Topps baseball cards have been a staple of the baseball card collecting hobby since the company began producing cards in the early 1950s. Over the decades, Topps has created countless iconic cards that are highly sought after by collectors. Here’s a look at 23 of the most valuable Topps baseball cards from the 1950s to the 1980s and their estimated values:

1952 Topps Mickey Mantle – PSA 10: One of the holy grails of sports cards is the 1952 Topps Mickey Mantle rookie card. Widely considered the most valuable baseball card of all-time, a PSA Gem Mint 10 graded example recently sold for $5.2 million, making it the highest price ever paid for a single sports card. Even well-worn lower graded copies can fetch six-figure prices.

1957 Topps Hank Aaron – PSA 8: Hank Aaron’s rookie card from his breakout 1957 season with the Milwaukee Braves is one of the most iconic cards from the late 1950s. A PSA 8 copy recently sold for $239,500, showing the demand for high-end examples of this historically significant rookie card. Lower graded copies in the PSA 5-7 range still sell for $10,000+.

1968 Topps Nolan Ryan – PSA 10: Nolan Ryan’s early career card from 1968, showing him as a member of the New York Mets, has steadily increased in value in recent years. The card has taken on greater significance as Ryan’s pitching records have been cemented in baseball history. A PSA 10 Gem Mint copy is estimated to be worth $25,000-35,000 today.

1969 Topps Willie Mays – PSA 8: Widely considered one of the most visually appealing cards ever produced, the 1969 Topps Willie Mays card captures the Say Hey Kid in the prime of his career with the San Francisco Giants. A high-grade PSA 8 copy is valued around $15,000 today for this true icon of the vintage era.

1970 Topps Johnny Bench – PSA 10: As the cover card of the 1970 set, Johnny Bench’s impressive rookie season with the Big Red Machine Cincinnati Reds is immortalized on this card. High-end PSA 10 specimens trade hands for $10,000-15,000, though any grade of this historic rookie commands big money from collectors.

1971 Topps Joe Morgan – PSA 8: Before becoming a Hall of Famer primarily known for his years with the Cincinnati Reds, Joe Morgan had an early career with the Houston Astros that is remembered through his 1971 Topps card. PSA 8 copies have sold for around $3,000 in recent years.

1972 Topps Steve Carlton – PSA 10: One of the most dominant pitchers of the 1970s, Steve Carlton’s 1972 Topps card captures Lefty in his early prime with the St. Louis Cardinals. Pristine PSA 10 examples have sold for $5,000-7,000, reflecting Carlton’s legacy.

1973 Topps Reggie Jackson – PSA 8: Known as “Mr. October” for his postseason heroics, Reggie Jackson’s breakout season of 1973 with the Oakland A’s is depicted on this classic card. PSA 8 copies in the $1,500 range are a solid investment for this all-time slugger.

1974 Topps Mike Schmidt – PSA 10: Arguably the greatest third baseman in baseball history, Mike Schmidt’s rookie card is the 1974 Topps issue showing him as a member of the Philadelphia Phillies. High-end PSA 10 specimens have reached $3,000 at auction.

1975 Topps George Brett – PSA 8: Future Hall of Famer George Brett had his rookie season with the Kansas City Royals in 1973, but his more widely produced card is the 1975 Topps issue. PSA 8 copies have sold for around $800 in recent years.

1976 Topps George Foster – PSA 8: Before being traded to the Cincinnati Reds, George Foster had an early career with the San Francisco Giants and New York Mets that is remembered through his 1976 Topps rookie card. Even well-worn PSA 5 copies can net $150.

1977 Topps Eddie Murray – PSA 8: One of the greatest hitting first basemen ever, Eddie Murray debuted with the 1977 Baltimore Orioles and is immortalized on his rookie card from that season. PSA 8 copies have sold for $400-500.

1978 Topps Ron Guidry – PSA 10: Yankee ace Ron Guidry’s breakout 1977 season that saw him win 25 games and the Cy Young award is captured on his 1978 Topps card. Pristine PSA 10 specimens have reached $1,000 at auction.

1979 Topps Dave Parker – PSA 8: Before making a name for himself with the Pittsburgh Pirates, Dave Parker had his rookie season with the Cincinnati Reds in 1973 depicted on his 1979 Topps card. PSA 8 copies sell in the $150 range.

1980 Topps Nolan Ryan – PSA 8: By 1980, Nolan Ryan was already well on his way to rewriting the record books as arguably the greatest strikeout pitcher ever. His iconic mustached image from this season has made it one of his most popular cards ever. PSA 8 copies have reached $500.

1981 Topps Fernando Valenzuela – PSA 8: The rookie card of Fernandomania pitcher Fernando Valenzuela is a standout from the 1981 set, showing the Dodgers lefty in all his curly-haired glory. Even well-worn PSA 5 copies can sell for $75-100.

1982 Topps Cal Ripken Jr. – PSA 8: Before becoming “The Iron Man,” Cal Ripken Jr. was a promising young shortstop just starting his career with the Baltimore Orioles. His classic rookie card remains a bargain even in lower grades.

1983 Topps Ryne Sandberg – PSA 8: A true icon of the 1980s Chicago Cubs, Ryne Sandberg’s impressive rookie season is remembered on his 1983 Topps issue. PSA 8 copies regularly sell in the $150 range.

1984 Topps Dwight Gooden – PSA 8: As one of the most hyped rookie pitchers ever, Doc Gooden lived up to expectations during his sensational 1984 campaign for the New York Mets. His rookie card is a true gem, even well-worn.

1985 Topps Barry Bonds – PSA 8: Considered one of the greatest baseball players ever, Barry Bonds’ Hall of Fame career began with the Pittsburgh Pirates. His iconic 1985 rookie card looks as great as the player himself.

1986 Topps Mark McGwire – PSA 8: Before the home run chase with Sammy Sosa, Mark McGwire was an up-and-coming slugger for the Oakland A’s. High-grade copies of his rookie card remain a strong long-term investment.

1987 Topps Ken Griffey Jr. – PSA 8: The smooth left-handed swing of “The Kid” takes you back to 1987 with this true piece of cardboard history. Even well-centered but lower graded copies sell for $100-200.

Pristine high-grade examples of these historic Topps rookie cards and other key issues from the 1950s-1980s can sell for thousands, with the all-time greats like Mantle, Aaron, and Mays reaching five and even six figures. But there are also solid value propositions to be found even in average or well-worn lower graded copies. For avid collectors, owning a piece of these players’ early careers and the vintage baseball card era is well worth the investment.