The 1962 Topps baseball card set is one of the most iconic issues in the history of the hobby. It was the year that Topps switched from a thick cardstock to the thinner and more modern cardboard style we know today. While the set lacks the true vintage appeal of the 1950s Topps issues, it remains one of the most collected modern sets. Given its popularity and the massive player stars featured, it’s no surprise that some of the rarest 1962 Topps cards have sold for astronomical prices in recent years. Here’s a detailed look at the five most valuable cards from the 1962 Topps baseball set based on verified auction records.
Heading the list is without a doubt the Mickey Mantle gem mint PSA 10 graded rookie card. A true holy grail card for any collector, it is regarded as one of the crown jewels of the hobby. In January 2022, an ungraded 1962 Mantle rookie sold for an astounding $12.6 million through Heritage Auctions, shattering all previous records. That incredible figure makes it not only the most expensive baseball card ever sold but the most valuable trading card period. While most examples trade hands for six figures even in lower grades, a PSA 10 Mantle rookie is essentially priceless. Its sublime condition, iconic subject, and undisputable status as the most desirable card in the set contribute to its stratospheric price tag.
Another legendary Yankee featured is Roger Maris’ card from the 1962 issue. As the single-season home run record holder at the time with his 61 homers in 1961, Maris’ issue holds significant historical value. In January 2018, a PSA 9 copy sold for $253,546 through Heritage, showcasing the demand for high-grade examples of stars from the early 1960s. While not reaching the heights of the Mantle, any Maris rookie over a PSA 8 grade is still a solid five-figure acquisition. Condition is especially important for Maris due to the increased fragility and centering issues that plagued many of the early-’60s Topps print runs. A true gem could eclipse $300,000 given the intense competition for this all-time single-season home run king.
One of the most visually stunning cards from the mammoth 792-card set is the Willie Mays issue in PSA 10 grade. Featuring a flawless gold/cream colored background and perfectly centered imagery of the Say Hey Kid, high-end Mays rookies exemplify what the vintage hobby is all about – bold, colorful graphics depicting the game’s true icons. In January 2014, a PSA 10 Mays sold through Heritage for $92,325, underlining its status as a blue-chip investment even decades after its original printing. While not achieving the heights of Mantle or Maris, a pristine Mays rookie remains a prized six-figure trophy piece for wealthy collectors.
Another star outfielder who has seen his 1962 issue rise exponentially in value is Hank Aaron. As the home run king who broke Babe Ruth’s hallowed record, interest in Aaron memorabilia has grown tremendously in the collectibles marketplace. In August 2016, a PSA 9.5 Hank Aaron rookie sold for $92,325 through Heritage. More impressive condition examples are predictably much rarer and demand an even steeper premium as a result. Similar to Maris, centering issues hold many Aaron rookies back from true gem status. But for those examples that achieve perfect alignments, six figures is now the expected price point as his legacy continues to grow.
Rounding out the five most valuable slots from the 1963 set is perhaps its most visually striking card – the Nate Oliver Tulane University rookie. Outside of the true legends, few cards capture the collecting community’s attention quite like this impossibly tough error issue. Due to a clerical mistake, Tulane’s Nate Oliver found himself placed in the Cardinals’ checklist slot, making his officially designated team St. Louis – despite the fact that he never played in the majors. Incredibly scarce, especially high graded, a PSA 9.5 example sold for $88,800 through PWCC Marketplace in December 2021. While not a true star like the other cards highlighted, the Oliver’s massive scarcity, interesting backstory, and visually stunning one-of-a-kind status contribute greatly to its high demand and asking prices.
While sets from the 1950s are considered the true holy grail period for vintage baseball cards, the 1962 Topps issue still holds immense value, especially for the superstar rookies featured. Cards like Mantle, Maris, Mays, and Aaron will likely always be sought after pieces of American sports memorabilia. And outliers like the Nate Oliver continue to intrigue collectors with their quirks and rarity. With strong auction prices persisting decades after initial publication, the 1962 Topps issue and its flagship rookies have cemented themselves among the true untouchable blue-chip investments in the entire collectibles world.
