The 1959 Topps baseball card set is one of the most iconic issues ever produced by the legendary trading card company. This set saw the introduction of player photos on the front of cards for the first time in Topps history. With this change, the 1959 Topps set kickstarted a new era of colorful, photograph-centric baseball cards that still define the modern collecting landscape today.
While not quite as historically significant or coveted as the beloved 1952 Topps set in the eyes of serious collectors, 1959 Topps cards possess tremendous nostalgic appeal and can demand monstrous sums when high-grade examples of the true stars and rookie cards from that season surface on the market. Here is a ranking of the five most valuable 1959 Topps baseball cards based on long-term auction trends and population data:
Mickey Mantle #290
As one of the undisputed legends of the sport and among the most charismatic athletes of the 20th century, it’s no surprise that any card featuring “The Mick” is in demand. Mantle’s 1959 Topps issue is widely considered the key card of the entire set. High-grade specimens, especially those earning BGS/PSA grades of 9 or higher, have broken records by selling for well over $100,000. Even well-centered examples in lower grade ranges like PSA 6 can garner five figures. Of course, Mantle’s massive stature combined with the extreme rarity of finding his 1959 in pristine condition accounts for its elite valuation among collectors.
Willie Mays #142
While “The Say Hey Kid” may be second fiddle to Mantle in terms of his 1959 Topps card’s price, Mays continues to hold legendary status of his own as arguably the greatest all-around player in MLB history. As with Mantle, condition is critical – a PSA 9+ example could realistically be worth in the neighborhood of $50,000. But even lower graded Mays from ’59 remain enormously coveted by collectors. Like Mickey, his unique blend of astounding ability, entertainment value, and larger-than-life charisma ensures the #142 will retain blue-chip status.
Ted Williams #78
Arguably the greatest pure hitter who ever lived, Ted Williams’ impressive career achievements have granted his trading cards long-term, deep collector interest. While never quite as flashy or well-known as the two cards above it, the 1959 edition of the “Splendid Splinter” still commands impressive sums. A PSA 8.5 could pull in $15,000 with ease. Above a 9, values escalate sharply, as high-quality specimens have crossed the $30,000 threshold. An appreciation for Williams’ hitting talents and playing demeanor sustained attention on his cardboard over decades.
Hank Aaron #35
Before passing the Babe on the all-time home run list, Hank Aaron was already forging a Hall of Fame career with the Milwaukee Braves in 1959. His Topps issue reflects solid but not astronomical demand, though condition is vital. An authentic PSA 9 recently hit an auction price north of $10,000, highlighting the card’s desirability at mountain-top quality levels. For collectors coveting any piece of “Hammerin’ Hank’s” legacy within the reach of their budget, even well-centered copies in lower grades still trade actively. With time, Aaron’s #35 may see values rise as his all-around greatness becomes more widely recognized.
Nellie Fox #257
Though his playing career long predated the collector boom, second baseman Nellie Fox’s spectacular fielding prowess has made his 1959 Topps a surprise darling for condition-sensitive buyers in recent times. At just a hair under 2,500 produced, the Fox rookie has scarcity working heavily in its favor. Remarkably, a PSA 9 brought over $9,000 at auction, showing that condition trumps all other factors for some when hunting trophies from the set’s more obscure players. Fox’s defensive expertise combined with the rarity of finding his first card pristine keeps desirability high, if volatile, for informed collectors chasing the whitest of white whales.
While the five cards detailed above reign over 1959 Topps values in top-notch shape, several other stars and key rookies from that year hold tremendous appeal too based on their players’ historical significance. Names like Early Wynn, Minnie Minoso, Luis Aparicio, N.L. Rookie of the Year Willie McCovey and AL counterpart Bob Allison still attract healthy sums for collectors completing high-end registry sets. As with any vintage issue, condition is paramount no matter the name on the card. But for informed collectors passionate about preserving irreplaceable pieces of baseball history, the 1959 Topps cards remain a peak that few other sets have reached.
