Topps has been producing baseball cards since 1952 and over the decades they have created some of the most iconic and valuable cards in the hobby. Let’s take a look at some of the standout Topps cards from each year that still captivate collectors today.
1952: Mickey Mantle Rookie Card
The 1952 Topps Mickey Mantle rookie card is arguably the most famous and valuable baseball card of all time. Mantle went on to have a Hall of Fame career and his rookie card is iconic for being one of the first post-war cards. In near mint condition, a 1952 Mantle rookie can fetch over $1 million making it the most expensive card ever.
1957: Hank Aaron Rookie Card
Hank Aaron went on to break Babe Ruth’s home run record and his 1957 Topps rookie card is one of the key cards from the late 1950s. Aaron’s rookie has steadily increased in value over the decades and high grade examples can sell for $50,000+.
1960: Roberto Clemente Rookie Card
The 1960 Topps Roberto Clemente rookie card marked the start of a Hall of Fame career for the Pittsburgh Pirates’ star. Clemente tragically died in a plane crash in 1972 at the young age of 38 but his legacy and memorable rookie card live on. Mint 1960 Clemente rookies have sold for over $75,000 in recent years.
1969: Nolan Ryan Rookie Card
Nolan Ryan’s record-setting career is best remembered through his 1969 Topps rookie card. Ryan struck out a record 5,714 batters and threw seven no-hitters in his career. High grade 1969 Ryan rookies have sold for upwards of $30,000 making it one of the most valuable 1960s cards.
1972: Mike Schmidt Rookie Card
Future Hall of Famer Mike Schmidt had a monster career with the Philadelphia Phillies. His iconic 1972 Topps rookie card is a key piece for 1970s set collectors. Near mint 1972 Schmidt rookies have sold for over $15,000.
1974: George Brett Rookie Card
George Brett had a career .305 batting average during his time with the Kansas City Royals and his 1974 Topps rookie card is highly regarded. High grade 1974 Brett rookies have sold for $8,000+.
1975: Fred Lynn & George Foster Rookie Cards
The 1975 Topps set featured the rookie cards of Fred Lynn and George Foster, who both went on to have All-Star caliber careers. Their iconic ’75 rookie cards can sell for $3,000-$4,000 each in top condition.
1977: Reggie Jackson & Dave Parker Rookie Cards
Two future Hall of Famers had their rookie cards in the 1977 Topps set. Near mint 1977 Reggie Jackson and Dave Parker rookies have sold in the $2,000-$3,000 range in recent years.
1979: Cal Ripken Jr. Rookie Card
Future Hall of Famer Cal Ripken Jr. had one of the most impressive iron man streaks in baseball history. His iconic 1979 Topps rookie card is a highly sought after pre-1980s card. Near mint ’79 Ripken rookies sell for over $5,000.
1984: Don Mattingly Rookie Card
Don Mattingly was a career .307 hitter for the Yankees and won an MVP award in 1985. His 1984 Topps rookie card is one of the most iconic cards from the junk wax era. High grade ’84 Mattingly rookies sell for $1,000+.
1989: Ken Griffey Jr. Rookie Card
The 1989 Topps Ken Griffey Jr. rookie card is arguably the most iconic and valuable card from the junk wax era. Junior went on to have a Hall of Fame career and his superb rookie card remains popular. Pristine 1989 Griffey rookies have reached over $10,000 at auction.
1992: Chipper Jones Rookie Card
Future Hall of Famer Chipper Jones had an outstanding career with the Atlanta Braves. His 1992 Topps rookie card is one of the standouts from the early 1990s. Near mint ’92 Chipper rookies sell for $1,000+.
1998: Kerry Wood Rookie Card
In 1998, Kerry Wood struck out 20 Astros setting a new rookie record. His iconic 1998 Topps rookie card captured his memorable debut season. High grade ’98 Wood rookies sell for $500+.
2000: Adrian Gonzalez Rookie Card
Adrian Gonzalez had a great career hitting .282 with over 300 home runs. His 2000 Topps Traded rookie card remains popular with collectors from the late 90s/early 2000s era. Near mint copies sell for $150.
2004: Justin Verlander Rookie Card
Justin Verlander has had a dominant career winning the 2011 AL Cy Young and Rookie of the Year. His 2004 Bowman Chrome rookie card remains one of the most iconic modern rookie cards. Pristine examples sell for $150.
2010s: Mike Trout Rookie Cards
Widely considered the best player of his generation, Mike Trout’s 2009 Bowman Chrome and 2011 Topps rookie cards are modern classics. Trout mania has pushed mint copies of his iconic rookies over $1,000 each.
This covers some of the standout Topps baseball cards from each decade going back to the 1950s. Many of these rookie cards and other notable issues have become invaluable to the hobby over the decades as collectors look to commemorate the careers and achievements of all-time great players. Topps continues to produce memorable new rookie cards each year for the next generation of baseball stars.