Baseball trading cards have been popular collectibles since the late 19th century, with some early cards becoming extremely valuable over time. Whether it’s rookie cards of legends or unique misprints, certain players have cards that can fetch high prices at auction. Here are some of the baseball stars whose trading cards are most coveted by serious collectors and could earn you a significant return on investment.

Honus Wagner (1909-11 T206) – The rarest and most expensive baseball card in existence, Wagner’s 1909-11 T206 card has sold for over $3 million. Only about 60 are known to exist in various conditions. Wagner, who played from 1897 to 1917 for the Louisville Colonels and Pittsburgh Pirates, was a superb fielder and base stealer who led the league in several categories. His iconic cigarette card is so rare because he demanded his likeness be removed from production.

Mickey Mantle (1951 Bowman, 1952 Topps, etc.) – One of the game’s true icons, Mantle played his entire 18-year career with the New York Yankees from 1951 to 1968. His rookie and other early Topps and Bowman cards are extremely valuable, especially in high grades. A PSA Gem Mint 10 of his 1951 Bowman has sold for over $360,000. Mantle’s power and speed made him a perennial All-Star and he won three MVP awards.

Mike Trout (2009 Bowman Chrome Draft Picks & Prospects Superfractor #/50) – Still active and only 29, Trout is already considered one of the greatest players ever. His ultra-rare 2009 Bowman Chrome Draft Picks & Prospects Superfractor rookie card, limited to only 50 copies, set a record when one sold for $3.84 million in 2020. Trout has won three MVPs so far and is a generational talent in all phases of the game.

Sandy Koufax (1956 Topps, 1961 Fleer) – A true pitching legend, Koufax’s rookie card from 1956 Topps and 1961 Fleer are both highly sought after. He won three Cy Young Awards and two MVPs in his 12-year career, all with the Dodgers, and threw four no-hitters. In his prime from 1961-1966, Koufax was virtually unhittable. A PSA Gem Mint 10 of his 1956 rookie sold for over $400,000.

Roberto Clemente (1955 Topps) – A Hall of Famer who tragically died in a plane crash at age 38 while helping earthquake victims in Nicaragua, Clemente played his entire 18-year career with the Pirates from 1955 to 1972. His 1955 Topps rookie card is considered the key vintage Pirates card and has sold for over $100,000 in top condition. Clemente was the first Latin American player to win a World Series MVP in 1971.

Nolan Ryan (1966 Topps, 1968 Topps) – “The Ryan Express” pitched a record 7 no-hitters and holds the all-time strikeout record. His rookie card from 1966 Topps and the one showing him with the Mets from 1968 are both very valuable. Ryan played for 27 seasons from 1966-1993 with the Mets, Angels, Astros, and Rangers; his pure heat and longevity made him a living legend. A PSA 10 of his ’66 rookie sold for $99,000.

Ken Griffey Jr. (1989 Upper Deck, 1990 Bowman) – Junior was one of the most talented and popular players of the 1990s-2000s. His rookie cards from Upper Deck in 1989 and Bowman in 1990 are icons. Griffey hit 630 home runs in his career playing for the Mariners, Reds, and White Sox from 1989 to 2010. He won 10 Gold Gloves and was the 1990 AL MVP. A PSA 10 of his 1989 Upper Deck rookie sold for $86,000.

Mariano Rivera (1995 Bowman’s Best, 1996 Topps Traded) – The greatest closer of all time, Rivera spent his entire 19-year career with the Yankees from 1995 to 2013. His early Topps and Bowman’s Best cards are highly desirable. Rivera holds the all-time saves record with 652 and was nearly automatic in high-leverage situations late in games. A PSA 10 of his 1995 Bowman’s Best rookie sold for $31,000.

Cal Ripken Jr. (1981 Topps, 1982 Donruss) – “The Iron Man” played his entire 21-year career for the Orioles from 1981 to 2001 and holds the record for consecutive games played at 2,632. His rookie cards showcasing his early years in Baltimore are valuable long-term keepsakes. Ripken was a 19-time All-Star and won two MVP awards. A PSA 10 of his 1981 Topps RC sold for $26,100.

Derek Jeter (1992 Bowman, 1993 SP) – “The Captain” spent his entire 20-year career leading the Yankees to 5 World Series titles from 1995 to 2014. His rookie cards are highly sought after. Jeter was a 14-time All-Star, 5-time Gold Glover, won 5 Silver Sluggers, and was the 2000 World Series MVP. A PSA 10 of his 1992 Bowman RC sold for $25,300.

Chipper Jones (1991 Bowman, 1992 Stadium Club) – The longtime Braves third baseman played his full 19-year career in Atlanta from 1993 to 2012. Jones was the 1999 NL MVP and an 8-time All-Star. He led the Braves to a World Series title in 1995. His early rookie cards hold value as one of the game’s great switch-hitters. A PSA 10 of his 1991 Bowman RC sold for $23,100.

Bryce Harper (2010 Bowman Sterling, 2012 Topps) – Still just 28, Harper has already put together a Hall of Fame worthy career since debuting with the Nationals in 2012. He won the 2015 NL MVP and has been an All-Star 7 times. Harper’s early RCs showcasing his potential are prized by collectors. He signed a 13-year, $330 million contract with the Phillies in 2019. A PSA 10 of his 2010 Bowman Sterling RC sold for $21,600.

Bob Gibson (1959 Topps) – A legendary power pitcher, Gibson played his entire career with the Cardinals from 1959 to 1975. He won two World Series titles and two MVP awards and is best known for his 1968 season when he posted a 1.12 ERA. Gibson’s 1959 Topps rookie is highly valuable. A PSA 8 copy sold at auction for $20,000.

While many factors determine a baseball card’s value such as condition, rarity, and player accomplishments – these stars represent some of the most sought after names whose cards from their early years can earn significant returns if preserved in high grade. With prices always fluctuating based on the market, their rookies and other scarce issues are solid long-term investments for serious collectors. With some patience and diligence, you could uncover a valuable gem in an old collection.