Baseball cards have been a staple of the hobby for over 130 years, with the earliest known cards dating back to the late 1800s. While the vast majority of cards produced over the decades hold little monetary value, there are certain vintage and modern issues that have grown tremendously in worth and prestige. Whether you’re a collector looking to invest or a fan hoping to own pieces of baseball history, here are some of the most desirable baseball cards you should consider adding to your collection.

1909 T206 Honus Wagner: The crown jewel of the hobby, the 1909-11 T206 Honus Wagner is arguably the most valuable trading card in existence. Produced by the American Tobacco Company, it’s estimated fewer than 60 examples are known to exist today in varying conditions. The card’s rarity stems from Wagner allegedly asking the company to withdraw his card from production over concerns about children and cigarettes. A PSA NM-MT 8 sold for $6.6 million in 2016, setting records.

1952 Topps Mickey Mantle: The first Topps baseball card set from 1952 is highly sought after by collectors. Leading the charge in value is the Mickey Mantle rookie card, with the best-centered examples in high grades bringing six figures. Mantle went on to have a Hall of Fame career with the Yankees and is still one of the most iconic players in baseball history.

1954 Topps Hank Aaron: Aaron broke Babe Ruth’s all-time home run record and was a consistent star for decades with the Braves franchise. His 1954 Topps rookie card looks quite similar to Mantle’s from two years prior but carries a fraction of the price, making it an affordable way to own a piece of history from Hammerin’ Hank.

1957 Topps Sandy Koufax: The legendary Dodgers lefty won three Cy Young Awards and is remembered as one of the greatest pitchers ever. His 1957 Topps rookie card remains a key issue for Dodgers collectors on a budget. High grades with strong eye appeal can reach five figures.

1961 Topps Roger Maris: As the single-season home run king who broke Babe Ruth’s longstanding record, Maris’ ’61 Topps is one of the more historically significant modern rookie cards. High grades with the distinctive “61” on the uniform are still attainable for collectors.

1969 Topps Nolan Ryan: “The Ryan Express” racked up a record 5,714 career strikeouts and seven no-hitters. His iconic 1969 Topps rookie card with the Angels is a must-own for any fan, with high-end PSA Gems bringing over $20,000.

1975 Topps George Brett: Brett was a perennial All-Star and the 1980 AL batting champion with the Royals. His rookie card has become a highly regarded issue for collectors on a budget, often found in collections for under $100 graded.

1987 Topps Ken Griffey Jr.: “Junior” was a once-in-a-generation talent and one of the most exciting players of his era. High grades of his iconic Upper Deck rookie card with the backwards hat continue gaining value with each passing year.

1989 Bowman Chipper Jones: The smooth-swinging third baseman was the top overall pick in the 1990 draft and went on to a Hall of Fame career with the Braves. His preppy Bowman rookie card remains one of the most coveted modern issues.

1994 SP Authentic Derek Jeter: While Jeter has numerous rookie cards from ’91 Donruss to ’94 Stadium Club, the sharp photography and on-card autograph of his SP Authentic issue make it the true star. Condition-sensitive but worth the premium for Yankees diehards.

1998 Bowman Chrome Miguel Cabrera: The smooth-hitting Cabrera won two MVP awards and should be a first-ballot Hall of Famer when eligible. His refractor rookie card remains one of the most iconic modern issues, with PSA 10s reaching $1,000.

2001 Bowman Chrome Albert Pujols: Before injuries slowed him down, Pujols was arguably the best right-handed hitter of all time over his first 10-12 seasons. His flashy refractor rookie is a must for Cardinals collectors, with a PSA 10 recently selling for over $25,000.

2003 Topps Juan Soto: Still just 23, Soto has already established himself as one of the game’s brightest young stars with the Nationals. High grades of his flagship Topps rookie card remain affordable for now but have tremendous long-term upside.

2010 Bowman Chrome Bryce Harper: The dynamic Harper burst onto the scene as a teen phenom and won NL MVP in 2015. While the condition-sensitive refractor rookie has dipped recently, it’s primed to regain value as he enters his prime years.

2015 Topps Kris Bryant: As a member of the historic 2016 Cubs that broke the curse, Bryant’s flagship Topps rookie looks primed to gain value for years. Still quite affordable in high grades for now.

2017 Bowman Chrome Ronald Acuña Jr: The electrifying Acuña emerged as the future of the Braves franchise overnight in 2018. His prizm refractor rookie remains one of the most coveted modern issues, with a PSA 10 recently selling for over $4,000.

While not an exhaustive list, these represent some of the most iconic and valuable baseball cards from various eras that any fan or investor would be wise to consider owning. With smart buying and holding for the long run, a collection centered around these issues is primed to appreciate tremendously over time. Condition is king, so always inspect cards thoroughly and consider professional grading if investing significantly in high-dollar vintage pieces.