The Montreal Expos were the first Major League Baseball team located in Canada. They played in Montreal from 1969-2004 before relocating to become the Washington Nationals. As one of the newer franchises, Expos cards do not have the same long history or player pedigree of teams like the Yankees or Red Sox. For collectors interested in the team’s history, several Expos rookie and star player cards can hold significant value.
One of the most valuable Expos rookie cards is that of Andre Dawson from the 1977 Topps set. Known as “The Hawk” for his outstanding leaping catches in the outfield, Dawson went on to have a Hall of Fame career. His rookie card in near mint condition can fetch over $1,000. Dawson was a homegrown star for the Expos franchise and remains one of their most beloved players. His rookie card is iconic for collectors of the team.
Another highly sought-after rookie card is that of Gary Carter from the 1974 Topps set. As the Expos’ catcher, “Kid” was a 10-time All-Star and key member of Montreal’s teams in the late 1970s that reached the playoffs. Carter’s smooth defense behind the plate and leadership on the field made him extremely popular. High grade examples of his rookie card in a PSA 10 Gem Mint slab have sold for over $3,000. Carter’s Hall of Fame career and status as an Expos great make this a very valuable piece for any collection.
For collectors focusing specifically on the early 1970s Expos teams, the 1972 Topps rookie card of Steve Rogers is also quite valuable in top condition. Rogers went on to be the Expos’ all-time leader in wins and was a 3-time 20 game winner for Montreal. High grade copies of his rookie have sold for $800-1,000. Other stars from that era like Rusty Staub and Willie Davis also have rookie cards in the $200-500 range depending on condition.
Moving into the late 1970s-1980s, the Expos had a core of talented players that made the franchise competitive for over a decade. The rookie cards of this generation can also hold value. Pitcher Scott Sanderson’s 1981 Topps rookie in a PSA 10 is valued around $500 given his contributions as a 20-game winner for Montreal. Catcher/first baseman Warren Cromartie, an All-Star in the early 1980s, has a rookie card from 1977 Topps valued at $300-400.
One of the most iconic Expos cards from this era is the 1979 Topps Traded Tim Raines card, featuring the base stealer nicknamed “Rock.” Raines was a perennial All-Star and batting champion for Montreal. High grade copies of his traded card have sold for well over $1,000. As the franchise’s all-time leader in stolen bases, Raines is revered by Expos fans and his cards remain very popular.
By the late 1980s, players like Andres Galarraga, Marquis Grissom, and Larry Walker emerged as new stars. Their rookie cards have found steady value appreciation over time. Galarraga’s 1987 Donruss rookie in pristine condition recently sold for $800. Grissom’s 1988 Fleer Update rookie in a PSA 10 Gem Mint slab has sold for over $500. And Walker’s franchise-record setting career has pushed his 1989 Upper Deck rookie card value up near $300 PSA 10.
While the Expos never won a World Series championship, they developed many great players who went on to stellar careers. For dedicated collectors of the franchise and its history, high quality rookie cards and stars from the 1970s-1990s teams can still hold significant nostalgic and intrinsic value. Even with the team’s relocation, demand remains strong from Expos fans wanting to commemorate the players who made Montreal baseball so memorable and competitive for over 30 years.
