The Chicago Cubs are one of the most storied franchises in Major League Baseball, with a history dating back to 1874. As one of the oldest teams in the National League, the Cubs have produced many Hall of Fame players and iconic moments over the decades that are captured forever on baseball cards. For Cubs collectors and fans, here are some of the most desirable vintage and modern Cubs cards to seek out.
One of the earliest and most valuable Cubs cards is the 1909-11 T206 Honus Wagner card. While Wagner never actually played for the Cubs, his legendary card is one of the rarest in the world with fewer than 60 known to exist. In near-mint condition, a T206 Wagner can fetch over $1 million at auction. For Cubs fans, the next best thing is tracking down examples of the other Cubs players featured on the 1909-11 T206 set, such as Mordecai Brown, Heinie Zimmerman, and Johnny Kling. High grade specimens of their cards can sell for thousands.
Moving into the 1950s, collectors seek out rookie cards of Hall of Famers like Ernie Banks and Ron Santo. Banks’ 1956 Topps rookie is one of the most iconic in baseball history and can sell for over $10,000 in gem mint condition. Santo’s 1960 Topps rookie is more affordable but still a prize for any Cubs PC. Another affordable and iconic 1950s Cubs card is Banks’ 1959 Topps, which features “Mr. Cub” smiling in his batting stance on the front. This is one of the most recognizable and beloved Cubs cards ever made.
The 1960s produced several other all-time great Cubs that have valuable rookie cards, like Billy Williams’ 1963 Topps and Fergie Jenkins’ 1966 Topps issues. Williams’ rookie has steadily increased in price in recent years to over $1,000 in high grade. Jenkins’ rookie remains under $200 but is an important pickup for any Cubs collector. For more budget-friendly 1960s options, fans enjoy tracking down stars like Bill Hands, Glenn Beckert, and Randy Hundley in common issues from that era.
The 1970s gave collectors iconic rookie cards for future Hall of Famers like Rick Monday and Bruce Sutter. Monday’s 1971 Topps is iconic for depicting his controversial flag-saving leap in Dodger Stadium. Sutter’s 1976 Topps rookie introduced “The Sutter Shuffle” to baseball fans before his Hall of Fame career took off. Both can be acquired for a few hundred dollars if found in pristine condition. Other key 1970s Cubs like Milt Pappas, Burt Hooton, and Bill Buckner had affordable rookie issues as well.
Modern Cubs cards from the 1980s through today offer several affordable options for collectors on a budget. Ryne Sandberg’s iconic 1984 Donruss rookie remains under $50 even in top grades. Jody Davis’ 1981 Topps rookie depicts one of the best defensive catchers of the 1980s in action. Kerry Wood’s iconic 1998 Bowman Chrome rookie introduced one of the hardest throwers ever to Wrigleyville fans. All can be found for under $20 in well-kept condition.
For the truly deep-pocketed collector, some of the most valuable modern Cubs cards include Sammy Sosa’s 1989 Bowman rookie, which has eclipsed $1,000 for pristine specimens. Sosa’s iconic 1998 Finest Refractor parallel colors card, depicting his record-breaking 62-home run season, can bring over $5,000 in mint condition. For a true blockbuster Cubs card, try tracking down one of the ultra-rare Mike Trout 2009 Bowman Chrome Cubs prospect rookie cards, which have reached over $100,000 at auction.
Whether building an entire Cubs team set from the 1950s, chasing rookie cards of all-time greats, or seeking out modern parallels and refractors, there is no shortage of iconic Cubs cards for dedicated collectors to enjoy. With over a century of history on the baseball diamond, the Cubs franchise has produced many Hall of Famers who left an indelible mark on the game immortalized in cardboard. For diehard Cubs fans, building a collection of these valuable and memorable baseball cards connects them to the past, present and future of the beloved North Siders for years to come.
