George Brett is considered one of the greatest third basemen in Major League Baseball history. He spent his entire 21-year career playing for the Kansas City Royals from 1973 to 1993. Brett was an extremely prolific hitter who won numerous awards and led the Royals to a World Series championship in 1985. Because of his iconic status and outstanding prolific career, George Brett baseball cards from his playing days are highly sought after by collectors and have maintained decent value over the decades.
One of the most valuable George Brett rookie cards is his 1974 Topps card. Brett’s rookie season was in 1973 but he did not have a proper rookie card issued until 1974 Topps. In near mint condition, examples of Brett’s 1974 Topps rookie card in a PSA 10 gem mint grade have sold for over $20,000 in recent years. Even in lower PSA 6-8 near mint to very fine condition grades, 1974 Topps Brett rookie cards routinely sell for $500-3,000 depending on exact condition and demand. Brett had an amazing debut season in 1973 hitting .282 with 13 home runs and 61 RBI in only 108 games, so his rookie card remains highly sought after by collectors even decades later.
Another very desirable Brett card is his 1981 Topps issue, the year he won the American League batting title by hitting an incredible .390. PSA 10 graded copies of this iconic Brett .390 batting title card have also sold for well over $10,000. Copies in lower PSA 7-9 grades still command prices of $300-5,000 based on condition. Brett’s .390 season was one of the greatest individual hitting performances in baseball history, making cards from 1981 extremely valuable for collectors.
Among Brett’s other most valuable standard issue cards are his 1978 Topps, 1979 Topps, 1980 Topps, 1982 Topps, 1983 Donruss, and 1985 Topps issues. These represent Brett mid-career at the peak of his hitting prowess with the Royals and as he ascended the leaderboards. High graded PSA 10 copies of these Brett cards in the $500-2,000 range are not uncommon. Even well-centered PSA 7-9 graded examples frequently sell in the $50-400 range depending on exact year and condition. Brett maintained such consistent excellence at the plate throughout the late 1970s and mid 1980s that cards from these seasons have retained strong collector demand.
Brett also has several valuable oddball and special issue cards that can be quite pricey for advanced collectors. His 1983 Kansas City Royals Team MVP card is quite rare and high grades have sold for over $5,000. His 1984 Fleer Update card with a .323 career batting average mentioned is also quite scarce and desired at the higher certification levels. Other niche Brett cards like special insert sets from the 1980s and unique minor league issue rookies hold collector value as well in the $200-1,000 range depending on specifics.
While not achieving the same sky high prices as true superstar icons like Mickey Mantle or Babe Ruth, on the whole George Brett baseball cards have maintained remarkable residual collector value given it has now been over 30 years since his final MLB season in 1993. As one of the greatest third basemen and pure hitters in baseball history exclusively with one franchise, Brett resonates strongly with Royals fans and collectors of the 1970s/80s era. Whether its a common lower grade rookie or prized near-mint copy of his 1981 Topps .390 season, George Brett cards almost always attract buyer interest because of his iconic playing career and importance to baseball history. In summary, Brett cards ranging from $50-$20,000+ in value depending on specifics represent a sound investment area for savvy sports collectors.
