Baseball cards have been collected by fans for over a century, with some of the earliest cards dating back to the late 1800s. While many common cards from recent decades hold little value, there are certain vintage and modern cards that can be quite valuable depending on their condition and scarcity. Let’s take a look at some specific baseball cards collectors should be on the lookout for.

1909 T206 Honus Wagner – Often considered the holy grail of baseball cards, the 1909-11 T206 Honus Wagner is the most valuable trading card in existence. Produced by the American Tobacco Company, it’s estimated only 50-200 of these rare cards still exist today in collectible condition. One in near-mint condition sold at auction in 2016 for $3.12 million. The iconic Wagner is so coveted due to its extreme scarcity and as one of the first star player cards ever issued.

1952 Topps Mickey Mantle – As one of the most popular players of all time, Mantle rookie cards from Topps’ first modern set in 1952 are highly sought after. High grade examples in near-mint to mint condition have sold for over $1 million, with PSA-graded gems reaching above $2 million. The ’52 Topps set helped popularize the modern cardboard format and Mantle’s rookie is truly one of the crown jewels of post-war baseball collectibles.

1933 Goudey Babe Ruth – Considered the best and most iconic of Ruth’s early 1930s cards, the ’33 Goudey is particularly valuable in high grades. Recently a PSA 8 copy sold for over $250,000, while a flawless PSA 10 specimen could command $500,000+. Issued during the tail end of Ruth’s playing career, these antique cards captured “the Bambino” during the prime of his legendary status.

1909-11 T206 Eddie Plank and Chief Wilson – While not in the same stratosphere as the Wagner, these two rare T206 cards can still fetch six figures in top condition. Only a handful are known to exist for each player, making them extremely difficult to find. Both Plank and Wilson were solid major leaguers at the time but their scarcity drives their modern value far above more “ordinary” T206s from the same era.

1957 Topps Hank Aaron – As Hank chased down and eventually broke Babe Ruth’s all-time home run record, interest in his rookie card skyrocketed. High grade ’57 Topps Aarons can reach $50,000-100,000 today. This was the first card issued of the future “Home Run King” and remains one of the most important from the post-war period.

1969 Topps Nolan Ryan – One of the most dominant pitchers ever, Ryan’s early career was with the Mets and Angels. His 1969 Topps rookie highlights an otherwise common set but examples in top condition have sold for $30,000+. Still an active player in the early 1970s, the ’69 capture Lightning’s early promise before he went on to rack up a record 5,714 strikeouts.

1975 Topps George Brett – Brett was a perennial All-Star and future Hall of Famer during his long career with the Royals. His rookie card from 1975 Topps has steadily increased in value, with high grade copies selling for $15,000+. Brett was a fan favorite who helped energize baseball in Kansas City during the late 1970s and early 1980s. This is one of the better investments from the 1970s period.

1988 Score Ken Griffey Jr. – As one of the most talented five-tool players ever, Griffey captured the imagination of a new generation of baseball fans in the late 1980s. His rookie card from Score is among the most iconic and valuable from the junk wax era, with pristine copies commanding $4,000-6,000. This early glimpse of “The Kid” before his back-to-back MVP seasons has sustained strong demand.

1998 Bowman Chrome Refractor Miguel Cabrera – From the height of the unlicensed card boom period, Cabrera’s refractor rookie established him as a can’t-miss prospect. High grade examples have sold for over $10,000 in recent years. This encapsulates the excitement over Cabrera before he went on to a Hall of Fame career and 500 home run milestone with the Tigers. It remains one of the most significant modern rookies.

2009 Bowman Draft Auto Mike Trout – Pulled from Trout’s very first Bowman set a year before his MLB debut, this rare autographed card foretold his future as a superstar. Only a few dozen are believed to exist, with PSA 10 Gems reaching $50,000. Trout went on to win three AL MVPs and establish himself as perhaps the greatest all-around player of his generation. This draft card perfectly timed his potential.

This is just a sampling of some especially notable baseball cards that could yield high returns for savvy collectors and investors. While condition is paramount, cards featuring all-time great players from the earliest decades, true rookie cards of legends, and prospects who panned out are most in demand. With patience and some luck, the right vintage or modern gem could pay dividends for a collector’s portfolio over time.