting the initial supply and availability across the country compared to earlier series. While precise ratios are hard to calculate, some estimates suggest high numbers might be five to ten times scarcer than cards from the first five series of 1952 Topps. This difference in rarity is why high-number cards, especially iconic cards like Mickey Mantle’s #311 card command substantial premiums.
1953 Topps High-Number Cards (#222-280)
While the 53 Topps set may not have a Mantle-level centerpiece (the Mantle second-year Topps card came in the 1st series), it includes Hall of Famers and undervalued rookies that have quietly gained value over the years.
Johnny Podres’ rookie (#263) is a standout high number card, and values have remained solid, given Podres’s reputation as a “big-game” pitcher.
Collecting Insight: Cards from this set, particularly high-grade examples, are prone to chipping due to the design. For collectors, seeking well-preserved cards in this set can be a rewarding challenge. Podres’ card, even though he’s not a Hall of Famer, resonates with fans of vintage baseball due to his legendary 1955 World Series performance.
Notable High Numbers
- Hal Newhouser (#228)
- Johnny Podres Rookie (#263)
Newhouser, a Hall of Famer, remains affordable in mid-grades, while Podres’ rookie card is popular even though he’s not in the Hall of Fame.
1955 Topps High-Number Cards (#161-210)
The 1955 set includes one of the most important high-number rookie cards: Roberto Clemente’s #164 RC.
Clemente’s Rookie is among the hobby’s most valuable cards, with a PSA 9 example recently selling for $840,000. Even well-worn examples remain valuable, and the PSA 9 sale for over $800,000 exemplifies the strength of this card as an investment. Collectors aiming for a more affordable option can still secure a Clemente rookie card with strong eye appeal in lower grades.
Collecting Insight: Like earlier releases, the 1955 Topps High Numbers were printed in lower quantities because Topps was more interested in the fall issuance of football cards. PSA notes that #s 151-160, including Willie Mays, Yogi Berra, or Duke Snider, are more scarce than Ted Williams, Jackie Robinson, and Hank Aaron.
Notable High Numbers
- Roberto Clemente Rookie (#164)
- Gil Hodges (#187)
- Phil Rizzuto (#189)
- Willie Mays (#194)
- Yogi Berra (#198)
- Duke Snider (#210)
Clemente’s rookie card remains one of the premier cards of the era and collectors highly coveted high-grade examples.
1959 Topps High-Number Cards (#507-572)
Bob Gibson’s rookie card (#514) is a pillar of the 1959 Topps set, representing one of the most dominant pitchers in baseball history. Gibson’s rookie high-number card has seen steady appreciation, with centered examples in mid to high grades commanding a premium.
Collecting Insight: The backs of high-number cards, beginning with #507, have black and red printing, and the card number is in a black box. This differs from cards printed in prior series, with red and green printing on the back and the card number in white in a green box.
Notable High Numbers
- Bob Gibson Rookie (#514)
- Harmon Killebrew (#515)
- Orlando Cepeda (#553)
- Hank Aaron (#561)
- Mickey Mantle (#564)
Collectors prize well-centered examples of Gibson’s rookie and other Hall of Famers in this series, which remain popular across various grades.
1960 Topps High-Number Cards (#507-572)
The 1960 Topps set was the first to feature All-Star cards in the high-number series prominently. These cards honor some of baseball’s most iconic players, including Mickey Mantle (#563), Hank Aaron (#566), and Willie Mays (#564).
The 1960 Willie McCovey rookie card stands out among the high-number cards and is unique as one of the few rookie All-Star cards.
His rookie card has remained popular among vintage collectors, and high-grade copies are in high demand, given the many centering and quality issues that plagued the set.
Collecting Insight: The Mays and Mantle All-Star cards are a more affordable way to buy cards of the two Hall of Famers with rarer cards than their respective base cards from the set. Some Hall of Famers in the 1960 high-number series remain relatively affordable compared to other years. Cards like Nellie Fox (#555) and Eddie Mathews (#558 All-Star) present opportunities for collectors looking to add high numbers from this era without breaking the bank. These cards often have the same scarcity and design appeal but can be found at a fraction of the price of McCovey or Mantle.
Notable High Numbers
- Willie McCovey Rookie (#554)
- Mickey Mantle All-Star (#563)
- Hank Aaron All-Star (#566)
This was one of the first sets to feature All-Star cards, adding unique appeal to the high-number series.
1961 Topps High-Number Cards (#523-589)
The 1961 high-number series continued the All-Star trend and featured many Hall of Famers. Finding these cards in good condition with excellent centering is a challenge. Thus, the lower relative print run of the 1961 Topps high numbers makes any higher graded copies of the big stars expensive.
Collecting Insight: Target Hall of Famers in PSA 6-8. Lower-grade examples may be more affordable, but high-grade versions have a strong resale market, particularly given the scarcity of well-centered cards. The Mantle (#578), Mays (#579), and Aaron (#577) All-Star cards are the top targets. These cards are less common than their base counterparts and consistently attract collectors, making them strong long-term holds.
Notable High Numbers Hall Of Famers
- Brooks Robinson All-Star #572
- Ernie Banks All-Star #575
- Hank Aaron All-Star #577
- Mickey Mantle All-Star #578
- Willie Mays All-Star #579
- Frank Robinson All-Star #581
- Whitey Ford All-Star #586
- Warren Spahn All-Star #589
Collectors appreciate this set for its strong lineup of All-Star Hall of Famers.
1962 Topps High-Number Cards (#523-598)
While the 1962 high-number series isn’t loaded with rookie cards, it still includes strong players and Hall of Famers, making it worthwhile.
Collecting Insight: Prioritize cards with minimal border wear and decent centering. Due to this set’s condition sensitivity, even PSA 5-7 grades can be valuable. The brown borders are easily prone to chipping and discoloration.
Notable High Numbers
- Willie McCovey (#544)
- Hoyt Wilhelm (#545)
- Red Schoendienst (#575)
High-grade examples of these cards are recommended for set builders.
1963 Topps High-Number Cards (#447-576)
Pete Rose’s rookie card is the 1963 Topps high-number series highlight and one of baseball’s most famous rookie cards. Despite Rose’s controversial exclusion from the Hall of Fame, his popularity among collectors keeps this card in high demand.
The 1963 set is significant because it was the first year that Topps created rookie cards of players featured on the same card.
While Rose is the most famous, Willie Stargell’s rookie offers good upside potential at a more accessible price point, especially in mid to high grades (PSA 6-8).
Collecting Insight: The Pete Rose rookie card remains a must-have for vintage baseball card collectors. Prices have increased following Rose’s passing, and if you can find a high-grade copy, I can only see these moving higher in the future. Even better, if you can find an autographed copy, consider it an excellent investment.
Notable High Numbers
- Pete Rose Rookie (#537)
- Willie Stargell Rookie (#553)
- Orlando Cepeda (#520)
The Pete Rose rookie card is highly desirable and expected to gain further value if he is ever inducted into the Hall of Fame.
1964 Topps High-Number Cards (#523-587)
The 1964 Topps high-number series (#523-587, aka Series 7) is known for its scarcity, key rookie cards, and Hall of Famers. The set continues the trend of late-season releases that saw fewer prints and limited distribution, making high-number cards from this series sought by collectors.
The highlight of the Series: Phil Niekro’s rookie card. As a Hall of Fame pitcher known for his exceptional knuckleball and long career, Niekro’s rookie is popular among collectors and a strong investment choice.
Collecting Insight: Niekro’s rookie card is valuable across all grades, but finding well-centered, high-grade examples (PSA 7 or higher) adds investment appeal. Mid-grades (PSA 5-6) can also be great buys with good long-term potential.
Notable High Numbers
- Phil Niekro Rookie (#541)
- Luis Aparicio (#540)
- Jim Kaat (#567)
The Niekro rookie card is popular among collectors, especially in high grades.
1965 Topps High-Number Cards (#507-598)
The 1965 Topps high-number series (#507-598) is packed with notable rookie cards, Hall of Famers, and hidden gems. Known for its vibrant design with team names in pennants, the 1965 Topps Baseball set remains a collector favorite, and the high numbers are especially sought after due to their relative scarcity.
Collecting Insight: Look for centered copies of the Jim Hunter and Tony Perez rookie cards with clean borders. PSA 6-8 grades are ideal for Hunter and Perez, as these tend to hold value without being prohibitively expensive.
Notable High Numbers
- Jim ‘Catfish’ Hunter Rookie (#526) -Hunter’s rookie card is a cornerstone of the high-number series. As a Hall of Fame pitcher with a storied career, his rookie is valuable across all grades. It’s an affordable Hall of Fame rookie compared to many others, but higher-grade examples command a premium.
- Tony Perez Rookie (#581) – Perez’s rookie card is another highlight, and his long, successful career with the Cincinnati Reds makes it popular among collectors. His card is often priced reasonably in mid-grades, providing value for collectors aiming for an iconic Hall of Fame rookie without breaking the bank.
Hunter and Perez’s cards remain popular, though high grades are scarce.
1966 Topps High-Number Cards (#523-598)
The 1966 Topps high-number series (series 7) features a few key Hall of Famers, but mostly no-name rookie cards. With fewer standout rookies than other years, the 1966 high numbers aren’t as sought after as other years. However, the scarcity of the 66 high series—these seem to be tougher to find than other years—makes finding high-grade copies tough.
Collecting Insight: This thread over at Net54 Forums discusses some of the challenges in piecing together the 66 Topps High Number series: https://www.net54baseball.com/showthread.php?t=179832
Notable High Numbers
- Willie McCovey (#550)
- Gaylord Perry (#598)
Collectors are encouraged to look for PSA 8s or higher.
1967 Topps High-Number Cards (#534-609)
The 1967 Topps high-number series is among the hobby’s most popular due to its strong player lineup, condition scarcity, and iconic rookie cards. This set includes the rookie cards for Rod Carew and Tom Seaver.
Players like Brooks Robinson (#600) add depth to the series and are sought after by collectors completing Hall of Fame-focused collections.
The 1967 set has well-known issues with centering and print defects, especially in the high numbers. High-grade, well-centered copies are rare and valuable, even among commons.
Collecting Insight: Due to centering challenges, finding a Seaver or Carew rookie card with solid eye appeal (even in lower grades) often performs well in the market. Collectors prioritize centering and minimal border wear when hunting for these cards.
Notable High Numbers
- Rod Carew Rookie (#569)
- Tom Seaver Rookie (#581)
- Brooks Robinson (#600)
Mid-grade examples have seen some price drops but could rise again over time.
1968 Topps High-Number Cards (#498-598)
The 1968 high-number series offers value due to scarcity, notable players, and market demand, making it an attractive choice for vintage collectors.
Lou Brock (#520) and Jim Palmer (#575) are prominent high-number Hall of Famers. Brock is particularly popular for his career stolen base records, while Palmer’s card appeals to fans of classic pitchers.
Collecting Insight: Like many sets from the 1960s, off-centering is common, making well-centered cards especially valuable. Due to scarcity, even commons in high grade (PSA 8+) are valuable for set builders.
Notable High Numbers
- Lou Brock (#520)
- Jim Palmer (#575)
- Any high-grade commons (PSA 8 or higher)
Look for PSA 8s or higher, which are popular among set collectors.
1969 Topps High-Number Cards (#589-664)
The 1969 Topps high-number series includes highly desirable cards like the Rollie Fingers (#597) rookie card. Fingers’ rookie card in PSA 8 condition is worth about $250, with centered examples commanding higher prices.
Collecting Insight: Rollie Fingers’ rookie is a solid buy, as PSA 8 and higher grades continue to show upward trends in value due to rarity and demand for vintage Hall of Fame rookies. Like many 1969 high numbers, centering and print quality are major concerns. Well-centered, high-grade copies hold a premium, and even commons in PSA 8 or higher are valuable due to the series’ scarcity.
Notable High Numbers
- Rollie Fingers Rookie (#597)
- Fergie Jenkins (#640)
- Ted Williams (#650)
Centered high-grade examples are particularly valued in the 1969 Topps Set.
1970 Topps High-Number Cards (#634-720)
One of the most popular cards from this set and the high-number series is the Nolan Ryan #712. This card is Ryan’s third year and is sought-after in high grades. A PSA 8 graded copy is selling for about $1000. This card is an excellent high-grade alternative if you don’t want to spend big money on Ryan’s 1968 Topps rookie card.
Some other Hall of Famers’ high numbers from this set include Johnny Bench’s #660, Ron Santo’s #670, and Frank Robinson’s #700.
Collecting Insight: The gray borders on 1970 Topps cards easily show wear and chipping, making high-grade cards (PSA 8+) especially valuable. Centering is also a frequent issue, so well-centered cards command premiums. Focusing on high-grade Hall of Famers or well-centered commons in PSA 8+ grades provides long-term investment potential due to scarcity.
Notable High Numbers
- Nolan Ryan (#712)
- Johnny Bench (#660)
- Frank Robinson (#700)
Ryan’s card offers a high-grade alternative to his pricier rookie card.
1971 Topps High-Number Cards (#644-752)
The iconic black-bordered design of 1971 Topps is beautiful but notoriously unforgiving. Even minor handling left chipping and wear, so finding high-number cards with clean borders and sharp edges is tough. High grades (PSA 8 and above) are valuable, and even mid-grades can be desirable if they have good centering and eye appeal.
One high-number card that has increased significantly over the years is the Dusty Baker rookie, card number 709. Dusty is a future Hall of Fame manager who retired at the end of the 2023 MLB season. His rookie card, in a PSA 8 grade, sold for over $2,500 at auction recently.
Other high-number Hall of Famers from this set include Luis Aparicio #750. This set is one of the most collectible by many vintage collectors. My suggestion would be to look for high numbers in PSA 8s or higher.
Collecting Insight: Half of the 1971 Topps High Numbers are short-printed.
It has also been reported that 44 cards in the final series were manufactured in 50 % greater quantity than the remaining 66 cards. As a result, these 66 singles are recognized as short prints and often command a premium. (source: PSA)
Notable High Numbers
- Dusty Baker Rookie (#709)
- Luis Aparicio (#750)
Look for high-grade examples due to the difficulty of finding these cards in good condition.
1972 Topps High-Number Cards (#657-787)
The 1972 Topps high-number series (#657-787) is one of the most challenging and rewarding series for collectors due to its scarcity. The Ron Cey rookie card (#761) is one of the most popular among the high numbers from this set. A PSA 8 copy is valued at around $130. Although Cey is not a Hall of Famer, this is a tough card to find in high and could quickly increase value over time.
ome other Hall of Fame high numbers from this set include Rod Carew 695 & 696, Jim Kaat #709, Jim Kaat #710, Steve Carlton #751, and Bill Mazerowski #760.
Notable High Numbers
- Oglive/Ron Cey/Bernie Williams RC #761)
- Rod Carew (#695)
- Bill Mazeroski (#760)
Collectors prize the Cey/Oglive/Williams rookie due to its scarcity in high grades.
1973 Topps High-Number Cards (#529-660)
One of the most iconic cards from the 1970s is the Mike Schmidt Rookie, card number 615. In a PSA 8 example, Schmidt’s rookie sells for about $1,200.
One other possible future Hall of Famer featured in a high number and rookie card is the Dwight Evans rookie card, number 614. Evans has one of the highest WARS for a right fielder not inducted into the Hall of Fame.
Evans’ rookie card is still significantly undervalued. A PSA 8 copy is only worth about $225. I would recommend buying a PSA 8 Evans rookie before he soon reaches the Hall of Fame. Some other Hall of Famer high numbers from this set include Jim Kaat #530 and Orlando Cepeda #545.
Notable High Numbers
- Mike Schmidt Rookie (#615)
- Dwight Evans Rookie (#614)
- Orlando Cepeda (#545)
The Schmidt rookie card remains one of the most valuable high numbers of the early 1970s.
