Autographed baseball cards hold a special place for collectors as they combine the joy of collecting cards with the thrill of obtaining an athlete’s autograph. With so many great autographed cards available from baseball’s storied history, here are 10 that any serious collector would covet:
Honus Wagner ( 1909-11 T206) – The rarest and most valuable baseball card ever produced, the 1909-11 T206 Honus Wagner card is the holy grail for collectors. Produced for the American Tobacco Company, it’s estimated only 60 authentic examples exist today. The last one to sell at auction went for $3.12 million in 2016. Wagner was a superstar of the early 20th century, winning 8 batting titles. His refusal to endorse tobacco is widely believed to be why his card is so rare. Any autographed Wagner card would literally be priceless.
Babe Ruth (1914 C9999 EXC+ – 3/10) – “The Bambino” redefined what was possible on the baseball diamond and his cards are hugely popular. This 1914 issue from the Baltimore News trading card set is significant as one of the earliest examples of Ruth. Adding his actual autograph takes an already desirable item to an entirely new level of excellence and value.
Mickey Mantle (1951 Bowman PSA 8) – One of the games truly iconic players, Mantle dazzled Yankees fans for nearly two decades. The ’51 Bowman is regarded as one of the finest vintage Mantle rookie cards to exist. Having it signed elevates it into a true 1-of-1 piece of memorabilia. Mantle’s looping signature remains hugely popular with fans and collectors alike.
Ken Griffey Jr. (1989 Upper Deck RC PSA 10) – A flawless gem mint rookie card for perhaps the most talented five-tool player of the 1990s. Griffey was a once in a generation talent who smashed 630 home runs. His cards from the late 80s are among the hottest on the vintage market. This ’89 UD RC signed in sharp black ink would be a true trophy card.
Roberto Clemente (1960 Topps #128 PSA 8) – A leader both on and off the field, Clemente was MLB’s first Latino superstar and still holds the record for career hitting percentage (.317). The 1960 Topps set is widely considered one of the most attractive issues ever made. Combined with Clemente’s regal signature, it’s an incredible artifact from one of the game’s great humanitarians.
Derek Jeter (1992 Bowman Chrome PSA 10) – As the longtime captain and face of the Yankees dynasty, Jeter will always be remembered as one of baseball’s classiest ambassadors. While expensive already in a PSA 10 holder, this premium ’92 Bowman RC signed in sharp blue would be truly one of one. Not many of the hobby’s biggest stars have a card as iconic as this in a decade-defining condition.
Barry Bonds (1986 Topps Traded #T-1 PSA 9) – Love him or hate him, Bonds was a once in a generation talent. His rookie cards exploded in value after breaking the all-time home run record. This scarce ’86 traded issue in mint condition with a signed inscription takes an already trophy card to another stratosphere. Few can dispute his place among the game’s all-time great hitters.
Mike Trout (2009 Topps High Tek #TT86 PSA 10) – Still in his prime at just 29, Trout is already considered one of the best all-around players ever. While expensive today, his early Troutmaniac cards may rival Mantle’s in value someday. This scarce ’09 Topps High Tek variation remains pristine and is essentially a true 1/1 signed piece. The future Hall of Famer’s bold signature adds tremendous eye appeal.
Nolan Ryan (1966 Topps #521 PSA 8) – “The Ryan Express” dominated on the mound like no other, setting career records for strikeouts and no-hitters that may never be broken. This ’66 Topps rookie is a phenomenal example of a key early Ryan issue. His controlled cursive autograph is both classic and complimentary to the classic vintage design on this true piece of artifact.
Sandy Koufax (1962 Topps #130 PSA 8) – In his prime during the 1960s, Lefty Koufax was virtually unhittable, winning 3 Cy Youngs and a record 4 strikeout titles. He famously retired at age 30. The ’62 Topps design remains a favorite and this pristine, signed example honors one of the game’s quintessential heroes whose autograph is among the rarest feats for a collector.
While any signed vintage cardboard would thrill fans and collectors, these 10 examples represent a who’s who of baseball history secured with autographs from the games’ all-time elite luminaries. With exclusive rarities, elite conditions, and autographs from stars spanning eras like Wagner, Mantle, Griffey Jr, Bonds, Trout and more – these signed pieces define the pinnacle of collectibles for any dedicated fan or investor.
