The 1964 Topps baseball card set is one of the most iconic issues in the history of the hobby. While it may lack the star power and mainstream popularity of some earlier 1950s sets that featured legends like Mickey Mantle and Willie Mays in their primes, the ’64 Topps issue still contains several key rookie cards and short prints that can be quite valuable in the right grade. Let’s take a closer look at some of the most valuable 1964 Topps baseball cards collectors should be on the hunt for.
One of the top 1964 rookie cards to find is that of Hall of Famer and former Cincinnati Reds/Houston Astros star Joe Morgan. Often considered one of the greatest second basemen of all time, Morgan’s rookie is a true key issue from the set. High graded examples of Morgan’s rookie card in PSA/BGS Gem Mint 10 or Mint 9 condition can fetch thousands of dollars, with auction prices regularly topping $1,000-$2,000 for top-notch copies. Even well-centered near-Mint 8s still sell for several hundred dollars.
Another expensive Hall of Fame rookie from the 1964 set is Philadelphia/Pittsburgh Phillies pitcher Jim Bunning. As one of just two members of Congress to have also pitched a perfect game in MLB, Bunning’s rookie is a significant piece of sports and political memorabilia. Pristine PSA 10 or BGS Gem Mint 9.5 Jim Bunning rookies can sell for $3,000-$5,000 or more at auction given his dual career achievements and the card’s obvious scarcity in top grade. Solid Near Mint+ 7s still sell in the $200-400 range.
Two other noteworthy rookie cards from the 1964 Topps set that can be quite valuable include Cincinnati Reds outfielder Vada Pinson and Philadelphia Phillies shortstop Larry Bowa. Pinson, a former All-Star and longtime Reds stalwart, has high graded rookies selling from $800 to $1500 or more at auction. Bowa, a key member of the 1980 World Champion Phillies who later managed several teams, has PSA/BGS 9 rookie cards selling for $500-1000. Even copies in the VG-EX range can still fetch $100+.
Speaking of All-Stars from the 1964 set, Hall of Fame Detroit Tigers slugger Al Kaline’s common card is highly sought after by fans and collectors alike. Any pristine PSA/BGS 10 example of “Mr. Tiger” could conceivably sell for over $1,000, with Gem Mint 9s usually selling in the $300-500 range. Cincinnati Reds and Baltimore Orioles star Frank Robinson, the first player to win the MVP in both the American and National Leagues, has a common ’64 issue as well that routinely sells for $100-200 in top grades.
Two other notable common cards that can become quite valuable high graded include Sandy Koufax of the Los Angeles Dodgers and Los Angeles Angels slugger Boog Powell. Koufax, considered one of the greatest pitchers ever, has mint PSA 10 examples selling near $500. Meanwhile the powerful Powell, a key part of Baltimore’s 1960s dynasty, has pristine rookie cards selling for $300-500 online. Both remain highly sought shortprints in top shape.
In addition to star rookies and commons, the 1964 Topps set also contains several valuable short prints that are true keys to locating high end copies. Card #130, featuring Minnesota Twins pitcher Camilo Pascual, is one of the most well-known shortprints from the set. Receiving only a fraction of the production of standard cards, sharp PSA/BGS 9 examples can sell for $3,000-5,000. Even very nice VG-EX condition copies still sell for several hundred dollars.
Card #277, featuring Houston Colt .45s pitcher Dave Giusti, is another ultra-shortprinted issue that routinely sells for $800-$1500 in Mint condition. Boston Red Sox catcher Elston Howard on card #336 is also quite rare, with pristine copies hammering for $1000+. Finally, New York Mets second baseman Ron Hunt’s card (#350) is also quite tough to locate in high grade, with gems reaching $800-1000 each. Learning to identify these 1964 short prints is key to tracking down the set’s biggest winners.
While I’ve mainly focused on individual star cards, complete near-set collections of the 1964 Topps issue that grade well also possess tremendous value potential. A PSA/BGS Set Registry 64 Topps collection in average Mint 8 condition could easily sell for $10,000 or more online. Meanwhile a single high-end Gem Mint 9+ complete set could reach $30,000-$50,000 at auction among serious vintage card collectors. Even broken runs missing a few tough short prints still command thousands.
Whether chasing key rookie stars, Commons of all-time greats, scarce short prints or a full high grade collection, the 1964 Topps baseball card set remains an iconic and lucrative vintage issue over 50 years later. With a combination of research, patience and deal-hunting, serious collectors still have opportunities to find valuable gems that could greatly appreciate with time. The 1964 Topps set offers a perfect middle ground, blending affordability with the chance to locate true gems still reasonably priced compared to issues from a decade prior. With the right strategy, it remains one of the most collector-friendly vintage sets around.
