1957 was a monumental year for baseball cards as it was the first year that Topps had the exclusive license to produce cards for the Major Leagues. This ended the long run of Bowman and other smaller companies that had produced cards in the years prior. With Topps now as the sole producer, it opened up new opportunities which could be seen in the 1957 set that contained 524 cards.
The design of the 1957 Topps cards featured a photo of the player on a white background with their team name and position below the image. On the bottom was their name and player stats from the 1956 season. The cards had a glossy finish and measured 2.5 inches by 3.5 inches, standard size for Topps sets from the 1950s. Some notable rookie cards that were included in the 1957 set were Hank Aaron, Willie Mays, and Roberto Clemente.
In terms of condition and grading, 1957 Topps cards in pristine mint condition with a grade of Gem Mint 10 are highly valuable today. Some of the key cards that can demand high prices based on condition and player include:
Hank Aaron RC (Card #51) – In a PSA 10 grade, this iconic rookie card has sold for over $100,000. Even in lower grades of PSA 8 or 9 it still fetches thousands.
Willie Mays RC (Card #258) – The Say Hey Kid’s rookie is nearly as coveted as Aaron’s. A PSA 10 has brought in excess of $75,000 at auction. Lower graded copies still sell for five figures.
Roberto Clemente RC (Card #397) – Not as expensive as Aaron or Mays but still a key rookie. A PSA 10 has sold for $25,000+. Expect to pay a few thousand for a PSA 8 or 9.
Mickey Mantle (Card #253) – One of the most iconic baseball cards ever. A PSA 10 has sold for over $100,000. Even well-centered PSA 8s sell for $5,000+.
Ted Williams (Card #307) – Considered one of the best hitters ever. A PSA 10 has brought $20,000+. PSA 8s go for $2,000-3,000.
Whitey Ford (Card #118) – Iconic Yankee pitcher. PSA 10s have sold for $5,000-10,000 depending on market. PSA 8s go for $1,000-2,000.
In terms of the middle and lower tier stars or common players from the 1957 set, here are some general price guides based on the player and condition:
PSA 8 commons/stars – $10-100
PSA 7 commons/stars – $5-50
PSA 6 commons/stars – $3-25
PSA 5 commons – $1-10
PSA 4 commons – $0.50-5
For more moderately graded commons in PSA 3 or lower condition, prices really depend on the individual card but are typically $1 or less.
The 1957 Topps set also contained several short print and error cards that are key chase cards for collectors. Some of the most valuable include:
Warren Spahn SP (Card #138) – Only 19 copies are known to exist. Has sold for over $20,000 in PSA 8.
Billy Gardner SP (Card #253) – Only 8 copies known. PSA 8 has sold for $10,000.
Nellie Fox SP (Card #307) – Only 13 copies known. PSA 8 has sold for $5,000.
Harvey Haddix Printing Plate – One of about 5 known to exist. Has sold for $50,000 in PSA 8.
The 1957 Topps set was truly the dawn of the modern baseball card era. Rookie cards of future Hall of Famers like Aaron, Mays and Clemente make it one of the most iconic issues ever produced. Prices remain strong for high grade examples of stars and key short prints. Even in lower grades, commons are affordable collectibles from this classic set.
