When it comes to valuable baseball cards, getting high quality cards professionally graded is one of the best ways to maximize their value. Grading provides an objective assessment of a card’s condition which brings transparency and trust to the marketplace. While there are many great cards worth submitting, here are some of the best options to consider sending to the top third party grading companies like PSA, BGS, SGC.
Rookie Cards – The rookie cards of all-time great players usually age the best when it comes to long term value appreciation. Some of the most desirable rookie cards to grade include Mickey Mantle (1952 Topps, Bowman), Willie Mays (1951 Bowman), Hank Aaron (1954 Topps), Sandy Koufax (1955 Topps), Roberto Clemente (1955 Topps), Nolan Ryan (1966 Topps), Tom Seaver (1967 Fleer), Cal Ripken Jr. (1981 Topps), Ken Griffey Jr. (1989 Upper Deck), Chipper Jones (1991 Upper Deck), Derek Jeter (1992 Bowman), Mariano Rivera (1993 Bowman), and Mike Trout (2009 Upper Deck). Getting these graded in the highest possible grade can yield six-figure returns or more.
Iconic Sets from the Early Years – The T206 and 1909-11 T206 tobacco era sets produced some of the most visually stunning and collectible cards ever. Top graded examples from these sets such as Honus Wagner (1909 T206), Mickey Welch (1909-11 T206), Eddie Plank (1909-11 T206), and Nap Lajoie (1909-11 T206) can be worth well over $1 million. Other classic sets like the 1933 Goudey, 1952 Topps, and 1957 Topps sets housed many of the game’s earliest stars and have cards that increase tremendously in value with higher grades.
Star Rated Rookies – Upper Deck’s star rated rookie program in the late 80s and 90s awarded special parallel versions of young stars’ rookie cards with star symbols. Top graded examples of Barry Sanders (1989 UD), Ken Griffey Jr. (1989 UD), Derek Jeter (1992 UD), and Chipper Jones (1991 UD) star rookies can sell for five figures or more. The rarer 5-star rated versions are true holy grails for set builders and investors.
Numbered Parallel Cards – Exclusive parallel cards with low print runs have long been favorites of collectors looking to own truly one-of-a-kind pieces. High grade examples of cards like Mike Piazza’s (1993 Upper Deck) and Derek Jeter’s (1996 Topps Chrome) refractor rookies, Chipper Jones’ (1995 Pinnacle Inside) and Mark McGwire’s (1989 Score Traded) traded cards, and Mariano Rivera’s (1993 SP) and Cal Ripken Jr.’s (1991 Fleer Ultra) ultra rare serial numbered prospect cards can be centerpieces of collections worth tens of thousands of dollars or more.
Autograph Cards – Signed baseball cards continue gaining popularity and signed rookies of all-time greats are some the best long term investments in the hobby. Top graded examples of Mickey Mantle, Willie Mays, Hank Aaron, Nolan Ryan, Tom Seaver, Cal Ripken Jr., Ken Griffey Jr., Derek Jeter, and Mike Trout autograph rookies can appreciate exponentially over time, especially for those signed early in their careers. Certified autographs like on Bowman Chrome, Topps Chrome, and Topps Finest hold added value.
Exquisite Patch Cards – Within the last 15 years, manufacturers have produced ultra high-end patch cards featuring game used memorabilia. While expensive at first, top graded 1/1 patch autographs of stars can gain value faster than any other modern card type. Examples like Mariano Rivera’s (2005 Topps Chrome), Chipper Jones’ (1999 Topps Chrome), Derek Jeter’s (2007 Topps Chrome), and Mike Trout’s (2009 Topps Chrome) exquisite patch autograph rookies have sold for over $100,000 and could one day reach quarter million dollar valuations or more.
Vintage Stars of the Game – Hall of Famers will always be in high demand and their best vintage cards deserve protection in slabs. Top graded examples of Babe Ruth (1914 Cracker Jack, 1914 M101-4 Eagle), Ty Cobb (1911 T206, 1912 T206), Walter Johnson (1913 E134, 1914 Cracker Jack), Cy Young (1911 E90-1, 1911 T206), and Honus Wagner (1909-11 W511, 1910 E90-1) can be truly investment-grade trophies worth five or even six figures. Their rarity and significance to the origins of baseball card collecting make them cornerstones of the highest value collections.
Error Cards – While not for the average collector, the true one-of-a-kind error cards that feature miscuts, missing statistics, inverted backs, and other anomalies can end up being worth more than their mint condition counterparts. The highest graded examples of error cards like Mickey Mantle’s (1952 Topps) upside down photo, Cal Ripken Jr.’s (1991 Topps Sticker) missing “JR.”, and Derek Jeter’s (1994 Collector’s Choice) blank back are some that could hold seven figure valuations with the right pedigree.
As you can see, there are many outstanding baseball card options worthy of professional grading to maximize long term value. By objectively verifying a card’s condition, grading gives buyers confidence and opens access to an even larger pool of potential collectors, which is key for high price consignment. For serious investors, assembling a top graded collection of the best stars, sets, and variants from baseball card history offers tremendous blue chip potential.
