Mickey Mantle is considered one of the greatest baseball players of all time. In addition to his amazing career playing center field for the New York Yankees from 1951-1968, Mantle also produced some of the most valuable and desirable baseball cards in the hobby. Many Mantle cards from his rookie season in 1952 all the way through the late 1950s and early 60s command huge sums when high graded samples surface on the collecting market. Let’s take an in-depth look at some of the key Mickey Mantle baseball cards that are worth the most money today based on demand and their condition.

1952 Topps Mickey Mantle (Card #311) – Mantle’s rookie card is arguably the most iconic and sought-after card in the entire hobby. High quality PSA/BGS Gem Mint 10 examples of the ’52 Mantle are worth well over $100,000 each. Even lower graded copies in NM-MT 8 or 9 condition can still bring $20,000+. The card features a bright yellow backdrop and live action photo of the Yankee outfielder. Topps only produced about 50,000 copies of the rookie card, so finding high grade samples is extremely difficult. It’s considered the crowning jewel of any serious vintage baseball card collection.

1956 Topps Mickey Mantle (Card #258) – While not his true rookie, the ’56 Mantle is another hugely important issue that is usually the 2nd most valuable after the ’52. Pristine PSA 10 copies have sold at auction for around $80,000 each. This Mickey Mantle features a clean action pose and is considered the best photography of Mantle ever used on a card. Lower graded copies in the VG-EX range still sell for several thousand dollars. The scarcity and overall excellent condition of this Mantle card make it an essential piece for any collector.

1952 Bowman Mickey Mantle (Card #26) – As Mantle’s true “rookie” card issued prior to his initial Topps card, the ’52 Bowman is extremely valuable when found in top condition. Only a handful of PSA/BGS Mint 9 or 10 graded samples are known to exist. Those pristine examples have reached over $150,000 at public auction. Even lower grades no worse than NM-MT 8 can sell for $40,000 or more. The colorful Mickey Mantle Bowman design features Mickey swinging a bat, and it’s considered as desirable to find as the ’52 Topps issue for many collectors.

1956 Topps Mickey Mantle (Card #258-1) – This is Mantle’s “Dazzle Diamond” card variation where the “258” is placed inside a dazzling diamond shape on the front. Graded PSA 10 specimens are some of the rarest and most prized vintage cards in the entire hobby. Only about 5 examples are known across all grading services. In 2016 a PSA 10 sold for nearly $350,000 at auction, setting records. Even lower grades in the 8-9 range will still bring in excess of $100,000. Simply put, finding any Dazzle Diamond Mantle in high quality is a true treasure for collectors.

1957 Topps Mickey Mantle (Card #112) – While not as scarce as some earlier Mantle cards, the ’57 issue is still definitely worth money today. Pristine Mint PSA 10 copies will sell in the $20,000-$30,000 range. Lower graded examples down to VG-EX condition still have values starting at $1,000-3,000 depending on overall appeal and centering/corners. It features a great action shot and colorful Blue and Tan backing that ‘pops’ in high grades. Another essential card that is attainable for most vintage collectors compared to the ultrarare ’52’s and ’56 Diamond.

1960 Topps Mickey Mantle (Card #312) – Widely considered one of the best action photos ever used on a baseball card, the 1960 Mantle shows him jumping and swinging mid-stride. Pristine PSA 10 specimens have sold for $15,000+. Even very nicely centered NM-MT 8’s are worth $3,000-5,000 in today’s market. This iconic Mantle resonates with collectors not just for the great photography, but also because it was issued near the peak of Mantle’s Hall of Fame career with the Yankees. Lower grades down to EX or lower can still command $500-1,000.

Any high quality vintage Mickey Mantle rookie or early career card from Bowman or Topps issued in the 1950s have the potential to be worth 5 or even 6 figures to the right collector. While finding specimens in true gem mint condition is extremely difficult, there are still many affordable Mantle cards from the late 50s and early 60s that can be collected and appreciated for $1,000-3,000 even in lower grades. Mickey Mantle remains one of the all-time most collectible players in baseball history, and this is clearly reflected in the values commanded by his classic cardboard issues over 60 years later. With stringent population reports and census data available, savvy collectors know exactly which Mantle cards represent the best opportunities.