Baseball cards have been collecting dust in attics, basements, and storage units for decades. While many cards from the past are not worth much, there are definitely some gems hiding in old collections that could be worth saving and potentially selling. Whether it’s a rare rookie card of a baseball legend or a one-of-a-kind misprint, certain baseball cards from the past can gain significant value over time. Here are some of the most valuable baseball cards collectors should keep an eye out for.

Honus Wagner – T206 – The most famous and valuable baseball card in existence is the ultra-rare 1909-1911 T206 Honus Wagner card. Only around 60 are known to exist in varying conditions. High graded versions have sold for over $3 million, making this the holy grail of baseball cards. Even low-grade examples still command six-figure prices. Any collector who finds one of these intact is looking at a potential retirement fund.

Mickey Mantle – 1952 Topps – Mantle is arguably the most popular player in baseball history and his 1952 Topps rookie card is the pinnacle of his collectibles. High graded versions regularly sell for $1 million or more at auction. Even poorly-graded copies often sell for five figures. This is about as close to a sure-fire valuable card as you can find.

Mike Trout – 2009 Bowman Chrome Draft – Considered the best baseball player of this generation, Trout’s elite talent and longevity have only increased demand for his ultra-rare 2009 Bowman Chrome Draft rookie card. Just a few hundred of these were produced and a near-mint copy recently sold for over $400,000, likely the most ever paid for a modern-day card.

Sandy Koufax – 1955 Topps – Koufax is remembered as one of the greatest pitchers ever and his rookie card is a key piece of Dodger history. High graded versions recently sold for over $150,000 each. Even low-grade copies in the $10,000 range show this vintage Dodgers card retains value.

Nolan Ryan – 1968 Topps – As one of baseball’s all-time strikeout kings, Ryan’s early Topps cards hold significant nostalgia. His 1968 rookie card has seen high-end sales reach $100,000 levels for pristine specimens. This is a card that has steadily increased in value over the decades.

Roberto Clemente – 1954 Topps – Clemente was not just a Hall of Famer but also known for his humanitarian efforts off the field. His sophomore Topps card commands top dollar, with high grades bringing six-figure prices. Even well-worn copies still sell for thousands.

Ken Griffey Jr. – 1989 Upper Deck – Considered one of the finest all-around players of the modern era, Griffey’s rookie card set records when a pristine “10” grade sold for over $300,000. High grades still reach five-figures and this remains one of the most iconic cards from the early 1990s boom.

Jackie Robinson – 1947 Leaf – While Robinson’s iconic rookie season was in 1947 for the Dodgers, his first baseball card appeared in the 1947 Leaf set, making it the first card of the civil rights icon. Only a handful are known to exist and it would shatter records if another surfaced, with estimates of $1 million or more.

Willie Mays – 1951 Bowman – The Say Hey Kid’s rookie card from his early days with the New York Giants remains one of the most popular vintage cards. High grades have reached $200,000 at auction. Even well-worn copies still sell for thousands due to its historical significance.

Ty Cobb – 1909-1911 T206 – While the Wagner is out of reach for most collectors, Cobb’s equally rare T206 card can also gain serious value. Just a handful are known to exist and the highest graded recently sold for over $500,000. A true American treasure for any collection.

Babe Ruth – 1914 Baltimore News – One of the first cards ever issued of the legendary Bambino. Only about 50 are known to exist in all grades. The last PSA 8 copy to sell brought $375,000. Finding an intact example of one of the first Babe Ruth cards in existence would be an incredible discovery.

Hank Aaron – 1954 Topps – As the home run king for decades until Bonds surpassed him, Hammerin’ Hank’s rookie card holds great nostalgia. High grades have reached the $100,000 level in recent years. Even low-end copies still sell for thousands.

Tom Seaver – 1967 Topps – Seaver was one of the most dominant pitchers of his era and his rookie card remains a key piece of Mets history. Pristine specimens have sold for over $100,000. More common lower grades still sell for thousands due to his iconic status.

Shoeless Joe Jackson – 1909-1911 M101-8 – One of the most infamous players in history due to the Black Sox Scandal, Jackson’s rare tobacco card is a true relic. Only a handful are known to exist and the highest graded sold for over $500,000 a few years ago.

Roberto Alomar – 1988 Donruss – Considered a Hall of Fame second baseman, Alomar’s stellar career makes his rookie card highly sought after by collectors. Pristine high grades have reached $50,000 levels in recent years. Even well-worn copies still sell for thousands.

Frank Thomas – 1989 Bowman – The Big Hurt dominated the 1990s and his rookie card remains a highly valuable piece of White Sox history. Pristine specimens have reached $20,000 sales levels in recent years. Even low-end copies still sell for hundreds due to his legendary status.

Cal Ripken Jr. – 1981 Fleer – As one of the most durable and respected players ever, Ripken’s early Fleer rookie is a must-have for Orioles collectors. High grades reach $10,000 levels while common copies still sell for hundreds. His Iron Man streak adds to the nostalgia.

Derek Jeter – 1993 Bowman Chrome – While not quite on par with the big three of Griffey, Pujols, or A-Rod, Jeet’s ultra-refractor rookie has still gained value in recent years. Pristine specimens have reached $20,000 at auction. Even well-worn copies still sell for hundreds.

Albert Pujols – 2001 Bowman Chrome – As a career .300 hitter and three-time MVP, Pujols is sure to gain a place among the all-time greats when he hangs it up. His ultra-rare 2001 Bowman Chrome rookie has reached over $50,000 for pristine specimens. Even worn copies sell for thousands.

Alex Rodriguez – 1994 Topps – As one of the game’s all-time prolific hitters, A-Rod’s rookie cards remain some of the most iconic from the 1990s set boom. High grades have reached $10,000 levels while common copies still sell for hundreds. His career stats add to the nostalgia.

Ichiro Suzuki – 1993 Upper Deck – Ichiro shattered records when he came to America and his early Japanese baseball cards gained immense popularity. High grades of his iconic 1993 Upper Deck rookie have reached $10,000 price tags. Even worn copies still sell for hundreds.

Barry Bonds – 1986 Topps – Whether you love him or hate him, Bonds redefined what was possible at the plate as the all-time home run king. His early Topps rookies remain some of the most popular cards from the 1980s. High grades reach $3,000 while common copies sell for hundreds.

When going through old baseball card collections, pay close attention to any vintage pre-1960 cards, iconic rookies from the 1970s-1990s, and ultra-rare inserts and parallels from the modern era. With the growth of the collecting hobby, values continue rising across the board. Even common cards from the past that seem worthless can gain value over time as nostalgia increases. Take the time to properly research any finds before making decisions about what cards are truly worth saving versus tossing out. You never know when a forgotten gem could be hiding in the collection.