Baseball cards have been an integral part of America’s pastime for over a century, providing fans with glimpses into the stars of yesteryear. While technological advancements have changed the baseball card industry, some vintage cardboard remains the most prized possessions for collectors. Here are some of the most notable baseball cards considered among the all-time greats within the hobby.

1909 T206 Honus Wagner: The crown jewel of the collectible card world, the 1909-11 T206 Honus Wagner is arguably the most valuable trading card ever printed. Only around 60 are known to exist today in varying conditions. What makes the Wagner so desirable is that the legendary shortstop refused production of his card, making it one of the truest rarities in the industry. In pristine condition, a T206 Wagner can sell for well over $1 million at auction.

1914 Cracker Jack Wilt Chamberlain: Like the Honus Wagner, the 1914 Cracker Jack Wilt Chamberlain holds a legendary status. Unlike the Wagner, evidence suggests around 1000 of these early Cracker Jack inserts were printed. The Chamberlain captured the early days of the professional basketball star with bright colors and action pose. Top graded examples can surpass $150,000 due to the card’s iconic status from the games earliest years.

1933 Goudey Babe Ruth: As one of the first mainstream baseball sets to feature modern player photography, the 1933 Goudey set laid the groundwork for the modern baseball card era. Naturally, the main attraction is future Hall of Famer Babe Ruth’s imposing portrait in Yankees pinstripes. High grade 1933 Ruth’s are among the most significant Ruth cards as his career was winding down. Graded examples can reach six figures depending on condition.

1952 Topps Mickey Mantle: As the first post-war baseball card set, the 1952 Topps release signified the return of the national pastime after World War II. Among the stars featured was a young Mickey Mantle, who would go on to have one of the greatest careers in baseball history. The 1952 Topps Mantle is one of the most historically significant rookie cards in the hobby due to his future success and status as a pop culture icon. Top-graded examples can sell for over $1 million.

1957 Topps Hank Aaron: Another hugely important rookie card is Hank Aaron’s 1957 Topps issue, which captured him in his early years with the then-Milwaukee Braves. Aaron would go on to break Babe Ruth’s all-time home run record and cement his place as one of the game’s true home run kings. High-grade 1957 Aaron rookies can rival or surpass the value of the Mantle, a testament to his legendary career and status in the hobby.

1969 Topps Nolan Ryan: While not technically a rookie card, Nolan Ryan’s first Topps issue from 1969 is among the most iconic of his early years. It pictures “The Ryan Express” during his second season with the Mets and before he became baseball’s all-time strikeout king. The 1969 Topps Ryan is widely considered one of the top pitching cards ever due to his pitching dominance and records. Pristine examples can reach six figures.

1975 Topps Reggie Jackson: As one of the most charismatic stars of the 1970s, Reggie Jackson’s 1975 Topps card captured him in his early Oakland A’s days before he cemented his “October Hero” status with the New York Yankees. The 1975 Topps Jackson is one of the most historically significant cards from the high-flying era and remains a must-have for any collection. Near-mint copies can exceed $10,000.

1976 Topps George Brett: George Brett’s breakout rookie season of 1976 saw him featured prominently in that year’s Topps set. The future Hall of Famer’s iconic batting stance and mustache made his rookie card visually striking. As one of the most accomplished third basemen in history, the 1976 Topps Brett rookie remains a highly coveted piece for collectors. Pristine copies can reach five figures.

1979 Topps Ozzie Smith: Known as “The Wizard” for his incredible defensive skills, Ozzie Smith’s rookie season was well represented by his 1979 Topps issue. As one of the premier shortstops of the 1980s, Smith’s electrifying play in the field made this a must-own for collectors. The 1979 Topps Smith rookie remains a staple in collections due to his Hall of Fame career and defensive wizardry portrayed on the card. Near-mint copies consistently sell for over $1,000.

1987 Topps Barry Bonds: Capturing the young Pittsburgh Pirates star in an action shot, Barry Bonds’ 1987 Topps rookie card showed the tools that would make him one of the game’s all-time great sluggers. Though his post-playing reputation has been tarnished, the 1987 Topps Bonds rookie remains a holy grail for collectors to own a piece of one of baseball’s most prolific home run hitters. Pristine copies can reach five figures.

1992 Bowman Ken Griffey Jr.: As one of the most anticipated rookies ever, Ken Griffey Jr.’s explosive debut was perfectly captured in the 1992 Bowman set, which featured bright, vivid photography. Junior would go on to have a Hall of Fame career and remain one of the most talented five-tool players ever. The 1992 Bowman Griffey Jr. rookie is considered the crown jewel of the modern era for its historical significance and subject’s legendary status. Near-mint copies consistently sell for over $10,000.

1998 SP Authentic Sammy Sosa: Marking the home run chase of 1998 that captivated the country, Sammy Sosa’s rookie threads parallel rookie card from 1998 SP Authentic holds a special place in hobby history. It commemorated Sosa’s chase of the single-season home run record with Mark McGwire. While tainted by PED controversies, the 1998 Sosa remains a must-have for collectors to own a piece of one of baseball’s most exciting seasons. Near-mint copies sell for over $1,000.

2009 Bowman Draft Mike Trout: Bursting onto the scene as a can’t-miss prospect, Mike Trout’s first card came from 2009 Bowman Draft as he was selected 25th overall by the Angels. Trout went on to have a career that places him among the all-time greats, making this humble prospect card one of the best future investments around. As Trout remains in his prime, PSA 10 copies have reached over $10,000 and should only increase in value as his career progresses.

While the baseball card industry has changed over decades, these iconic issues remain the most prized possessions for collectors due to the legendary players featured and historical significance captured. As long as the hobby survives, cards like the Wagner, Mantle, and Griffey Jr. rookie will continue to be revered as the true all-time greats in the collecting world.