1936 Topps Baseball Card Price Guide
The 1936 Topps baseball card set is considered one of the most iconic issues in the history of sports card collecting. Produced by the Topps Chewing Gum Company, the 1936 Topps set was the very first modern baseball card set released. It featured cards of major league players from that season and helped launch the booming baseball card collecting hobby. Given its status as the first, the 1936 Topps set holds significant historical value for collectors. Let’s take a closer look at the cards and pricing trends for this pioneering set.
The Set
The 1936 Topps set contains a total of 52 cards featuring players from the American and National Leagues. Some key details about the set include:
The cards measure 2.5 inches by 3.5 inches, smaller than modern cards. They have a blue border and player image on the front with stats and info on the reverse.
Topps obtained the rights to use player names and photos, a key step in legitimizing baseball cards as collectibles. Previously, cards often featured nameless or fictional players.
The set is split between AL and NL with 26 cards each. Some star players featured include Lou Gehrig, Joe DiMaggio, Dizzy Dean, and Mel Ott.
Condition is especially important for these fragile, aging cards issued over 85 years ago. Even well-cared for copies show wear and discoloration compared to modern issues.
Pricing Factors
With such a small original print run and cards reaching extreme old age, condition is absolutely critical in determining 1936 Topps values. Even minor flaws can drastically reduce a card’s price. Other key pricing points include:
Centering – How perfectly centered the image is on the card. Off-center cards sell for far less.
Corners – Rounded or worn corners hurt grade and price significantly. Sharp corners demand a premium.
Edges – Heavily worn or damaged edges lower condition and value considerably.
Surface – Scuffs, stains, creases or other blemishes on the surface hurt the grade.
Photo/Back Condition – The image and stats on the back must be clear and intact.
Authenticity – Reproductions have no value. Original 1936 Topps cards must be verified authentic.
Pricing by Condition/Player
Taking all factors into account, here’s a look at average 1936 Topps pricing ranges in top grades:
GEM MT 10 (Near Perfect) – $10,000+ for common players, $50,000+ for all-time greats
EX MT 8 (Excellent) – $3,000-$7,000 range depending on center, $15,000+ for biggest names
VG MT 6 (Very Good) – $1,000-$3,000, $5,000+ for stars
G MT 4 (Good) – $200-$800, $1,000+ for best players
PR MT 2-3 (Poor-Fair) – $50-$300, $500+ for HOFers
Raw, ungraded copies typically sell for 50-70% less than graded prices. And of course, one-of-a-kind rarities could potentially sell for six figures in perfect condition.
Investment Potential
As the first modern baseball card set, 1936 Topps cards are an iconic part of the hobby’s history. Their scarcity and significance to the origins of card collecting make them a desirable investment for wealthy collectors. Some key points about their investment potential:
Prices have steadily risen 5-10% annually as the collector base grows and high-grade samples become increasingly scarce.
Major stars from the set like Gehrig, DiMaggio and Dean are “blue chip” holdings that tend to hold value best in the long run.
Condition is paramount—even minor flaws can drastically reduce an investment grade card’s long-term appreciation.
The set is a focal point for major auction houses, ensuring reliable price guidance and market liquidity for top-tier samples.
Professionally graded Gem MT 10 examples could realistically double in value every 5-7 years based on recent market trends.
The 1936 Topps set is truly a landmark issue that paved the way for the entire modern sports card industry. With its historical significance, condition challenges, and steady price increases, this pioneering set represents both a prized collectible and sound long-term investment for affluent collectors. But as always, condition remains king for a set reaching its centennial.
