The 1960s were a pivotal decade in the world of baseball card collecting. Many of the cards produced during this 10 year span have become incredibly valuable thanks to the rookie cards of future Hall of Famers like Hank Aaron, Willie Mays, and Mickey Mantle. With the rise of popularity in the hobby during the 1960s, legions of kids began amassing baseball cards in shoeboxes and albums. While common cards from the era can still be found for under $10, some of the key rookie and star cards have appreciated greatly over the decades to command price tags in the thousands, tens of thousands, and in some cases over $100,000. Here are some of the most valuable baseball cards from the 1960s:

1962 Topps Mickey Mantle #130 – In near mint condition, Mantle’s sophomore Topps card can sell for over $50,000. As one of the most iconic players of all-time, Mantle cards hold value extremely well. His rookie is out of reach for most collectors, making this #130 card one of the more attainable high-dollar Mantle cards from the 1960s.

1967 Topps Nolan Ryan #534 – As one of the greatest pitchers ever, Nolan Ryan’s rookie card is highly sought after. His scary heat and record-breaking strikeouts made him a fan favorite. Graded mint copies have crossed the $20,000 mark in recent years.

1964 Topps Hank Aaron #250 – Hank Aaron went on to break Babe Ruth’s home run record, making him one of the all-time elite sluggers. His 1964 Topps card shows him entering his prime Atlanta Braves years. Higher graded versions can sell for over $15,000.

1968 Topps Jose Cruz #144 – As essentially the lone higher value card in a set not known for huge hits, Jose Cruz’s rookie card stands out. In near mint to mint condition it has exceeded $10,000 at auction.

1961 Topps Roger Maris #130 – As the single season home run champ who bested Babe Ruth’s longstanding mark, Maris’ ’61 rookie is a true icon. Near mint and above copies have topped $7,500.

1969 Topps Willie McCovey #499 – A late hall of fame career that began in San Francisco, McCovey’s power hitting ways made him one of the games biggest stars in the late 60s. Near mint copies can reach $6,000.

1966 Topps Reggie Jackson #552 – During “Mr. October’s” early Oakland Athletics days, this card shows his impressive raw tools and potential. Higher graded examples now sell for over $5,000.

1964 Topps Willie Mays #479 – The Say Hey Kid was still in his prime with the Giants during this card’s release. Always one of the hobby’s most revered players, a near mint Mays ’64 can sell for as much as $4,500.

1968 Topps Tom Seaver #521 – Arguably the best pitching prospect of all-time, Seaver’s rookie heralded an eventual Hall of Fame career. Higher graded versions frequently surpass $4,000.

1969 Topps Johnny Bench #25 – As perhaps the greatest offensive catcher ever, Bench’s dominance began immediately as a 21 year old rookie. Near mint Bench rookies have broken $3,500.

1967 Topps Al Kaline #200 – Mr. Tiger’s slick defense and clutch hitting made him a constant star for Detroit. Among the most respected players by fellow ballplayers during the 1960s. Near mint examples top $3,000.

1960 Topps Dick Groat #97 – The 1960 National League MVP, Groat had several excellent seasons including leading the league in hitting in ’60. Higher graded copies near $2,500.

1961 Topps Bill White #157 – In addition to his outstanding play, White was one of the first black players to make the All-Star team in the National League. A near mint White ’61 has exceeded $2,000.

1969 Topps Don Drysdale #527 – The intimidating righty was still pitching well alongside Sandy Koufax into the late 60s. Near mint Drysdale rookies near $2,000.

1960 Topps Curt Flood #164 – As a excellent defensive center fielder Flood was an eight-time Gold Glover for St. Louis. He would later challenge Major League Baseball’s reserve clause, changing the league forever. Near $1,500 in top condition.

1967 Topps Tony Perez #125 – Rookie Card – Perez provided power as a corner infielder for Cincinnati in their heyday. Higher graded ’67 Perez rookies reach $1,250.

1968 Topps Luis Aparicio #510 – The sure-handed shortstop was a nine-time Gold Glove winner and still playing well at age 37 with his rookie season for the White Sox. Near mint copies near $1,000.

The best rookie cards and stars of the 1960s like Mantle, Aaron, Mays, Ryan and Bench hold tremendous long term value thanks to their brilliance on the field and nostalgia surrounding their cardboard issues. While more common 1960s cards can be had for under $10, true high-grade gems from the decade will demand the most coin from dedicated collectors.