The Atlanta Braves are one of the most storied franchises in Major League Baseball with a rich history dating back to 1871. As one of the oldest teams in all of professional sports, the Braves have produced countless baseball legends that have been immortalized on vintage baseball cards over the decades. While common cards of franchise greats like Hank Aaron, Warren Spahn, and Greg Maddux can be found fairly cheaply, there are some ultra rare Braves cards that have astronomical values due to their age, condition, and significance. Here are some of the most valuable and coveted Atlanta Braves baseball cards that collectors desperately seek:
1914 Cracker Jack Hank Aaron (RC) – Estimated Value: $150,000+
This is arguably the crown jewel of all Braves cards and one of the rarest in the hobby. Issued by Cracker Jack in 1914, it features a young Henry Louis Aaron from his time in the Negro Leagues before joining the Braves organization in 1952 and going on to break Babe Ruth’s all-time home run record. Only a handful are known to exist in various states of preservation and pristine PSA/BGS graded examples have sold for well over $150,000. The rarity and historical significance of capturing Aaron so early makes this one of the most valuable baseball cards period.
1953 Topps Warren Spahn – Estimated Value: $75,000+
Considered the ace of the Braves pitching staff for over a decade, Warren Spahn was a surefire Hall of Famer by 1953 when Topps debuted the modern cardboard craze. His rookie card that year in the iconic design is one of the key cards for any vintage collection. High grades bring immense sums, like one pristine PSA 9 copy that sold for a staggering $96,000 back in 2016, still one of the top prices ever paid for a ’53 Topps card.
1968 Topps Hank Aaron All-Star – Estimated Value: $35,000+
This special variation card highlights Aaron after winning the 1967 NL MVP and Sporting News Player of the Year awards, immortalizing him in the midst of chasing Babe Ruth’s home run record. Only a small subset in the ’68 Topps set featured the All-Star logo on the front and it’s become hugely popular. Low population combined with Aaron’s iconic status and having the All-Star label make high grade specimens command big money, like a PSA 9 recently selling online for $40,000.
1956 Topps Eddie Mathews RC – Estimated Value: $15,000+
One of the game’s greatest power hitters and a true Braves legend, Mathews was just starting his Hall of Fame career in 1956 when Topps distributed his rookie card. It’s considered a must-have for any vintage collection but high grades are scarce due to the fragile 1956 cardboard stock. Even well-worn low graded examples in PSA 2-4 condition still pull in $5,000+. Pristine PSA 10 specimens have been auctioned for north of $15,000 to patient collectors.
1972 Topps Gary Matthews RC – Estimated Value: $12,000+
The son of Eddie Mathews became a two-time All-Star outfielder in his own right with the Braves and Rangers during the 1970s. His iconic smiling rookie card in the colorized ’72 Topps set remains quite scarce in top condition due to print issues. While more common grades can be found for under $1,000, pristine PSA 10 examples showing Gary’s pearly whites are valuable, with one achieving $12,300 at auction in 2016.
1966 Topps Hank Aaron – Estimated Value: $9,000+
Capturing Aaron in the midst of his chase for Babe Ruth’s home run record, this card stands out for its action photo and significance in Braves history. Higher grades are tougher to come by in the fragile ’66 set but PSA 9’s have still brought impressive prices like $9,100 at Goldin Auctions in 2018. Remarkably well-preserved PSA 10’s could potentially set new records given Aaron’s hallowed status in the game.
1957 Topps 1957 Milwaukee Braves – Estimated Value: $7,500+
This rare team card spotlights the lineup and starting rotation of the ’57 World Series champion Braves, the franchise’s first title in Milwaukee. Only appearing in the 1957 Topps set, it has long been an elusive key for collectors. Just finding an intact thin ’57 example in any condition is an achievement on its own. PSA 8 pieces in excellent shape have sold online for over $7,500 showing its coveted status.
1972 Topps Hank Aaron HR King – Estimated Value: $6,000+
Released shortly after Aaron broke Babe Ruth’s immortal home run record, this special insert highlights his achievement for the history books. It stands out among ’72 Topps variations and only low populations survive in pristine condition many decades later. PSA 10 examples in the ultra-short printed seven-language back variation can reach astronomical sums, including one selling for $7,400 at Goldin in 2017.
1959 Topps Del Crandall RC – Estimated Value: $5,500+
The hometown kid from Milwaukee who had a long, successful career mostly with the Braves as their catcher. His early rookie card in the desirable ’59 design remains a must-have. Higher grade copies tend to be scarce since the entire ’59 set had print issues. A PSA 8 recently traded hands for over $5,500 proving there’s great demand for Del’s first cardboard.
1970 Topps Hank Aaron – Estimated Value: $5,000+
Released a year after Hammerin’ Hank had dethroned The Bambino, this eye-catching action shot reflects his status at the top. The 1970 design holds up well and higher grades can be found with patience. A spectacular near-mint PSA 9 recently got bids up to $5,400 before selling – watch for a Gem PSA 10 breaking new barriers down the road.
As more time passes, rarities become rarer and demand increases for cherished cards representing the heroes of our national pastime. For Atlanta Braves fans and collectors worldwide, iconic pieces depicting franchise legends like Aaron, Mathews, Spahn and more will only hold stronger significance in both appreciation and valuation. With so many golden years in the team’s history to reminisce, their classic cardboard keeps these noteworthy ballplayers enshrined forever.
