The New York Yankees are one of the most successful franchises in all of professional sports. With 27 World Series championships, 40 American League pennants, and a long list of baseball legends that have donned the iconic pinstripes, there is no shortage of collectible Yankee cards that any fan would love to own. With such a rich history spanning over a century, identifying the “best” Yankee cards comes down to personal preference. Here are some of the most iconic, valuable, and historically significant baseball cards featuring Yankees players.
1909 T206 Honus Wagner (PSA 1): Arguably the most famous and valuable baseball card of all time, the 1909-11 T206 Honus Wagner card has become the holy grail for collectors. Only around 60 are known to exist today in various conditions. The card is so rare because Wagner asked the American Tobacco Company to stop production of his card, likely due to his disdain for tobacco. In pristine condition, examples have sold for over $6 million at auction. While Wagner never played for the Yankees, his legendary card tops many best-of lists.
1952 Topps Mickey Mantle (PSA 8): Mantle is arguably the greatest Yankee of all time and one of the most popular players ever. His 1952 Topps rookie card is the finest example of a post-war baseball card and remains highly coveted by collectors. With its bright colors and photo of the Mick in his classic batting stance, it’s considered by many the best baseball card design of all time. High-grade versions regularly sell for six figures.
1949 Bowman Joe DiMaggio (PSA 8): Like the ’52 Mantle, DiMaggio’s 1949 Bowman rookie is among the most iconic early post-war cards. It captures “Joltin’ Joe” in his elegant swing during his legendary 56-game hitting streak season of 1941. The card stands out for its classic black-and-white photo on a color backdrop. Top-condition examples can reach $150,000-$200,000 at auction.
1956 Topps Mickey Mantle (PSA 8): Mantle’s 1956 Topps card is arguably his most popular and visually striking issue. It features “The Commerce Comet” in mid-home run swing, with his famous crouched stance and follow-through captured perfectly. High-grade versions consistently sell for well over $100,000. Along with the ’52, it’s widely considered one of the best Mantle, and overall, baseball cards ever made.
1933 Goudey Babe Ruth (PSA 5): One of the most significant pre-war issues, the 1933 Goudey Ruth captures the legendary “Bambino” in his prime with the classic Goudey photo style. Highly collectible in its own right, this iconic card of one of baseball’s first true superstars takes on extra appeal for being such an early depiction of the iconic Yankee slugger from his playing days. Even well-worn copies can fetch five figures.
1957 Topps Mickey Mantle (PSA 8): While not quite as iconic an image as the ’56, Mantle’s 1957 Topps card remains a standout for its vivid multi-color design and perfect action shot of the Mick swinging in the box. It’s one of the most visually striking and readily identifiable Mantle issues. High grades are rare but command big money, with PSA 8s selling for $50,000+.
1952 Topps Whitey Ford (PSA 8): Ford is one of the greatest pitchers in Yankee and baseball history. His 1952 Topps rookie is the finest example of an early Ford card, showing him in a classic windup. Like the ’52 Mantle, it features bright primary colors and remains one of the most aesthetically pleasing early Topps designs. High grades can reach $20,000+.
1961 Topps Roger Maris (PSA 8): Maris’ ’61 Topps is the definitive card capturing his iconic single-season home run record year. It shows the powerful right-hander unleashing a mighty swing during his chase of Babe Ruth’s 60 home runs. High grades are tough to find but extremely valuable, with PSA 8s reaching $15,000-$20,000 at auction. It’s one of the most historically significant modern-era cards.
1961 Topps Mickey Mantle (PSA 8): Mantle’s ’61 issue remains a fan favorite for its perfectly framed shot of the Mick at the plate. Issued during his Triple Crown season, it’s one of the finest depictions of Mantle in his prime. High grades are rare but highly sought after by collectors, with PSA 8s selling for $10,000+. Along with the ’56 and ’57, it rounds out the best Mantle cards.
1933 Goudey Lou Gehrig (PSA 5): Gehrig’s 1933 Goudey is one of the earliest depictions of the legendary “Iron Horse” in his Yankees days. Like the Ruth issue from the same set, it carries additional appeal for collectors as a significant pre-war card of one of the game’s original icons. Even lower-grade copies can reach $5,000 due to Gehrig’s status in baseball history.
There are countless other Yankee legends whose best and most valuable cards could be included on this list as well, from Thurman Munson to Don Mattingly to Derek Jeter. But the above represent some of the true heavyweight cards—rare, iconic, historically important issues that any serious collector would love to own. With such an unfathomably rich history of baseball greatness, the Yankees have produced many of the most treasured cards in the hobby.
