Mark McGwire Baseball Cards Price Guide
Mark McGwire had one of the most prolific home run hitting careers in baseball history. As a result, McGwire baseball cards are some of the most sought after and valuable cards on the market. Let’s take an in-depth look at McGwire’s career, some of his key baseball cards, and what they can sell for according to recent price guides and sales data.
Mark McGwire’s Playing Career
McGwire played in the major leagues from 1986-2001 for the Oakland A’s and St. Louis Cardinals. Some key highlights of his impressive career include:
Setting the single season home run record in 1998 with 70 home runs, breaking Roger Maris’ longstanding record of 61 set in 1961. This record would later be broken by Barry Bonds.
Winning the 1987 AL Rookie of the Year award with the A’s.
Being a 9-time All-Star selection.
Leading the league in home runs four different seasons.
Hitting 583 career home runs, which places him 10th on the all-time home run list.
Helping the St. Louis Cardinals win the World Series in 2006 as their hitting coach.
While McGwire admitted to steroid use late in his career, his prodigious home run hitting made him one of the most popular players of the late 90s home run boom era. This fame and notoriety is reflected in the value of his rookie and star rookie cards from the 1980s.
Key Mark McGwire Baseball Cards
Here are some of McGwire’s most valuable and sought after baseball cards on the market according to recent price guides and sales data:
1987 Topps Rookie Card #181 – In gem mint 10 condition, this iconic rookie card regularly sells for $5,000-$8,000. Even in lower graded condition of 7 or 8, it can still fetch $1,000-$3,000. It’s arguably McGwire’s most desirable card.
1989 Upper Deck #1 – As one of McGwire’s earliest star cards showing his huge power potential, high graded examples can sell for $2,000-$4,000. Lower grades go for $500-1,500.
1998 Fleer Authentic #1 – Commemorating McGwire’s chase of Maris’ home run record, autographed versions can sell for over $10,000. Even unsigned, high grades go for $1,000-3,000.
1998 Topps #1 – Another card highlighting his record chase, mint condition examples sell for $500-1,000. Lower grades go for $200-500.
1998 Bowman’s Best Refractors #55, #144 – These refractors depicting McGwire in a home run swing are hotly desired by collectors. Graded gems can sell for $3,000-5,000.
2001 Upper Deck #132 – One of McGwire’s final star cards before retirement, near mint copies sell for $200-500 depending on condition.
As you can see, McGwire’s rookie and star cards from the late 80s boom of his career, as well as cards commemorating his 1998 home run record season, are the most in demand and valuable in the hobby. Near mint to gem mint 10 graded copies in particular can command the highest prices.
The Future of McGwire Cards
Even with his late career admission to steroid use slightly dampening his legacy over time, McGwire’s home run prowess and iconic 1998 season ensure his cards will remain popular with collectors. As he continues to gain consideration for the Hall of Fame as the years pass, interest and prices for his best cards may gradually rise. The 1987 Topps rookie is especially well positioned to hold and increase in value long-term.
For collectors looking to add one of the premier power hitters of the 90s to their collections, McGwire cards offer a powerful blast from the past. By checking the latest Beckett, PSA, or eBay sales data, you can get a sense of the current market value of different years and conditions. With patience and savvy buying, it’s possible to acquire affordable McGwire cards that could gain in stature down the road.
