The 1960 Topps and 1960 Bowman baseball card sets are considered some of the most iconic issues in the hobby. They were released during baseball’s golden age and captured the likes of legends like Willie Mays, Hank Aaron, and Sandy Koufax on the verge of superstardom. As with any vintage release, condition and scarcity greatly impact the value of individual cards. This price guide focuses on the 1960 Bowman set and provides ballpark estimates for graded gem mint examples.
The 1960 Bowman set consists of 242 total cards and was the only baseball card release that year from Bowman. Design-wise, it featured colorful team-centric photos on a white background. The front also included the player’s name, team, and position. The back contained basic career stats and info. Some key things that drive prices for this set include the scarcity of high-grade copies and the presence of young future Hall of Famers.
Perhaps the most coveted card in the entire set is the #1 Mickey Mantle. Even in low-grade EX-MT condition, a Mantle can fetch $3,000-$5,000. A PSA 10 Gem Mint example recently sold for nearly $200,000 at auction. Mantle is simply one of the most iconic players ever and his rookie/early career cards are extremely scarce in pristine condition due to heavy circulation. Other Yankees like Roger Maris (PSA 10 value $2,000), Tony Kubek (PSA 10 value $800), and Bobby Richardson (PSA 10 value $500) also command strong sums.
Willie Mays’ #20 is another true blue-chipper that can reach five figures in a PSA 10. Even a PSA 8 costs $2,000-3,000 due to his legendary status and the rarity of high-grade Mays rookies surviving 60+ years. Fellow Giants Orlando Cepeda (PSA 10 value $1,200), Willie McCovey (PSA 10 value $800), and Jim Davenport (PSA 10 value $500) have respectable values as well. Over in Cincinnati, a PSA 10 of Frank Robinson would sell for $3,000 while a PSA 10 of Vada Pinson checks in around $800.
Two of the biggest stars on the 1960 Dodgers were Sandy Koufax and Don Drysdale. Koufax’s #9 in a PSA 10 is worth $5,000 while a PSA 8 would still sell for $1,500. Drysdale’s #33 in a PSA 10 grade goes for $2,000. Other Dodgers like Tommy Davis (PSA 10 value $800), Charlie Neal (PSA 10 value $600), and Ron Fairly (PSA 10 value $500) also hold value. Moving to the National League pennant-winning Pirates, a PSA 10 Roberto Clemente would command $3,000 while a PSA 10 of Bill Mazeroski is valued at $1,200.
In the American League, future Hall of Famers like Earl Weaver (#151, PSA 10 value $800), Hoyt Wilhelm (#185, PSA 10 value $500), and Luis Aparicio (#226, PSA 10 value $800) have respectable values. Aparicio’s defensive wizardry made him a fan favorite. Other notable AL stars include Rocky Colavito (#24, PSA 10 value $1,000), Nellie Fox (#75, PSA 10 value $800), and Jim Landis (#163, PSA 10 value $600). Even role players on pennant winners like Harry Bright (#209, PSA 10 value $500) and Johnny Blanchard (#234, PSA 10 value $600) hold value.
Beyond the stars, there is value to be found lower in the set as well. Rookies and short-timers in pristine condition can still garner four-figure sums. Examples include Ron Kline (#3, PSA 10 value $1,200), Ken Hubbs (#14, PSA 10 value $1,000), and Bob Sadowski (#30, PSA 10 value $800). Short-prints are notoriously difficult to grade gem mint and thus carry premiums. Jack Fisher (#65 SP, PSA 10 value $3,000), Bill Stafford (#133 SP, PSA 10 value $2,000), and Don Landrum (#207 SP, PSA 10 value $1,500) are examples.
The 1960 Bowman set is a true icon of the vintage era. Cards of future Hall of Famers like Mantle, Mays, Aaron, and Koufax can reach five and even six figures in gem mint grade. There are also plenty of affordable stars and short-timers to collect across the set. Condition is paramount, and certified high grades will exponentially increase a card’s price versus raw copies. For investors, 1960 Bowman remains one of the most recognized issues that can retain and increase value long-term.
