Baseball cards have been a popular collectible for over a century and certain rare cards can be extremely valuable. While the vast majority of common baseball cards have little monetary value, there are always a select few that are worth significantly more money based on their condition, player, year, and other factors. As baseball card collecting remains a popular hobby, demand for the rarest and most desirable cards stays high. This has kept values elevated for vintage cards on the modern collectibles market, with eBay being one of the top online destinations to buy and sell valuable baseball memorabilia. Here is a look at some of the baseball cards worth the most money that could realistically sell for substantial prices on eBay in 2020.

One of the most iconic and valuable baseball cards is the 1909-11 T206 Honus Wagner card. Widely considered the rarest and most coveted card of all time, it has consistently set record prices at auction. In pristine mint condition these cards can sell for well over $1 million, with the all-time record being $3.12 million set in 2016. High grade examples in the $200-500k range are still attainable for wealthy collectors. While the odds of finding one of the approximately 60 known Wagner cards are extremely low, the card remains the undisputed heavyweight champion in terms of baseball card value.

Another set with some enormously expensive key cards is the 1952 Topps set. Considered one of the most beautiful vintage designs, the 1952 Topps roster featured many of baseball’s biggest stars from that era. At the top of the value chart is the legendary Mickey Mantle rookie card, with PSA Gem Mint 10 examples selling for $275-500k. The Willie Mays and Whitey Ford rookie cards can also fetch well into the five figures depending on condition. Even high grade common players from this iconic set carry premium prices north of $1000. Overall, 1952 Topps remains one of the most coveted vintage issues and its best cards are financial home runs for collectors.

For the post-war era, the 1954 Topps set holds similar cachet to 1952 Topps and its most valuable cards can rival or surpass that set in price. The crown jewel is the coveted Hank Aaron rookie card, which has eclipsed $1 million ungraded and $250k+ in PSA Gem Mint 10. The Frank Robinson, Willie Mays, and Sandy Koufax rookie cards from 1954 Topps can sell from $50k up to six figures based on condition. Overall the 1954 set endures as one of the most historically significant issues and its best rookie cards are prized trophies for wealthy collectors.

While 1960s cards may seem relatively modern, certain high-grade examples from that era have also reached astronomical prices. One of the most famous is the 1968 Topps Nolan Ryan rookie card, which has crossed the $100k threshold multiple times graded mint. Other 1960s rookies that can achieve five or even six-figure prices include the Roberto Clemente, Tom Seaver, and Rod Carew cards. Even common high-grade cards from 1960s flagship sets like Topps, Fleer, and Post can sell in the $100+ range. For condition-sensitive collectors, pristine examples from this vintage remain a worthwhile investment area.

The 1970s produced legendary players and introduced many new investors to the hobby through affordable wax packs. As a result, 1970s sets are quite populous even in top-grades. There remain several standout rookie and star cards that can achieve impressive prices. The most expensive is undoubtedly the 1975 Cal Ripken Jr. rookie card, which has topped $250k for a PSA 10. Other 1970s rookie sensations like George Brett and Dave Winfield can reach five figures. Even massive star cards like a PSA 10 1979 O-Pee-Chee Wayne Gretzky hockey card have eclipsed $100k. The 1970s saw explosive growth for the hobby and its best still hold strong collector demand.

While 1980s cards seem relatively modern, the decade that introduced upper deck and produced stars like Barry Bonds already has cards entering the vintage market. One is the highly coveted 1987 Topps Traded Barry Bonds rookie card, which has achieved over $30k for a PSA 10. Other emerging 1980s stars like Ken Griffey Jr. and Mark McGwire rookie cards can reach $5-10k in top-grades as well. Even massive stars like the iconic 1984 Fleer Michael Jordan rookie have sold for over $100k. As time passes the 1980s will join prior eras in developing expensive key rookie cards for dedicated collectors.

While baseball cards were produced in the billions starting in the late 1980s, there remain certain legendary rookies, stars, and rare examples that achieve impressive prices. Whether a 1909 Honus Wagner or a modern star rookie, condition is critical but the right card from the right player and era will always hold value. Savvy collectors will pay top dollar on eBay and auction for these prized pieces of sports history and memorabilia. With increased demand, the cards listed here and other key issues should remain sound long term investments for those who can afford the hobby’s most rare and sought-after pieces.