The baseball card market experienced significant growth over the past couple of years, and 2023 was no exception. As interest in the hobby increased, certain cards rose to the top of the best sellers lists. While rookie cards of emerging young stars like Wander Franco and Julio Rodriguez sold well, vintage cards from legendary players also found many new homes. Let’s take a look at some of the top selling baseball cards of the past year based on sales data from the major auction houses and card shops.
The most in-demand baseball card of 2023 was the 1952 Topps Mickey Mantle PSA 8. Widely considered the premier vintage card on the market, the Mantle is the ultimate trophy card for serious collectors. Several PSA 8 copies crossed the auction block in 2023, with the highest selling for an astonishing $2.88 million through Goldin Auctions in January. While nine-figure sums are still rare for cards, it shows just how coveted a nice example of The Mick’s iconic rookie card has become. Several other PSA 8 Mantles also topped $1 million last year.
Another perennial best seller is the 1909-11 T206 Honus Wagner. Considered the rarest and most valuable trading card in existence, high-grade Wagners will likely always be at the top of the charts when condition permits public sale. In 2023, a PSA Authentic specimen sold for $6.6 million through Robert Edward, setting a new record. Other high-end Wagners also commanded seven figures. While most collectors can only dream of owning one, the card’s mystique and historical significance ensure it remains hugely popular.
Vintage rookie cards also performed very well. A PSA 5 example of the 1909-11 T206 Joe Jackson changed hands for $1.8 million through Goldin, reflecting strong interest in the “Shoeless” Joe rookie despite his controversial life story. A PSA 3 1914 Cracker Jack Eddie Plank fetched $792,000 at the same auction. Plank’s rarity and condition scarcity made it a true condition-census card. Over in the modern sector, a PSA 10 1986 Fleer Mark McGwire rookie sold for $387,500 through Heritage, still a coveted chase card 36 years later.
Moving into the post-war era, the 1952 Topps Jackie Robinson remained a consistent mover thanks to its iconic subject and stunning visuals. Several high-grade Robinson rookies crossed the block, with a PSA 8 copy selling for $240,000 through Robert Edward. The 1952 Topps Hank Aaron rookie also stayed popular – a PSA 9 example made $144,000 through PWCC. Both these cards are must-owns for anyone building a complete vintage set.
The 1970s produced several memorable rookie cards that retained strong collector demand. A PSA 8 1975 Topps George Brett rookie traded at $99,000 through Goldin Auctions. Brett exemplified consistent excellence throughout his career. The 1975 Topps Robin Yount rookie also stayed sought after – a PSA 9 copy brought $72,000 through the same auction house. Yount’s smooth left-handed swing and two MVP awards made him a fan favorite. Over in basketball-style issues, a PSA 9 1979 Topps Cal Ripken Jr. rookie commanded $48,000 through Robert Edward, still one of the most iconic modern rookie cards out there.
Jumping to the late 80s-90s junk wax era, select rookies started gaining new appreciation as stars of that time entered the Hall of Fame. The 1989 Upper Deck Ken Griffey Jr. rookie remained the most coveted, with a PSA 10 example selling for $109,500 through PWCC. Several PSA 9 copies also broke the five-figure barrier. The 1990 Topps Frank Thomas rookie also gained steam – a BGS 9.5 copy made $33,600 through the same auction house. Both Griffey and Thomas exemplified prolific all-around excellence that has earned them spots in Cooperstown.
Naturally, modern stars produced some of the best selling cards of the past year too. The 2021 Topps Chrome Blue Refractor Auto of Wander Franco, widely considered the top prospect in baseball, continued its meteoric rise in value. A PSA 10 copy reached $640,000 through Goldin Auctions. Franco quickly proved himself as the future face of the Tampa Bay Rays franchise. The 2021 Bowman Chrome Blue Auto of Mariners outfielder Julio Rodriguez also gained momentum, with a BGS 9.5 example selling for $288,000 through Robert Edward – a true record-breaker for a modern card at the time. Rodriguez’s electric rookie campaign made him an instant star.
In summary, 2023 saw continued strength in the sports card and memorabilia market, driven by new collectors, strong economic conditions, and the sustained popularity of the hobby overall. Vintage stars like Mantle and Wagner will likely always be at the top in value, but modern issues also gained serious appreciation as today’s stars like Franco and Rodriguez begin to enter the collecting conversation. With a fresh crop of rookies on the horizon and more high-profile auctions planned for 2024, the baseball card market looks poised to remain one of the collectibles world’s most vibrant sectors. Strong fundamentals, a mix of history and present-day appeal, and the lure of finding that next big sleeper pick will ensure cards stay a favorite collecting category for years to come.
