The 1957 Topps baseball card set is considered one of the most valuable issues from the 1950s. Published annually by Topps Chewing Gum, Inc., the 1957 set highlights many legendary players from that era that still hold significant nostalgia and collecting value today.
The 1957 Topps baseball card set consists of 379 total cards including player cards, managers, coaches, and league leader cards. Some notable hall of famers featured include Hank Aaron, Willie Mays, Sandy Koufax, and Mickey Mantle. The designs and colors used on the 1957 cards were similar to Topps’ previous issues from the mid-1950s featuring straightforward black and white player photos on a colorful illustrated background.
While complete common base sets in worn condition can still be acquired relatively affordably, the true values lies in the high-grade rookies, stars, and short prints from the 1957 set. Here’s a breakdown of some of the most valuable and sought after 1957 Topps cards:
Mickey Mantle (Card #255) – Generally considered the most iconic and valuable card from the entire 1950s era. High grade PSA/BGS GA examples regularly sell for $50,000+. Even well-centered low-grade copies still fetch $1,000+.
Hank Aaron (Card #78) – A true icon of the game. PSA/BGS 10 examples have sold for over $30,000. Lower graded copies still hold value in the $1,000-5,000 range depending on condition.
Willie Mays (Card #253) – Another surefire hall of famer and one of the most recognizable names in baseball history. PSA 10’s have topped $20,000 with most others between $1,000-10,000.
Sandy Koufax (Card #277) – Koufax rookie card and one of the most desired from the entire set. PSA 10’s exceed $15,000 with most others $2,000-10,000 based on grade.
Harmon Killebrew (Card #258) – Iconic rookie card for one of the game’s greatest sluggers. High grades $5,000 and up.
Frank Howard (Card #292) – One of the scarcer short prints from 1957. PSA 10 sold for over $6,000 in recent years. Most others $500-2,000.
Bob Turley (Card #303) – Another short print and one of the set’s true “keys”. PSA/BGS 10 recently went for over $9,000. $1,000-3,000 range outside of gem mint.
Nellie Fox (Card #180) – Popular Chicago White Sox star is also a short print. $800-2,000 in PSA 8-10 condition.
Billy Pierce (Card #295) – Final coveted short print from the 1957 set. $500-1,500 for high grades.
In addition to star/short print value drivers mentioned above, there are also several additional notable 1957 Topps rookie cards worth noting:
Don Drysdale (Card #272) – Iconic Dodger rookie. $500-3,000 based on grade and centering.
Eddie Mathews (Card #51) – Hall of Fame third baseman’s first card. $300-2,000 range.
Jimmy Piersall (Card #122) – Interesting story attached to his career spikes value a bit. $200-800.
Bill Virdon (Card #338) – Solid veteran outfielder but another desirable rookie card. $100-500.
Bob Friend (Card #183) – Achieved excellent career stats. $80-300 for quality specimens.
The condition of 1957 Topps cards is extremely important to their final values. Minor flaws can significantly impact prices so greater emphasis is placed on high quality gems. While not as easily obtainable or affordable as modern issues, the 1957 set shines as one of the true icons from the classic early years of modern baseball cards that any serious collector would be lucky to own.
