While most baseball cards hold little more than nostalgic value, there are some older issues that can still bring in serious money from collectors. Whether it’s rare players, iconic rookie cards, or other scarce variation, here are some cards from the early decades of the sport that could fetch a high price at auction if in top condition.

Honus Wagner (1909-1911 T206) – Widely considered the holy grail of baseball cards, the ultra-rare Wagner is the most valuable card in existence. Only around 60 are known to exist in all grades. The best examples have sold for well over $1 million. Even low-grade Wagners can sell for five figures.

Babe Ruth (1914 Baltimore News) – One of the earliest known Ruth cards, issued before he became a superstar with the Red Sox. Only a handful are believed to exist. Top grades have sold for over $500,000, though most need extensive work. Still highly valuable, even well-worn copies sell for tens of thousands.

Ty Cobb (1909-1911 T206) – Like Wagner, Cobb’s iconic early 20th century Tobacco card is among the most desired by collectors. Dozens have sold for $100,000+, with higher grades bringing six-figure sums. An elite condition example could rival or surpass a Wagner’s price one day.

Mickey Mantle (1951 Bowman) – Widely considered the finest baseball card ever made, Mantle’s rookie card established the legend of “The Commerce Comet” before his MLB debut. High-grade examples have topped $2 million at auction amid insane bidding wars. Most sell in the five-figure range.

Shoeless Joe Jackson (1909-1911 T206) – The baseball hero/villain holds immense mystique for historians and fans. His scarce early T206 tobacco issues can fetch $50,000+ for sharp copies. Lower grades still sell well due to Jackson’s controversial status in the Black Sox scandal.

Christy Mathewson (1909-1911 T206) – One of the most famous pitchers of the Deadball Era before World War I, Matty’s playing career overlapped the earliest decade of issued baseball cards. T206s grade well and have topped $100,000.

Walter Johnson (1909-1911 T206) – Along with Mathewson, “The Big Train” Johnson was an ace of his time and one of the game’s first true superstars. His rare tobacco cards mirror Mathewson’s value, breaking six-figures in top condition.

Nap Lajoie (1909-1911 T206) – A true legend of the early AL and one of its first superstars. As an early T206 issue, Lajoie’s scarce cards have reached $60,000+ for high grades. One sold for over $88,000 in 2019.

Cy Young (1898 Ogden’s Cigarettes) – As the all-time leader in wins and one of the first modern greats, Young’s extremely early tobacco era card is a major find. A mid-grade example sold in 2016 for just under $300,000.

Roberto Clemente (1954 Bowman) – One of the most iconic figures in baseball history. Roberto’s only rookie card is a beloved issue among Latino fans worldwide. Graded gems have topped $100,000 before.

George Sisler (1915 Cracker Jack) – Highly sought by collectors thanks to its rarity and being Sisler’s only issued card. Just a handful are known to exist. A PSA-graded 8 copy sold in 2012 for over $86,000.

Rogers Hornsby (1915 Cracker Jack) – The “Rajah” dominated the 1920s batting title race like few others. His sole early issue is a true treasure for fans, selling in the $10,000+ range for quality copies.

Dizzy Dean (1933 Goudey) – One of the biggest stars of 1930s St. Louis Cardinals. His 1933 Goudey card looms large as one of the most significant pre-war issues. High grades regularly break five-figures.

Nolan Ryan (1966 Topps) – Arguably the greatest pitcher of all-time. While not Ryan’s true rookie issue, the 1966 marks his earliest widely circulated card. Gems have reached $50,000.

Sandy Koufax (1955 Topps) – Koufax’s dominance in the 1960s cemented him as one of the games’ all-time great lefties. Low pop of his lone 1955 Topps issue values it highly among collectors.

Willie Mays (1951 Bowman) – Considered a close second to Mantle’s 1951 as the most prized card in the hobby. High-grade Mays rookies easily fetch five and even six figures.

Bob Gibson (1959 Topps) – The legendary Cards fireballer’s intimidating presence translated to one of the most iconic baseball cards ever made. His fiery ’59 issue is stunning and highly sought.

Of course, the value of any card is contingent on the grade received from professional authentication/grading services like PSA or Beckett. Even small printing error variations can further increase rarity and worth among obsessive collectors. Condition is crucial – a heavily worn card may hold less financial value, but the intangible nostalgia always remains priceless. With care and luck, who knows what historical piece of baseball’s past could be uncovered in your attic!