Baseball Cards Price Guide 2012

Baseball cards have been a popular collectible for over a century. Whether you have a large collection you’ve accumulated over the years or just starting out, it’s always a good idea to know the value of your cards. This 2012 baseball cards price guide provides values for some of the most popular and valuable cards from the past few decades to help you determine what your collection may be worth.

One of the most valuable aspects that can increase a card’s price is its condition or grade. The two main grading services used in the hobby are PSA and BGS. PSA uses a 1-10 scale while BGS uses a 1-9.5 scale. Near mint to mint (NM-MT) condition cards will typically grade between a 7-9 on the PSA scale or 6-8.5 on the BGS scale. Heavily played (HP) cards will grade between 4-6 on the PSA scale or 3.5-5.5 on the BGS scale. Poor condition cards below these grades will have significantly less value. Always consider the grade when estimating a card’s worth.

Some of the most valuable pre-war cards include:

1909-11 T206 Honus Wagner: In PSA NM-MT 8 condition, these legendary cards can fetch $2 million or more at auction. Even well-worn HP examples still command six figures. No other card is more coveted by collectors.

1914 Cracker Jack Jackie Mitchell: One of the rarest cards ever printed with only a handful known to exist. Last one to sell brought over $200,000 in PSA 2 condition.

1909-11 T206 Joe Jackson: Known as “Shoeless Joe” of the Black Sox Scandal fame. High grade examples in the $50,000-$100,000 range.

1911 T205 Sherry Magee: Only 12-15 are known to exist. Last one to sell at auction brought $63,500 in PSA 2 condition.

Moving into the post-war era, some highly valuable modern vintage cards include:

1952 Topps Mickey Mantle: The iconic “rookie” card of one of baseball’s all-time greats. High grade PSA 8 copies have exceeded $100,000. PSA 6 examples still fetch $10,000+.

1957 Topps Hank Aaron: His true rookie card. PSA 8 copies have reached $20,000. More common PSA 6s sell in the $2,000 range.

1954 Topps Roberto Clemente: Considered his “real” rookie. PSA 8 copies around $15,000. PSA 6s around $3,000.

1958 Topps Willie Mays: One of the most iconic baseball cards ever printed. PSA 8 copies reach $10,000. PSA 6s around $2,000-3,000.

1965 Topps Sandy Koufax: His final season before retiring. PSA 8 examples top $5,000. PSA 6s around $1,000-1,500.

1952 Bowman Mickey Mantle: Generally considered the most valuable post-war card issued. High grade PSA 8 copies have reached $250,000 at auction. PSA 6 examples still sell for $20,000-30,000.

The 1970s produced several valuable rookie cards including Nolan Ryan (1968 Topps, $500 PSA 6), George Brett (1973 Topps Traded, $1,000 PSA 6), and Cal Ripken Jr. (1981 Topps, $500 PSA 6). The 1980s had some iconic cards as well like the 1987 Topps Griffey Jr. ($500 PSA 6) and the iconic 1989 Upper Deck Ken Griffey Jr. ($100 PSA 6).

The 1990s boom years produced many valuable modern rookie cards. Some examples and their PSA 6 values include:

1992 Pinnacle Ken Griffey Jr. Refractor ($1,500)

1992 Bowman Derek Jeter ($1,000)

1993 SP Derek Jeter ($750)

1994 SP Griffey Jr. ($1,000)

1995 SP Alex Rodriguez ($800)

1996 Topps Chipper Jones ($400)

1997 Bowman Chipper Jones ($300)

1998 SP Griffey Jr. Refractor ($2,000)

1999 Topps Chipper Jones ($250)

2000 Bowman Albert Pujols ($350)

2001 Topps Ichiro Suzuki ($300)

The 21st century has had numerous valuable rookies as well from players like Bryce Harper, Mike Trout, Stephen Strasburg, and Kris Bryant. Near-mint vintage Hall of Famer rookie cards from the 1950s-1970s will hold the highest values, followed by iconic 1980s and 1990s stars. Modern rookie cards are more volatile depending on the player’s career performance. But this guide should help you get an idea of what your collection may be worth in today’s market. Always consider condition and do further research when seriously valuing your cards.