Baseball cards have been collected by fans for over a century and some of the most prized cards can be worth thousands, even hundreds of thousands of dollars. Here’s a look at some of the most valuable and sought after baseball cards that collectors look for in their quest to build the ultimate collection.

1909-11 T206 Honus Wagner – The crown jewel of collectible baseball cards is the ultra-rare 1909-11 T206 Honus Wagner card. Only around 60 are known to exist today in various conditions. The card has been called “the Mona Lisa of baseball cards” and in recent years mint condition examples have sold for over $1 million, setting record prices. What makes this card so desirable is that Wagner, a superstar of the early 1900s, demanded his card be pulled from production for unknown reasons, making it one of the truest rarities in the hobby.

1952 Topps Mickey Mantle – The rookie card of baseball icon Mickey Mantle is arguably the most valuable post-war card. High grade examples in mint condition have sold for over $100,000 in recent years. Mantle went on to have a Hall of Fame career and is considered one of the game’s greatest switch hitters and power hitters of all time. The 1952 Topps design is also highly collectible in its own right.

1909 E90-1 Joe Jackson – “Shoeless Joe” Jackson’s playing career was cut short after the 1919 Black Sox scandal, but his rare 1909 E90-1 tobacco card lived on to become one of the most coveted pieces of cardboard from the T206 era. The card is remarkably scarce with analysts suggesting there may only be 10-20 high quality examples known to exist. A PSA 8 copy sold for over $250,000 in recent years.

1948 Leaf Jackie Robinson – Robinson’s rookie card holds iconic status as one of the most socially and historically significant cards issued. As the player who broke baseball’s color barrier, Robinson’s impact transcends the game. High grade ’48 Leaf Robinson’s can fetch well over $100,000. It’s regarded as one of the most important cards in the hobby.

1933 Goudey Babe Ruth – One of the most aesthetically pleasing vintage cards is the 1933 Goudey Babe Ruth. Known for its bold colors and illustrations, the card captured “The Babe” in his prime. High quality examples with strong eye appeal can sell for $150,000+. The card endures as one of the most famous from the pre-war Goudey era.

1957 Topps Hank Aaron – Aaron broke one of baseball’s most hallowed records when he surpassed Babe Ruth for the all-time home run lead. His iconic 1957 Topps rookie card is one of the most historically important from the post-war era. PSA 10 Gem Mint examples have topped $100,000 at auction.

1969 Topps Nolan Ryan – Ryan rewrote the record books during his 27 year career, setting marks for strikeouts and no-hitters thrown that may never be broken. His first Topps card from his rookie season has become one of the most, if not the most, valuable cards from the high-print late 1960s/1970s era. A PSA 10 could net over $50,000.

1909-11 T206 Mathewson/Wagner – While not as rare as the solo Wagner card, sets of the ultra-tough T206 baseball doubles that included a Honus Wagner and Christy Mathewson card together are highly prized by advanced collectors. Only a small number are believed to exist in high grades. A paired PSA 8 recently sold for over $500,000.

1913 E121 Joe Tinker – Considered the “Grey Ghost” of the T206 era, high grade specimens of Joe Tinker’s solo tobacco card from 1913 have reached six figures. Like Wagner’s, Tinker’s card was pulled early, creating a true rarity that is iconic to early 20th century baseball memorabilia.

1975 Topps George Brett – Brett had a Hall of Fame career and his rookie card from 1975 is one of the most iconic and valuable from the 1970s/1980s era. The card was produced during a time when many kids were first getting into the hobby. PSA 10 examples can reach $20,000+.

1997 Bowman’s Best Ken Griffey Jr. – As one of the most hyped, talented, and popular players of the 1990s, Griffey’s rookie cards from that era are among the most valuable modern issues. The 1997 Bowman’s Best Refractor parallel version takes the cake as one of the highest priced contemporary rookie cards. Near-mint copies have topped $10,000.

Those represent some of the most famous, rare, and valuable baseball cards that are must-haves for serious collectors. Whether its vintage greats like Wagner, Cobb, Ruth or modern stars like Griffey, Mantle and Aaron – their rookie cards or most recognized issues will likely remain at the top of want lists for card collectors for generations to come. With prices often rising over time, finding high quality copies in near-mint condition is key to truly capitalizing on an investment in these iconic pieces of sports collectibles and memorabilia.