Baseball cards have been popular collectibles for over a century, with some rare vintage cards becoming extremely valuable over time. Whether you have a collection from your childhood or come across old cards in your grandparents’ attic, it’s worth taking a look through to see if you have any cards now worth significant money.

One of the most valuable baseball cards is the 1909-11 T206 Honus Wagner card, which is considered the “Mona Lisa” of baseball cards. Only around 60 authentic Wagner cards are known to exist today. In recent years, pristine Wagner cards in mint condition have sold for over $3 million at auction, making it arguably the most valuable trading card in the world. Another extremely rare early 20th century card is the 1914 Baltimore News Babe Ruth rookie card, which has sold for over $5 million.

Moving into the 1950s, the 1952 Topps Mickey Mantle rookie card is one of the most sought-after from the post-WWII era. High-grade Mantle rookie cards in near-mint to mint condition have sold for $2-5 million. The 1952 Bowman Color Mickey Mantle rookie card is also incredibly rare and valuable, with PSA Gem Mint examples bringing in over $1 million. Mantle’s rookie season made him an instant star and superstar status only increased interest in his early trading cards.

In the late 1950s and 1960s, Topps and Fleer were the main baseball card producers. Some iconic rookies and stars from this era that can be worth a lot include the 1957 Topps Hank Aaron ($100,000+), 1964 Topps Pete Rose ($15,000+), 1968 Topps Nolan Ryan ($10,000+), and 1961 Topps Roger Maris ($8,000+). High-grade examples of these cards in pristine condition demand top dollar from avid collectors.

The 1970s saw the rise of the hobby box era, where cards were now packed in wax packs inside box sets sold at hobby shops and card shows. This led to larger print runs but also more available high-grade specimens today. Some valuable ’70s rookies include the 1975 Topps George Brett ($3,000+), 1975 Topps Cal Ripken Jr. ($2,000+), and the iconic 1976 Topps Fred Lynn rookie ($1,500+). It was also the start of the star card chase, with popular players like Roberto Clemente and Reggie Jackson having valuable issues.

In the 1980s, the baseball card boom took off with licensing and increased production. While common ’80s cards are relatively affordable, there are still some valuable rookie and star cards to be aware of. The iconic 1984 Topps Mark McGwire rookie in pristine condition can sell for $5,000+. Other notable expensive ’80s rookies include the 1987 Topps Barry Bonds ($2,000+), 1988 Fleer Griffey Jr. ($1,500+), and 1989 Upper Deck Ken Griffey Jr. ($1,000+). Star cards of the era for Mike Schmidt, Wade Boggs, and Orel Hershiser can also have value.

The early 1990s saw the peak of the baseball card craze, with ultra-premium sets like Finest, Ultra, and Stadium Club emerging. While production skyrocketed, certain rookies retained value long-term. The finest condition examples of the 1992 Upper Deck Ken Griffey Jr. rookie can sell for over $10,000. Other valuable early ’90s rookies include the 1990 Topps Frank Thomas ($3,000+), 1991 Topps Chipper Jones ($2,000+), and 1992 Leaf Ken Griffey Jr. ($1,500+). Star cards from this era for players like Bonds, Clemens, and Maddux can also hold multi-hundred dollar values.

In the late ’90s and 2000s, the baseball card industry crashed due to overproduction and loss of interest. Certain stars and rookies from this period have gained value with time. The 1998 Bowman Chrome Albert Pujols rookie has reached over $5,000 for pristine specimens. Other notable late ’90s/2000s rookies include the 2000 Bowman Chrome Chipper Jones ($2,000+), 2001 Topps Ichiro Suzuki ($1,500+), and 2003 Topps Adrian Gonzalez ($1,000+). Star cards for Jeter, Bonds, and Pedro Martinez can also have value in high grades.

In the modern era from 2010s onward, certain rookie cards have retained or grown in value as those players’ careers have progressed. The 2009 Topps Update Bryce Harper rookie in near-mint to mint condition averages $1,000-2,000. The 2010 Bowman Chrome Mike Trout rookie has reached over $10,000 for pristine copies, as Trout has cemented himself as one of the game’s all-time greats. Other popular 2010s rookies include the 2012 Topps Mike Trout ($2,000+), 2013 Topps Kris Bryant ($1,500+), and 2015 Topps Joc Pederson ($1,000+).

While most modern cards have little value, it’s worth taking a look through older baseball card collections. Rarest early 20th century cards like the Wagner and 1914 Ruth can sell for millions. Iconic vintage rookies of Mantle, Aaron, Rose and more from the 1950s-60s hold substantial value as well. And certain star cards and sought-after rookie cards from the 1970s onwards can still sell for hundreds to thousands of dollars, especially in top condition. With some luck, you may discover a valuable piece of sports memorabilia sitting in your attic!