The 1966 Topps baseball card set was the first year Topps included photos of major league games on the cards rather than posed studio shots. This changed the look of the traditional baseball card and helped kick off the boom in collectors seeking authentic images from the diamond. While most ’66 Topps cards hold value in the $1-5 range today for commons, certain short printed and star rookie cards have skyrocketed in popularity with collectors and market value over the decades. Here are some of the most expensive and sought after 1966 Topps cards to look out for:
Sandy Koufax (#130) – The Hall of Fame Dodgers lefty was one of the most dominant pitchers of his era. His final season of 1965 saw him win his third Cy Young award while leading the NL in wins, ERA, and strikeouts before abruptly retiring at age 30 due to arthritis in his pitching arm. This makes his ’66 Topps one of the true “final season” cards featuring one of baseball’s all-time greats. In gem mint condition a Koufax ’66 routinely brings over $1,000 today and has sold for as much as $4,300 in recent auctions.
Steve Carlton (#144) – The future Hall of Famer and four-time Cy Young winner’s first Topps card came in 1966 as a rookie with the Cardinals. Carlton would go on to become one of the most prolific lefty hurlers in MLB history but this early issue remains a key item for Phillies and Cardinals PC collectors. Higher grade Carlton rookies can sell for $800-1,200 currently.
Roberto Clemente (#132) – The Pittsburgh Pirates’ star right fielder and Hall of Famer had already won two batting titles and an NL MVP by 1966. His iconic mustache and power/speed combo made him one of the most exciting and popular players of the late 60s/early 70s. Clemente sadly perished in a plane crash on a humanitarian mission on December 31st, 1972 at age 38. In tribute to his legend, this early issue of Clemente consistently sells above $200 for mint copies.
Don Drysdale (#107)- Another Dodgers ace, Drysdale went 194-116 with a 2.95 ERA over his 13 year career spent entirely in Dodger blue. He won three World Series rings and two Cy Youngs including a record 58 2/3 consecutive scoreless inning streak in 1968. Any early Drysdale like his ’66 is treasured but high grade versions still fetch $300+.
Harmon Killebrew (#133) – The future Hall of Famer smashed 349 career homers primarily as a third baseman for the Minnesota Twins. His hulking physique and tape measure moonshots made him a fan favorite of the late 50s through 70s. As a key player from that era, Killebrew’s ’66 in top condition can sell for around $150.
Ron Santo (#154) – The Chicago Cubs slugging third baseman played 15 seasons on the North Side from 1960-1974, earning 5 All-Star nods and slugging 342 career homers. He became the team’s radio broadcaster after retiring. Sadly diagnosed with diabetes in the 1970s, Santo lost both legs below the knee but remained an iconic Cub. In gem pristine state the always popular Santo rookie has sold for $250.
Rod Carew (#150) – Already a batting star at age 20, Carew’s rookie issue from 1966 captures him at the very beginning of his storied career spent primarily with the Minnesota Twins and California Angels. Carew would go on to win 7 batting titles and blast 3,053 hits on his way to the Hall of Fame. Pristine condition Carew rookies go for $150-250 depending on strength of demand.
Jackie Hernandez (#118) – One of the scarcest short prints from 1966, the Athletics’ second baseman had his photo taken in a green and white jersey while most others feature teams in blues or grays. This makes his card stick out and few high quality examples survive. Top condition Hernandez SSPs have fetched $300 and up in recent auctions.
Ernie Banks (#8) – “Mr. Cub” spent his entire 19 year career with the Chicago Cubs and was already a 14 year veteran by 1966 yet still remained one of the most popular players in baseball. The smiling slugger belted 512 career homers while capturing NL MVP honors in 1958-59. top pristine Banks cards stay above $150 steadily.
Other notable1966 rookie cards that continue gaining collector interest include future Hall of Famers Reggie Jackson, Bill Freehan, and Fergie Jenkins. While most ’66 Topps hold modest value today, cherry picking high grade copies of the previously mentioned stars and short prints can give collectors a serious vintage cardboard investment. The historic photos and nostalgia continues driving collector demand 50+ years later.
