The Pittsburgh Pirates are one of the most storied franchises in Major League Baseball with a rich history dating back to the late 1800s. While the Pirates haven’t had the same level of success in recent decades, they have featured some of the game’s all-time greats over the years who have become highly sought after baseball card collectibles. Let’s take a look at some of the best and most valuable Pirates baseball cards from throughout the team’s history.

Honus Wagner (T206, 1909-1911) – Widely considered the most valuable trading card of all-time, Wagner’s iconic T206 card from the early 1900s routinely sells for over $1 million. The legendary shortstop spent his entire 21-year career with Pittsburgh and was a key member of the franchise’s first World Series championship team in 1909. Only 50-200 of his cards are believed to still exist in mint condition, making each one an extremely rare find.

Roberto Clemente (Topps, 1964) – A true icon both on and off the field, Clemente played his entire 18-year career with Pittsburgh and was the first Latin American player to be inducted into the Hall of Fame. His 1964 Topps card is one of the most desirable from the 1960s due to his tragic death in a plane crash on New Year’s Eve 1972 at the young age of 38. High grade versions can sell for over $10,000.

Willie Stargell (Topps, 1969) – “Pops” was the heart and soul of the Pirates teams that won back-to-back World Series in 1979. His 1969 Topps rookie card was a sign of things to come as he went on to hit 475 career home runs and win the 1979 NL MVP award. Considered one of the best power hitters of his generation, mint condition examples are valued around $3,000.

Dave Parker (Topps, 1973) – “The Cobra” was a five-time All-Star during his 13 seasons with Pittsburgh and won the 1978 NL MVP. His 1973 Topps rookie card is one of the more iconic from the 1970s due to his intimidating stare. Highly sought after by collectors, ungraded versions can sell for over $1,000.

Bill Mazeroski (Topps, 1956) – As a member of the Pirates organization for his entire 17-year career, “Maz” is best known for hitting the game-winning home run in the bottom of the 9th inning of Game 7 of the 1960 World Series against the Yankees. His rookie card from 1956 is one of the key cards from the decade and can sell for $2,000+ in top condition.

Ralph Kiner (Bowman, 1946) – One of the game’s earliest power hitters, Kiner led the National League in home runs in each of his first seven seasons and was inducted into Cooperstown in 1975. His 1946 Bowman rookie card was among the earliest post-WWII issues and high grade copies are valued around $4,000.

Barry Bonds (Topps, 1986) – Before becoming the all-time home run king with the Giants, Bonds got his start in Pittsburgh and was a three-time NL MVP as a Pirate. His 1986 Topps rookie card showing off his impressive physique and skills is highly sought after, with PSA 10 versions selling for over $1,000.

Jason Kendall (Fleer, 1996) – An All-Star catcher during his playing days, Kendall spent the first seven seasons of his 16-year career in Pittsburgh. His 1996 Fleer Update rookie card is considered one of the more undervalued from the 1990s, with ungraded copies available for under $50 but room to appreciate over time.

Andrew McCutchen (Topps, 2009) – As the face of the franchise for much of the 2010s, “Cutch” was a five-time All-Star and won the 2013 NL MVP award during his nine seasons with the Pirates. His rookie card remains one of the more popular modern issues, valued around $15 for a PSA 10 gem.

Josh Bell (Topps Update, 2016) – Currently with the Padres, Bell had a breakout 2019 campaign for Pittsburgh that saw him hit 37 home runs. His rookie card remains reasonably affordable but could gain value long-term if he has a strong second half of his career. Ungraded copies can be found for under $10.

While the Pirates haven’t found championship level success in recent decades, they have a storied history that produced many all-time great players whose rookie cards and early career issues remain some of the most highly sought after and valuable in the hobby. With such iconic stars as Honus Wagner, Roberto Clemente and Willie Stargell, Pirates cards hold a special place in the hearts of collectors worldwide. With continued patience from fans, the team hopes to someday soon return to prominence on the field as well.