Ed Charles was a star third baseman in Major League Baseball who played for the Kansas City/Oakland Athletics and New York Mets from 1959 to 1973. While Charles did not achieve the individual accolades of some other stars, he was a consistent and reliable player who made multiple All-Star teams and helped the Athletics win 3 straight World Series titles from 1972 to 1974. Charles left behind a legacy as one of the finest defensive third basemen of his era and a true leader in the clubhouse.
As a player who had a long MLB career spanning the 1950s through the early 1970s, Ed Charles has a wide variety of baseball cards that were issued during his playing days and in the years since. Some of the more notable and valuable Charles cards include:
1959 Topps #264 – Charles’ rookie card, this is one of the key early cards collectors look for. The 1959 Topps set is highly popular and desirable. Low print runs make high grade examples quite scarce. PSA 10 examples have sold for over $1000. Even well-centered copies in PSA 8 condition can fetch $150-200.
1961 Topps #382 – One of Charles’ better looking cards from the early years. It shows him batting from the left side with nice action and a clear image. High grade copies have sold for $75-150 depending on condition. Still obtainable for $20-30 in average centered PSA 8 shape.
1964 Topps #362 – Charles is featured prominently on this card in his Athletics uniform. It is one of the more visually appealing designs from the 1960s issues. PSA 10 copies have sold for $250-350 given the rarity of high grade 1964 Topps in general. More common PSA 8 versions can be acquired for $50-75.
1972 Topps #597 – As a member of the 1972 World Series champion A’s, this card is quite desirable for team and winner collectors. It shows Charles receiving congratulations from teammates after a victory. PSA 10 “Gem Mint” copies have reached $500-600 at auction. Well-centered PSA 8 copies still command $125-175.
1973 Topps #554 – Charles’ final regular season card as he retired following the 1973 season. It pictures him batting for the Mets and is one of the more iconic 1970s designs. PSA 10 examples have topped $300. Most PSA 8 copies can be found in the $75-125 range. Still a key card for any Charles or Mets collection.
1978 SSPC Ed Charles – The first true “retired player” card issued for Charles by SSPC (Superior Sports/Private Collections). It features a nice action pose and is one of the earliest examples of a post-career trading card. High grades can reach $150-250 given the rarity. Most graded copies sell in the $50-100 range.
1991 Upper Deck #377 – One of Charles’ earliest modern era cards from the hugely popular Upper Deck set. It uses a nice action shot and design aesthetic. PSA 10 “Gem Mint” copies have sold for $150-250. Most graded PSA 8 versions trade hands for $30-60.
2000 Fleer Greats of the Game #94 – A sharp looking retro-style card as part of Fleer’s tribute set to baseball history. It recreates Charles’ 1959 Topps rookie design. PSA 10 copies have reached $75-125. Most PSA 8 versions sell in the $25-50 range.
2009 Topps Allen & Ginter Mini #AG87 – A popular modern mini card issue picturing Charles. It carries a retro design sensibility. Even low-numbered PSA 10 versions have sold for $50-75 given the set’s popularity. Most PSA 8 copies trade for $15-30.
In summary, Ed Charles had a solid MLB career and has developed a strong following among vintage baseball card collectors in the decades since his playing days. His rookie card from 1959 Topps remains one of the key cards for Athletics and vintage collectors. Issues from his World Series years in the early 1970s also carry premiums. While not in the same star category as some legends, Charles has developed recognition as a true leader and defensive standout that warrants representation in collections. With care and research, affordable examples of his varied baseball cards from the 1950s through modern issues can be located to represent this underrated star.
