Tag Archives: 1957

HOW MUCH DID A PACK OF BASEBALL CARDS COST IN 1957

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In the 1950s, baseball cards were one of the most popular hobbies for children and young adults alike. Produced by major trading card manufacturers like Topps, Fleer, and Bowman, baseball cards provided entertainment and collecting value across the country. In 1957 specifically, the typical retail price of a standard wax wrapper pack of baseball cards averaging about 11 cards per pack was generally 5 cents.

To provide some helpful context, in 1957 the average price of a new house in the United States was $11,450, minimum wage was $1 per hour, and the average annual salary was $4,244. Milk cost 85 cents a gallon, a new car was around $2,000, and a loaf of bread was 18 cents. With that in mind, 5 cents for a pack of baseball cards was quite affordable for kids hoping to build their collections on a budget.

The dominant company producing baseball cards during this time period was Topps, who had obtained the exclusive Major League Baseball license in 1950. In the mid-1950s, Topps issued their annual standard flagship baseball card sets containing 514-525 unique cards each year. These were sold individually wrapped in thin wax paper and contained primarily an assortment of player cards mixed with a small number of manager, coach, rookie, and action shot cards.

Bowman and Fleer also issued smaller baseball card sets in 1957 containing 201-309 cards each, but Topps dominated over 90% of the market share. The secondary card manufacturers only produced sets for a couple years in the 1950s before ceasing baseball card production. Topps was by far the most prolific provider of baseball cards at newsstands, candy stores, corner shops, and department stores across America during this era.

While 5 cents for a pack seems inexpensive today, it’s important to note the purchasing power of a nickel in 1957. At that time, an average nickel could buy you: a Hershey’s chocolate bar, a bottle of Coca-Cola, a stick of gum, or a newspaper. Baseballs cards provided a cheap and entertaining novelty item that kept kids busy for hours trying to collect and trade for cards of their favorite ballplayers.

The manufacturing and distribution process helped keep pack prices low as well. Topps printed cards using a rotogravure process which allowed for high-volume, low-cost production. They shipped packs loosely bundled in large boxes to retailers versus more expensive individual packaging. And kids likely purchased multiple packs at a time to maximize their odds of finding certain star players, keeping retailers’ per-unit costs down.

The standard price point set by Topps and generally matched by other contemporary manufacturers was 5 cents per pack of baseball cards in 1957. Given the consumer prices and production/distribution models of the time, this helped maximize availability and affordability for young collectors. A nickel bought a fun packaged hobby that provided entertainment and collecting value far exceeding the low cost. The 5 cent price tag helped transform baseball cards into an iconic American pastime for children across the country in the 1950s.

HOW MANY CARDS IN 1957 TOPPS BASEBALL SET

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The 1957 Topps baseball card set was issued by the Topps Chewing Gum Company during the summer of 1957. It was the sixth complete set produced by Topps since they began printing baseball cards in 1951. At the time, it was the largest and most comprehensive set yet issued. Each card in the 1957 Topps set featured a color photo of a baseball player on the front and stats/career highlights on the back.

The massive 552 card checklist included every player on a Major League roster in 1957, as well as managers, coaches and even some umpires. Topps aimed to have as full of a representation of the sport as possible that season. Some notable rookies who debuted in 1957 and had their first baseball cards in this set included Hank Aaron, Roberto Clemente and Willie McCovey. Veteran stars like Mickey Mantle, Willie Mays and Ted Williams also had cards in the set of course.

In addition to team cards for all 16 MLB clubs at the time, Topps also included special subset cards paying tribute to the 1956 All-Star teams, league leaders, and rookie all-star selections. There was even a rare bonus card offered which featured a color team logo instead of a player photo. Distribution of the cards was mainly in wax wrappers but you could also find them loose in packs sold by retailers.

The card design featured a light blue border around each photo with team names and logos prominently displayed. Statistics flipped on the back provided a snapshot of each player’s career achievements up to that point. The checklist ran sequentially from 1 through the full 552 count. The 1957 Topps set helped grow the popularity of baseball card collecting significantly during a exciting era for the sport.

While production methods and materials have changed vastly since then, the 1957 Topps issue remains one of the most historically significant in the hobby. It truly encompassed baseball in that single season perhaps better than any other release before or after. Original mint condition examples from the set today can sell for thousands of dollars. The massive undertaking it took to assemble full roster representation showed Topps’ commitment to their new baseball card product line and helped solidify it as an annual tradition.

The 1957 Topps baseball card set holds the distinction of being the largest and most complete checklist from the early formative years of the modern era of baseball cards. With its mammoth roster of 552 different cards covering everyone in the majors that season and more, it set the standard for what a true “complete” or “comprehensive” set should encompass. Six and a half decades later, it remains one of the most iconic and desirable vintage issues for collectors and historians of the hobby.

BASEBALL CARDS PRICE GUIDE 1957

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1957 was a monumental year for baseball cards as it was the first year that Topps had the exclusive license to produce cards for the Major Leagues. This ended the long run of Bowman and other smaller companies that had produced cards in the years prior. With Topps now as the sole producer, it opened up new opportunities which could be seen in the 1957 set that contained 524 cards.

The design of the 1957 Topps cards featured a photo of the player on a white background with their team name and position below the image. On the bottom was their name and player stats from the 1956 season. The cards had a glossy finish and measured 2.5 inches by 3.5 inches, standard size for Topps sets from the 1950s. Some notable rookie cards that were included in the 1957 set were Hank Aaron, Willie Mays, and Roberto Clemente.

In terms of condition and grading, 1957 Topps cards in pristine mint condition with a grade of Gem Mint 10 are highly valuable today. Some of the key cards that can demand high prices based on condition and player include:

Hank Aaron RC (Card #51) – In a PSA 10 grade, this iconic rookie card has sold for over $100,000. Even in lower grades of PSA 8 or 9 it still fetches thousands.

Willie Mays RC (Card #258) – The Say Hey Kid’s rookie is nearly as coveted as Aaron’s. A PSA 10 has brought in excess of $75,000 at auction. Lower graded copies still sell for five figures.

Roberto Clemente RC (Card #397) – Not as expensive as Aaron or Mays but still a key rookie. A PSA 10 has sold for $25,000+. Expect to pay a few thousand for a PSA 8 or 9.

Mickey Mantle (Card #253) – One of the most iconic baseball cards ever. A PSA 10 has sold for over $100,000. Even well-centered PSA 8s sell for $5,000+.

Ted Williams (Card #307) – Considered one of the best hitters ever. A PSA 10 has brought $20,000+. PSA 8s go for $2,000-3,000.

Whitey Ford (Card #118) – Iconic Yankee pitcher. PSA 10s have sold for $5,000-10,000 depending on market. PSA 8s go for $1,000-2,000.

In terms of the middle and lower tier stars or common players from the 1957 set, here are some general price guides based on the player and condition:

PSA 8 commons/stars – $10-100

PSA 7 commons/stars – $5-50

PSA 6 commons/stars – $3-25

PSA 5 commons – $1-10

PSA 4 commons – $0.50-5

For more moderately graded commons in PSA 3 or lower condition, prices really depend on the individual card but are typically $1 or less.

The 1957 Topps set also contained several short print and error cards that are key chase cards for collectors. Some of the most valuable include:

Warren Spahn SP (Card #138) – Only 19 copies are known to exist. Has sold for over $20,000 in PSA 8.

Billy Gardner SP (Card #253) – Only 8 copies known. PSA 8 has sold for $10,000.

Nellie Fox SP (Card #307) – Only 13 copies known. PSA 8 has sold for $5,000.

Harvey Haddix Printing Plate – One of about 5 known to exist. Has sold for $50,000 in PSA 8.

The 1957 Topps set was truly the dawn of the modern baseball card era. Rookie cards of future Hall of Famers like Aaron, Mays and Clemente make it one of the most iconic issues ever produced. Prices remain strong for high grade examples of stars and key short prints. Even in lower grades, commons are affordable collectibles from this classic set.

BASEBALL CARDS PRICE GUIDE 1957 YANKEES

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1957 was a pivotal year in baseball history as the New York Yankees dynasty was starting to show signs of slowing down after nearly two decades of dominance. Led by legends like Mickey Mantle, Whitey Ford, and Yogi Berra, the ’57 Yankees won the American League pennant but fell short in the World Series against the Milwaukee Braves. This team’s baseball cards from the ’57 season are highly sought after by collectors today. Let’s take a closer look at some of the key players and examine what their cards are currently selling for according to the latest price guides.

Mickey Mantle was undoubtedly the biggest star on the ’57 Yankees and one of the greatest players of all time. As the team’s center fielder and cleanup hitter, Mantle posted another MVP-caliber season batting .365 with 34 home runs and 94 RBIs. His ’57 Topps card is one of the most iconic in the entire set and is still among the most valuable baseball cards on the market. In near-mint to mint condition, Mantle’s ’57 Topps card regularly sells for $150,000-$250,000 at auction depending on centering and corners. The card has incredible nostalgia and Mantle mania attached to it that drives the price up compared to other vintage cards.

Another Yankee superstar of that era was pitcher Whitey Ford. As the ace of the staff and 16-game winner in ’57, Ford was a leader of that team. His ’57 Topps card is highly sought after by collectors but doesn’t command the same price tag as Mantle due to lower print run and the inherent risk of condition issues that come with pitching cards over the years. Still, a PSA-graded Ford in Gem Mint condition would sell for $15,000-$25,000 based on recent sales. Catcher Yogi Berra was also a cornerstone player for the Yankees dynasty. His cheerful demeanor and clutch hitting made him a fan favorite for decades. In top condition, Berra’s ’57 Topps card sells in the $3,000-$5,000 range.

Moving down the roster, outfielder Hank Bauer and shortstop Tony Kubek were also key cogs for that ’57 team. As a reliable run producer, Bauer’s card in top shape would sell for $1,000-$2,000. For Kubek, who won a Gold Glove that season, his card in similar condition trades hands between $800-$1,500. Pitchers like Bob Turley, Johnny Kucks, and Tom Sturdivant also have cards from that set that hold value of $300-$700 depending on grade. More common players on the bench like Norm Siebern, Dale Mitchell, and Ed Fitz Gerald can be acquired in high grades for $100-300.

For Yankee rookies from that season, cards of future stars like Bobby Richardson, Hector Lopez, and Ralph Terry are especially popular. Richardson had a breakout rookie campaign and his ’57 Topps RC in a PSA 8 or above would sell for $1,000-$2,000. Lopez and Terry rookie cards in similar condition trade between $500-$1,000. Even backups like Jerry Lumpe, John Blanchard, and Don Larsen, who tossed a perfect game in the ’56 World Series, have rookie cards valued at $200-$500 depending on quality.

The 1957 Topps set that captured this iconic Yankees team is considered one of the most, if not the most, important vintage baseball card sets of all time. With Hall of Famers on nearly every line of the roster coupled with their sustained run of success, cards from this set will likely never lose their luster for collectors. Centering the condition scale around a PSA 8, most of these Yankee stars from ’57 can be acquired for $1,000-$5,000 with Mantle as the glaring exception. For a complete, high-grade ’57 Topps set, an auction price of $75,000+ would not be unreasonable based on population reports and recent sales data. The mystique of that Yankees dynasty lives on through the cardboard they left behind in ’57.

KIT YOUNG 1957 TOPPS BASEBALL CARDS

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The 1957 Topps baseball card set is considered one of the most iconic and coveted issues in the history of the hobby. It marked Topps’ return to the baseball card market after Bowman relinquished its license in 1955. The set contains 524 total cards and introduced the modern design that Topps would build upon for decades to come.

Perhaps the most famous rookie card from the ’57 set belongs to pitcher Kit Young, who made his major league debut that season for the Philadelphia Phillies at the age of 23. Young pitched parts of three seasons in the big leagues between 1957-1959, making his biggest impact as a rookie when he went 7-8 with a 3.74 ERA in 21 games, 19 of them starts. He finished third in the Rookie of the Year voting that season.

While his MLB career was relatively short, Young would go on to much greater fame decades later thanks to his coveted rookie card. Produced during the dawn of the modern baseball card era, Young’s ’57 Topps RC is one of the most iconic and valuable cards from the entire set. It gained increased recognition and demand from collectors in the 1980s and beyond as the hobby boomed in popularity.

Some key details and things to know about Kit Young’s 1957 Topps rookie card:

The card is numbered 420 out of the 524 total cards in the set. Position players were first, then pitchers at the end.

It shows a photo of Young in a Phillies uniform from his rookie season of 1957, which was also his age 23 season. He is pictured from the waist up.

The simple yellow and red design was a departure from the elaborate photo-heavy cards of the previous Bowman/Red Heart/Gum Inc. era. This ushered in Topps’ trademark clean, basic card designs.

Ingemar Johannson is also seen on the card back, mentioning his heavyweight title bout against Floyd Patterson. This provides context for the time period.

PSA (Professional Sports Authenticator) has graded approximately 30 Kit Young ’57 Topps rookie cards a PSA Gem Mint 10. This exceptionally high grade is extremely rare and desirable for a mid-century baseball card.

In auction, a PSA 10 Young RC has sold for over $100,000. Even well-centered, sharp examples in PSA 8 or 9 condition can command five figures due to the card’s iconic status.

What makes it so desirable is that it was Young’s only Topps card, capturing him as a rookie before his short MLB career. Given he made the majors in the late 1950s, it was also among the first vintage cards for many modern collectors.

As a rare “one-year wonder” card for a player with just a brief MLB cup of coffee, the mystique and rarity factor adds to its allure for collectors. It’s a true rookie cardissue in the early modern era of the hobby.

The lure of the Kit Young 1957 Topps rookie card exemplifies why certain cards from the early Topps sets carry immense interest and value today. As baseball cards transitioned to the modern cardboard format with Topps’ return in 1957, they captured the beginnings of many careers – including Young’s – during a formative time. While he didn’t have success in MLB, his short stint and singular rookie card issue combine to make card #420 among the most significant in the entire ’57 Topps set. For historians, collectors, and researchers of the baseball card hobby, the Kit Young RC tells an iconic mini-story from the dawn of the modern post-war era.

1957 TOPPS BASEBALL CARDS PSA PRICE GUIDE

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1957 was a landmark year for Topps baseball cards as it was the company’s first full season producing cards after breaking into the market in the mid-1950s. The 1957 Topps set featured 514 cards including players, managers, umpires and rookie cards. While production numbers were high for the time at around 63 million packs printed, years of wear and tear have left the surviving 1957s among the most valuable vintage issues.

The 1957 Topps set is highly sought after by collectors not just for its historical significance but also for featuring some of the game’s all-time greats early in their careers. Mickey Mantle, Willie Mays, Hank Aaron and more rookie cards from that era hold a special allure. Given the age of the cards and decades of handling, high-grade 1957s suitable for professional grading have become increasingly scarce. This rarity drives values up according to the PSA Population Report and price guide.

To determine fair market prices, PSA considers both auction sales data and private transactions between reputable dealers. Their population report details the number of each 1957 Topps card ever graded in each PSA/DNA grade from 1 to 10. Few high-end gems remain, so prices escalate quickly the finer the condition. Even well-centered, attractive examples in lower grades still command four-figure sums or more for the elite players.

At the top of the 1957 PSA price guide sits the Mickey Mantle rookie card in PSA Gem Mint 10 condition. GradedPopulation reports only 51 examples achieving this perfect status, making it among the most coveted vintage sports cards in existence. A PSA 10 Mantle rookie would be valued around the $2 million range or higher. Even in flawless but ungraded condition, it would still sell for over $1 million at auction.

Next is Willie Mays’ iconic rookie, which has an estimated PSA 10 value of around $500,000-$600,000 currently. There are around 60 PSA 10 Mayses known compared to 143 PSA 9s and over 1,100 in the PSA 8 range. So condition is still king even for the Game’s Say Hey Kid. Another hugely valuable standout is Hank Aaron’s rookie card PSA 10 CPV around $250,000. Both Aaron and Mays’ rookies are highly investment grade even down to mid-PSA grades.

Graded 8’s for the top star rookies from ’57 might fetch $15,000-$20,000 while PSA 9’s could reach $50,000-$75,000 depending on individual card aesthetics and demand. This holds true for other legendary rookie debuts as well including Bob Gibson, Frank Robinson and more. Even commons and short print cards show strong numbers based on condition. A PSA 8 Jim Gentile for instance could sell for $2,000 while a PSA 9 might command $4,000-$5,000.

High-end examples don’t stay on the market long as savvy collectors and investors scoop them up. Mid-grade population report scarcity also impacts pricing trends favorably. PSA 8 is considered the breakpoint where a 1957 card transitions from affordable to investment tier pricing in many cases. This is especially applicable to the huge stars’ cards which remain highly liquid assets. Lesser player PSA 7’s still average $200-$500 currently with upside potential.

Values across the entire 1957 Topps spectrum have appreciated steadily and are likely to keep rising long-term given the set’s iconic firsts. Those able to purchase high-end specimens stand to realize sound returns should they hold for decades more. Even moderately graded common issues offer blue-chip potential. Overall the 1957 PSA Price Guide underscores the fact this debut Topps year established itself as perhaps the single most coveted and valuable vintage baseball card series ever made.

1957 BASEBALL CARDS VALUE

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The 1957 Topps baseball card set is considered one of the most valuable issues from the 1950s. Published annually by Topps Chewing Gum, Inc., the 1957 set highlights many legendary players from that era that still hold significant nostalgia and collecting value today.

The 1957 Topps baseball card set consists of 379 total cards including player cards, managers, coaches, and league leader cards. Some notable hall of famers featured include Hank Aaron, Willie Mays, Sandy Koufax, and Mickey Mantle. The designs and colors used on the 1957 cards were similar to Topps’ previous issues from the mid-1950s featuring straightforward black and white player photos on a colorful illustrated background.

While complete common base sets in worn condition can still be acquired relatively affordably, the true values lies in the high-grade rookies, stars, and short prints from the 1957 set. Here’s a breakdown of some of the most valuable and sought after 1957 Topps cards:

Mickey Mantle (Card #255) – Generally considered the most iconic and valuable card from the entire 1950s era. High grade PSA/BGS GA examples regularly sell for $50,000+. Even well-centered low-grade copies still fetch $1,000+.

Hank Aaron (Card #78) – A true icon of the game. PSA/BGS 10 examples have sold for over $30,000. Lower graded copies still hold value in the $1,000-5,000 range depending on condition.

Willie Mays (Card #253) – Another surefire hall of famer and one of the most recognizable names in baseball history. PSA 10’s have topped $20,000 with most others between $1,000-10,000.

Sandy Koufax (Card #277) – Koufax rookie card and one of the most desired from the entire set. PSA 10’s exceed $15,000 with most others $2,000-10,000 based on grade.

Harmon Killebrew (Card #258) – Iconic rookie card for one of the game’s greatest sluggers. High grades $5,000 and up.

Frank Howard (Card #292) – One of the scarcer short prints from 1957. PSA 10 sold for over $6,000 in recent years. Most others $500-2,000.

Bob Turley (Card #303) – Another short print and one of the set’s true “keys”. PSA/BGS 10 recently went for over $9,000. $1,000-3,000 range outside of gem mint.

Nellie Fox (Card #180) – Popular Chicago White Sox star is also a short print. $800-2,000 in PSA 8-10 condition.

Billy Pierce (Card #295) – Final coveted short print from the 1957 set. $500-1,500 for high grades.

In addition to star/short print value drivers mentioned above, there are also several additional notable 1957 Topps rookie cards worth noting:

Don Drysdale (Card #272) – Iconic Dodger rookie. $500-3,000 based on grade and centering.

Eddie Mathews (Card #51) – Hall of Fame third baseman’s first card. $300-2,000 range.

Jimmy Piersall (Card #122) – Interesting story attached to his career spikes value a bit. $200-800.

Bill Virdon (Card #338) – Solid veteran outfielder but another desirable rookie card. $100-500.

Bob Friend (Card #183) – Achieved excellent career stats. $80-300 for quality specimens.

The condition of 1957 Topps cards is extremely important to their final values. Minor flaws can significantly impact prices so greater emphasis is placed on high quality gems. While not as easily obtainable or affordable as modern issues, the 1957 set shines as one of the true icons from the classic early years of modern baseball cards that any serious collector would be lucky to own.

1957 TOPPS BASEBALL CARDS VALUE PSA

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The 1957 Topps baseball card set is one of the most iconic issues in the hobby. It was Topps’ third year producing modern size cards and featured many future Hall of Famers early in their careers. The set has maintained its popularity over the decades and graded examples commanding premium prices when encased in a Professional Sports Authenticator (PSA) slab.

The most valuable1957 Topps cards are the highly graded rookie cards of future stars. Perhaps the most desirable is the Mickey Mantle rookie PSA Gem Mint 10. Only a handful are known to exist in this pristine condition, with the last two sales at auction exceeding $2 million each. Even PSA 9 examples of the Mantle rookie bring six figure sums. The next most coveted is the Willie Mays rookie. A PSA 10 sold for $657,250 in 2021 while PSA 9s range $30,000-$100,000 depending on market conditions.

Other high-value Hall of Famer rookies include a Hank Aaron PSA 10 at $110,000 and a Roberto Clemente PSA 9 at $70,000. Less than ten PSA 10s are known for both. The Hoyt Wilhelm rookie is also very rare centering PSA 9s at $15,000. While not rookies, mint examples of legendary players like a Ted Williams PSA 9 at $130,000 and Stan Musial PSA 10 at $60,000 continue appreciating significantly over time.

Beyond the star rookies, overall condition and eye appeal impact 1957 Topps values more than any other set when assessed and encapsulated by PSA. Even commons take on value. A pristine PSA 10 Minnie Minoso is $1,000 while a similar graded Willie Kirkland reached $650 in 2016. Conversely, poor centering or damage quickly diminish worth. A PSA 5 Warren Spahn may sell for under $100 despite his status. Knowledgeable collectors recognize condition census rarity enhances any non-star’s potential.

Set builders seeking PSA slapped examples run into higher costs compared to raw cards. A complete PSA 9 set with no substitutions sold for $110,000 in 2021. Individual common high grades add up fast too, like a PSA 9 Sherm Lollar at $500. Conversely, a raw complete set sells around $7,000 if all are present in average condition. Substitution policies allow PSA holders more flexible completion approaches.

Beyond single cards,1957 Topps proof sets authenticated and encapsulated by PSA break records. A 1960 Press Photo proof set with the 6 unique photo variation cards once realized over $350,000 in a 2013 auction. Only one other is known. Meanwhile, error 1957 Topps cards reach untold sums as condition improves. In 2005, a Billy Martin positioning error PSA Gem Mint 10 sold for $49,000, highlighting unprecedented demand for conditioned rarities from this vintage baseball release.

In summary,1957 Topps cards continue cementing their status among the most collected and valuable modern issues when certified and preserved long-term by a respected third party like PSA. While mint star rookies like Mantle and Mays rightly dominate headlines, the set offers undervalued condition census opportunities across its entire 560 card checklist. Overall strong design, iconic photography, and representative players make it a cornerstone for vintage baseball card investors seeking condition tracked record breakers properly authenticated for future generations to enjoy. Whether single rare gems or complete sets, this certified hobby staple remains primed for premium price moves reflecting its truly classic cardboard cachet.

BASEBALL CARDS PRICE GUIDE 1957 CHECKLIST

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1957 Topps Baseball Card Price Guide and Checklist

The 1957 Topps baseball card set is one of the most iconic issues in the history of the hobby. It was the first full color set released by Topps and featured many future Hall of Famers in their prime. With its historical significance and the stars it featured, the ’57 Topps set remains highly collectible today. Let’s take an in-depth look at the 1957 Topps baseball card price guide and checklist to explore what cards are most valuable from this classic release.

The 1957 Topps set contains a total of 520 cards. The design featured a color photo on the front with the player’s name and team name below. On the back was career stats and a write-up about the player. The cards had a pinkish hue to them and featured a “T” logo watermark. Topps used a much higher quality card stock for this issue compared to prior black and white releases.

In terms of condition, most 1957 Topps cards that still exist today are well worn from decades of use. Near Mint examples in the 8-9 range on the 10 point Sheets scale are very hard to find. Even in worn condition though, these cards remain quite collectible and desirable for fans and investors.

Some of the most valuable and sought after cards from the 1957 Topps set include:

Mickey Mantle (Card #1): The Mick’s rookie card is the undisputed king of the ’57 set. In Near Mint condition it can fetch over $100,000. Even well-worn copies still trade for thousands.

Ted Williams (Card #25): One of the best hitters ever, Williams’ powerful swing is captured on his ’57 issue. Near Mint examples have sold for $15,000+.

Hank Aaron (Card #73): Before breaking Babe Ruth’s home run record, Aaron was already a star for the Braves. His rookie card has sold for over $10,000 NM.

Willie Mays (Card #123): The Say Hey Kid was in his prime with the Giants in 1957. A Near Mint Mays rookie has brought in excess of $25,000 at auction.

Roberto Clemente (Card #172): Clemente’s rookie card is iconic for Pirates fans. High grade copies have sold for around $5,000.

Sandy Koufax (Card #277): A year before his true rookie season, Koufax’s first card captured him as a young Dodgers pitcher. Near Mint copies have exceeded $3,000.

Don Drysdale (Card #278): Koufax’s battery mate, Drysdale’s rookie card has also topped $3,000 NM.

In addition to the star rookies and Hall of Famers, there are also several key short prints that are very valuable in the 1957 set. These include:

Roy Face (Card #83): The Pirates reliever is one of the most famous short prints from the set, only around 10 are known to exist. Graded NM, it has sold for over $50,000.

Bob Turley (Card #131): Another notorious short print, the ’57 Yankees pitcher has seen high grade copies sell for $25,000+.

Nellie Fox (Card #199): The White Sox star second baseman was also short printed. Near Mint realizations have been $15,000+.

Minnie Minoso (Card #207): The “Cuban Comet” was a White Sox star, and his short print card has brought $10,000+ NM.

Harvey Haddix (Card #256): The Pirates hurler is one of the more identifiable short prints, with a Near Mint copy selling for around $7,500.

The 1957 Topps set established the modern design template that is still used today. Loaded with future Hall of Famers and iconic players, it remains one of the crown jewels for collectors and investors. Keys like the Mantle, Mays and Koufax rookies will likely only increase in value as time goes on. Even in worn condition, these classic cards are an important part of any collection.

BASEBALL CARDS PRICE GUIDE 1957 TOPPS

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The 1957 Topps baseball card set is one of the most iconic issues in the vintage era of the 1950s. While the 1956 Topps set featured photos and information for all players in the major leagues at the time, the 1957 set focused on players on specific teams and featured significantly less cards at only 126 total compared to over 600 in other 1950s Topps sets. This limited print run makes high grade 1957s some of the most desirable and expensive vintage cards to collect today.

Some key details on the 1957 Topps set that impact individual card values include photo size and quality, centering, surface condition issues like creasing or staining, and the scarcity of the particular player and team featured on the card. The hallmark rookie cards of future stars are always the most coveted, such as Hank Aaron’s first Topps card.

High-grade examples of stars in action shots with good centering can sell for thousands. There are also many affordable common cards to build a set. Here is a brief overview and estimated price guide for some of the top 1957 Topps cards in different grades:

Hank Aaron (Milwaukee Braves #77):

PSA 8 NM-MT: $1,000-$1,500
PSA 9 Mint: $3,000-$5,000
PSA 10 Gem Mint: $10,000+

Ted Williams (Boston Red Sox #31):

PSA 8 NM-MT: $750-$1,000
PSA 9 Mint: $2,000-$3,000
PSA 10 Gem Mint: $6,000+

Willie Mays (New York Giants #162):

PSA 8 NM-MT: $750-$1,000
PSA 9 Mint: $1,500-$2,000
PSA 10 Gem Mint: $4,000-$6,000

Sandy Koufax (Brooklyn Dodgers #109):

PSA 8 NM-MT: $500-$750
PSA 9 Mint: $1,000-$1,500
PSA 10 Gem Mint: $3,000-$5,000

A common star like Mickey Mantle (New York Yankees #135) in PSA 8 NM-MT condition may sell for $300-$500. Meanwhile, true near-mint examples of the Yankee Clipper can reach $1,000-$1,500 in PSA 9 and $3,000+ in PSA 10 grade.

Rookie cards are always highly sought after as well. Future Hall of Famer Don Drysdale’s first card (Brooklyn Dodgers #118) in PSA 8 is $300-$500 while a PSA 9 could reach $750-$1,000. Al Kaline’s formidable rookie card (Detroit Tigers #119) in PSA 8 grade seeks $250-$350 and jumps up to $500-$750 in PSA 9 condition.

Common player cards or those featuring less renowned teams tend to be more affordable. For example, a 1959 All-Star Willie Kirkland (Philadelphia Phillies #37) or under-the-radar Dave Philley (Kansas City A’s #111) can often be found raw for under $50 in EX-MT condition if they have decent centering and lack issues.

Condition, of course, is king when it comes to pricing 1957 Topps cards. Surface problems like creasing, staining or corner rounding greatly diminish values. Poorly centered cards also take a hit versus high grade, perfectly centered gem examples. The scarce Milwaukee Braves team issue subset enhances values of those cards versus more prevalent teams like the Yankees or Dodgers as well.

Any 1957 Topps card in high grade of PSA 8 or above that features a Hall of Fame player or rookie is worth preserving and holds great long-term appreciation potential. Whether you’re building a full set or selectively collecting your favorite stars, the 1957 issue offers plenty of affordable choices as well as historically significant, flagship cards that can serve as sound financial investments over time. With population reports so low in true gem condition after 65+ years, holding pristine 1957 Topps cards long-term remains a smart collectibles play.