Baseball cards have been a beloved collectible for over a century, with some of the rarest examples fetching astronomical prices at auction. Whether it’s a vintage Honus Wagner or a modern star’s prized rookie card, certain pieces of cardboard have increased exponentially in value over the decades. Here are 20 baseball cards that could be worth a small fortune if found in pristine condition.

1909-11 T206 Honus Wagner – This is considered the holy grail of sports cards and for good reason. Produced from 1909-11 by the American Tobacco Company, it’s estimated only 50-200 examples exist today in all grades. In mint condition, it’s been known to sell for over $3 million, making it arguably the most valuable collectible in the world.

1952 Topps Mickey Mantle – Mantle’s rookie card is the pinnacle of post-WWII baseball cards and has also cracked the $2 million mark in gem mint condition. Over 71 million Topps cards were printed in 1952 but finding Mantle’s in absolutely flawless condition is exceedingly rare.

1933 Goudey Babe Ruth – One of the earliest notable baseball cards, issued during the golden era of the sport’s early stars. Considered the best of Ruth’s pre-war cards, it has reached over $600,000 for pristine specimens. The 1933 Goudey set is also highly sought after by collectors.

2014 Bowman Chrome Vladimir Guerrero Jr. – Not yet in the majors, but already one of the most valuable modern rookie cards. The Blue Jays superprospect commands five figures even for low-grade copies. As he becomes an MLB star, mint examples could grow exponentially in the coming years.

1957 Topps Willie Mays – Like Mantle’s rookie, Mays’ dazzling first Topps issue from ’57 is a landmark in the post-war era. Condition is critical, with gem mint copies selling over $150,000. Mays’ electric play and pageantry still captivate baseball enthusiasts generations later.

1909-11 T206 Eddie Plank – One of the scarcest T206 cards alongside the Wagner, with far fewer than 100 copies thought to exist. High grades have sold upwards of $100,000. Plank was a star pitcher for Connie Mack’s famed Athletics dynasty in the early 20th century.

1952 Topps Jackie Robinson – Robinson’s breakthrough rookie year still resonates as one of the most important in the sport’s history. Only a few examples graded gem mint 10 are known to exist, valued at over $150,000 each. His inspiring legacy ensures the 1952 Topps Roberto Clemente – Like Robinson, Clemente’s groundbreaking rookie card from ’52 illustrates an iconic player who triumphed against the adversity of his time. Among the most coveted in the set, with gem mint copies bringing six figures.

1954 Topps Hank Aaron – Much scarcer and more valuable than Aaron’s later Topps issues. As his career home run title is scrutinized by current sluggers, interest in his early cards grows. Pristine examples have sold for over $50,000.

1964 Topps Joe Namath – Standing out for its eye-catching photo and design, Namath’s rookie was a must-have for 1960s card collectors. Now immensely difficult to find in mint condition, with just a handful known. Sets a record at over $400,000 in a recent sale.

1911 T205 Bronze Babe Ruth – One of two highly valuable pre-major league Ruth baseball cards. Fewer than 10 are believed to exist in all grades today. Prices start at five figures even for poorer specimens. Also highly important as a key early artifact from Ruth’s career.

1970 Topps Nolan Ryan – Ryan’s early Topps issues are among his most treasured as collectors recognize his transition from flamethrower to Cooperstown legend. The ’70 stands out for its photo and statistical info on the back. Graded gems sell for well over $10,000.

2009 Bowman Draft Mike Trout – Trout’s enormous star power has carried over to this prized prospect card. Considered possibly the most valuable modern-day card, selling for well over $10,000 currently – and still rising with Trout in his prime.

1951 Bowman Mickey Mantle – Pre-dates his ’52 Topps rookie and remains highly iconic for collectors. Not quite as scarce but still an seminal early Mantle card reaching five figures for top grades.

1969 Topps Carl Yastrzemski – Captures Yaz during his age 28 season and Triple Crown campaign. Fewer than a dozen are known to exist in pristine mint condition, where it cracks five figures.

1972 Topps Christian Yelich – Yelich’s early stardom and 2018 MVP award has thrust this prospect card into the spotlight. With ongoing demand, it routinely sells for well over $1,000 today. Seemingly primed to join the ranks of the game’s most lucrative young star cards.

1955 Topps Sandy Koufax – Highlights Koufax’s dominance before injuries curtailed his career. Among the rarest of his 1950s/60s cards in top condition, where it brings over $10,000 at auction due to its scarcity and subject’s legendary status.

1911 T206 Sherry Magee – Alongside the Wagner and Plank, one of the three most difficult T206 cards to acquire. Considered among the earliest known examples of an “error” card. Less than five high-grade copies believed in existence.

1952 Topps Willie Mays – While his famous ’57 rookie gets more notoriety, his debut is actually a year prior in this scarce ’52 issue. Near-mint examples have topped six figures, marking it as one of the costliest cards from that vintage.

1909-14 Cracker Jack Jack Norworth – One of the earliest known insert cards distributed through Cracker Jack packs. Legend has it less than 10 are known to exist, achieving astronomical pricing for high grades. An important artifact of early 20th century baseball promotion.

1992 Bowman Derek Jeter – Captured Jeter as an upstart Yankee prospect on the cusp of his dynasty run. Extremely difficult to find in gem mint condition now, reaching $25,000 recently. In time, may join the echelon of the most valuable modern player cards.

With the never-ending interest in baseball’s past, present stars, and future prospects, it’s guaranteed these cards and more will continue appreciating in value for serious collectors. Even in lower grades, they represent important touchstones of the game’s history that any fan would be proud to own. With prudent care and grading, their worth could grow many times over in the years ahead.