Topps has been producing baseball cards since 1951 and over the decades they have released many iconic and valuable cards. Here is an in-depth look at 22 of the most notable and expensive Topps baseball cards from the 1950s to the 1980s.

1951 Bowman Mickey Mantle – PSA 10 (Gem Mint): This is widely considered the holy grail of baseball cards as it was Mantle’s rookie card released prior to Topps obtaining the MLB license. In near perfect condition it can sell for over $2 million making it the most valuable baseball card. Only a handful are known to exist in PSA 10 condition.

1952 Topps Jackie Robinson – PSA 8: Jackie Robinson broke the color barrier in 1947 and his 1952 Topps card was his first “rookie” card released after Topps obtained the MLB license in 1951. High graded examples in PSA 8 condition have sold for over $350,000 making it one of the most important and valuable cards ever issued.

1952 Topps Mickey Mantle – PSA 8: Like the Jackie Robinson, Mantle’s 1952 Topps rookie is hugely significant as one of the first Topps cards issued for one of the game’s greatest players. High end PSA 8 examples can reach $200,000 due to its iconic status.

1954 Topps Hank Aaron – PSA 8: Aaron would go on to break Babe Ruth’s all-time home run record and his 1954 Topps card was issued early in his Hall of Fame career. High grade examples in the PSA 8 range have sold for over $100,000.

1956 Topps Mickey Mantle – PSA 8: Widely considered one of the most visually appealing vintage cards ever designed, Mantle’s 1956 card in high grades is a must-have for collectors. PSA 8 copies have reached $90,000 at auction.

1957 Topps Willie Mays – PSA 8: Another classic design capturing one of baseball’s all-time greats during his peak years with the Giants. Top graded ’57 Mays cards can bring $75,000.

1958 Topps Mickey Mantle – PSA 8: Mantle’s aggressive swing is immortalized on this iconic 1958 issue. High end PSA 8 copies have sold for $70,000.

1959 Topps Bob Gibson – PSA 8: Gibson’s intimidating delivery is captured perfectly on his 1959 rookie card which is highly sought after by collectors. PSA 8s have sold for over $50,000.

1960 Topps Roberto Clemente – PSA 8: Clemente was a true five-tool star and leader both on and off the field as portrayed on his 1960 rookie card. PSA 8 grades have reached $45,000.

1961 Topps Roger Maris – PSA 8: Maris’ record-setting 1961 season when he hit 61 home runs is remembered on this highly valuable rookie card. PSA 8 copies sell for $40,000.

1962 Topps Sandy Koufax – PSA 8: Koufax established himself as the game’s most dominant pitcher during the early 1960s as seen on this card. PSA 8s go for $35,000.

1963 Topps Pete Rose – PSA 8: Before Rose became baseball’s all-time hits leader, this was his true rookie card issued during his time with the Reds. PSA 8s reach $30,000.

1964 Topps Jim Bouton – PSA 8: Bouton’s controversial book “Ball Four” brought notoriety years later but this is his key rookie card. PSA 8s sell for $25,000.

1965 Topps Tom Seaver – PSA 8: Seaver burst onto the scene as a rookie and went on to have a Hall of Fame career. His 1965 rookie in top grades is a $20,000 card.

1966 Topps Reggie Jackson – PSA 8: “Mr. October’s” rookie card captured him as part of the Athletics’ dynasty of the late 1960s. PSA 8s trade for $15,000.

1967 Topps Carl Yastrzemski – PSA 8: Yaz won the AL Triple Crown in 1967 as depicted on this valuable card from his award winning season. PSA 8s reach $12,000.

1968 Topps Johnny Bench – PSA 8: Bench established himself as the game’s premier catcher and earned Rookie of the Year honors. His rookie card sells for $10,000 graded PSA 8.

1969 Topps Tom Seaver – PSA 8: Seaver’s dominant 1969 season where he won 25 games and captured the Cy Young Award is featured on this high valued card. PSA 8s sell for $8,000.

1970 Topps Joe Morgan – PSA 8: Morgan was a catalyst for the Big Red Machine era Reds and this card was issued during his early years with the team. PSA 8s bring $6,000.

1971 Topps Thurman Munson – PSA 8: Munson emerged as the Yankees’ captain and starting catcher in the early 1970s as seen on this key card. PSA 8 copies trade for $5,000.

In conclusion, Topps produced many of the most iconic baseball cards from the 1950s through 1970s featuring the game’s greatest players. High quality vintage examples from this post-war period in the PSA 8-10 range can be significant investments for collectors.