The 1962 Topps baseball card set is considered one of the most iconic issues in the history of the hobby. With 711 total cards issued, the ’62 set featured future Hall of Famers like Willie Mays, Hank Aaron, and Sandy Koufax in the prime of their careers. As with any vintage set from the early 1960s and prior, the condition of the cards makes a big difference in their value. Even in worn condition, some key ’62s can still fetch a nice premium due to their historical significance and the player featured. Here are some of the most valuable 1962 Topps baseball cards to be on the lookout for:
Roger Maris #130 – Maris’ rookie card from 1961 is extremely rare and valuable, but his ’62 is also highly sought after by collectors since it captures “Maris Moment” with him hitting his record-setting 61st home run. Even well-worn copies can sell for $500-$1,000, while a near mint example could command $3,000+.
Willie Mays #5 – The Say Hey Kid was already an established star by 1962 but remained one of the most exciting players in the game. In top grades of mint or gem mint, his iconic ’62 card has sold for over $10,000. More moderate copies still trade hands for $500-700.
Hank Aaron #250 – Hammerin’ Hank was in the middle of his record-breaking home run chase during the ’62 season. His card reflects arguably the peak of his storied career. Near mint Aaron rookies have sold for $4,000, with most in the $300-500 range.
Sandy Koufax #207 – Koufax was just starting to emerge as a superstar pitcher in ’62 but was already showing glimpses of his future dominance. High-grade copies of his relatively scarce rookie card have topped $3,000 at auction.
Frank Robinson #490 – Big Frank’s intimidating rookie card captured him in the early days of his Hall of Fame career. Near mint examples can reach $1,000-1,500, with most copies trading between $200-400.
Harmon Killebrew #499 – “Killer” was a feared slugger for the Minnesota Twins by 1962. His card remains one of the tougher ’62s to find in high grade. Near mint copies have sold for over $800.
Bob Gibson #551 – Gibson’s rookie card from this set is one of the more visually striking designs from the era. In top condition it can reach $1,000, with most in the $200-300 range.
Johnny Podres #665 – Podres’ ’62 is one of the scarcer cards from the set due to his being featured later in the alphabet. As the hero of the 1955 World Series, it has additional historical value. Near mint copies have sold for $500-700.
Jim Gentile #663 – Gentile smashed 45 home runs for the Orioles in 1961 and remained a feared slugger the following year. His card is relatively tough to find in high grade and has sold for over $600 in mint condition.
Beyond the high-end stars and rookie cards, there are also several key short prints and variations that can make the 1962 Topps set very valuable:
Card #1 Mickey Mantle is one of the most iconic in the hobby but also one of the toughest short prints to find, especially in high grade. Near mint examples have topped $2,000.
Card #130 Roger Maris is also a short print parallel to the regular issue and even more scarce. Finding one in mint grade would be a true trophy card worth thousands.
The Bazooka Back variations of several stars like Mays, Aaron, and Robinson on gray card stock are also extremely rare, with mint examples valued over $1,000 each.
Error cards like the #130 Maris with “New York” omitted below his name command big money, around $500-700 in top condition.
As with any vintage set, the condition and eye appeal of the card makes a huge difference. But for dedicated collectors, high-value gems from the iconic 1962 Topps baseball issue will always be a worthwhile investment, whether spent raw or graded, to commemorate the great players and moments captured during a special year in the game. With timeless designs and historical significance, the ’62s are sure to retain their place as a cornerstone of the hobby for generations to come.
