Reggie Jackson, also known as “Mr. October”, was one of the greatest sluggers and clutch hitters in Major League Baseball history. As a five-time World Series champion and 1973 American League MVP, Jackson’s legend and popularity made his baseball cards highly sought after by collectors both during his playing career from 1967-1987 and in the decades since. On eBay, thousands of Reggie Jackson baseball cards from a variety of sets are listed for sale on any given day, with the prices varying widely depending on the specific card and its condition.
One of Jackson’s most iconic and valuable rookie cards is his 1967 Topps card numbered 518. This was the first mass-produced card to feature Jackson as a member of the Athletics after joining the team as an amateur free agent in 1966. In raw ungraded Near Mint-Mint condition, a 1967 Topps Reggie Jackson rookie currently lists on eBay for $1,500-$3,000. If professionally graded by PSA or BGS at the highly desirable NM-MT 8 or 9 condition, the value exponentially increases into the $5,000-$15,000 range depending on nuances like centering and corners. What makes the 1967 Topps rookie so rare and desirable to collectors is that Jackson’s rookie season in 1967 was one for the ages, where he posted a .289 batting average with 27 home runs and 78 RBIs to finish third in AL ROY voting.
Another highly valued Jackson card from the late 1960s is his 1968 Topps card numbered 637. As Jackson’s second Topps issue card in back-to-back years with the A’s, his second year stats were also impressive with 32 home runs and 94 RBIs which helped fuel early interest and demand for his cards. Due to the larger card production run for the 1968 Topps set compared to 1967, mint condition examples of Jackson’s 1968 Topps card are more attainable for collectors, with PSA/BGS 9s regularly selling in the $1,000-2,000 range on eBay. Still, for enthusiasts seeking a pristine near-gem example from his developing glory years in Oakland, the 1968 Topps remains a worthwhile vintage pickup.
When Jackson was traded to the Baltimore Orioles after the 1971 season in a blockbuster deal, it opened up new fan bases and collector interest from Baltimore fans eager to own cards featuring their new star slugger. As a result, vintage singles of Jackson’s 1972 Topps card (#573) and 1972 Fleer card (#27) as an Oriole have steady mid-range values reflective of their availability. On eBay, mint PSA 9 copies of the 1972 Topps Jackson list between $400-800, while a gem mint PSA 10 can surpass $1,000. Meanwhile, the more scarce 1972 Fleer Jackson in a PSA 9 would sell around $600-900. Despite representing his first full season with new success in Baltimore, demand for these common ’72 issues isn’t on the same level as his much rarer rookie cards as an Athletic.
After being acquired by the New York Yankees via another high-profile trade in December 1974, Jackson became a folk hero of sorts in the Bronx. His mammoth home runs in the clutch helped lead the Bombers to World Series titles in 1977 and 1978, cementing his iconic “Mr. October” nickname among Yankee fans. This surge in popularity greatly impacted the values of Jackson’s 1975-1980s Topps and other Yankees’ team issues on the secondary market. On eBay, PSA 9 copies of Jackson’s 1975 and 1976 Topps Yankee cards currently sell for $300-600 depending on day-to-day eBay competition and buyer demand. While raw copies in similar condition may only achieve in the $100-250 range.
For collectors seeking true investment-grade gems, it’s the 1980 Topps Reggie Jackson card (#470) that is particularly alluring. As one of his final flagship Topps Yankees issues before retirement, the 1980 design perfectly captures the superstar in his prime New York years in full righteous batting pose. In a pristine PSA Gem Mint 10 grade, the 1980 Topps Jackson regularly achieves record prices upwards of $3,000 on eBay. Its ultra-tight centering, vivid color, and perfect surface make it arguably the most visually appealing card from one of baseball’s most visually appealing eras. Obtaining high-grade 80s cards at all was difficult given the lower quality cardboard and production standards of the time. As a result, true PSA/BGS 10 examples from the early 1980s will always be among the costliest in the hobby due to their extreme rarity and condition census numbers.
Whether you’re looking for an affordable common issue like his 1968 Topps as an Athletic, or a true Holy Grail record-breaker like a 1980 Topps gem mint, eBay has no shortage of available Reggie Jackson cards to choose from to commemorate one of the game’s all-time clutch postseason heroes. Jackson’s iconic playing career, intimidating home run prowess, and championship pedigree with three historic franchises continue to fuel robust collector demand even decades after his 1987 retirement. For fans both young and old, owning a piece of the Reggie Jackson legend on a baseball card will always be a worthwhile souvenir of one of baseball’s most electric eras and celebrated clutch performers.
