Baseball cards have long been a popular collectible item that many have enjoyed accumulating and tracking the progress of their favorite players. With the rise of online marketplaces like eBay, it’s easier than ever to see what the most in-demand and valuable baseball cards are currently fetching top prices. While any valuable vintage card could surge in popularity and price at a given moment, here’s a look at some of the consistent top sellers within the hobby based on recent eBay sale data:

1909-11 T206 Honus Wagner – The undisputed king of cards, the 1909-11 T206 Honus Wagner portrait remains the holy grail for collectors. Only around 60 are known to exist in varying conditions. The finest examples in near-mint to mint condition have reached prices well into the millions on the primary market. On eBay, even well-worn low-grade examples in poor condition routinely sell in the six-figure range. In 2021, one Wagner traded hands on eBay for $3.12 million, setting a new online record.

1952 Topps Mickey Mantle – The first Topps baseball card of the Commerce, Texas, native is one of the most iconic in the hobby. High-grade copies with strong eye appeal in near-mint or better condition have reached $2 million-plus at auction. On eBay last year, a PSA 8 copy sold for $445,000. Condition is critical, as worn low-grades can pull in just a few thousand dollars.

1953 Topps Jackie Robinson – Breaking the MLB color barrier, Jackie Robinson’s Topps rookie is hugely influential in and out of the sport. High-grade PSA Gem Mint 10 examples have passed $500,000 at auction. On eBay last year, a PSA 8 copy made $118,888. Like Mantle, condition separates the wheat from the chaff price-wise.

1909-11 T206 Joe Jackson – “Shoeless Joe” Jackson’s rookie T206 has surged in popularity and price in recent years. High-quality copies in PSA 4-6 condition have reached $200,000-plus at major auctions. On eBay last year, a low-grade PSA 1 copy still pulled $33,300 from a collector.

1957 Topps Hank Aaron – Hammerin’ Hank Aaron’s rookie card has grown into one of the premier modern rookie cards. High-grade PSA/BGS Gem Mint 10 specimens have crossed $1 million recently. On eBay last year, a sharp PSA 9 copy made $60,600. Condition remains crucial to maximize value.

1952 Bowman Mickey Mantle – Considered by some to be Mantle’s true rookie card since it’s his earliest widely distributed card in color. Top PSA 10 Gems have reached $350,000-plus at auction. On eBay last year, a PSA 9 copy commanded $38,888. Huge condition premium like his ’52 Topps.

1909-11 T206 Eddie Plank, Chief Bender – Two rare rookie T206s starring each member of the Philadelphia A’s Hall of Fame pitching duo. High grades of each hit $100,000+ levels in 2021. On eBay, a PSA 4 Plank sold for $22,200 while a PSA 5 Bender made $30,600.

1909-11 T206 Christy Mathewson – The legendary “Big Six” hurler’s T206 remains quite valuable, even in lower grades. A Gem PSA 10 sold for over $125,000 last year. On eBay, a decent PSA 3.5 copy realized $20,000. Any T206 star pitcher sells strongly.

1972 Topps Nolan Ryan – The Express’ solo season with the California Angels and one of his most striking cards. Top PSA 10 Gems have cleared six-figures at auction. On eBay last year, a super-sharp PSA 9 gem made $26,660. Big condition premium like vintage stars.

1938 Play Ball Dizzy Dean – One of the few cards representing the Gashouse Gang ace’s playing days. Higher graded PSA NM-MT 7-8 copies have reached $50,000+. On eBay last year, a well-centered PSA 6 sold for $22,855. Harder-to-find older stars command strong prices.

1909-11 T206 Walter Johnson – The Big Train’s T206 rookie sells well in any grade due to his iconic status. A mid-grade PSA 5 went for $18,888 on eBay last year. Any copy in decent condition still fetches five-figure sums. Numbers for Johnson were not as limited.

1952 Topps Willie Mays – Arguably the best all-around player’s esteemed rookie card. Top PSA/BGS 10 Gems have blown past six-figures. Last year on eBay, a sharp BGS 9.5 realized a decent $14,100. Big money for a ’52 Topps rookie in top condition.

1909-11 T206 Bob Gibson – The fireballing Hall of Famer’s T206 is relatively tough to find. Higher grades up to PSA 8 have reached $30,000+ levels at auction. Last year on eBay, a well-centered PSA 4.5 copy sold for $11,100. Any T206 star commands big bucks.

It’s important to note that mint condition and third-party authentication are crucial to maximize returns on vintage cards, especially for the most valuable examples. But even lower-grade copies of the all-time greats from storied early sets like the T206 and ‘52 Topps typically sell well into the thousands on eBay compared to modern prospects or less heralded players that may pull just a few hundred in similar condition. As with any collectible market, baseball cards are driven by desire, condition and scarcity. The names featured above remain consistently sought after by today’s leading collectors.