Baseball cards have been collecting dust in attics and basements for decades, though some lucky collectors have stumbled upon gems worth tens of thousands, if not millions, of dollars. The huge financial upside of these vintage cards stems from their scarcity and condition, as well as the fame and career achievements of the players depicted on them.

Some of the most valuable cards feature legendary baseball greats like Babe Ruth, Honus Wagner, and Mickey Mantle who established themselves as true icons both on and off the field. Cards depicting these all-time greats from their earliest playing days in the early 20th century have attained immense worth given how few survive in high grades.

Modern stars like Mike Trout and Shohei Ohtani are also appearing on million-dollar cards, showcasing how new talented players can quickly ascend into the upper echelon of most valuable cards. Condition remains vital, as even the rarest of cards lose tremendous value with creases, stains or other imperfections.

With that in mind, here’s a look at the Top 20 most valuable baseball cards based on recent sales and industry estimates of their worth in Near Mint to Mint condition:

1909-11 T206 Honus Wagner – The King of cards, estimated worth $3-5 million in top grades. Just 54-60 are known to exist of this rare tobacco card featuring the legendary Pirates shortstop.

1952 Topps Mickey Mantle – Mantle’s iconic rookie card recently sold for $5.2 million, highlighting its #1 Sports Card status. Scarcity drives value with around 50-100 estimated to exist in high grade quality.

1909-11 T206 Walter Johnson – One of just 61 known examples of The Big Train’s early tobacco issue. Recently sold for $2.6 million in Near Mint grade.

1909-11 T206 Mathewson – Rare pre-WWI pitching star card that brought $2.4 million at auction in Excellent condition. Fewer than 75 are believed to exist.

1887 Old Judge Leaders Win Pennant – Tobacco card considered the first baseball card ever issued. Only five copies are known, making the $2.1 million sale price no surprise.

1911 T3 Turkey Red Cabinets Honus Wagner – A different Honus Wagner tobacco issue than the ultra-rare T206s, but still exceptionally limited and saw $1.2 million sale recently.

2015 Bowman Chrome Superfractor Mike Trout – Trout’s first 1/1 superfractor card fetched $921,000, showcasing modern stars’ ability to yield high prices.

1909-11 T206 Cy Young – Fewer than 65 copies of the Hall of Fame hurler are estimated to remain. One changed hands for $700,000 in Near Mint.

1972 Topps Nolan Ryan rookie – Ryan’s first Topps card sold for $657,500, capitalizing on his legacy as strikeout king. Only a couple hundred or so are believed to exist.

2013 Bowman Platinum Mike Trout autograph rookie card – Trout’s first autograph card from Bowman Platinum realized $650,150 at auction as one of two ever produced.

1909-11 T206 Joe Jacks – Signed Joe Jackson card with less than 50 in existence. Sold in November 2021 for $588,422 despite Jackson’s post-career controversies.

2009 Topps Update Clayton Kershaw rookie – Kershaw’s short printed rookie recently hit $587,687, a testament to his career achievements and Hall of Fame track record so far.

1998 SP Authentic Autographed Rookie “Patch” Card of Peyton Manning – Iconic QB’s first autographed jersey/patch card hit $475,978 in August 2022. Extremely rare in top condition.

2003 SP Authentic Class of 2003 Upside Down Rookie Class LeBron James Autograph RC – One-of-a-kind James rookie autograph. Known industry-wide as “Upside Down LeBron.” Yielded $450,000 at auction.

1972 Topps Billy Ripken “Fuck Face” Error Card – One of sports’ most infamous printing mistakes, this popular error sold for over $96,000 in November 2021.

1956 Topps Mickey Mantle – Iconic shot of his front side. Incredibly sharp example brought $420,000 in January 2022. Scarce in pristine condition.

1993 SP Derek Jeter Autograph Rookie Card – Autographed rookie card of Captain Clutch. Immaculate 1/1 specimen made $410,000 in February 2021.

2011 Topps Update Mike Trout Autograph Rookie Card – Second ever Trout autograph rookie printed in Update. Yielded $388,000 as one of just two in existence in September 2022.

2009 Bowman Chrome Draft Mike Trout Autograph Rookie #/99 – Early Trout auto picked up $375,000 at auction in October 2022. His dominance keeps first Bowman’s ascendant.

1948 Leaf Jackie Robinson Rookie Card – Robinson’s true rookie card, which depicted his lone 1948 Leaf card. High grade example brought $360,000 in October 2021.

With the growing collector market and increasing prices for sports memorabilia, these sums for vintage cards, especially in pristine condition, appear firmly entrenched. While most collectors will never own specimens fetching millions, these price levels epitomize the financial potential embedded in retro cardboard if rare gems are uncovered. Top rookies and stars from decades past will continue captivating collector demand.