Baseball cards have been around for over 150 years and some of the earliest and rarest cards can be worth a small fortune today. While it’s impossible to predict which modern cards may appreciate greatly in the future, there are certain cards from the past that are almost guaranteed to hold significant value. Let’s take a look at some of the baseball cards worth the most money from different eras.

1909-1911 T206 White Border Set – This iconic set from the early 20th century is considered the holy grail of baseball cards. In gem mint condition, a complete set could sell for over $1 million. Even individual high-grade cards from this set command big money. Honus Wagner is the most famous and his PSA 10 example sold for $3.12 million in 2016. Other stars like Ty Cobb and Cy Young in top condition can bring six-figure sums.

1933 Goudey Giants Babe Ruth – The king of all vintage cards is widely acknowledged to be the ultra-rare 1933 Goudey Giants Babe Ruth. Only 12 of these are known to exist in the world. In 2013, a PSA 8 example sold for an astounding $657,250, setting a record. A PSA 6.5 recently went for $240,000. The condition and centering must be flawless for one of these to ever come to market.

1952 Topps Mickey Mantle – As the first Topps rookie card of the Commerce Comet, the 1952 Topps Mickey Mantle is one of the most coveted post-war issues. High grades in this set are scarce and a PSA 9 just sold for $360,000 in early 2022. Even well-centered PSA 8s can bring six figures. This is a true Holy Grail card for Mantle collectors.

1957 Topps Hank Aaron – Another highly significant rookie card is the 1957 Topps Hank Aaron. Like Mantle in ’52, this was Aaron’s first issued Topps card. PSA 10 examples have sold for as much as $350,000. PSA 9s routinely sell for well over $100k. Even in PSA 8 condition it remains a valuable six-figure card.

1967 Topps Nolan Ryan – As one of the earliest available Ryan rookie cards, the ’67 Topps is highly sought after by collectors. A PSA 10 just changed hands for $240,000 in early 2022, showing little signs of slowing down. PSA 9s are consistently bringing $50,000-$100,000 at auction depending on centering and eye appeal.

1969 Topps Willie Mays – Willie Mays’ career accomplishments make him one of the all-time greats. His 1969 Topps issue remains one of his most coveted cards, especially in gem mint condition. A PSA 10 sold for $186,000 in late 2021. Even PSA 9s with sharp corners and clean surfaces can sell for $50,000 or more. This is a true icon card from the late ’60s set.

1971 Topps Johnny Bench – As the first flagship card of the legendary Reds catcher, the 1971 Topps Johnny Bench rookie is a true trophy card for many collectors. A PSA 10 recently sold for $180,000. PSA 9s are consistently selling for six figures as well. This was Bench’s breakout season that saw him win MVP and Rookie of the Year. The card’s significance and rarity make it enormously valuable.

1974 Topps Nolan Ryan – No Pitcher – The 1974 Topps Nolan Ryan “no-pitcher” error card is one of the most famous printing mistakes in the hobby. Only three are known to exist in PSA 10 condition. In 2013, one sold for $99,750, showing the demand for this ultra-rare variation. Even lesser graded examples still sell for tens of thousands. Any PSA 10 would be a true prize possession.

1975 Topps Cal Ripken Jr. – Ripken’s impressive career and Iron Man streak make his rookie card highly prized. A PSA 10 just sold for $108,000 in late 2021. PSA 9s are bringing $30,000-$50,000 depending on centering qualities. This was Ripken’s first flagship card and remains one of his most iconic issues from his early Orioles tenure.

1988 Fleer Ken Griffey Jr. – As the first widely available Griffey rookie card, the 1988 Fleer has become one of the most valuable modern issues. A PSA 10 sold for $106,000 in early 2022. PSA 9s are consistently selling for $30,000 or more. Even raw copies in top condition can sell for thousands due to Griffey’s popularity and the card’s significance.

1998 Bowman’s Best Refractor Chipper Jones – The chase card from the ultra-popular 1998 set, Chipper Jones’ refractor parallel is exceptionally rare in high grades. A PSA 10 sold for $102,400 in late 2021. PSA 9s have also cracked six figures before. Even in PSA 8 condition, this card remains enormously valuable due to its extreme rarity and Jones’ Hall of Fame career.

2003 Bowman Draft Pujols Patch Auto /99 – Considered Albert Pujols’ best rookie card, the 2003 Bowman Draft Patch Auto is exceptionally rare with a print run of just 99 copies. High graded examples with the coveted on-card signature and uniform swatch fetch big money. A PSA 9.5 just sold for $99,000 in early 2022. Even raw copies in top condition can sell for tens of thousands.

2009 Topps Update Mike Trout – The 2009 Topps Update Mike Trout rookie has exploded in value as Trout established himself as perhaps the greatest player of his generation. A PSA 10 sold for $96,000 in late 2021. Even PSA 9s are consistently selling for $30,000+. This was Trout’s true rookie card and first card in Topps flagship, making it enormously desirable for Angels PC collectors.

As you can see, the rarest and most significant baseball cards from the past can be worth extraordinary sums today when preserved in pristine condition. While it’s impossible to predict the future, cards issued in the modern era that feature all-time great players like Trout early in their careers tend to hold immense long term value as well. With care and some luck, today’s investments could pay dividends for generations to come.