Baseball cards exploded in popularity in the late 19th century as the relatively new sport of baseball grew across America. During this time, companies began inserting baseball cards as promotional items in products like tobacco to help advertise their brands. Some of the earliest and most valuable vintage baseball cards date back to the early 20th century from 1902 up through the 1950s. Here is an in-depth price guide for valuable baseball cards from this era to help collectors understand relative values.

1902 – Old Mill Tobacco – Considered the first true baseball card set, these tobacco era cards featured individual players on the fronts with advertisements on the backs. In top-graded PSA Gem Mint 10 condition, key cards can fetch huge sums. Honus Wagner is the most famous and valuable at over $1 million. Other stars like Nap Lajoie, Cy Young, and Eddie Plank can reach $50,000-$100,000 in top grades as well.

1909 – T206 – Often called the “Mona Lisa of trading cards,” the 1909-11 T206 set featured stars in color portraits and is one of the most iconic vintage issues. In PSA Authentic grades, common players can still earn $500-$1,000 but stars are much pricier. Honus Wagner (PSA 1.5) sold for a record $6.6 million. Others like Matty, Cy Young, and Eddie Collins can reach $50,000-$150,000.

1911 – M101-8 Fatima – This set featured large color portraits and advertisements on the backs. High-grade examples of stars like Ty Cobb and Walter Johnson can earn $2,000-$5,000.

1913 – E90-1 W514 Strip Cards – These unique cards featured horizontal strips with individual player portraits. High-grade examples of stars like Joe Jackson and Eddie Collins can earn $1,000-$3,000.

1914 – E121-1 Brick Brondons – Features individual color portraits and ads on the back. Stars like Nap Lajoie and Eddie Collins can earn $500-$1,500 in top condition.

1915 – E135-1 Hassan Triple Fold – Unique triple fold cards that open like a book. High grades of stars like Walter Johnson and Eddie Collins can earn $1,000-$3,000.

1916 – M101-1 Sporting Life – Features large color portraits and ads on the back. High grades of stars like Babe Ruth and Walter Johnson can earn $1,000-$3,000.

1918 – E135-1 Hassan – Features individual color portraits and ads on the back. High grades of stars like Babe Ruth and Ty Cobb can earn $1,000-$3,000.

1933 – Goudey – Iconic early 20th century set known for its vibrant color images. Top graded examples of stars like Babe Ruth, Lou Gehrig, and Jimmie Foxx can earn $5,000-$15,000. Common players in high grades still earn $200-$500.

1934 – Goudey – Similar to the 1933 set but with different images. Top graded stars like Dizzy Dean, Lefty Gomez, and Mel Ott can earn $2,000-$5,000.

1935 – Goudey – Final year of the original Goudey set. Top graded stars like Dizzy Dean, Carl Hubbell, and Mickey Cochrane can earn $1,000-$3,000.

1938 – Play Ball – Early modern set known for its large color images and statistics on the back. Top graded stars like Joe DiMaggio, Hank Greenberg, and Bob Feller can earn $1,000-$3,000.

1939 – Play Ball – Similar to 1938 set. Top graded stars like Ted Williams, Bob Feller, and Joe DiMaggio can earn $1,000-$3,000.

1948 – Bowman – Iconic post-war set that helped launch the modern baseball card era. Top graded stars like Jackie Robinson, Stan Musial, and Ted Williams can earn $2,000-$5,000.

1949 – Bowman – Highly coveted for featuring many all-time great rookie cards. A PSA Gem Mint 10 Jackie Robinson can earn $50,000. Other stars like Ted Williams and Stan Musial can earn $1,000-$3,000 in top condition.

1950 – Bowman – Final year of the classic Bowman design. High graded rookie cards of future Hall of Famers like Willie Mays and Whitey Ford can earn $1,000-$3,000. Stars like Ted Williams and Stan Musial can earn $500-$1,500.

The most valuable pre-1950 baseball cards will be high graded examples of the rarest and most iconic sets featuring legendary players like Honus Wagner, Babe Ruth, and Jackie Robinson. But there are also solid values to be found across this era for collectors on most any budget. Proper grading is also essential to maximize values. This price guide should help collectors understand relative worth of their vintage baseball card holdings from 1902 to 1950.