While most baseball cards have little monetary value, there are certain cards that can be worth a significant amount of money depending on their condition and scarcity. The following lists some of the most valuable baseball cards that collectors should be on the lookout for.

1909-11 T206 Honus Wagner – The granddaddy of all baseball cards is the legendary 1909-11 T206 Honus Wagner. Only around 60 authentic examples are known to exist today. High grade examples in near mint to gem mint condition have sold for over $2 million, making this simply the most valuable baseball card ever printed. The rarity and mystique behind Wagner refusing production of his card has made it the undisputed number one target for collectors.

1952 Topps Mickey Mantle – The first Topps design is highly coveted by collectors and the 1952 Mantle rookie is one of the crown jewels from that set. High grade examples in near mint to gem mint condition have sold for over $500,000. As one of the most popular players of all-time, Mantle’s rookie card consistently ranks as one of the most valuable sports cards in existence.

1987 Fleer Michael Jordan – Considered the true first Jordan rookie card since it was his first published during his NBA playing career, the 1987 Fleer Jordan is arguably the most iconic basketball card ever printed. High grade copies have sold for over $100,000 in recent years. As one of the most famous athletes globally, anything related to Jordan garners huge demand.

1957 Topps Hank Aaron – Aaron broke Babe Ruth’s legendary home run record and went on to hit 755 career home runs, making this 1957 rookie of his hugely desirable. Near mint to gem mint copies have sold for over $100,000. As one of the true icons of baseball history, Aaron’s first issued card holds immense collector value.

1913 E94 Zip Tin Lid Wagner – An earlier issued Wagner card with the same subject as the legendary T206, the E94 Zip Tin Lid Wagner is incredibly rare with only 2-4 survivors known. Near mint examples have sold for over $200,000. As one of the earliest depictions of the great Honus Wagner along with its ultra-scarcity, this card has attained great historical value.

1948 Bowman Mickey Mantle – While Mantle had cards in 1947, 1948 Bowman was the true first season release and showed Mantle as a Yankee for the very first time. High grade copies in near mint to gem mint condition have sold for over $100,000. It captures Mantle at the very start of his Hall of Fame career before he was a superstar.

1916 M101-8 Eddie Plank – A key early tobacco card issue, the 1916 M101-8 Eddie Plank is exceedingly rare with 5-6 known survivors. Near mint examples have sold for over $75,000. As one of the earliest issues combined with its great rarity attributes its high value. Plank was also a solid player for many years.

1933 Goudey Babe Ruth – One of the most high profiled players ever, Babe Ruth, was featured prominently in the 1933 Goudey set. High grade rookie cards and stars of the time like Ruth are difficult to acquire in gem mint condition. Near mint to gem mint copies have sold for over $100,000 in recent transactions.

1919 ‘Prominent Players’ Cicotte – A rare and early Cicotte issue from the infamous Black Sox Scandal era, the 1919 ‘Prominent Players’ Cicotte has extreme scarcity going for it. Only 2-3 are known to exist. Near mint examples have sold for over $75,000. Its place in history mixed with great rarity makes this a true treasure for collectors.

1952 Topps Jackie Robinson Rookie – Robinson breaking the color barrier was hugely important for the game. His 1952 Topps rookie captures that momentous time. High grade copies have sold for over $50,000. Its historical importance combined with being the true first issued rookie card adds immense value.

1962 Topps Sandy Koufax – Widely considered one of the greatest left-handed pitchers ever, Koufax’s 1962 rookie card came during his dominant Dodger years. Near mint to gem mint copies have sold for over $50,000. Koufax’s accomplishments make any related memorabilia very valuable to collectors.

1909-11 T206 Eddie Plank – Another key early tobacco issue, the T206 Plank shares rarity status with the far more famous Wagner. Near mint examples have sold for over $50,000. As a rare inaugural tobacco era issue combined with its elite condition, this Plank stands out.

1933 Goudey Joe DiMaggio – Like Ruth, DiMaggio was a superstar featured in the landmark 1933 Goudey set. High grade ‘Joltin Joe’ cards at the start of his Hall of Fame career fetch huge sums. Near mint to gem mint copies have sold for over $50,000 in recent years.

1969 Topps Willie Mays – Late in his career, but this captures an icon of the game near the end of his playing days for the Mets. Topps had exclusive rights, making high grades quite tough to find. Near mint to gem mint copies have sold for over $25,000.

While condition and scarcity ultimately determine final value, this covers some of the most historically significant and monetarily valuable baseball cards that all collectors hope to discovery in their collections or at a shop. With icons like Wagner, Mantle, Ruth, Robinson, Mays and more, these cards capture some true legends of the game at pivotal moments in their careers.