Some of the most sought after and valuable Cubs baseball cards belong to legends of the past like Hack Wilson, Gabby Hartnett, and Billy Williams. Let’s take a closer look at some of the priciest and prized Cubs cards collectors love to own.

1909-11 T206 Hack Wilson (#110)
Considered one of the Holy Grail cards of all time, the 1909-11 T206 Hack Wilson is at the very top of any valuable Cubs cards list. Widely recognized as one of the rarest vintage cards in existence due to its low print run, this card can fetch mind-boggling sums when one crosses the auction block. In mint condition a T206 Hack Wilson has sold for over $800,000, making it one of the most valuable baseball cards ever printed. Even well-worn low-grade examples in rough shape still sell for five figures. Wilson’s feats as a Cub, including setting the single season RBI record that still stands today, are part of what makes his card such an important piece of baseball history.

1914 Cracker Jack Gabby Hartnett (#30)
As one of the most beloved Cubs to ever don the pinstripes, a high-grade Gabby Hartnett Cracker Jack card is a certified blue chip. These early 20th century issues had even shorter print runs than the T206s. Graded examples in the 7-9 range have brought in six-figure sums at auctions before. Considered the greatest catcher of his era, Hartnett’s legendary career and iconic status with Cubs fans means there will always be demand for his flashy Cracker Jack rookie. Getting your hands on a true gem mint one would be a lifelong pursuit for any serious Chicago collector.

1952 Topps Billy Williams (#73)
Arguably the greatest power hitter in Cubs history, a pristine Billy Williams rookie card is a key piece for any baseball collection. While not accorded quite the same legendary status as others on this list, his 1952 Topps rookie remains a true prize all the same. Grading a perfect Gem Mt 10, one of these scarce beauties sold at auction in 2017 for over $35,000, setting a new record price for the issue. Even well-centered near-mint 8’s can bring in thousands. Williams’ entire 21-year career was spent on the Northside, making his rookie an iconic Cubs card that will only increase in value over time as his Hall of Fame legacy is cemented.

1933 Goudey Billy Herman (#65)
One of the toughest vintage Cubs cards to acquire in high grade is the elusive 1933 Goudey Billy Herman. More than a key rookie in its own right, this Depression-era issue took the hobby by storm in the late 1990s after Sotheby’s set a then-record $31,850 price on a pristine example during a card auction. A true 9 or better graded copy is a prized vintage card that would anchor any Cubs collection. Herman spent the bulk of his career in Chicago and was a lifelong .300 hitter, giving this early Goudey significant historical importance for the franchise’s Archives. Finding one with true sharpness and clean corners is like striking gold in the memorabilia marketplace these days.

Other Sought After High-End Cubs Cards:

1914 Cracker Jack Grover Cleveland Alexander (#1)
1909-1911 T206 Mordecai Brown (#162)
2013 Topps Update Javier Baez Parallel Auto Patch (#USP-JB)
1998 SP Authentic Autographics Sammy Sosa Auto /25 (#AS-SS)
2019 Bowman’s Best 1st Bowman Paper Francisco Alvarez Auto (#BA-FA)
1956 Topps Ernie Banks (#126)
1956 Topps Banks Error (#126 No Cap)
2000 Playoff Contenders Signature Series Ryne Sandberg Auto (#RS-CS)
2009 Topps Chrome Refractor Starlin Castro Auto (#RC-SC)

Vintage Cubs cards from the early 20th century featuring stars from the Deadball Era through the 1950s are considered the most historically significant and valuable in the hobby. Condition is absolutely critical, with high-grade examples often selling for over $10,000, and true mint exemplars like the T206 Hack Wilson pushing record prices upwards of $800,000. Modern star rookies and key autos can also hold long term value, but the pre-war tobacco issues and 1950s Topps are truly prized possessions for serious Cubs collectors worldwide due to their extreme rarity and representation of baseball’s earliest eras on the Northside. With iconic players like Banks, Williams, Santo, and Sandberg always in demand from fans both old and new, Chicago Cub cards have proven to be smart long term collectibles.