Baseball cards have been collected by fans for over a century and some of those old cardboard collectibles can be worth a small fortune today. While it’s unlikely you’ll find a $100 card mixed in with a pack of modern cards, there are plenty of vintage cards that have appreciated greatly in value. Let’s take a look at some of the most valuable baseball cards worth $100 or more on the secondary market according to recent sales data.
1909-11 T206 Honus Wagner – The Holy Grail of baseball cards is the ultra-rare T206 Honus Wagner, which is one of the most expensive collectibles in the world. The last PSA GEM MT 10 example sold for $6.6 million in 2016, making it by far the most valuable baseball card. Even lower grade T206 Wagners in Good to Very Good condition can fetch six figures.
1952 Topps Mickey Mantle (ROOKIE) – The premiere post-war rookie card of “The Mick” has become one of the most iconic cards in the hobby. High grade 1952 Topps Mantle rookies have sold for over $2 million when fresh to mint condition. Most VG-EX examples can still bring in $100k+.
1933 Goudey Babe Ruth – Considered the finest and most desirable pre-war card set, high grade 1933 Goudey “Bambino” cards are exceptionally rare and valuable. A PSA NM-MT 8 sold for over $5 million in 2016. Most VG-EX copies sell for five figures.
1909-11 T206 Walter Johnson – Along with the Wagner, “The Big Train’s” iconic tobacco card is one of the most sought after pre-war issues. PSA NM 7 examples have sold for $200k+, with most VG-EX bringing at least $5,000-$10,000.
1969 Topps Nolan Ryan (ROOKIE) – Ryan’s first Bowman and Topps cards from his rookie season are highly coveted. High grade ’69 Topps Ryans in PSA/BGS 9-10 condition have reached $50k, with most VG-EX copies selling for $1,000+.
1948 Leaf Jackie Robinson (ROOKIE) – Robinson’s first card as a Brooklyn Dodger is hugely significant being the first issued of MLB’s first African American player. PSA/BGS 9 examples have sold for $40k, with most VG-EX bringing $1,000-$5,000.
1909-11 T206 Ty Cobb – Along with the Wagner and Johnson, Cobb’s iconic tobacco era card is among the most valuable pre-war issues. PSA NM 7 examples have sold for $125k, with most VG-EX bringing $3,000-$10,000.
1909-11 T206 Christy Mathewson – Another legendary pitcher from the most coveted pre-war set. High grade PSA/BGS 8-9 Mathewsons sell for $15k-$30k, with most VG-EX copies fetching $1,000-$5,000.
1951 Bowman Mickey Mantle – While not a true “rookie” like the ’52 Topps, Mantle’s more scarce 1951 Bowman is highly regarded. PSA/BGS 9s have reached $25k, with most VG-EX bringing $500-$2,000.
1948 Leaf Minnie Miñoso (ROOKIE) – Miñoso’s first card is significant as one of the earliest issued of baseball’s first Afro-Latino player. High grade PSA/BGS 8-9s sell for $10k+, with most VG-EX bringing $500-$2,000.
1933 Goudey Jimmie Foxx – Another esteemed slugger from the premier ’33 Goudey set. PSA NM 8 examples have sold for $15k, with most VG-EX copies selling in the $1,000-$5,000 range.
1957 Topps Hank Aaron (ROOKIE) – Aaron’s rookie is highly regarded as one of the finest from the post-war era. High grade PSA/BGS 9s sell for $10k+, with most VG-EX bringing $500-$2,000.
1948 Bowman Ted Williams – While not Williams’ true rookie issue, his 1948 Bowman is extremely scarce in high grades. PSA/BGS 9 examples have reached $15k, with most VG-EX selling for $500-$2,000.
1909-11 T206 Ed Walsh – The legendary “Iron Man” fireballer rounds out the coveted T206 set. PSA NM 7 Walishes sell for $10k+, with most VG-EX bringing $1,000-$3,000.
1933 Goudey Dizzy Dean – One of the most charismatic hurlers of the 1930s has a very desirable Goudey issue. PSA NM 8 Deans sell for $7,500+, with most VG-EX fetching $500-$2,000.
There are many other vintage baseball cards that can be worth $100 or more in top condition, but this covers some of the most iconic and significant rookies, stars and issues that routinely sell for four figures or more when fresh, crisp examples surface on the market. As with any collectible, condition and eye appeal are paramount to value. With timeless subjects and stunning vintage artwork, it’s no wonder these classic cards remain such prized baseball memorabilia for enthusiasts worldwide.