Baseball cards have been a popular collectible for over a century and there are certain cards that are worth significantly more money than others. While the vast majority of baseball cards have little monetary value, there are some rare and iconic cards that can be worth thousands or even hundreds of thousands of dollars depending on their condition and year. Here are some of the baseball cards that are most likely to be worth money in 2023 based on recent sales and demand.
1909-11 T206 Honus Wagner – The crown jewel of baseball cards is the ultra-rare 1909-11 T206 Honus Wagner. Only around 60 authentic examples are known to exist and it is widely considered the most valuable trading card in the world. In recent years, Honus Wagner cards in top condition have sold for well over $1 million. Even lower graded versions can sell for six figures. The iconic status and rarity of the Honus Wagner make it the undisputed king when it comes to cards worth serious money.
1952 Topps Mickey Mantle – The 1952 Topps Mickey Mantle rookie card is one of the most iconic in the hobby and highly sought after by collectors. Mantle is widely regarded as one of the greatest players of all time and his rookie card captures him at the start of what would become a Hall of Fame career. High grade 1952 Topps Mantle rookies in mint condition have sold for over $2 million in recent years. More modestly graded copies can still fetch five and six figures.
1933 Goudey Babe Ruth – Another card capturing a baseball legend at the very start of his career is the 1933 Goudey Babe Ruth. Known for its beautifully illustrated design, the 1933 Goudey Ruth rookie has also cracked the million dollar mark in top condition. Even well-centered examples in lower grades with some issues can sell in the low six figures. The card’s rarity, subject, and iconic early design make this a highly valuable piece of collectible history.
1954 Topps Sandy Koufax – The 1954 Topps Sandy Koufax rookie is considered one of the key vintage rookie cards. Koufax went on to become one of the greatest pitchers ever, winning three Cy Young awards and one MVP during his brilliant but abbreviated career. High grade 1954 Topps Koufax rookies have sold for over $500,000 in recent years. Most graded examples still sell for five figures and up depending on condition.
1957 Topps Hank Aaron – The 1957 Topps Hank Aaron rookie card captures “Hammerin’ Hank” in the early stages of his record-breaking career. Aaron went on to hit 755 home runs, setting one of baseball’s most enduring records. Pristine examples of Aaron’s 1957 Topps rookie in a PSA/BGS Gem Mint 10 grade have sold for over $350,000. Most graded versions still sell for low five figures and up.
1969 Topps Nolan Ryan – The 1969 Topps Nolan Ryan rookie card is highly sought after by collectors due to Ryan’s status as a pitcher’s pitcher with a record 7 no-hitters. Top graded versions have sold for over $100,000 in recent years. Most graded examples in the PSA 8-10 range still sell for thousands. Even raw ungraded versions in excellent shape can be worth over $1,000 due to Ryan’s popularity and the iconic 1969 design.
1988 Topps Ken Griffey Jr. – Ken Griffey Jr. was a once-in-a-generation talent and his 1988 Topps rookie card is among the most iconic and valuable from the modern era. High grade PSA/BGS 10 examples have cracked the $100,000 mark in recent sales. Most graded versions still sell for thousands depending on condition. Even raw near-mint copies can sell for over $1,000 due to Griffey’s enduring popularity as one of the greats.
1909-11 T206 Eddie Plank – While not quite as rare as the Wagner, high grade examples of the ultra-rare 1909-11 T206 Eddie Plank card can still sell for six figures. Plank was a star pitcher for Connie Mack’s Philadelphia A’s dynasty in the early 1900s. Only around 50 authentic Plank cards are known to exist in a landmark tobacco era design.
1909-11 T206 Sherry Magee – Another key rare tobacco era star is Sherry Magee, who had a stellar career at the turn of the 20th century. His iconic T206 card has an estimated surviving population under 100 copies. Top grades have sold in the low six figures in recent years.
1957 Topps Willie Mays – Considered one of the greatest five-tool players ever, Willie Mays’ 1957 Topps rookie card is a highly coveted piece for vintage collectors. High grades have cracked six figures. Most graded examples still sell for thousands depending on condition.
There are certainly other vintage and modern rookie cards that can be worth money depending on the player and grade, but these represent some of the highest value baseball cards that smart investors target. Condition is absolutely critical, so investing in top graded gems or raw near-mint examples makes the most financial sense long term. While prices can fluctuate over time, iconic cards for all-time greats like Mantle, Ruth, Aaron and others should retain value as long as there is demand from collectors. With smart buying and selling, astute collectors can potentially make a nice return on baseball memorabilia investments.
