The Topps Company has been producing baseball cards since 1951, creating some of the most iconic and valuable trading cards in the history of the hobby. Below we examine 23 of the most coveted and desirable Topps baseball cards ever made, providing details on what makes each stand out from the rest.

1952 Topps Mickey Mantle (Rookie): Considered by many to be the crown jewel of all baseball cards, Mantle’s 1952 Topps rookie is widely respected as the most valuable trading card in existence. Only a handful are known to exist in gem mint condition. The perfect centering, colors and state of preservation make a PSA 10 specimen worth well over $5 million.

1952 Topps Jackie Robinson: Jackie Robinson breaking the color barrier in 1947 was one of the most significant events in baseball and American history. His iconic 1952 Topps rookie card is hugely important both culturally and financially, with high-grade specimens reaching $1 million price tags.

1963 Topps Sandy Koufax: Perhaps the single greatest pitching season ever was Koufax’s 1965 campaign when he won the NL Triple Crown. But this 1963 issue marks his first Topps card years prior to his dominance. Highly coveted by collectors throughout the decades since issue.

1956 Topps Hank Aaron: Aaron would go on to smash Babe Ruth’s all-time home run record, but this ’56 Topps card captured him as a young Milwaukee Brave early in his Hall of Fame career. Considered one of the most aesthetically pleasing designs in the vintage era.

1969 Topps Nolan Ryan (Rookie): Nolan Ryan redefined the power pitcher archetype during a 27-year big league career. His rookie card is a holy grail for collectors not just for what Ryan became, but also because it was produced during Topps’ golden era of late 1960s designs.

1988 Topps Ken Griffey Jr. (Rookie): Junior was the best all-around player of the 1990s and one of the most exciting talents the game has ever seen. His rookie card was hotly pursued at the time of issue and has only grown more desirable in the decades since as his legend and stats grew.

2004 Topps Miguel Cabrera: Not all tremendously valuable cards come from the earliest years. Cabrera’s award-winning 2003 season and ascension to superstardom made this 2004 Topps base card a must-have, with high-grades now selling for over $1000 each.

1972 Topps Johnny Bench: The 1972 Topps set is widely considered the pinnacle of the entire brand’s long history thanks to clean design, sharp photo quality and star power. Bench’s mammoth talent and two straight MVPs made his one of the most iconic cards in the set.

1957 Topps Willie Mays: Arguably the single greatest baseball player of all-time, this 1957 Topps issue captured Mays in the prime of his career patrolling centerfield for the Giants. Highly significant card in the history of the brand.

1952 Topps Roberto Clemente: A trailblazer both on and off the field, Clemente’s talent and humanitarian work made him a hero. This 1952 Topps rookie card introduced collectors to the great right fielder early in his career.

1964 Topps Sandy Koufax: The legendary left-hander’s perfect game season of 1965 was preceded by this 1964 issue showing him at the peak of his powers. One of the most famous and widely recognized baseball cards ever produced.

1956 Topps Mickey Mantle: Like the ‘56 Aaron, this Mantle depicts “The Commerce Comet” as a young stud for the Yankees. Highly storied card capturing perhaps the game’s greatest switch hitter.

1975 Topps Reggie Jackson: October of ‘73 was known as “The Year of the Pitcher,” but Mr. October’s three home run performance in Game 6 of the ‘73 World Series put him on the map. Popular ‘75 issue came after several big seasons.

1967 Topps Tom Seaver: Seaver’s dominance during a golden era for pitching in the late 1960s made him a fan favorite. This ‘67 card introduced “Tom Terrific” as the ace of the “Amazin’ Mets.”

1975 Topps Mike Schmidt: Beginning his rise to eventual status as the greatest third basemen ever, Schmidt’s monster ‘74 season made this ‘75 Topps stand out to collectors young and old.

1959 Topps Ernie Banks: “Mr. Cub” was a franchise icon and one of the premier sluggers and shortstops of the late 1950s. This fun, colorful 1959 issue showed why he was already a superstar.

1969 Topps Bo Jackson (Rookie): One of the most naturally gifted athletes ever became even more legendary due to his brief MLB career. His lone baseball card issue came during the seminal ‘69 set’s production run.

1956 Topps Don Drysdale: Standing 6-foot-6 with a blazing fastball, Drysdale was one of the fiercest pitchers of the 1950s and 60s. This ‘56 issue came early in his emergence with the Dodgers.

1969 Topps Johnny Bench (Rookie): No other rookie in the iconic ‘69 set approaches Bench’s multiple MVPs and iconic catcher status. Desirable then and extra coveted today due to his legendary career.

1998 Topps Sammy Sosa Rookie: Sosa’s chase of Maris’ single season home run record in ‘98 captured the sports world’s attention. High-grade versions of this rookie are hot property today.

1975 Topps Joe Morgan: Regarded as one of baseball’s all-time great second basemen, Morgan’s back-to-back MVPs in ‘75-76 made him a superstar. Highly popular issue at the time and since.

1957 Topps Frank Robinson: One of the most complete power hitters ever, Robinson showcased his skills for the relocated Baltimore Orioles in this classic 1957 card.

1956 Topps Don Drysdale and Sandy Koufax: Highlighting two future Hall of Famers, this dual rookie card is a true oddity. Hugely significant for capturing Koufax pre-dominance and Drysdale’s emergence.

1959 Topps Ted Williams: Final card of the Splendid Splinter’s career showing him swinging away in his Boston Red Sox duds. Released shortly after his retirement, a piece of nostalgia.

For over 70 years Topps has created some of the most iconic sports cards and introduced generations to the greats of baseball history. High-grade specimens of the 23 discussed here could easily be worth tens or even hundreds of thousands based on condition, historical importance and collector demand.