1942 Baseball Cards Price Guide: Values for the War Year Issue
The 1942 baseball card set is one of the most historic issues ever produced due to being printed during America’s involvement in World War II. While production of the cards was limited compared to prior years, there remains a strong collector interest in this set decades later given its association with a pivotal time in U.S. history. In this in-depth price guide, we will explore value trends for the top cards from the 1942 set and provide collectors with details and estimates to help properly assess condition and establish fair pricing for these vintage pieces of sports memorabilia.
As the United States entered World War II in late 1941, the war impacted nearly all aspects of American life and industry. The baseball card market was no exception, as rationing of paper, ink and other resources led to production being scaled back dramatically compared to pre-war levels. The 1942 set totaled only 369 cards compared to over 500 issued annually in the late 1930s. Cards were also smaller in size, measuring approximately 2 1/2 inches by 3 1/2 inches compared to the standard 2 1/2 by 3 5/8 inches of most 1930s issues.
Despite the reduction in size and quantity of cards printed, the 1942 set still featured many of baseball’s biggest stars of the era. Perhaps the most iconic and valuable card is the Joe DiMaggio, which routinely fetches prices well into the thousands of dollars when graded and preserved in high-end condition. A PSA-graded example in NM-MT 8 condition recently sold for over $15,000, while a true gem mint PSA 10 specimen could command $30,000 or more at auction based on recent market comparables. Other highly valuable Yankee cards include Lou Gehrig (>$5,000 PSA 8), Bill Dickey (>$3,000 PSA 8) and Red Ruffing (>$2,000 PSA 8).
Beyond the Yankees, the Ted Williams rookie card is always a star attraction as one of the sport’s greatest hitters. A high-grade PSA 8 Williams ’42 is worth $3,000-$4,000, while the ultra-rare PSA 10 could bring a six-figure price tag. Another American League standout, Bob Feller of Cleveland, has a card valued at $1,500-$2,000 in PSA 8 condition reflecting his status as one of baseball’s hardest throwers. Over in the National League, cards of Stan Musial and Dolph Camilli routinely sell for $1,000-$1,500 in top-tier PSA 8 holders showing how highly collectible these future Hall of Famers remain.
While the elite star cards understandably demand the highest prices, there is value to be found throughout the entire 1942 set even for more common players. A complete set in low-grade circulated condition could still sell for $1,000-$1,500. Individual cards of solid regulars and role players typically range from $50-$150 in Poor-Fair condition up to $300-$500 for those preserved in nice Very Fine-Extra Fine holders. Top rookies and prospects also hold appeal, such as a PSA 8 Bobby Doerr selling recently for $650. Condition, of course, is critical – a single flaw or imperfection can wipe out hundreds of dollars from the price.
When it comes to 1942s, assessing condition properly requires a keen eye. The smaller size and thinner cardboard stock used for wartime production means the cards are more prone to damage and wear. Even subtle bends, creases or edge issues can significantly impact grade and value. Gems are exceptionally rare, with perhaps fewer than 10 PSA 10 examples known across the entire set. Professionally graded holders are strongly recommended to verify condition and avoid potential scams. Paper loss is also common, so holding cards in Magnetic or One-Touch cases is wise to protect such historically significant pieces of sports collectibles.
The 1942 baseball card set remains an important part of the vintage hobby. While finding high-grade examples is difficult, there is a strong and growing collector demand that ensures values hold and increase over time. Careful condition assessment combined with market data will allow collectors to properly value their 1942 cards, especially for the true stars of the era that were featured during a pivotal time when baseball helped lift national morale during World War II. With rarity and history on its side, the 1942 set looks poised to retain its place as a prized part of the vintage collecting landscape for years to come.
