When people think of collectible baseball cards, Topps usually comes to mind first. Since launching its baseball card line in 1952, Topps has created countless iconic cards that remain highly prized by collectors to this day. While narrowing down the list is inherently subjective, here are some of the most iconic Topps baseball cards based on their historical significance, rarity, and impact on the hobby:

1952 Topps #311 Mickey Mantle: Often considered the most iconic sports card of all time, the 1952 Topps Mickey Mantle rookie card ranks at the very top for collectors. Mantle went on to have a Hall of Fame career and became the face of the Yankees dynasty. The 1952 Topps set marked Topps’ first foray into the baseball card market and Mantle’s card became the standard rookie card. Graded mint condition examples now sell for well over $1 million, cementing its status as the crown jewel for any serious collection.

1954 Topps #120 Willie Mays: Like Mantle, Willie Mays also had one of the most significant rookie cards ever issued by Topps with his 1954 offering. Mays launched a legendary 22-year career that saw him become arguably the greatest all-around player in MLB history. High grade copies of this pioneering Mays rookie are equally, if not more, valuable than the Mantle. It’s widely considered the second most important baseball card behind only the 1952 Mantle.

1957 Topps #90 Hank Aaron: Hammerin’ Hank Aaron’s 1957 Topps card gained recognition as he began his assault on Babe Ruth’s home run record. Aaron hit 44 home runs in his MVP season of 1957, foreshadowing his run to the all-time home run king title. While not technically a rookie card, Aaron’s rising stardom made the 1957 Topps one of the definitive artifacts from that era. Finding high quality versions with the iconic “Aaron 715” design is still a challenge.

1962 Topps #150 Roger Maris: The 1961 season where Roger Maris broke Babe Ruth’s single season home run record of 60 is legendary. His accomplishment was immortalized on the 1962 Topps card which featured an action shot of Maris during his historic pursuit. As one of the most iconic moments in baseball history, collectors prize high grade versions of Maris’ card from that historic ’61 campaign. It’s widely recognized as one of the 10 most valuable non-rookie cards.

1966 Topps #550 Nolan Ryan: Technically not a rookie either since it was Ryan’s second Topps issue, the 1966 version takes on special meaning as it depicts “The Ryan Express” at the start of his record-setting career. Ryan struck out a then-record 383 batters and won 15 games in this breakout season. As one of the game’s most dominant pitchers ever, the 1966 Topps introduced collectors to greatness at a very early stage. Finding examples with strong centering and clean surfaces remain a challenge.

1969 Topps #1 Reggie Jackson: “Mr. October’s” iconic 1969 Topps rookie card became entrenched in the memories of collectors and baseball fans alike. Jackson went on to smash three home runs in Game 6 of the 1977 World Series, cementing his legend and making his rookie card a highly recognizable piece of baseball history. Even in low grades, the sheer nostalgia and history embodied by the 1969 Topps #1 rookie makes it a standout, and high grade specimens sell for enormous sums.

1972 Topps #36 Mike Schmidt: Arguably the greatest third baseman of all time, Mike Schmidt’s dominance began at an early stage captured on his 1972 Topps rookie card. Schmidt won 10 Gold Gloves and hit 548 career home runs over a Hall of Fame career spent entirely with the Phillies. High quality examples are few and command top dollar. Schmidt became the face of the Phillies franchise and his rookie introduced the budding superstar.

1981 Topps Traded #57T Fernando Valenzuela: Fernando-Mania gripped not just Los Angeles but the entire country during rookie sensation Fernando Valenzuela’s astonishing debut season with the Dodgers in 1981. His rookie card from the 1981 Topps Traded set perfectly encapsulated the excitement of “Fernandomania” and defined an entire era. It remains one of the most collectible and recognizable rookie cards ever made by Topps.

1988 Topps Traded #T20 Ken Griffey Jr: Widely considered the best all-around player of the 1990s, Ken Griffey Jr’s potential was teased on his rookie card released in the 1988 Topps Traded set. “The Kid” would go on to win 10 Gold Gloves in center field while hitting over 600 home runs. High grade copies provide a glimpse into the early promise of one of the game’s true living legends.

1998 Topps #1 Derek Jeter: While not quite as rare or valuable as some of the truly vintage classics on the list, Derek Jeter’s 1998 Topps rookie remains iconic in its own right as it introduced collectors to “The Captain” of the 1990s-2000s Yankees dynasty. One of the most accomplished and respected players ever, finding well-centered copies of Jeet’s rookie autograph the legacy.

2009 Topps #206 Mike Trout: Still early in his career but well on a potential path to Cooperstown, Mike Trout is poised to have one of the most significant baseball cards ever produced with his 2009 Topps rookie. Since making his debut, Trout has emerged as the new face of the sport and one of the great all-around talents. Examples may not command huge prices quite yet but clearly showcases a generational talent.

While there are countless other notable issues over the decades, these 10 Topps baseball cards stand out as among the most iconic based on the legends they feature, the historical moments they represent, and their stature as defining pieces within the collecting community. Topps secured its place in sports card history by crafting memorable issues commemorating the game’s biggest stars and their career-defining seasons.