The 1956 Topps baseball card set was issued during a transitional time in the collecting world. While baseball cards had been popular with children for decades, it was just becoming a mainstream hobby for adults as well. As a result, the 1956 Topps set contains many valuable and interesting cards that appeal to collectors today.
One of the most notable rookies from the 1956 set is Willie Mays of the New York Giants. As one of the greatest players of all time, there is high demand for any early Mays cards. In top graded condition of Near Mint-Mint (NM-MT) 7 or higher, the Willie Mays rookie card can be worth $250,000 or more. Even well-centered examples in good condition around Excellent (EX) 5 could still fetch $30,000-$50,000. Finding any Mays card from his early years in NY in solid condition is already an accomplishment on its own.
Another important rookie from 1956 is Hank Aaron, who was just breaking into the major leagues with the Milwaukee Braves. In top condition around NM-MT 7 or better, Aaron’s rookie card has reached over $100,000 at auction. In grades like EX-MT 6 it would sell in the $15,000 to $25,000 range. Much like Mays, finding any Aaron card preserved well from his early career makes it quite valuable for Braves and baseball history collectors.
Perhaps the most hyped card from 1956 Topps today is the Mickey Mantle. As one of the most iconic players of all time who is also synonymous with the New York Yankees, Mantle cards in any vintage set are always in high demand. An NM-MT 7 Mantle could conceivably sell for over $200,000 today. Even well-centered EX-MT 6 copies would likely reach $50,000-$75,000 at auction. Just like the Mays and Aaron rookies, receiving any Mint grade on a Mickey Mantle is an outstanding achievement for a 66-year-old card.
In addition to star rookies, there are several established players from the mid-1950s that have valuable 1956 Topps cards as well. For example, a NM-MT 7 Ted Williams could be worth $35,000-$50,000. The “Teddy Ballgame” is one of the greatest hitters who ever lived and remained a star with the Boston Red Sox during this period.
Another perennial AL MVP candidate was Yankees shortstop Phil Rizzuto. While not quite the household name that the previously mentioned stars were, “Scooter” was a fan favorite and top-five MVP finisher several times in the late 1940s and 1950s. As such, his 1956 Topps card can reach $7,000-$10,000 in top condition. Finding high grade examples of players with notable careers enhances the set’s overall appeal.
Rookie cards aren’t the only draws from the 1956 issue either. The entire set contains several valuable short prints that are much harder to find than standard base cards. For example, the Mickey Mantle short print (#77) is among the most sought-after SPs from any vintage Topps set. Graded NM-MT 7, it could command $35,000-$50,000 on today’s market. Even in EX condition around 5-6, an example might still sell for $15,000-$25,000.
Another top short print is Eddie Mathews (#98) of the Braves. A NM-MT 7 graded copy could reach $10,000. In lower EX grades around 5, it would still hold value of $3,000-$5,000 due to the card’s scarcity. Other desirable short prints include Warren Spahn (#153), Roy Campanella (#156), Whitey Ford (#158), and Jackie Robinson (#207). High grade copies of these rare variants in the condition census generally sell for thousands.
Beyond star rookies and short prints, there is also collectible interest in 1956 Topps for the complete set. A full run in pristine NM-MT 7 condition could conceivably sell at auction for $50,000 or more today. More realistically, a nicely centered full set in grades of EX-MT 5.5-6 range might reach $20,000-$30,000. For collectors chasing vintage gems, putting together a complete 1956 Topps run in top condition represents a valuable and historic baseball set.
The 1956 Topps baseball card issue serves as a transitional “bridge” set that introduced several all-time great player’s rookie cards. Headliners like Willie Mays, Hank Aaron and Mickey Mantle understandably receive top dollar when found well-preserved. There is value throughout for short prints, perennial stars, complete sets and more. With demand always high for vintage cardboard prior to the 1960s, the 1956 Topps set remains an attraction for collectors and historians alike. Finding examples in high grades only enhances the significance and earnings potential of this important vintage issue.
