1955 Topps Baseball Card Price Guide and Values
The 1955 Topps baseball card set was the second series of modern baseball cards produced by the Topps Chewing Gum Company. Following the success of their debut set in 1952, Topps upped their production for 1955 and the cards have since become one of the most iconic vintage issues. Understanding the values and what drives prices for different 1955 Topps cards can help collectors appreciate what made this set so special and influential in the history of the hobby.
The 1955 Topps set consists of 382 total cards featuring players and managers from both the American and National Leagues. The design featured a color photo on the front with the player’s name and team name below. On the back was stats and a write-up about the player. Topps used a variety of photo sources which led to some cards having a different style than others. The cards had a yellow border and measured 2.5 inches by 3.5 inches, standard size for baseball cards of the era.
In terms of condition, the T206 Honus Wagner is the most famous and valuable baseball card ever printed, but mint condition 1955 Topps cards can rival and sometimes surpass Wagner cards in value. The most important factor when determining a 1955 Topps card’s value is its state of preservation. Even minor flaws or wear can significantly decrease a card’s worth. Top-graded specimens in pristine “gem mint” condition regularly sell for thousands, even tens of thousands.
Some key 1955 Topps cards that command the highest prices based on condition and demand include:
Mickey Mantle (Card #253): Arguably the most desired vintage card of all-time. Mint PSA 10 examples have sold for over $100,000. Even well-centered near-mint copies still fetch $5,000+.
Willie Mays (Card #207): Another icon of the era. PSA 10s have reached $25,000 with most mint copies $10,000-15,000.
Hank Aaron (Card #250): The home run king’s rookie card. PSA 10s reach $15,000 while mint copies are $5,000-8,000.
Sandy Koufax (Card #257): His rookie card and one of the best pitchers ever. PSA 10s around $10,000 with mint copies $3,000-5,000.
Ted Williams (Card #64): The last player to hit .400. PSA 10s around $7,500 with mint copies $2,500-4,000.
Roberto Clemente (Card #331): His rookie card and a Hall of Famer. PSA 10s $5,000 with mint copies $1,500-3,000.
Beyond the true stars, there are also many valuable mid-tier cards in the 1955 Topps set based on scarcity and condition. Players like Ernie Banks (Card #13), Duke Snider (Card #181), and Roy Campanella (Card #238) can reach $1,000-2,000 in PSA 10. Even less heralded but scarce rookie cards like Bill Virdon (Card #331) and Jim Piersall (Card #337) have sold for over $1,000 in gem condition.
The 1955 Topps set is also notable for featuring the rookie cards of over 80 players, many of whom went on to have solid careers even if they weren’t superstars. Cards like Ron Samford (Card #199), Jackie Brandt (Card #214), and Bob Cerv (Card #230) are quite affordable but still desirable for collectors completing vintage rookie sets. For common players in average condition, most 1955 Topps cards still trade hands for $5-20.
The 1955 Topps baseball card set established itself as a true classic of the vintage era thanks to iconic photography, memorable rookie debuts, and featuring legends like Mantle and Mays. While gem mint examples of the top stars rightfully demand top dollar, there are still many affordable options to collect across all levels. For both condition and in terms of specific players, the 1955 Topps checklist remains one of the most diverse and fascinating to explore.
