1946 was a pivotal year for baseball cards as it marked several changes from previous years. Topps acquired the rights to produce gum cards featuring players’ photos and stats, taking over from Bowman which had produced cards since 1948. This new Topps set would help popularize the modern baseball card collecting hobby.
While 1946 Topps cards are not considered the most valuable vintage set, they remain an important part of baseball card history and hold value for collectors. Let’s take a deeper look at the 1946 Topps baseball card price guide to understand what factors influence the value of these 70 year old cards.
The Set
The 1946 Topps set contains a total of 67 cards featuring players and managers from both the American and National Leagues. The cards have a yellowish border and feature each player’s team name and position. Photos are mostly headshots with some full body shots mixed in. On the back is basic stats from 1945.
Topps released the cards in wax paper packs with gum. This was the first modern format that would be replicated by Topps for decades. The cards have a distinctive look and feel compared to the previous Bowman issues.
Grading and Condition
As with any vintage set, condition is extremely important when determining a 1946 Topps card’s value. Even minor flaws can significantly decrease what a card is worth. The most valuable examples will be in near mint to mint condition, graded high by services like PSA or BGS.
Lower graded cards in poor/damaged condition may only be worth a few dollars even if it’s a star player. Buyers want to see sharp corners, clean surfaces and bright colors to shell out big money. Topps quality control was still developing, so flaws were somewhat common even in the 1940s.
Key Cards and Players
Naturally, cards featuring all-time great players in top condition will demand the highest prices from collectors. Here are some of the most valuable 1946 Topps cards to look for:
Ted Williams (Card #56) – Often considered the most coveted card in the set. PSA 9 examples have sold for over $20,000.
Joe DiMaggio (Card #3) – Another superstar of the era. PSA 9+ examples around $10,000.
Stan Musial (Card #51) – Consistently one of the game’s best hitters. PSA 9 around $7,500.
Bob Feller (Card #7) – Legendary fireballer. PSA 9 near $5,000.
Hank Greenberg (Card #19) – Powerful slugger. PSA 9 around $3,500.
Enos Slaughter (Card #64) – Speedy outfielder. PSA 9 over $2,500.
Beyond the true stars, short prints and oddball parallels can also increase value for collectors. Overall condition is still king over specific players/cards.
Population Report and Trends
When considering a card’s value, it’s important to look at population reports which estimate how many high grade examples remain in the hands of collectors. The scarcer a card is in top condition, the more valuable it becomes long term.
1946 Topps population reports from PSA and BGS show approximately 400-500 total PSA/BGS 9 examples across the entire 67 card set. The true mint condition cards like Ted Williams are extremely rare with only a handful known.
Prices have steadily increased over the past 20 years as the vintage card market has boomed. Strong financial years also boost interest/demand. Graded examples from the 1940s are now considered “affordable” for certain collectors compared to the true high-end vintage cards pre-WWII.
The Bottom Line
While not in the same league as the true vintage greats from the 1910s-1930s, 1946 Topps cards remain an important part of the early modern baseball card era started by Topps. Condition and specific star players drive values most, with the true gem mint examples of Ted Williams being the most valuable in the entire set.
Prices have risen significantly in recent decades as more collectors focus on vintage cards from the 1940s-1950s. Population reports show how scarce true high grades have become. Overall the 1946 Topps set provides an affordable entry point for collectors interested in the early Topps years while still offering solid returns depending on what you acquire. Being aware of condition, population and key players is important when navigating the 1946 Topps baseball card price guide.
