Baseball cards have been a popular collectible for over a century and certain cards from years past can be extremely valuable. While the vast majority of baseball cards are worth just a few cents, there are always a select few rookie cards, autographed cards, and rare variants that maintain or increase in value over time. As we head into 2023, here are some baseball card investments from past years that could be worth a significant amount of money.

One of the most valuable baseball cards that could continue increasing in value is the 1952 Topps Mickey Mantle rookie card. Mantle is widely considered one of the greatest baseball players of all time and his rookie card is the undisputed heavyweight champion of the hobby in terms of value. In pristine gem mint condition, examples have sold for well over $5 million, making it out of reach for most collectors. There are still opportunities to acquire a high-grade Mantle rookie in the six-figure range. With Mantle’s legendary status assured for generations to come, demand for this classic card shows no signs of slowing down.

For collectors working with a more modest budget, 1990 Upper Deck Ken Griffey Jr. rookie cards still hold tremendous long-term potential. Griffey was arguably the most exciting young player of his generation and his Upper Deck rookie established itself as one of the best modern rookie cards ever produced. High-grade versions can currently be acquired for $3,000-$5,000, though as Griffey’s playing days recede further into the past, and with the 1990 Upper Deck design and brand still carrying immense nostalgia, these cards could easily surpass the $10,000 mark in the coming years.

Another 1990s rookie that may keep appreciating is the 1992 Bowman’s Best Refractor Ken Griffey Jr. insert. This rare parallel version of Griffey’s rookie introduced the concept of “refractor” parallels to the hobby. Only 100 were produced and it quickly became a must-have for advanced collectors. Currently valued around $15,000-$20,000 in pristine condition, as one of the earliest and most iconic “refractor” cards, it seems destined to one day rival or surpass the value of Griffey’s base rookie.

For investors seeking modern cards with potential, the 2018 Bowman Chrome Vladimir Guerrero Jr. rookie refractor auto parallel could be a smart long-term play. Guerrero took baseball by storm in his rookie season in 2019 and has established himself as a true superstar. The refractor auto parallel from his first Bowman issue is extremely limited, and examples in mint condition can still be found for under $1,000. With Guerrero’s career trajectory pointing upwards, and the 2018 Bowman Chrome set and parallels likely to take on greater nostalgia and appeal as the years pass, this modern rookie could appreciate substantially.

Moving to pitchers, the 2009 Bowman Chrome Mike Trout rookie refractor auto parallel is another modern card that seems poised to grow exponentially in value. Trout has cemented himself as one of the all-time greats, and his 2009 rookie issues preceded that, making them highly sought after by collectors today. The refractors number under 10 copies in existence, and while still attainable in the $6,000-$8,000 range, it’s easy to envision them eventually rivaling or surpassing the value of Troot’s flagship 2010 Topps Update rookie card.

For investors seeking a balance of upside potential and near-term liquidity, vintage rookie cards of still-active superstars may be a prudent option. For example, the 2007 Bowman Chrome Draft Yasiel Puig autograph parallel could be an intriguing longer-term hold, as Puig remains a talented, high-profile player at age 31. The autographs were limited and examples still trade around $1,000. With a few more strong seasons, Puig’s rookie cards could take off. Similarly, the 2010 Topps Update Bryce Harper rookie or 2012 Topps Update Mike Trout rookie both offer a blend of modern production with investment in legends-in-the-making who are still in their primes.

While it’s impossible to predict the card market with certainty, investments in the vintage and modern rookie cards of acknowledged all-time greats like Mantle, Griffey, and Trout seem likely to maintain or increase value over the long haul. Autographed and short-print parallels of emerging superstars Guerrero Jr., Acuna Jr., Soto, and others also hold potential for appreciation as their careers progress. With patience and a focus on high-grade examples, baseball cards continue to provide a relatively low-risk way for collectors to potentially profit from the nostalgia and performance of the game’s biggest stars.