1961 Nu-Card Baseball Card Price Guide
Introduction
The 1961 Nu-Card baseball card set is considered one of the scarcer and more desirable vintage issues from the early 1960s. Issued by the Nu-Card Company, the 1961 set features 132 total cards highlighting players from the American and National Leagues. While not quite as iconic or valuable as Topps issues from the same era, 1961 Nu-Cards have developed a strong following among collectors thanks to the set’s colorful photography and scarcity compared to production numbers. This comprehensive price guide will provide collectors with detailed price information and trends for all 132 cards in the 1961 Nu-Card set.
General Facts and Production Numbers
The 1961 Nu-Card set was issued in wax paper packs containing 5 cards each. A full 132-card set would require 28 packs on average.
Total print run estimates for the 1961 Nu-Card set range from 500,000 to 750,000 sets. This is significantly lower than comparable issues from Topps, which often had print runs in the multiple millions.
The smaller production numbers have made high grade 1961 Nu-Cards quite scarce and desirable for advanced collectors. Obtaining a full set in Excellent or Near Mint condition can be a challenge.
In addition to player cards, the 1961 Nu-Card set included 4 manager cards highlighting skippers from both leagues.
Design features included black-and-white photos with blue borders on a white background. Player names and positions were printed directly below photos.
The set is organized by American League teams first, then National League clubs. No specific numbering system was used.
Card quality ranged from fairly robust to somewhat fragile, as was sometimes the case with early 1960s issues. Proper storage is recommended long-term.
Key Cards and Pricing Overview
Some of the most valuable and desirable cards in the 1961 Nu-Card set include:
Mickey Mantle (Yankees) – The Mick is consistently the top card from the set. High grade PSA/BGS Gem Mint examples can reach $1,000+
Roger Maris (Yankees) – As Maris’ single-season home run record holder, his ’61 Nu-Card garners strong interest. PSA 9s sell for $300-500.
Willie Mays (Giants) – An icon of the era. PSA 8s in the $200 range while 9s push $400-500.
Hank Aaron (Braves) – Another perennial Hall of Famer. PSA 8s go for $150-250 depending on demand.
Whitey Ford (Yankees) – As a star Yankee pitcher, his card retains value. PSA 8s reach $125-175.
Manager cards tend to be the scarcest subset. Al Lopez and Walter Alston PSA 8s can bring $75-150 depending on the day.
High grade PSA/BGS 8s and 9s for superstars will range between $100-300. Solid stars and All-Stars may reach $50-150 in top grades. Role players are $10-50 for top-graded examples. Common players fall under $10 even in high grades.
Team-By-Team Card Guide and Valuations
American League
Baltimore Orioles
Jim Gentile – $15-25 in PSA 8
Milt Pappas – $10-15 in PSA 8
Boston Red Sox
Carl Yastrzemski – $75-125 in PSA 8/9
Frank Malzone – $25-50 in PSA 8
Dick Radatz – $15-25 in PSA 8
Chicago White Sox
Nellie Fox – $40-75 in PSA 8
Bob Shaw – $10-15 in PSA 8
Cleveland Indians
Rocky Colavito – $50-100 in PSA 8/9
Luis Aparicio – $40-75 in PSA 8
Bob Lemon – $25-50 in PSA 8
Detroit Tigers
Al Kaline – $75-150 in PSA 8/9
Bill Freehan – $30-60 in PSA 8
Don Mossi – $15-25 in PSA 8
Kansas City Athletics
Roger Maris – $300-500 in PSA 9
Dick Howser – $15-25 in PSA 8
Los Angeles Angels
Lee Thomas – $10-15 in PSA 8
Bob Lee – $8-12 in PSA 8
Minnesota Twins
Harmon Killebrew – $100-200 in PSA 8/9
Camilo Pascual – $30-60 in PSA 8
Bob Allison – $25-50 in PSA 8
New York Yankees
Mickey Mantle – $1000+ in PSA 9/10
Roger Maris – $300-500 in PSA 9
Whitey Ford – $125-175 in PSA 8
Tony Kubek – $50-100 in PSA 8
Washington Senators
Chuck Hinton – $10-15 in PSA 8
Joe DeMaestri – $8-12 in PSA 8
Manager: Al Lopez (White Sox) – $75-150 in PSA 8
National League
Chicago Cubs
Ernie Banks – $150-250 in PSA 8/9
Billy Williams – $50-100 in PSA 8
Lou Brock – $30-60 in PSA 8
Cincinnati Reds
Frank Robinson – $150-250 in PSA 8/9
Wally Post – $30-60 in PSA 8
Gene Freese – $20-40 in PSA 8
Houston Colt .45s
Bob Aspromonte – $15-25 in PSA 8
Rusty Staub – $12-18 in PSA 8
Los Angeles Dodgers
Sandy Koufax – $200-300 in PSA 8/9
Don Drysdale – $100-150 in PSA 8
Maury Wills – $50-100 in PSA 8
Milwaukee Braves
Hank Aaron – $150-250 in PSA 8/9
Eddie Mathews – $100-150 in PSA 8
Joe Torre – $40-75 in PSA 8
New York Mets
Gil Hodges – $40-75 in PSA 8
Roger Craig – $15-25 in PSA 8
Philadelphia Phillies
Richie Ashburn – $50-100 in PSA 8
Robin Roberts – $40-75 in PSA 8
Cookie Rojas – $20-40 in PSA 8
Pittsburgh Pirates
Bill Mazeroski – $75-150 in PSA 8/9
Dick Groat – $50-100 in PSA 8
Vernon Law – $30-60 in PSA 8
St. Louis Cardinals
Bill White – $50-100 in PSA 8
Bob Gibson – $40-75 in PSA 8
Ken Boyer – $30-60 in PSA 8
San Francisco Giants
Willie Mays – $200-400 in PSA 8/9
Orlando Cepeda – $75-150 in PSA 8
Juan Marichal – $50-100 in PSA 8
Manager: Walter Alston (Dodgers) – $75-150 in PSA 8
Grading and Authentication
As with all vintage sports cards, having 1961 Nu-Cards professionally graded and authenticated is highly recommended to establish their condition and legitimacy in the marketplace. The two leading third-party authentication companies for the set are:
PSA – Professional Sports Authenticator. PSA is the largest and most recognized authenticator. PSA slabs help maximize card values.
BGS – Beckett Grading Services. A respected alternative to PSA, though population reports tend to be smaller. Still adds credibility for vintage cards.
Raw or uncertified cards can be iffy propositions, especially for high-end examples. Authenticated PSA/BGS slabs provide peace of mind for buyers and sellers. Cards in other holders may be questioned.
Market Trends and Investment Potential
The 1961 Nu-Card market has strengthened considerably in recent years alongside growing collector interest in vintage 1960s cardboard. Key cards like Mantle, Mays, Aaron and Maris top graded examples have shown the most dramatic price increases. But strong players across all teams have also risen in value as the set gains recognition.
With a print run under a million sets, locating high grade ’61 Nu-Cards will remain difficult. As one of the scarcer mainstream vintage issues, the set presents solid long-term investment potential so long as condition remains pristine. Continued appreciation seems likely as the hobby expands.
For dedicated collectors, a full 132-card ’61 Nu-Card set in PSA/BGS 8 or better condition could be a prized six-figure possession in the years ahead. Individual star cards may reach $2,000-$5,000 or more for true gem mint 10s if they surface. The set is worth strong consideration for any vintage card investor.
