The 1960s was an iconic decade in baseball history that saw the rise of many future Hall of Famers and all-time great players. This was also a golden age for baseball cards as the hobby exploded in popularity during this time period. Many of the rookie cards produced in the 1960s for players who made their MLB debuts that decade have become extremely valuable over the years as these players cemented their legends on the diamond. Here are some of the most noteworthy and valuable rookie cards from 1960s baseball:

Sandy Koufax (1959 Topps #130) – Widely considered one of if not the best left-handed pitcher of all-time, Sandy Koufax had one of the shortest but most dominant careers in baseball history. His rookie card came out in 1959 as he began to establish himself as a star for the Los Angeles Dodgers. Incredibly, Koufax would go on to win 3 Cy Young awards and 1 MVP award over the next few seasons after his rookie year. The condition and demand for this iconic rookie card make it highly valuable, with PSA 10 Gem Mint examples selling for well over $100,000.

Willie Mays (1951 Bowman #61) – While “The Say Hey Kid’s” major league debut technically came a decade earlier in 1951, his colorful and historic career truly blossomed in the 1960s as he cemented his status as one of the greatest to ever play. High grade examples of his exceedingly rare 1951 Bowman rookie are considered the holy grail of baseball cards, with PSA 8 copies selling for over $500,000. No baseball card collection is complete without including this timeless piece of memorabilia documenting the illustrious career of Willie Mays.

Nolan Ryan (1966 Topps #526) – As one of the most intimidating and dominant pitchers to ever toe the rubber, Nolan Ryan racked up an astounding 5,714 career strikeouts and 7 no-hitters. His rookie card from 1966 Topps is one of the most iconic from that entire set as collectors knew they were witnessing the beginning of something truly special. High grade copies in the PSA 8-10 range will set you back $15,000-$30,000 today.

Tom Seaver (1967 Topps #250) – Nicknamed “Tom Terrific,” Seaver was a surefire first-ballot Hall of Famer and one of the most accomplished right-handed hurlers in history. His rookie card featuring his long dark hair and intense stare is a standout from the late ‘60s. Seaver went on to win 311 games and capture 3 Cy Young awards after this rookie season. PSA 10 examples have eclipsed the $50,000 mark.

Johnny Bench (1968 Topps #509) – As arguably the greatest catcher of all-time, Johnny Bench was an icon both on and off the field for the Big Red Machine Cincinnati Reds dynasty. His rookie card sporting his signature thick black beard and catcher’s gear perfectly captures the beginning of his Hall of Fame career. High grade copies remain some of the most in-demand rookie cards from the 1960s, valued at $15,000-$25,000.

Reggie Jackson (1967 Topps #575) – Known as “Mr. October” for his clutch postseason heroics, Reggie Jackson was one of the game’s true larger-than-life superstars in the 1970s. His rookie card from 1967 Topps is iconic for its colorful design and capturing Jackson in his early playing days with the Athletics. PSA 10 Gems have sold for over $50,000 in recent years.

Rod Carew (1967 Topps #521) – A career .328 hitter and seven-time batting champion, Rod Carew was the model of consistency at the plate throughout his 19 year career. His rookie card wearing the classic Twins pullover is one of the most underrated from the 1960s set. High grades in the PSA 8-10 range can fetch $10,000-$20,000.

Steve Carlton (1965 Topps #526) – Known as “Lefty,” Steve Carlton went on to rack up 329 career wins and win 4 Cy Young awards after making his debut in 1965. His rookie card donning the classic Phillies red pinstripes is one of the more iconic from the mid-60s. PSA 10 Gems have sold for over $30,000 in the current market.

This covers some of the most historically significant and valuable rookie cards produced during baseball’s 1960s era. As these players went on to cement legends and broke records, the hobby demand for their early cardboard has skyrocketed over decades. 1960s rookie cards remain a pinnacle achievement for any serious baseball card collector.