Baseball cards have long been a popular collectible item for both kids and adults. While most common cards have little monetary value, there are certain rare cards that can be worth a significant amount of money. Here are some of the most valuable baseball cards that collectors keep an eye out for.

1909-11 T206 Honus Wagner – The highest valued baseball card in existence is the legendary 1909-11 T206 Honus Wagner card. Only around 60 copies are known to exist today in various conditions. The card has achieved mystique over the decades as one of the first true “rookie cards.” In recent years, Wagner cards in top condition have sold for over $2 million. Even poorly conditioned examples can fetch $100,000+. The rarity and history behind this card make it the holy grail for collectors.

1952 Topps Mickey Mantle – The rookie card of baseball icon Mickey Mantle is arguably the second most desirable after the Honus Wagner. In mint condition it has sold for over $1 million, with well-kept copies commonly trading hands for $200,000+. Mantle went on to have one of the greatest careers in MLB history and his rookie card is always in high demand.

1909-11 T206 Joe Jackson – “Shoeless Joe” Joe Jackson’s rookie card is highly coveted for collectors. As one of the infamous “Black Sox” involved in the 1919 World Series scandal, his story adds intrigue to an already rare early tobacco card issue. Graded gem mint examples have topped $500,000 at auction.

1948 Bowman PSA 8 Ted Williams – Ted Williams was one of the greatest hitters who ever lived and a true five-tool superstar. His 1948 Bowman rookie card is among the most coveted from the post-war period. High-grade copies in PSA 8 or above condition have reached $250,000 at auction.

1963 Topps Roberto Clemente – Roberto Clemente was not only one of baseball’s all-time great hitters but also known for his humanitarian work off the field. As a result, his 1963 Topps rookie card holds significant value, especially in top PSA grades. A PSA 9 recently sold for over $74,000.

1909-11 T206 Mathewson/Wagner Combo Card – One of the great rarities in the hobby is the 1909-11 T206 Mathewson/Wagner combo card. Only a handful are known to exist, and it features rookie photos of two future Hall of Famers on one card. In 2010, a well-preserved example sold for $125,000, showing its status as a true holy grail item.

1932 Goudey Babe Ruth – Babe Ruth revolutionized the game of baseball and set an endless amount of records. His 1932 Goudey issue is one of his earliest and most desirable cards. Even moderately worn examples can fetch upwards of $20,000, with gem mint 10s topping $150,000. It’s a staple in any serious vintage collection.

1971 Topps Nolan Ryan – Nolan Ryan holds numerous MLB records for hitting milestones like strikeouts. His 1971 Topps rookie card is one of the most iconic from the 1970s set. High-grade PSA 8s and 9s consistently sell for $5,000 to $15,000 based on condition.

1998 Bowman Chrome Edgar Martinez – Refractors and parallels from the original 1998 Bowman Chrome baseball issue hold immense value since they featured current stars as rookies or prospects. Edgar Martinez’s gold refractor /50 is highly sought after, with a PSA 10 example changing hands for over $28,000 in recent years.

1909-11 T206 Walter Johnson – Known as the “Big Train,” Walter Johnson was one of the most dominant starting pitchers of the deadball era. His imposing rookie card from the ultra-rare 1909-11 T206 set is a must-have for early 20th century collectors. A high-grade example exceeded $110,000 at auction in 2014.

1969 Topps Willie Mays – By 1969, Willie Mays was already a living legend with two decades of MVP-caliber play under his belt. His 1969 Topps issue is particularly desirable as one of his final flagship rookie cards. PSA 8s have reached over $5,000, with gem 10s bringing well into the five-figure range.

1984 Fleer Michael Jordan – Before he was the “GOAT” of basketball, a teenage Michael Jordan had his first flagship baseball card issued as a prospect in Fleer’s 1984 set. Since there was no predicting his future stardom at the time, these pre-rookie cards are valuable at all levels. Even low-grade copies often sell for over $1,000.

1913 T205 Johnny Evers – As a key member of the great Chicago Cubs teams, second baseman Johnny Evers had a relatively short but successful MLB career. His scarce 1913 T205 tobacco card is highly sought after by Cubs fans and vintage collectors alike. Higher graded versions often sell between $15,000-20,000.

1949 Bowman Jackie Robinson – Jackie Robinson broke Major League Baseball’s color barrier as the first African American player of the modern era. His 1949 Bowman rookie card was a landmark issue and important piece of sports history. Near-perfect PSA 10 grades have topped $350,000 at auction in years past.

This covers some of the most iconic, rare and expensive baseball cards that can be worth significant money, especially in top condition grades. While cards from the pre-war era like Honus Wagner and the T206 set will likely always be at the very top in value, cards featuring legendary rookies from other eras continue gaining recognition and prices. With patience and luck, discovering one of these valuable gems in a collection could result in a valuable find.