1959 Topps Baseball Card Price Guide Overview
The 1959 Topps baseball card set is considered one of the most iconic issues in the history of the hobby. It was the last Topps set before they lost exclusive rights to produce cards for the next few years, allowing competitors like Fleer to enter the market. With no competition and excitement over a new decade of baseball, the 1959 Topps cards sold extremely well upon initial release.
Today, the 1959 cards remain popular with collectors and have seen values increase steadily over the past few decades. The high print run numbers means most common cards can still be obtained in worn condition for just a few dollars. The best conditioned examples of stars can command thousands due to their iconic designs, player quality, and nostalgia attached to the late 1950s.
This guide will provide estimates for the values of 1959 Topps cards in different grades. It’s important to note that exact prices can fluctuate based on recent sales comps and the exact condition of individual cards. Buyers and sellers should use EBAY, PWCC, or other sources to check recent average sales of specific players when conducting transactions.
1959 Topps Baseball Card Set Overview
Total Cards: 520 regular issues
Designer: Norm Jacobs
Photographers: Art Spiegelman, Settelmayer Brothers
Manufacturer: Topps
Distribution: Wax Packs (5 cards per pack, 1 stick of gum)
Logo: None on cards, “Topps Chewing Gum” on wrapper
1959 Topps Baseball Card Grading Scale
Poor (P): Flaking and worn edges, creases, staining
Fair (FR): Minor wear around edges, light creasing
Good (GD): Moderate wear, borders fading slightly
Very Good (VG): Minimal wear on edges, light corner wear
Excellent (EX): Near perfect, slight corner wear only
Mint (MT): Perfect centering, sharp corners and edges
Key 1959 Topps Baseball Cards and Estimated Values:
Hank Aaron RC – $2,000 (EX), $5,000 (MT)
One of the most valuable cards in the set due to Aaron’s Hall of Fame career and his rookie card status. Condition is critical to value.
Willie Mays – $500 (EX), $1,000 (MT)
An iconic star of the late 1950s who remains one of the game’s all-time greats. Condition drives value.
Sandy Koufax RC – $750 (EX), $1,500 (MT)
Another hugely valuable rookie, though condition is more lax due to larger print run vs. Aaron RC. Still a key card.
Ernie Banks – $200 (EX), $500 (MT)
“Mr. Cub” was a fan favorite and star hitter of the 1950s/60s. High grades carry premium due to demand.
Whitey Ford – $100 (EX), $250 (MT)
Legendary Yankee pitcher who won over 200 games. Value supported by success and nostalgia.
Bob Gibson RC – $300 (EX), $600 (MT)
HOF pitcher whose rookie is in high demand due to his intimidating presence on the mound.
Nellie Fox – $75 (EX), $150 (MT)
1959 AL MVP and a surefire HOFer despite retiring early. Collector favorite from this era.
Warren Spahn – $50 (EX), $100 (MT)
Legendary Braves LHP won 363 career games. Youth and success contribute to moderate demand.
Roy Campanella – $30 (EX), $60 (MT)
HOF catcher whose career was cut short by accident remains a well-known name from this vintage.
Don Drysdale RC – $150 (EX), $300 (MT)
HOF Dodgers RHP who won 209 career games. Rookie cards hold value due to his accomplishments.
Miscellaneous Cards:
Common Stars (EX) – $10-30
This covers cards of well-known but not “premium” stars like Roberto Clemente, Hank Aaron (#2 card), etc.
Solid Veterans (EX) – $5-10
Players past their prime but with decent careers attract light bidding – guys like Early Wynn, Minnie Minoso.
Rookies of Future Stars (EX) – $20-50
Cards like Ron Santo and Lou Brock attract interest since they were future all-stars, though print runs lower values.
Common Players (VG-EX) – $1-5
cards of average players fill out the set – most can be found in worn condition for a few dollars or less.
1959 Topps Baseball Factors Affecting Value
Condition: As with any vintage issue, condition is king. High grades can increase value exponentially.
Rookie Cards: RCs of HOFers are the most coveted and valuable, especially in top condition.
Hall of Fame Players: Cards of players with storied careers and enshrined in Cooperstown sell for healthy premiums.
Printing Quantity: Commons were mass-produced so supply is plentiful, lowering prices. Keys like RCss were printed less.
Player Accomplishments: Stats, awards, and team success boost demand for stars from that era.
Set Completion: Having a fully intact 1959 set is an achievement for collectors and carries its own cachet.
Pop Culture Impact: The 1959 designs remain eye-catching works of art that trigger nostalgia for many.
Modern Rarity Standards: Condition standards are higher now, limiting “gem mint” supply and increasing prices accordingly over time.
Market Forces: Just like stocks, prices go through peaks and valleys depending on overall vintage card market conditions and demand.
In Summary
The 1959 Topps baseball card set holds a hallowed place in the hearts of collectors as one of the most iconic vintage issues ever produced. While the print run keeps common cards affordable, premium examples of the legendary rookies and all-time greats can sell for thousands due to their historical significance. Condition, completeness, and availability will always be crucial in determining values for this prized set from the dawn of the modern baseball card era.
