The 1955 Bowman baseball card set is one of the most iconic and valuable sets in the history of the hobby. Issued by the Bowman Gum Company, the 1955 set featured over 400 rookie cards that documented the up-and-coming stars of Major League Baseball during that era. While the set as a whole contains many interesting and historically significant cards, there are 55 cards in particular that stand out as being especially notable. Let’s take a closer look at each of these 55 cards and what makes them so collectible and desirable among baseball card enthusiasts and investors.
The 1955 Bowman Mickey Mantle card is arguably the most famous and valuable card in the entire set. As one of the game’s true icons who went on to have an illustrious Hall of Fame career, Mantle’s rookie card from this set is the holy grail for many collectors. In pristine mint condition, a 1955 Mantle has sold for over $2 million, making it the most valuable baseball card ever sold. The card features a nice action shot of Mantle swinging and captures him at the start of his amazing career with the New York Yankees.
Another Yankee legend featured is the 1955 Bowman Whitey Ford card. Ford went on to have an outstanding career primarily as a pitcher for the Yankees, winning over 250 games and earning induction into the Hall of Fame. His rookie card shows him in the windup and also captures a piece of baseball history. High grade Ford cards can sell for over $50,000.
The 1955 Bowman Willie Mays card is another iconic piece of cardboard that pictures “The Say Hey Kid” as a member of the New York Giants early in his 24-year career. Mays went on to have a Hall of Fame career and is considered one of the greatest all-around players ever. Pristine Mays rookie cards have sold for over $300,000, second only to Mantle among ’55 Bowman cards.
Another star New York Yankee rookie is the 1955 Bowman Elston Howard card. Howard broke the color barrier for black players as the first in the American League and had a solid 13-year career primarily as a catcher for the Yanks. High grade Howard rookie cards can sell for over $15,000.
The 1955 Bowman Hank Aaron card pictures “Hammerin’ Hank” as a young star with the Milwaukee Braves. Aaron went on to smash the all-time home run record and is considered one of the greatest sluggers in MLB history. Pristine Aaron rookie cards have sold for over $100,000, a true rarity from this classic set.
The 1955 Bowman Al Kaline card features “Mr. Tiger” early in his Hall of Fame career spent entirely with the Detroit Tigers franchise. Kaline was known for his excellent hitting and defensive skills in right field. A near-mint Kaline can sell for over $25,000.
The 1955 Bowman Ernie Banks card pictures “Mr. Cub” as a young star with the Chicago Cubs. Banks went on to play 19 seasons for Chicago and was known for his enthusiasm for the game. High grade Banks rookie cards can sell for over $15,000.
The 1955 Bowman Roberto Clemente card features the great Pirates right fielder at the beginning of his career. Clemente was Pittsburgh’s first Latino star and is remembered for his hitting prowess as well as humanitarian work. Near-mint Clemente rookie cards sell for over $10,000.
The 1955 Bowman Frank Robinson card pictures “The Secretary of Violence” as a young star with the Cincinnati Reds. Robinson went on to have a Hall of Fame career as a slugger and was baseball’s first African American manager. A pristine Robinson can sell for over $7,500.
The 1955 Bowman Roy Campanella card features the Dodgers’ Hall of Fame catcher early in his career. Campanella was one of the first African American players in the National League and known for his leadership and power hitting from the catcher position. Near-mint Campanella rookie cards sell for over $5,000.
The 1955 Bowman Jim Bunning card pictures the Hall of Fame hurler as a member of the Detroit Tigers. Bunning went on to have a strong career as a pitcher and was also notable for being the first former MLB player elected to the U.S. Senate. High grade Bunning rookie cards sell for over $2,500.
The 1955 Bowman Don Drysdale card features the legendary Dodgers pitcher known for his blazing fastball early in his career. Drysdale went on to win 209 games and five World Series rings for Los Angeles. Near-mint Drysdale rookie cards sell for over $2,000.
The 1955 Bowman Bill Virdon card pictures the five-time Gold Glove winner as a young outfielder with the St. Louis Cardinals. Virdon played 16 seasons in the majors and was known for his defensive excellence in center field. High grade Virdon rookie cards sell for over $1,500.
The 1955 Bowman Luis Aparicio card features “Little Looie” as a member of the Chicago White Sox. Aparicio was one of the top defensive shortstops in baseball history, famous for his range and instincts in the field. Near-mint Aparicio rookie cards sell for over $1,200.
The 1955 Bowman Bob Friend card pictures the Pittsburgh Pirates’ Hall of Fame pitcher known for his consistency early in his career. Friend won 209 games over 18 seasons for Pittsburgh. High grade Friend rookie cards sell for over $1,000.
The 1955 Bowman Harvey Kuenn card features the versatile infielder/outfielder as a member of the Cleveland Indians. Kuenn won the American League batting title in 1959 and played 13 seasons in the majors. Near-mint Kuenn rookie cards sell for over $900.
The 1955 Bowman Billy Pierce card pictures the veteran lefty as a young star with the Chicago White Sox. Pierce went on to win 211 games over 18 seasons primarily with Chicago. High grade Pierce rookie cards sell for over $800.
The 1955 Bowman Nellie Fox card features “The Ping” as a second baseman for the Chicago White Sox known for his defensive skills and durability. Fox played 15 seasons and won the 1959 AL MVP award. Near-mint Fox rookie cards sell for over $700.
The 1955 Bowman Rocky Colavito card pictures the slugging outfielder early in his career with the Cleveland Indians. Colavito hit over 100 career home runs and made four All-Star teams. High grade Colavito rookie cards sell for over $600.
The 1955 Bowman Curt Simmons card features the veteran lefty pitcher as a member of the St. Louis Cardinals. Simmons won 171 games over 15 seasons and was known for his control on the mound. Near-mint Simmons rookie cards sell for over $500.
The 1955 Bowman Sherm Lollar card pictures the catcher known for his defensive skills as a member of the Kansas City Athletics. Lollar played 11 seasons in the majors and was a three-time Gold Glove winner. High grade Lollar rookie cards sell for over $400.
The 1955 Bowman Ray Narleski card features the reliever known for his control early in his career with the Pittsburgh Pirates. Narleski played 12 seasons in the majors and had 121 career saves. Near-mint Narleski rookie cards sell for over $300.
The 1955 Bowman Rip Repulski card pictures the utility player/outfielder as a member of the Cleveland Indians. Repulski played parts of eight seasons in the majors and was known for his versatility. High grade Repulski rookie cards sell for over $200.
The 1955 Bowman Bob Cerv card features the outfielder/first baseman known for his power bat as a member of the Kansas City Athletics. Cerv played 11 seasons in MLB and hit over 100 career home runs. Near-mint Cerv rookie cards sell for over $150.
The 1955 Bowman Hal Smith card pictures the catcher who played 12 seasons in the majors primarily with the Detroit Tigers. Smith was known for his defense behind the plate and throwing arm. High grade Smith rookie cards sell for over $100.
The 1955 Bowman Gino Cimoli card features the outfielder who played parts of seven seasons in the majors primarily with the Milwaukee Braves. Cimoli had a career .259 average and speed on the basepaths. Near-mint Cimoli rookie cards sell for over $75.
The 1955 Bowman Jim Pendleton card pictures the utility player who spent six seasons in the majors. Pendleton played every position except pitcher and catcher during his career. High grade Pendleton rookie cards sell for over $50.
The 1955 Bowman Dick Brown card features the outfielder who played parts of five seasons in the majors for five different teams. Brown had a career .252 average in limited MLB at-bats. Near-mint Brown rookie cards sell for over $25.
The 1955 Bowman Gene Conley card pictures the pitcher/outfielder known for his two-way skills early in his playing career with the Boston Braves. Conley played parts of 13 seasons in the majors. High grade Conley rookie cards sell for over $15.
The 1955 Bowman Gus Bell card features the outfielder who played 14 seasons in the majors primarily with the Cincinnati Reds. Bell was known for his power bat and strong throwing arm in right field. Near-mint Bell rookie cards sell for over $10.
The 1955 Bowman Harvey Hadd
