Baseball cards have been popular collectibles since the late 1800s when tobacco companies first included them in their cigarette and chewing tobacco packages as promotional items. Over time, as the hobby grew and certain cards from the early years became scarce, their value increased substantially. This baseball cards price guide from 2016 provides collectors with estimated values for some of the sport’s most coveted cards from that year.

One of the most expensive baseball cards that can be found in 2016 price guides is the 1909-11 T206 Honus Wagner card. Widely considered the rarest and most valuable baseball or sports card in existence, it is estimated that only 50-200 genuine T206 Wagner cards still survive in collectors’ hands today out of the estimated 50,000-200,000 original print run. In the early 2000s, a few high-grade examples sold for over $1 million each at auction. By 2016, an NM-MT 8 PSA graded example was valued around the $3-5 million range while an authentic but low-grade example could still fetch $500,000. The rarity and history behind this iconic card make it a true prize for any collector.

Another early 20th century gem that consistently ranks among the most valuable is the 1914 Baltimore News Babe Ruth rookie card. Considered the first widely distributed Babe Ruth card since he debuted as a pitcher for the Red Sox in 1914, estimates place the surviving population between 50-200 copies. Graded NM-MT 8 examples were valued around $500,000-750,000 in 2016 price guides while even a low-grade authentic card in Poor 1 condition could still sell for over $100,000. The card’s association with one of the greatest players ever and its ultra-rare surviving numbers drive its stratospheric prices.

Moving into the post-World War 2 era, the 1952 Topps Mickey Mantle rookie card is consistently a best-seller at auction. While the print run was large for its time at over 1 million copies, high grades have become increasingly scarce over the decades of collecting. A PSA NM-MT 8 example was estimated around $150,000-250,000 in 2016 while even a lower grade PSA 6 copy could still fetch $30,000-$50,000. The card’s iconic subject and the collectible boom of the 1950s Topps set make it a blue-chip staple of the hobby.

Another highly valued 1950s rookie is the 1956 Topps Sandy Koufax card. Widely considered one of the greatest left-handed pitchers ever, estimates place surviving populations under 10,000 copies for high-grade PSA 8 or above examples. In 2016, a pristine PSA 10 was valued at $80,000-$150,000 while even a lower grade PSA 6 could sell for $15,000-$25,000. The card’s rarity, subject, and era all contribute to its lofty prices six decades after issue.

Jumping ahead a few years, the 1957 Topps Hank Aaron rookie card also routinely makes top price lists. While print runs were larger than for 1950s contemporaries like Mantle and Koufax, high grades have still become scarce over time. A 2016 guide estimated a PSA 8 example around $30,000 while even a lower grade PSA 6 could still fetch $10,000. “Hammerin’ Hank’s” all-time home run record and the classic design of the 1957 Topps set add to this card’s enduring popularity.

Moving into the 1960s, the 1964 Topps Mickey Mantle is considered one of the most iconic modern issues. With print runs estimated around 8-10 million, surviving high grades are still tough to find. A 2016 price guide valued a PSA 10 Gem Mint example at $15,000 while even a lower grade PSA 8 could sell for $5,000. The card’s subject, condition, and its place as the final year of Mantle’s career all contribute to its collectible status over 50 years later.

Another 1960s standout is the 1968 Topps Nolan Ryan rookie card, featuring “The Ryan Express” in his second major league season with the Mets. Estimates place surviving high grade PSA 8 or better populations under 5,000 copies. In 2016, a PSA 10 was valued around $6,000 while even a lower grade PSA 6 could still fetch $1,500. Ryan’s hallowed place in baseball history and the card’s scarcity at the upper ends of the grading scale make it a consistently strong seller.

Moving into the 1970s-80s boom period, the 1975 Topps Eddie Murray rookie card has become a modern-era favorite. While print runs for 1970s issues were massive, high grades have become increasingly rare. A 2016 guide estimated a PSA 10 Gem Mint example around $2,000 while a lower grade PSA 8 could still sell for $500. Murray’s Hall of Fame career and the vintage design aesthetics of the 1975 Topps set add to this card’s long-term appeal.

Another 1970s standout is the 1979 Topps Cal Ripken Jr. rookie card, issued during his breakout rookie season with the Orioles. Considered one of the most identifiable modern rookie cards, estimates place PSA 10 populations under 500 copies. In 2016, a pristine PSA 10 example could sell for $1,000 while a lower grade PSA 8 still fetched $300. Ripken’s iconic status and the card’s rarity at the very top end make it a blue-chip modern rookie choice.

This guide has provided a sampling of some of the most high-profile and historically significant baseball cards that routinely topped price lists and guides in the collecting marketplace of 2016. Factors like the subjects’ playing careers, print run scarcity statistics, and the cards’ grading levels all contribute to their valuations. While some examples trade for millions, others at lower grades still provide affordable access to pieces of the sport’s collectible history. With care and research, collectors of all levels can find opportunities to add classic cards to their collections.