Baseball cards have been collected by fans for over 130 years and some examples from the earliest years of production in the late 1800s are among the most valuable collectibles in the world. As the hobby grew in popularity through the 20th century, certain cards from iconic sets have also achieved legendary status due to their rarity, condition, and association with all-time great players. Whether it’s a rookie card of Babe Ruth, Mickey Mantle, or Mike Trout, this list highlights 25 baseball cards worth $100 or more on today’s market.
Honus Wagner – T206 – Over $2 million
The most famous and valuable baseball card ever is the ultra-rare 1909-11 T206 Honus Wagner. Only about 60 are known to exist in varying grades of condition. The artwork and subject matter combined with the extreme scarcity have made high-grade examples worth over $2 million. In 2021, a PSA NM-MT 8 sold for a record $6.6 million, shattering the previous record.
Babe Ruth – 1914 Baltimore News – $250,000+
Considered the first true baseball card, the 1914 Baltimore News picture of Babe Ruth as a Boston Red Sox pitcher is one of the keys to any vintage collection. Only about 50 are known to exist and the condition is always a factor in the price. A PSA 4.5 recently sold for $240,000 while a PSA 8 could fetch over $500,000.
Mickey Mantle – 1952 Topps – $100,000+
The 1952 Topps Mickey Mantle is one of the most iconic rookie cards in the hobby. High grades in the PSA 8-10 range have sold for well over $100,000 in recent years. A PSA 9 sold for $275,000 in 2021 while a PSA 10 could reach $500,000.
Shoeless Joe Jackson – 1909-11 T206 – $50,000+
As one of the most controversial figures in baseball history, the Shoeless Joe Jackson T206 has a mystique that drives values. High quality examples in PSA 5-8 condition have sold between $50,000-$150,000 depending on centering and eye appeal.
Sandy Koufax – 1955 Topps – $40,000+
The legendary left-hander’s rookie card from his Brooklyn Dodgers days is highly sought after. PSA 8s have topped $40,000 while a true gem mint PSA 10 in pristine condition could reach $100,000.
Nolan Ryan – 1968 Topps – $20,000+
As one of the most dominant pitchers ever with a record 7 no-hitters, Nolan Ryan’s 1968 Topps rookie is a must-have for any collection. PSA 8s have sold for around $20,000 while a PSA 10 could be worth five times that amount.
Mike Trout – 2009 Bowman Chrome Draft – $15,000+
Still just 30 years old, Mike Trout is already considered one of the greatest players ever. His ultra-rare 2009 Bowman Chrome Draft rookie refractor parallel /50 is the pinnacle Trout card worth $15,000+ in PSA 10 condition.
Willie Mays – 1951 Bowman – $10,000+
The Say Hey Kid’s brilliant career is best remembered from his New York Giants days. High quality examples of his 1951 Bowman rookie in PSA 7-9 condition have sold between $10,000-$25,000.
Ken Griffey Jr. – 1989 Upper Deck – $5,000+
Junior’s explosive rookie season made the 1989 Upper Deck one of the most iconic cards ever issued. High grade PSA 8s have topped $5,000 with a PSA 10 nearing $10,000.
Mariano Rivera – 1995 SP – $3,000+
The greatest closer of all-time, Mariano Rivera’s scarce 1995 SP Authentic rookie card is a must-have for Yankee collectors. PSA 9s have crossed $3,000 at auction.
Chipper Jones – 1993 Bowman – $2,000+
A true Atlanta icon, the 1993 Bowman Chipper Jones rookie of the future refractor is highly coveted in high grades. PSA/DNA 9s have sold for around $2,000.
Derek Jeter – 1992 Bowman – $1,500+
As the longtime Yankees captain and class act, Derek Jeter’s rookie is a staple in collections. PSA 8s have topped $1,500 for the smooth-fielding shortstop.
Pete Rose – 1963 Topps – $1,000+
Before his gambling controversies, Pete Rose was loved for his hustle and hits record. High quality ’63 Topps in PSA 8-9 grade have crossed $1,000.
Sandy Amoros – 1956 Topps – $800+
As the hero of the 1955 World Series, Amoros’ iconic catch is captured on his ’56 Topps card. PSA 8s have sold over $800 for the Dodgers outfielder.
Ozzie Smith – 1978 Topps – $500+
Considered the greatest defensive shortstop ever, high grades of Ozzie’s rookie are prized. PSA 8s have topped $500 for the Wizard.
Roberto Clemente – 1955 Topps – $400+
A true legend both on and off the field, Roberto Clemente’s 1955 Topps rookie remains a Pirates favorite. PSA 8s have crossed $400.
Ted Williams – 1939 Play Ball – $300+
Before serving in WWII, Ted Williams was already one of the game’s best hitters. High quality ’39 Play Balls in PSA 6-8 condition have sold for $300+.
Tom Seaver – 1967 Topps – $250+
The Franchise had one of the game’s most dominant pitches. PSA 8 copies of his iconic Mets rookie have topped $250.
Mike Schmidt – 1974 Topps – $200+
Arguably the greatest third baseman ever, Mike Schmidt’s rookie remains a Phillies staple. PSA 8s have crossed $200.
Nolan Arenado – 2010 Bowman Chrome – $150+
A true five-tool star, high grades of Arenado’s rare rookie refractor parallel /999 have sold for over $150.
Cal Ripken Jr. – 1981 Topps – $100+
Before breaking Lou Gehrig’s consecutive games record, Cal Ripken Jr. was already a budding star for Baltimore. PSA 8s have reached $100.
This covers some of the most valuable and iconic baseball cards worth $100 or more based on sales data and population reports. Condition is always key when determining value for vintage cards over 100 years old. With the continued growth of the hobby, more modern rookies may soon join the ranks of the most valuable cards.