1957 Topps Baseball Card Price Guide and Checklist
The 1957 Topps baseball card set is one of the most iconic issues in the history of the hobby. It was the first full color set released by Topps and featured many future Hall of Famers in their prime. With its historical significance and the stars it featured, the ’57 Topps set remains highly collectible today. Let’s take an in-depth look at the 1957 Topps baseball card price guide and checklist to explore what cards are most valuable from this classic release.
The 1957 Topps set contains a total of 520 cards. The design featured a color photo on the front with the player’s name and team name below. On the back was career stats and a write-up about the player. The cards had a pinkish hue to them and featured a “T” logo watermark. Topps used a much higher quality card stock for this issue compared to prior black and white releases.
In terms of condition, most 1957 Topps cards that still exist today are well worn from decades of use. Near Mint examples in the 8-9 range on the 10 point Sheets scale are very hard to find. Even in worn condition though, these cards remain quite collectible and desirable for fans and investors.
Some of the most valuable and sought after cards from the 1957 Topps set include:
Mickey Mantle (Card #1): The Mick’s rookie card is the undisputed king of the ’57 set. In Near Mint condition it can fetch over $100,000. Even well-worn copies still trade for thousands.
Ted Williams (Card #25): One of the best hitters ever, Williams’ powerful swing is captured on his ’57 issue. Near Mint examples have sold for $15,000+.
Hank Aaron (Card #73): Before breaking Babe Ruth’s home run record, Aaron was already a star for the Braves. His rookie card has sold for over $10,000 NM.
Willie Mays (Card #123): The Say Hey Kid was in his prime with the Giants in 1957. A Near Mint Mays rookie has brought in excess of $25,000 at auction.
Roberto Clemente (Card #172): Clemente’s rookie card is iconic for Pirates fans. High grade copies have sold for around $5,000.
Sandy Koufax (Card #277): A year before his true rookie season, Koufax’s first card captured him as a young Dodgers pitcher. Near Mint copies have exceeded $3,000.
Don Drysdale (Card #278): Koufax’s battery mate, Drysdale’s rookie card has also topped $3,000 NM.
In addition to the star rookies and Hall of Famers, there are also several key short prints that are very valuable in the 1957 set. These include:
Roy Face (Card #83): The Pirates reliever is one of the most famous short prints from the set, only around 10 are known to exist. Graded NM, it has sold for over $50,000.
Bob Turley (Card #131): Another notorious short print, the ’57 Yankees pitcher has seen high grade copies sell for $25,000+.
Nellie Fox (Card #199): The White Sox star second baseman was also short printed. Near Mint realizations have been $15,000+.
Minnie Minoso (Card #207): The “Cuban Comet” was a White Sox star, and his short print card has brought $10,000+ NM.
Harvey Haddix (Card #256): The Pirates hurler is one of the more identifiable short prints, with a Near Mint copy selling for around $7,500.
The 1957 Topps set established the modern design template that is still used today. Loaded with future Hall of Famers and iconic players, it remains one of the crown jewels for collectors and investors. Keys like the Mantle, Mays and Koufax rookies will likely only increase in value as time goes on. Even in worn condition, these classic cards are an important part of any collection.
