While baseball cards were once just collectibles that kids traded and stored in shoeboxes, some vintage cards are now considered valuable investments. Long out of print, certain rare and iconic baseball cards from the early 20th century can fetch tens of thousands or even hundreds of thousands of dollars depending on their condition and the player featured.

Though exactly which cards are worth the most can fluctuate with the sports memorabilia market, there are a few players repeatedly show up as having the most valuable baseball cards. Some of the top cards to look out for include:

1911 T206 Honus Wagner – Consistently considered the most valuable baseball card in existence, fewer than 50 examples of the Wagner are known to exist. High grade specimens have sold for over $3 million. What makes it so desirable is that the legendary Wagner demanded his card be pulled from production for unspecified reasons.

1952 Topps Mickey Mantle – Mantle is widely regarded as one of the greatest switch hitters of all time. His rookie card from Topps’ first baseball issue is among the most iconic in the hobby. High grade 52 Mantles have exceeded $1 million at auction.

1933 Goudey #53 Babe Ruth – Ruth was baseball’s first true superstar home run king playing in the sport’s golden age. His iconic Goudey rookie portraits commands big money, with a recent sale of Near Mint examples bringing about $500,000.

1909-11 T206 Ty Cobb – As one of history’s best hitters and arguably fiercest competitors, Cobb’s early tobacco portfolio cards are top targets for serious collectors. Graded examples in the $200,000 range is typical for this Detroit Tigers great.

1957 Topps Hank Aaron – Before passing Babe Ruth’s career home run record, Aaron was already one of baseball’s very best. Excellent condition copies of his rookie card have sold for well over $100,000.

2009 Bowman Draft Chrome Mike Trout – Considered the finest player of his generation, Trout’s ultra-rare first Bowman chrome is among the most coveted modern rookie cards. Just a few high grade copies are known, last selling privately for over $400,000.

To have a chance at true rarity and value, collectors looking to invest often focus on pre-war tobacco/playing cards produced between 1909-1911 or post-war cardboard from the 1950s-1980s featuring the most iconic players before mass production. But condition is everything, as even a decade before something could earn “mint” status, damage like creases or soft corners was enough to relegate a card to bulk status. Today’s market has helped resurrect interest in vintage stars across all levels of condition preservation has allowed.

Some other notable names beyond the headliners whose standout rookie or rookie-year cards hold tremendous worth include:

1975 Nolan Ryan – Ryan’s rookie card is a major key from the era of increasing cardboard collection. Mid-grade copies routinely sell for over $5,000.

1963 Topps Sandy Koufax – One of the purest pitchers who ever lived, high grades of the Hall of Famer’s first card have cracked six figures.

1968 Topps Johnny Bench – As perhaps the greatest catcher ever, Bench’s iconic rookie portraits are steady blue chip investments above a PSA 8.

1956 Topps Roberto Clemente – A true five-tool pioneer, superb specimens of his sophomore season issue have brought six-figure sums.

1975 Reggie Jackson – Mr. October’s flashy debut in pinstripes makes his ’75s desirable, with lower grades still netting thousands today.

1982 Fleer Update Cal Ripken Jr. – Ripken’s incredible Iron Man streak started him, and pristine renditions of this scarce update rookie have sold for over $20,000.

2003 Bowman Chrome Draft David Price – Like Trout, Price’s ultrarare prospect card from a scarce set fetches enormous sums when pristine, last privately trading north of $50,000.

1952 Bowman Mel Ott – One of baseball’s earliest Hall of Famers, conditioned examples of his only player portrait are highly valuable.

1954 Topps Willie Mays – In the midst of an MVP season, Mays’ first Topps issue is iconic from the set that kicked off the modern baseball card boom. High grades bring five figures.

Beyond the elite investment grade cards, even more attainable mid-range gems spanning the decades that are affordable to most collectors can still provide enjoyment and potential future returns. This includes stars like Donruss/Topps Traded cards of Ryne Sandberg, Chipper Jones, PSA 10 Derek Jeter rookies, or Ken Griffey Jr. Upper Deck rookies. With care and some luck, condition census rarities have proven to build wealth over the long-term for smart buyers. Just make sure to do research, inspect thoroughly, and only purchase from reputable sellers when investing considerable money into vintage cardboard. The right singles or collections purchased low can end up paying dividends with appreciation over the years.

Early 20th century tobacco greats like Honus Wagner, Babe Ruth and Ty Cobb will likely remain forever at the pinnacle in terms of price tags. But many legendary players from across baseball history have cards that hold incredible value when preserved in top grades. For collectors, it’s about balancing rarity, condition, and choosing fan favorite stars that respect and financial returns. Properly maintained, the right vintage baseball cards can remain a prudent collectible property for generations.