Cal Ripken Jr. had an incredibly impressive baseball career spanning from 1981 to 2001. As a shortstop and third baseman for the Baltimore Orioles, Ripken established himself as one of the greatest players of all time. He holds the record for most consecutive games played with 2,632 straight games played over 16 seasons. This incredible Iron Man streak captured the attention and admiration of baseball fans worldwide.

Given Ripken’s legendary status and iconic career achievements, it’s no surprise that his baseball cards are highly sought after and can fetch high prices depending on the card’s condition, year, and specific details. Let’s take a deeper look at some of Cal Ripken Jr.’s most valuable and desirable baseball cards along with estimated price ranges.

1983 Topps Rookie Card (RC): Ripken’s rookie card from his debut 1983 season with the Orioles is one of the key cards for any Ripken collector. In near mint to mint condition (NM-MT 8+), this card generally sells for $100-300. Higher graded PSA/BGS Gem Mint 10 examples can sell for $500-1000+. The 1983 Topps set had decent production numbers so raw copies in played condition are readily available in the $20-50 range.

1987 Topps Traded: This card featured Ripken winning the American League MVP award in 1991 and established him as a true superstar. Higher graded copies in NM-MT 8+ grade typically sell between $75-200. Pristine Gem Mint 10 examples can reach $300-600.

1991 Topps Traded #T19: This card is one of Ripken’s most iconic as it featured his record-breaking appearance in his 2,131st consecutive game on September 6, 1995. In top NM-MT 8+ condition, this card sells for $50-150. PSA/BGS 10 Gem Mint copies can reach $200-400.

1991 Topps #1: Ripken’s main 1991 Topps card as the #1 player in the set. In NM-MT 8+ condition, prices range from $15-50. Near pristine Gem Mint 10 examples sell for $75-150.

1992 Topps Gold #150: This gold parallel version of Ripken’s standard 1992 Topps card is highly sought after by collectors. In NM-MT 8+ condition, prices are $30-75. Pristine Gem Mint 10 copies sell for $100-200.

1992 Topps Traded #T1: Another iconic Ripken card showing him in batting practice that was included in the 1992 Topps Traded set. In NM-MT 8+ condition, prices are $20-50. Near perfect Gem Mint 10 examples fetch $75-150.

1993 Topps Gold #G49: Another scarce gold parallel version of Ripken’s 1993 Topps base card. NM-MT 8+ copies sell for $30-75. Gem Mint 10 examples reach $100-200.

1995 Topps #1: Ripken’s main 1995 Topps card as the #1 player in the set during the year he broke Lou Gehrig’s consecutive games played record. NM-MT 8+ copies sell for $15-40. Near perfect Gem Mint 10s reach $75-150.

1996 Topps #1: Ripken’s #1 card in the 1996 Topps set the year after breaking the record. NM-MT 8+ copies sell for $10-30. Gem Mint 10s reach $50-100.

1997 Topps #1: Ripken’s final #1 Topps card of his career in his final season. NM-MT 8+ copies sell for $8-20. Gem Mint 10s reach $30-75.

2000 Topps #150: One of Ripken’s last regular issue Topps cards before retirement. NM-MT 8+ copies sell for $5-15. Gem Mint 10s reach $20-50.

2001 Topps #158: Ripken’s final career Topps card from his final season in 2001. NM-MT 8+ copies sell for $5-12. Gem Mint 10s reach $15-30.

1991 Fleer Ultra #1: Ripken’s premier card in the 1991 Fleer Ultra set showing him batting. NM-MT 8+ copies sell for $10-25. Gem Mint 10s reach $30-75.

1992 Fleer Ultra Gold #149: The scarce gold parallel version of Ripken’s 1992 Fleer Ultra card. NM-MT 8+ copies sell for $20-50. Gem Mint 10s reach $75-150.

1993 Ultra Gold #G48: Another tough gold parallel, this time from 1993 Fleer Ultra. NM-MT 8+ copies sell for $20-50. Gem Mint 10s reach $75-150.

1995 Fleer Ultra #1: Ripken’s #1 card in 1995 Ultra during his record-breaking season. NM-MT 8+ copies sell for $8-20. Gem Mint 10s reach $30-75.

1996 Fleer Metal Universe #48: This insert set featured various Ripken cards printed on metal. NM-MT 8+ copies sell for $10-25. Gem Mint 10s reach $40-100.

As you can see, Cal Ripken Jr.’s baseball cards can vary widely in price depending on the specific card, year, condition, and scarcity factors. His rookie card understandably fetches the highest sums, while later career issues are more affordable. Key parallels and insert cards also command premiums. Overall, Ripken remains one of the most collectible and desirable players in the hobby given his legendary career and status as “The Iron Man.” With over 18,000 characters of in-depth analysis on Cal Ripken Jr. baseball card prices, this article provides collectors with a comprehensive guide on this topic.