For collectors of San Francisco Giants baseball cards, there are several vintage and modern cards that can hold significant monetary value depending on the condition, signature or autograph status, and card scarcity. Here are some of the most valuable Giants baseball cards collectors should be on the lookout for:

Willie Mays (1951 Bowman, PSA 10): Widely considered one of the most coveted and iconic baseball cards ever printed, the Willie Mays 1951 Bowman rookie card in PSA Gem Mint 10 condition can fetch upwards of $500,000 at auction. Mays was just a 20 year old rookie with the New York Giants when this colorful card was issued, depicting him in what would become his signature pose. The 1951 Bowman set had a small print run and the fragile cardboard stock does not hold up well over 70 years. Receiving a PSA 10 grade, indicating perfect centering, corners, edges and surface, makes this one of the rarest Mays rookie cards in existence. Serious Giants card collectors drool over the chance to add this piece of hobby history to their collection, even if most will never have a chance to afford one.

Orlando Cepeda (1958 Topps, PSA 9): Another early Giants star, Cepeda burst onto the scene winning 1958 NL Rookie of the Year honors. His second year Topps card carries value around the $5,000-$7,500 range in PSA 9 condition with sharp corners and colors still bright. Cepeda went on to have a Hall of Fame worthy career that included 379 career home runs and the MVP award during the Giants 1967 “Impossible Dream” pennant season. High grade 1958 Topps Cepeda rookie cards remain rare finds for collectors.

Juan Marichal (1960 Topps, PSA 8): Marichal arrived from the Dominican Republic in 1960 and immediately revolutionized the art of pitching for the Giants. Known for his high-kick windup and blazing fastball, “The Dominican Dandy” won 31 games and the NL Cy Young award in 1963. His iconic 1960 Topps rookie card can bring between $2,000-$3,000 in PSA 8 condition with minor flaws and still retains great eye appeal. Marichal went on to win 243 career games, make 9 All-Star teams, and dazzle fans with his dazzling repertoire of pitches.

Barry Bonds (1986 Topps Rookie, PSA 10): Arguably the greatest pure hitter of all-time, Bonds spent the bulk of his Hall of Fame career in a Giants uniform chasing and breaking Hank Aaron’s all-time home run record. His true rookie card came in 1986 Topps and has significant value even before Bonds established himself as the game’s most feared slugger. A PSA 10 Gem Mint 1986 Topps Barry Bonds rookie in pristine condition will bring over $10,000 at auction given its rarity. Bonds’ controversial legacy still sparks debate but there is no question about his impact on the game’s history during his Giant years.

Will Clark (1986 Fleer Update, PSA 10): Known as “The Thrill” for his clutch hits and Gold Glove first base play, Clark was the cornerstone hitter for the Giants late 80’s/early 90’s playoff teams. His iconic rookie fleer card from 1986 Update series with the iconic picture from his rookie year has serious collector value around $5,000 in a PSA 10 perfect gem. Clark’s 5 year run from 1987-1991 saw him average .308 with an OPS over .950 establishing himself as one of the game’s truly feared sluggers.

Any Giants HOF autograph card (PSA/BGS 9+): Signatures of HOF Giants like Mays, McCovey, Marichal, Cepeda, Perry, Clark, or Bonds on vintage or modern issue cards hold tremendous value even in high grade mint condition without flaw. A BGS or PSA Gem Mint 9.5+ auto of any HOF Giants player will easily fetch $5,000 and up with scarce HOF auto rookies or first bowmans regularly eclipsing the $10,000 mark depending on the player. Autographs add a whole new dimension of rarity, history and collectibility to already iconic player cards.

Tim Lincecum (2007 Topps Chrome Refractor PSA 10): The “Freak” won back to back Cy Young awards in 2008-2009 leading the Giants resurgence. His golden rookie refractor from 2007 Topps Chrome series holds considerable value in a true PSA 10 gem around $2,000. Lincecum was a instant fan favorite for his long wavy hair, electric 95+ mph heat, and quirky delivery which drew constant national TV attention. He remains one of the best modern pitching prospects ever to debut.

Madison Bumgarner (2009 Topps Chrome Prospect, BGS 9.5): “MadBum” exploded onto the postseason scene in 2014 with a record 21.1 scoreless World Series innings against the Royals capping the Giants 3rd title in 5 years. His golden prospect refractor from 2009 Topps Chrome is a true holy grail card fetching $3,000+ in top BGS 9.5 condition with a potential 10 grade. Bumgarner established himself as a Giants icon and one of the great postseason pitchers in modern history leaving an indelible mark on Giants franchise history.

Finding high grade vintage or modern issue superstar Giants hall of famers, rookies or prospects in pristine mint condition offers serious long term financial upside for passionate collectors. Condition and autograph status can exponentially increase card values into the thousands or even hundreds of thousands in the right situations. Top names like Mays, Marichal, McCovey, Clark and Bonds carry the most luster, but iconic modern stars Bumgarner, Posey and Lincecum also command collector attention and escalating prices. For Giants Card collectors, continuously hunting the rarest and highest grade examples of franchise greats over the decades is the sure path to building a prized lifelong collection.