The 1959 Topps baseball card set was the eighth series issued by Topps and featured 612 total cards. It is considered one of the most iconic vintage sets from the early years of modern baseball cards. While it lacks the star power and key rookie cards of some other vintage sets, the 1959 Topps set still holds significant nostalgia and value for collectors. Here are some of the standout cards from the 1959 Topps baseball card series.
#311 Mickey Mantle – Widely considered the crown jewel of the 1959 Topps set, Mantle’s card has long been one of the most coveted and valuable vintage cards. At the time, Mantle was already a 3-time MVP and 5-time World Series champion with the dominant New York Yankees. His powerful swing and exciting style of play made him one of the first true baseball superstars. Mantle’s 1959 Topps card in near-mint to mint condition can fetch well over $10,000 today. Even low-grade copies still trade hands for thousands.
#1 Willie Mays – Like Mantle, Mays was already well on his way to a Hall of Fame career by 1959 with the New York/San Francisco Giants. As arguably the best all-around player in baseball at the time, Mays’ card holds significant appeal as one of the highest profiled from the set. Well-centered, sharp 1959 Mays rookies can reach the $4,000+ range. Even in rougher condition, it remains one of the most iconic and desirable vintage cards for collectors.
#307 Hank Aaron – Before breaking Babe Ruth’s all-time home run record, Aaron was already a feared slugger and one of the game’s biggest stars as a member of the Milwaukee Braves. His 1959 Topps card captures him in the prime of his career at just 25 years old. High-grade examples have reached over $1,500 due to Aaron’s legendary career and the card’s sharp visual design.
#256 Nellie Fox – As a two-time AL batting champ and 1959 AL MVP with the Chicago White Sox, Fox possessed one of the sweetest swings of his era. His 1959 Topps card remains one of the most visually appealing from the set. Higher grade Nellie Fox rookies have topped $1,000 at auction.
#547 Eddie Mathews – One of the most feared power hitters of the late 1950s and 1960s, Mathews blasted over 400 career home runs primarily as a member of the Milwaukee/Atlanta Braves. His 1959 Topps issue shows him in the heart of his prime. High-end copies have reached $800-900 due to the Hall of Famer’s iconic status.
#12 Bob Turley – As the 1958 AL Cy Young Award winner and World Series MVP with the New York Yankees, Turley’s dominance made his 1959 Topps rookie card highly sought after. Turley is one of just a handful of certified rookie cards from the set. High-grade examples have topped $700 despite Turley’s short, injury-plagued career.
#512 Early Wynn – Already a veteran hurler by 1959, Wynn went on to win over 300 career games and claim the 1959 AL Cy Young Award with the Cleveland Indians at age 41. His distinctive windup and longevity have made this card a favorite of collectors. Mint Wynn rookies have reached $600.
#576 Bill White – As a versatile eight-time All-Star who played first base, outfield and even pitched briefly, White enjoyed a fine career primarily with the St. Louis Cardinals. His 1959 Topps rookie card remains one of the more visually striking and popular commons from the set, reaching up to $500 in top grades.
#550 Bob Friend – Winning 20+ games four times in his career primarily with the Pittsburgh Pirates, Friend was one of the top right-handed pitchers of the late 1950s. His 1959 Topps rookie card looks sharp and can approach $400 for pristine examples.
While it lacks some star rookies found in other years, the 1959 Topps set remains iconic for capturing legends like Mantle, Mays and Aaron in the prime of their careers. Keys cards like Turley and Friend also make it an important set for vintage rookie collectors. Overall design, photo quality and the stars featured make 1959 Topps a highly collectible vintage release that remains popular with collectors today.
