The 1968 Topps baseball card set is considered one of the most iconic issues in the hobby’s history. The design features bold colors and action shots of players, giving cards from this year a very retro feel that remains popular among collectors today. With 792 total cards issued, the 1968 Topps set is also significant for showcasing some true legends of the game during the peak of their careers. Not surprising, many of the set’s most valuable cards feature these star players. Let’s take a closer look at some of the 1968 Topps cards that frequently command the highest prices in the secondary marketplace over 50 years later.
Without question, one of the true “holy grail” cards from any vintage set is the 1968 Topps card of Mickey Mantle. Widely regarded as one of the greatest players of all time, Mantle was already a retired Yankee by 1968 but remained enormously popular. His card was hugely sought after by collectors upon the set’s initial release. Today, high grade examples in near mint to mint condition can sell for well over $10,000. An absolutely flawless gem mint Mantle ’68 is potentially worth over $50,000. This is undoubtedly the single most valuable card from the entire issue.
Another Yankee icon, and Mantle’s longtime teammate, whose ’68 Topps card also holds immense value is Roger Maris. As the still-standing single season home run record holder with 61 in 1961, Maris delivered one of the most iconic individual performances in baseball history. PSA 8 and 9 copies of his somewhat scarce ’68 card have recently sold in the $3,000-$4,000 range. Higher graded gem mint specimens could possibly command $5,000 or more.
The 1968 Topps set is also significant for capturing Chicago Cub legend Ernie Banks towards the latter stages of his Hall of Fame career. Nicknamed “Mr. Cub,” Banks was a perennial All-Star and two-time National League MVP. High quality versions of his second year Cubs card have sold between $1,500-$2,000. Gems could double that price. It should be noted that Banks cards from earlier in his career during his peak years in the late 1950s/early 1960s tend to be far more valuable, routinely selling for $5,000+ in the highest grades.
No discussion of valuable 1968 Topps cards would be complete without mentioning perhaps the greatest power hitter of all-time – Hank Aaron. Having just broke Babe Ruth’s all-time home run record in 1974, Aaron remained near the top of the batting leaderboards in 1968. PSA 8 copies of his Braves card routinely sell for over $1,000. Even higher graded near mint examples consistently command prices upwards of $2,000 in the current market. For good reason, Aaron’s card is a must-own for aficionados of the era and the game’s history.
Another legendary power hitter whose ’68 Topps card is a top valueproposition isHarmon Killebrew from the Minnesota Twins. The five-time home run champ was past his peak in 1968 but still an active superstar with 36 bombs. PSA 8s have sold in the $900 range, with PSA 9 gems bringing $1,500 or more. Killebrew thus also provides strong collecting appeal as a true icon captured in the twilight of his Hall of Fame career.
While the aforementioned names represent the biggest stars in baseball, superb condition copies of a young Reggie Jackson’s Rookie season second year Oakland Athletics card have cracked the $1,000 threshold as well. “Mr. October” would go on to have a remarkably storied career winning five World Series rings, but collectors recognize the significance of his initial Topps issue. Mid-grade examples still seek $500 or more.
A few other notable 1968 Topps valuable standouts include a PSA 8 of Boston great Carl Yastrzemski coming in around $750. Meanwhile, flawless near-mint PSA 9 examples of St. Louis Cardinal legend Bob Gibson have reached $600-$700 given his dominance on the mound during the late 1960s. Los Angeles Dodger maestro Don Drysdale also holds steady value of $400-$500 for high graded copies due to his stellar career numbers and World Series titles.
While full sets can often be acquired for $1,000 or less in lower grades, choosing to collect and pursue only the true stars and biggest names from the 1968 Topps set like Mantle, Maris, Aaron and Banks allows serious investors to gain access to true blue chip vintage cardboard. These elite player cards frequently appreciate in value at rates outpacing inflation year after year. With the original fun, colorful design scheme combined with capturing legends at the peaks of their powers, 1968 Topps cards remain a premier collectible for vintage baseball hobbyists to pursue and hold long term.
