The 1955 Topps baseball card set was the second set produced by Topps after they gained the exclusive license to produce baseball cards in 1952. It was during this time period in the 1950s that baseball card collecting really began to take off. The 1955 Topps set features photos of players from the 1954 season and is considered one of the most iconic vintage sets in the hobby. With its simple yet classic design, the 1955 Topps cards will always be highly collectible.

Here’s a breakdown of what are widely considered to be the 25 most valuable 1955 Topps baseball cards based on the card’s condition, story, and historical significance:

Mickey Mantle – #311
The Mick’s rookie card is arguably the most coveted in the entire hobby. In pristine near-mint condition, a 1955 Mantle fetches well over $100,000. Even in worn condition it can sell for thousands. Mantle went on to have one of the greatest careers in MLB history making this one of the most historically significant rookie cards ever produced.
Ted Williams – #98
Another true icon of the game, Ted Williams’ powerful left-handed swing made him one of the greatest hitters who ever lived. His 1954 season was the last of his illustrious career making this one of his final baseball cards produced. High grade examples can reach $50,000+.
Willie Mays – #258
Considered one of the most talented all-around players, Willie Mays’ incredible career has made his rookie card highly valuable. In gem mint condition, a 1955 Mays can sell north of $40,000 due to its rarity, story, and historical significance.
Hank Aaron – #85
Before breaking Babe Ruth’s all-time home run record, Hank Aaron was already well on his way to Cooperstown hitting 27 home runs in 1954. Near-mint examples of his 1955 Topps card have sold for over $20,000.
Sandy Koufax – #257
One of the greatest pitchers who ever lived, Sandy Koufax’s career was cut short by injury but not before winning 3 Cy Young awards and 2 World Series titles. High grade versions of his rookie card have topped $15,000 at auction.
Roberto Clemente – #258
A true five-tool player and humanitarian, Roberto Clemente was tragically killed in a plane crash in 1972 at the young age of 38. His career was cut short but his impact lives on. Near-mint 1955 Clemente cards have sold for over $10,000.
Ernie Banks – #312
Known as “Mr. Cub,” Ernie Banks was a 14-time All-Star and two-time NL MVP. He spent his entire 19-year career with the Chicago Cubs. In gem mint condition, his 1955 Topps card has sold for upwards of $9,000.
Frank Robinson – #312
The first player to win both an MVP award and Rookie of the Year, Frank Robinson was a power hitter who hit 586 career home runs. High grade versions of his 1955 Topps rookie card have sold for over $8,000.
Al Kaline – #312
A lifetime Detroit Tiger, Al Kaline was an excellent all-around player who won a batting title and gold glove. Near-mint 1955 Kaline rookie cards have topped $7,000 at auction.
Richie Ashburn – #312
A five-time All-Star and member of the Phillies 1950 Whiz Kids, Richie Ashburn had a long and successful career. High quality examples of his 1955 Topps rookie card have sold for $6,000+.
Bill Virdon – #312
Bill Virdon had a solid 14-year MLB career and was named to two All-Star teams. As a key rookie in 1955, high grade versions of his card have reached $5,000.
Harvey Kuenn – #312
Harvey Kuenn was the AL batting champion in 1959 and won a gold glove award. Near-mint copies of his scarce 1955 Topps rookie card have sold for over $4,000.
Don Drysdale – #312
A Hall of Fame pitcher known for his blazing fastball, Don Drysdale won 3 World Series titles with the Dodgers. Pristine versions of his 1955 rookie card have topped $3,500.
Carl Yastrzemski – #312
A Boston Red Sox legend, Carl Yastrzemski won the 1967 Triple Crown and was named AL MVP. Near-mint examples of his scarce rookie card have reached $3,000.
Bob Friend – #312
A 20-year MLB veteran and 3-time All-Star, Bob Friend had a stellar career primarily with the Pirates. High quality versions of his 1955 Topps rookie card have sold for $2,500.
Luis Aparicio – #312
A dazzling defensive shortstop, Luis Aparicio won 9 gold gloves and was a key member of the ’59 White Sox. Near-mint copies of his scarce rookie card have reached $2,000.
Nellie Fox – #312
A scrappy second baseman, Nellie Fox won 2 AL batting titles and 3 gold gloves in his 15-year career. Pristine versions of his 1955 rookie card have topped $1,500.
Billy Pierce – #312
A 20-year MLB veteran and 3-time All-Star, Billy Pierce was a workhorse for the White Sox. Near-mint 1955 Topps rookie cards have sold for over $1,000.
Ray Narleski – #312
A two-time All-Star reliever, Ray Narleski had a solid 11-year MLB career. High quality examples of his scarce rookie card have reached $1,000.
Gus Bell – #312
Gus Bell was a 5-time All-Star outfielder who hit over 200 career home runs. Near-mint 1955 Topps rookie cards have topped $800.
Sam Jones – #312
A two-time 20-game winner for the Pirates, Sam Jones had a successful 13-year MLB career. Pristine 1955 Topps rookie cards have sold for $700.
Jim Piersall – #312
Known as much for his zany antics as his play, Jim Piersall was a 3-time All-Star during his 17-year career. Near-mint rookie cards have reached $600.
Jim Finigan – #312
A utility player for 7 teams over 11 seasons, Jim Finigan had cameos of success. High quality 1955 Topps rookie cards have sold for $500.
Don Zimmer – #312
A 12-year MLB veteran mostly with the Dodgers, Don Zimmer later had a long coaching career. Near-mint rookie cards have topped $400.
Jim Bowie – #312
Jim Bowie spent 5 seasons in MLB primarily as a backup catcher and pinch hitter. Pristine 1955 Topps rookie cards have reached $300.

The 1955 Topps set will always be a highly collectible and valuable part of baseball card history. Featuring true icons like Mantle, Williams and Mays, the set captured some of the game’s all-time greats at the beginning of their careers. Over 65 years later, the condition and story of each individual card still greatly impacts its value and collecting interest. For dedicated vintage collectors, finding high quality examples of these 25 keys from the 1955 set is a lifelong pursuit.