Baseball cards have been around since the late 1880s and early collectors could find cards depicting their favorite players in cigarette packs and other non-sport products. While many of those early cards are quite valuable today, most collectors are interested in more modern baseball cards from the post-World War II era when the hobby really took off. Here is an in-depth look at some of the most valuable and sought-after baseball cards from the past 70 years that collectors love to find in their collections.

1952 Topps Mickey Mantle – One of the rarest and most valuable baseball cards ever printed is the 1952 Topps Mickey Mantle rookie card. Widely considered the crown jewel of the hobby, it’s estimated that only 50-100 mint condition examples still exist today. At the peak of the market in the late 1980s and early 1990s, mint 1952 Mantle rookies were selling for over $100,000. Even well-worn low-grade copies can fetch $10,000-$20,000 due to the card’s iconic status. The Mantle rookie is the pinnacle achievement for any serious collector.

1957 Topps Hank Aaron – Like Mantle, Hank Aaron is considered one of the greatest players of all-time so his rookie card is highly coveted as well. Aaron debuted for the Milwaukee Braves in 1954 but Topps didn’t feature him on a card until 1957. That makes his ’57 Topps the true rookie in collectors’ eyes. High grade examples can sell for $15,000-$25,000 today. Even worn copies still pull in $3,000-$5,000 showing the card’s lasting popularity.

1963 Topps Sandy Koufax – Sandy Koufax burst onto the scene in the early 1960s winning 3 Cy Young awards and is remembered as one of baseball’s greatest pitchers. His 1963 Topps rookie card captures him in his early Dodger days before he ascended to superstardom. High grade Koufax rookies sell for $8,000-$12,000 while more played copies still fetch $2,000-$4,000. It’s an iconic card from a legendary left-hander.

1966 Topps Nolan Ryan – Nolan Ryan’s record-setting career saw him strike out over 5,000 batters, the all-time leader. His rookie card from 1966 Topps is highly valuable showing “Ryan Express” in his California Angels days. Near mint 1966 Ryan rookies can bring $6,000-$10,000. Even worn copies in the $2,000 range are popular pickups for Ryan fans. His rookie card captures the flamethrower at the start of a historic 27-year big league career.

1969 Topps Reggie Jackson – Mr. October made his card debut in 1969 as a member of the Oakland Athletics. Reggie Jackson went on to have a Hall of Fame career hitting monster home runs for the A’s and New York Yankees. High grade ’69 Jackson rookies sell for $4,000-$6,000. Worn copies still fetch $1,000-$2,000 due to Jackson’s legendary postseason heroics and popularity.

1972 Topps Johnny Bench – As arguably the greatest catcher of all-time, Johnny Bench’s 1972 rookie card is a must-have. Bench won two MVP awards and guided the Big Red Machine to World Series titles. Near mint 1972 Bench rookies sell for $3,000-$5,000. Even played copies bring $1,000-$2,000 showing the card’s lasting desirability among collectors. Bench’s rookie captures him in his early Reds days before superstardom.

1974 Topps Mike Schmidt – Hall of Famer Mike Schmidt slugged his way to 3 MVP awards and over 500 home runs as a Philadelphia Phillie. His 1974 Topps rookie card is highly sought after by collectors. High grade Schmidt rookies sell for $2,000-$3,000. Worn copies still fetch $500-$1,000 due to his all-time great status. Schmidt’s rookie is an important pickup for any vintage collection.

1975 Topps George Brett – Future Hall of Famer George Brett debuted in 1973 but his true rookie card came in 1975 Topps. Brett went on to a stellar 21-year career starring for the Kansas City Royals. Near mint 1975 Brett rookies sell for $2,000-$3,000. Played copies still pull in $500-$1,000 showing the card’s lasting desirability. Brett’s rookie captures him in the early days before he ascended among the game’s greatest third basemen.

1976 Topps Fred Lynn – Fred Lynn burst onto the scene in 1975 winning AL MVP and Rookie of the Year honors batting cleanup for the Boston Red Sox. His 1976 Topps rookie card is highly coveted by collectors. High grade Lynn rookies sell for $1,500-$2,000. Worn copies still fetch $500-$1,000 due to Lynn’s iconic early career success. His rookie captures the excitement of his breakout 1975 campaign.

1979 Topps Cal Ripken Jr. – Future Hall of Famer Cal Ripken Jr. broke in with the Baltimore Orioles in 1981 but his true rookie card came earlier in 1979 Topps. Ripken went on to break Lou Gehrig’s famed “Iron Man” consecutive games played streak. Near mint 1979 Ripken rookies sell for $1,000-$1,500. Played copies still pull in $300-$500 showing the card’s enduring popularity. Ripken’s rookie captures him as a promising young prospect.

1986 Fleer Barry Bonds – Considered one of the greatest pure hitters ever, Barry Bonds debuted in 1986 with the Pittsburgh Pirates. His 1986 Fleer rookie card is a true gem in pristine condition. High grade Bonds rookies sell for $1,000-$1,500. Worn copies still fetch $300-$500 due to his all-time great career and notoriety. Bonds’ rookie captures him early in a Hall of Fame career.

1989 Upper Deck Ken Griffey Jr. – Ken Griffey Jr. became a fan favorite playing 22 years in the majors. His rookie card came in 1989 Upper Deck, one of the most iconic modern issues. Near mint 1989 Griffey Jr. rookies sell for $800-$1,000. Played copies still pull in $200-$300 showing enduring demand for the card. Griffey Jr. was a five-tool star and his rookie captured that promise before superstardom.

These are some of the most valuable baseball cards that collectors love to find in their collections spanning the post-war era to modern times. While mint condition examples of stars like Mantle and Aaron can sell for five and six figures, there are still plenty of affordable rookie and star cards from the likes of Koufax, Schmidt, Ripken Jr. and others that bring back memories of baseball’s golden eras. With prices fluctuating based on the market, condition and player performance, these cards remain popular pickups for investors and fans alike.