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BASEBALL CARDS PRICE GUIDE 1958

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1958 Topps Baseball Card Price Guide Overview

The 1958 Topps baseball card set is one of the most iconic issues in the history of the hobby. It marked Topps’ return to the baseball card market after losing the license to Bowman in the mid-1950s. With vibrant color photos and a classic design, the 1958 set helped reinvigorate the baseball card craze and remains a highly collectible and desirable vintage release today.

The set contains 524 cards featuring players, managers, and umpires from the American and National Leagues. Some key things to know about values for 1958 Topps cards according to PSA’s population report data and recent auction prices:

Rookie Cards – Several future Hall of Famers had their rookie cards in the 1958 set. The most valuable is #1 Mickey Mantle, which can fetch over $10,000 in PSA Gem Mint 10 condition. Other top rookies include #207 Hank Aaron ($3,000+ PSA 10), #373 Willie Mays ($2,500+ PSA 10), and #516 Bob Gibson ($1,500+ PSA 10).

Stars and Hall of Famers – Other star cards with four-figure values include #83 Ted Williams ($3,000+ PSA 10), #126 Stan Musial ($2,000+ PSA 10), #206 Willie McCovey ($1,500+ PSA 10), and #255 Roberto Clemente ($1,500+ PSA 10). Solid condition examples of these star cards in PSA 8 or 9 can still sell for hundreds.

Errors and Variations – Several errors and variations are keys to finding bigger value in a 1958 Topps set. The #130 “Barber Pole” Billy Gardner error card has sold for over $15,000 in PSA 8.5. The #107 “No Name Back” Warren Spahn variation has brought $6,000+ in PSA 8.5. Other errors include the #256 Al Smith “A’s” cap error and #312 Dick Hall missing cap.

Common Cards – For most common players, cards in PSA 8 can sell for $30-50 while PSA 9s bring $100-200. The true “common” cards make up the bulk of the set and are affordable across all grades, providing an accessible entry point for collectors. Even low-grade examples can be found cheaply to start a set.

Condition and Grading – As with any vintage set, grading is crucial to maximizing value. Condition is everything, and the difference between a PSA 7 and PSA 9 can be hundreds or thousands of dollars depending on the card. Getting high-grade examples of stars and key cards is important. Low-grade cards still have value for collectors on a budget.

Supply and Demand – The 1958 Topps set has always been a popular one for collectors, so supply is relatively tight on high-grade key cards compared to demand. This keeps values strong. The set is iconic enough that interest level and collector demand seems unlikely to meaningfully diminish. Condition census data shows the population thickens in lower grades but thins considerably in the high-end.

Long-Term Outlook – Barring any unforeseen market downturns, the 1958 Topps set appears well-positioned long-term given its classic design, star power, and place in the hobby’s history. Values seem likely to at least keep pace with inflation for top cards over the coming decades. The combination of collectibility factors makes it a blue-chip investment for the patient holder of pristine examples. For most common cards, affordable entry and fun nostalgia ensure the set will remain a staple.

The 1958 Topps baseball card set offers a wide range of cards at various price points to fit any budget, from affordable commons up through true high-end keys and stars that can sell for thousands in top condition. The iconic vintage issue remains one of the most popular and collectible in the hobby. With strong collector demand, the 1958 Topps checklist represents a sound long-term holding.

1958 TOPPS BASEBALL KEY CARDS

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The 1958 Topps baseball card set is considered one of the most iconic issues in the vintage era. While not as valuable as some other older sets from the 1950s, it featured many rookie and star players that remain highly collectible today. The 1958 set showcased 600 total cards with each player photographed in action shots wearing their team uniforms. Several key cards from this set stand out and continue to be sought after by collectors.

One of the most well-known rookies featured was Hank Aaron’s first Topps card (card #82). Aaron would go on to break Babe Ruth’s all-time home run record and cement his status as one of the greatest sluggers in baseball history. High-grade versions of his ’58 rookie card regularly sell for thousands of dollars. Another impact rookie was Willie Mays of the Giants, whose exciting style of play made him a fan favorite (card #97). Mays’ iconic leaping catch in the 1954 World Series put him on the national stage and his rookie card remains a must-have for collectors.

Two other notable rookies from the ’58 set were Bob Gibson of the Cardinals (card #212) and Eddie Mathews of the Braves (card #270). Gibson would later lead the league in ERA multiple times and won the 1968 World Series MVP award. Mathews made his big league debut in 1952 but appeared in his first Topps set in 1958. He hit over 500 career home runs and made 9 All-Star teams. Both Gibson and Mathews rookie cards are key pieces for any vintage baseball collection.

In terms of all-time great players featured beyond just rookies, the ’58 set also included many of the era’s superstars. The Mickey Mantle card (card #253) is one of the most iconic in the set due to his fame and talent level achieved by that point in his career. High-grade versions have topped over $10,000 at auction. The ’58 card of Ted Williams (card #71), in his final season before retirement, also carries substantial collector demand. Other star players like Stan Musial (card #127), Warren Spahn (card #224), and Roy Campanella (card #157) round out the top talent roster in the set.

The 1958 issue had several key team subset cards that are favorites with collectors as well. The iconic Baltimore Orioles rookie squad, led by manager Paul Richards, are featured on card #388. This marked the franchise’s first season in Baltimore after relocating from St. Louis. Highlights of this historic team moment make it highly collectible. A similar case exists for the Milwaukee Braves World Series championship team card from 1957 (card #554). The franchise’s lone title before moving to Atlanta in 1966 adds to the significance.

While pricey graded gems may be out of reach for most collectors on a budget, the 1958 Topps set remains a must-have core set for any vintage baseball card collection. Featuring the debuts of future Hall of Famers like Aaron, Mays, Gibson and Mathews alongside all-time greats such as Mantle and Williams, it succeeds in showcasing the top talent of that baseball era. Key cards to seek out include the rookies as well as star players, especially in high grades for resale value. The team subset cards also offer a fascinating timeline piece of franchise histories. After more than 60 years, the 1958 Topps issue continues attracting new collectors with its iconic photography and memorable subjects.

TOPPS 1958 BASEBALL CARDS

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The 1958 Topps baseball card set was the seventh series of baseball cards produced by Topps Chewing Gum, Inc. and is considered a classic among baseball card collectors and historians. Issued in 1958, the set features all players from the 1957 Major League Baseball season and highlights several interesting facts and milestones from that year.

Some key things to know about the 1958 Topps set include that it contains 518 total cards – 516 individual player and manager cards along with two league leader proof cards bringing the total to 518. The design departs slightly from the previous year’s Topps set by featuring completely different border designs including prominent team logos at the top left corner and fun patriotic borders coloring the sides and bottom of each card. Another notable design change was the elimination of the player’s and manager’s signature that had been featured on the bottom of cards in the ’57 Topps set.

The 1958 Topps set is especially notable for showcasing careers, milestones and seasons of several all-time great players and Hall of Famers. For example, the cards highlight the final seasons of legendary New York Giants outfielder Willie Mays, Detroit Tigers great Al Kaline, and Boston Red Sox first baseman Ted Williams. Williams’ 1958 card commemorates his final at-bat and hit in the majors, a home run. Other notable Hall of Famers showcased include Orlando Cepeda, Eddie Mathews, and Richie Ashburn among many others.

Beyond individual stars, the ’58 Topps set also highlighted championship teams from 1957 including the World Series champion Milwaukee Braves and All-Star squads. 1957 had been a memorable season that saw the Braves defeat the New York Yankees for their first World Series title since moving to Milwaukee in 1953. Many cards from the 1958 set depict All-Star players and starters from the 1957 Midsummer Classic that was hosted in historic St. Louis at Sportsman’s Park.

In addition to star players and teams, the 1958 Topps issue also marks several more obscure milestones and “firsts.” For example, card #13 features San Francisco Giants pitcher Stu Miller, who recorded the first save in Major League history during the 1957 campaign. Additionally, 1958 would be the final Topps card to include legendary minor league pitcher, manager, and executive Charlie Metro as he passed away prior to the 1959 season at the age of 65.

The condition and demand of specific cards and players from the 1958 Topps set has varied greatly over the decades. Generally speaking, the condition of the cards from this period were not as carefully preserved as modern issues. High-grade specimens of stars like Mays, Kaline, Williams and others consistently achieve strong prices in the collector marketplace. Rarer short-print and error cards have also gained notoriety including the #130 Billy Gardner card that was accidentally printed with no photo opening.

The 1958 Topps baseball card set holds an important place in the history of the hobby as both a classic mid-century issue and one that encapsulated careers of all-time legends on the verge of retirement. While condition challenges exist, the iconic designs, star power and unique snapshots in time continue capturing the imaginations of collectors decades later. Whether chasing personal collection goals or making a sound investment, 1958 Topps remains a highly coveted release that defined the post-war peak of the traditional “bubblegum” baseball card era.

1958 TOPPS BASEBALL CARDS VALUE

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The 1958 Topps baseball card set was issued during a pivotal time for the sport. The previous year had seen the debut of the Milwaukee Braves as the first major league team based in Wisconsin. Legendary players like Hank Aaron, Warren Spahn and Eddie Mathews powered the Braves to the World Series title in 1957.

1958 would bring more change and intrigue to baseball. That season saw the last games played at historic venues like Brooklyn’s Ebbets Field and the Philadelphia Athletics’ Shibe Park. Two new stadiums, Baltimore’s Memorial Stadium and Kansas City’s Municipal Stadium opened that year as the sport was growing beyond its roots.

Off the field, 1958 was an important year in the business of sports cards as well. The Topps Company had gained a monopoly on baseball cards in the modern era after acquiring the rights to produce cards featuring players’ names and likenesses. Their sets from the mid-1950s onward are highly collectible today.

The 1958 Topps set contains 525 total cards including 78 player cards showing the stats and photos of that season’s major leaguers. Notable rookies featured included future Hall of Famers Bob Gibson and Luis Aparicio. The design features a photo on a white background with blue borders and stats printed below. Condition is key for high grades as the paper stock was rather fragile.

In gem mint condition, high-value stars from the 1958 Topps set can easily fetch thousands of dollars. An unopened wax package in flawless condition could sell for over $10,000. Individually, great condition examples of rookie cards like Bob Gibson (#91) and Luis Aparicio (#138) have sold in recent years for $4,000-5,000.

Hall of Famers Hank Aaron (#42), Willie Mays (#190), Ted Williams (#94), Stan Musial (#112), Warren Spahn (#256) and many others can reach $1,000-2,000 in top grades as well. Stars who tragically passed away like Roberto Clemente (#109) and Ron Santo (#488) also maintain strong collector demand.

Beyond the players, the 1958 Topps set is also known for its selection of oddball baseball photos on the “Tall Boys” cards numbered 501-525. High-grade examples of these quirky cards featuring mascots, stadium scenes and more are hot commodities. Card #525 showing “The Last Game at Ebbets Field” has sold for over $3,000 in top condition.

Of course, mint condition is difficult to achieve for cards over 60 years old. Even well-kept examples in the satisfactory “EX” or “VG” grades still hold value far above their original price points. Common players can be acquired for $10-20, while stars may run $50-100 even in worn condition. There is also collector interest in incomplete or damaged sets seeking key cards.

The long-term value outlook remains strong for 1958 Topps due to the historical context of the set. As one of the most complete rosters featuring future Hall of Famers from that era, demand is steady from collectors both young and old. When high-grade examples surface, all-time prices will continue being set. Overall the 1958 Topps baseball card collection has proven to stand the test of time as a smart vintage investment.

The 1958 Topps baseball card set was issued during pivotal changes in the sport. It features key rookies, Hall of Famers and odd quirks that give it iconic status today. Top conditioned examples remain highly valuable collectors items. Even played cards retain value well above original costs. Long-term, the set profile and collecting demand point to the 1958 Topps as a sound vintage holding.

TOPPS BASEBALL CARDS 1958 CHECKLIST

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The 1958 Topps baseball card set is considered one of the most iconic issues in the history of the collectible card industry. Issued shortly after the conclusion of the 1957 Major League Baseball season, the 1958 Topps checklist featured cards highlighting players and teams from that year. What makes the ’58 Topps set so coveted by collectors and enthusiasts decades after its original release is the wealth of rookie cards and future Hall of Famers that are present.

The 1958 Topps set contains a total of 520 cards within the base checklist. Notable rookie cards featured in the ’58 Topps set include future superstars like Hank Aaron, Willie Mays, Sandy Koufax, and Bob Gibson. Aaron’s rookie card in particular is highly sought after, as he would go on to break Babe Ruth’s home run record and cement his status as one of the greatest hitters of all time. Willie Mays’ star was already on the rise in 1958, but collectors appreciate being able to acquire a Mays rookie card from his true initial season in Major League Baseball.

Several other future Hall of Famers had cards in the 1958 Topps set early in their careers, such as Roberto Clemente, Mickey Mantle, Warren Spahn, Eddie Mathews, and Bill Mazeroski. Mantle’s career was reaching its peak in 1958 after winning the Triple Crown and most valuable player award the previous season. Collectors enjoy the ’58 Topps Mickey Mantle as a representation of the Yankee Clipper at the height of his powers leading New York’s “Subway Series” dynasty.

The 1958 Topps checklist was also a postseason commemorative issue. Included are twenty World Series highlights cards recognizing the 1958 matchup between the New York Yankees and Milwaukee Braves. The Braves came back from a 3-1 deficit to win the Fall Classic in seven games, taking the championship behind MVP Warren Spahn and late-inning heroics from Mazeroski. Topps captured pivotal moments from that thriller of a World Series for collectors in its 1958 issue.

In terms of design elements, the 1958 Topps baseball cards featured color portraits of players and teams on the front. Stats and brief biographies were printed on the back. The iconic red “T” logo signature of Topps is prominently displayed. The checklist included all 16 Major League teams from that season like the Orioles, Senators, Reds, and Cubs. Not only star players but also oft-forgotten role players and pitchers received cards. This provides collectors an entire snapshot of the 1958 baseball season roster by roster.

One perennial issue that arises in discussing the 1958 Topps baseball card set is the condition of surviving copies decades later. Being mass-produced cardboard stock over 60 years ago now, it’s rare to find examples in pristine mint condition straight out of the original wax packaging. The cards suffered regular wear and tear even in the late 1950s from repeated handling. Environmental factors like heat and humidity also took their toll over six decades stored in attics, basements, and beyond. Still, there are gem mint 10 graded samples confirmed by authentication companies that command premium prices.

In the collector marketplace, the 1958 Topps baseball card set remains one of the most valuable issues due to the demand for its rookie stars and Hall of Fame player content. The cards have been out of print for over half a century. In top-rated condition with margins, a Hank Aaron rookie could conceivably sell for over $1 million at auction. Other key rookie cards like Mays and Koufax also move for five-figure sums. Even common player issues sell briskly for collectors seeking to complete their ’58 Topps sets. With each passing year and scarcer surviving examples, the appeal and investment potential grows.

For both vintage collectors and investors, the 1958 Topps baseball card checklist endures as one of the cornerstonereleases. Its mix of stars, inductees, and historical World Series coverage unite enthusiastic enthusiasts. While pristine samples prove elusive, restored or problem-free common issues remain within reach of growing the hobby. The 1958 Topps set maintains a prized space in the annals of sportscard heritage due to the who’s who of its content that shined for the sport for decades after. It serves as a beloved reminder of the golden age of 1950s baseball for collectors worldwide.

PRICING FOR BASEBALL CARDS TOPPS 1958

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The 1958 Topps baseball card set is one of the most iconic issues in the history of the hobby. It features future Hall of Famers like Hank Aaron, Willie Mays, Mickey Mantle and more during the peak of their careers. As a result, these classic cards hold significant value today based on several factors such as condition, player, and edition rarity.

In near-mint to mint condition ( grades 8-10), common cards from the 1958 Topps set typically sell for between $5-$20. Rookie cards and cards featuring star players can fetch much higher prices. For example, a Mickey Mantle in gem mint condition could sell for over $2,000. A rookie card of future Hall of Famer Bob Gibson in the same grade might sell for around $300 since he wasn’t as big a star as Mantle during his career.

Condition is the most important factor when determining the price of these vintage cards. Pristine, well-centered examples without flaws will demand top dollar from collectors. Even minor flaws or soft corners can significantly reduce a card’s price. A Mantle or Mays card in worn or good condition (grades 3-5) might sell for $50-$100 depending on the level of aging. Heavily played cards (grades 1-2) of even the biggest stars are usually only desirable to avid collectors looking to fill out a set at lower prices.

Beyond star power and condition, certain limited-run variations can enhance a card’s price tag substantially. The 1958 Topps issue exists in both a standard version as well as proof sets distributed by the Topps company or resellers. Proof examples command higher values since far fewer were produced. For example, a Mickey Mantle proof in gem mint condition could sell for $5,000-$10,000 versus $2,000 for the common issue. Errors and test prints pulled before mass production are other rare variations that attract top bids.

Checking for completeness is also crucial. Most 1958 Topps cards were mass-produced, but errors left some numbers unfinished. Rarity guider services like PSA take this into account and may bump grades if pristine examples include complete player info, stats, or production code numbers missing from other samples. Sets graded by such authorities as near-complete generally sell for more than individual loose cards in a similar state.

Auction results provide a useful benchmark but individual cards can exceed expectations based on intangible demand factors too. Popular stars attract “star power premiums” that lift prices based on name recognition alone. Key rookie cards like Gibson or future Hall of Famers like Aaron in top condition could rise well above initial estimates. Conversely, obscure players may disappoint compared to reference prices if lacking serious collector attention on a given sale date.

The 1958 Topps issue remains a cornerstone of the vintage collecting scene. Values depend heavily on condition, star power, and printing variations but even common versions can earn respectable residuals as appreciation standards for the entire set rise over time. Careful grading and consideration of uniqueness versus investment potential helps buyers and sellers properly assess pricing for these beloved cardboard pieces of baseball history.

1958 TOPPS BASEBALL CARDS

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The 1958 Topps baseball card set was the sixth series of baseball cards produced by Topps Chewing Gum, Inc. and featured 692 total cards depicting players and managers from various Major League Baseball teams. Some key facts and highlights about the 1958 Topps baseball card set include:

Design and Production: The 1958 Topps cards featured a design very similar to the previous year’s set with a white border and team logo appearing at the bottom of each card. The cards measured 2.5 inches by 3.5 inches, which was the standard size Topps used from 1952 through 1967. The cards were grouped into wax paper packs containing either 5 or 7 cards that sold for $0.10 per pack. The complete 692 card set was one of Topps’ larger sets to that point as they expanded coverage of players on minor league rosters and spring training squads in addition to the major league players.

Rookies and Notable Players: Some iconic future Hall of Fame players made their Topps rookie card debuts in 1958 including Willie McCovey (San Francisco Giants), Bob Gibson (St. Louis Cardinals), and Hank Aaron (Milwaukee Braves). Other notable rookies included Luis Aparicio and Nellie Fox of the Chicago White Sox. Veteran superstars featured included Mickey Mantle, Willie Mays, and Ted Williams.

Short Print Variations: Topps issued several short print cards in the 1958 set that are significantly rarer than the standard issue cards. These include the Mickey Mantle card #130, which is believed to have been accidentally omitted from many early production runs making it one of the most valuable Mantle cards. Other scarce short prints cards include Nellie Fox (#132), Minnie Minoso (#146), Ray Boone (#211), Whitey Ford (#244), and Roy Campanella (#303).

Notable Errors: A printing error led to an airbrushed version of the Willie Mays card (#203) being included without the logo of his then-current team, the San Francisco Giants. This variant is considered the key card in the set. Topps also produced a photo negative version of the Minnie Minoso card (#146) in error, showing his image in reverse.

Condition and Grading: Getting high grade examples of 1958 Topps cards today can be quite challenging given the set is now over 60 years old. The sheer volume of cards printed also leads to abundant well-worn lower grade copies being available. Top graded cards can still sell for impressive sums, such as a PSA Gem Mint 10 Mickey Mantle that fetched over $100,000 at auction in 2017. Other famous stars like Aaron, Mantle, and Mays in high grades still command five-figure prices.

Recent Auction Prices: Here are recent results for some of the most valuable 1958 Topps rookie and star player cards:

Willie McCovey RC PSA 8 – $7,250

Bob Gibson RC PSA 8 – $6,500

Hank Aaron PSA 8 – $9,000

Luis Aparicio RC PSA 7 – $4,250

Mickey Mantle PSA 8 – $30,000

Willie Mays PSA 8 – $18,000

Ted Williams PSA 8 – $7,000

As one of the most collected vintage sets, the market for 1958 Topps cards remains strong. The late 1950s were a transitional period that saw Topps move to the now-familiar design template they would refine for decades. Rookie cards of legends like Gibson, McCovey and Aaron make the 1958 set one of the most important in baseball card history. Scarce variations and the presence of perhaps the most iconic player of all in Mantle have sustained enthusiastic collecting interest in this classic issue for over half a century.

1958 TOPPS BASEBALL CARDS CHECKLIST

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The 1958 Topps baseball card set was the seventh series of baseball cards produced by Topps Chewing Gum, Inc. It was the first Topps set with separate cards dedicated to players on the Brooklyn Dodgers and New York Giants after the two franchises moved out west following the 1957 season. As was typical for sets of the era, the 1958 Topps offering contained cards of current major league players as well as a selection of retired stars.

The flagship regular issue release featured 574 total cards featuring individual major league players, managers, and umpires. Topps utilized a classic horizontal design with borders on the top and bottom providing room for player information. Full color action photos of the ballplayers were featured on the front with career statistics and biographical info printed on the back. A vertical team logo also appeared on the fronts. Topps continued their pattern of issuing cards late in the season, with the 1958 set coming out near the end of that summer.

Several notable rookies made their Topps card debuts in 1958, such as future Hall of Famers Hank Aaron and Willie McCovey. Other top prospects to join the set included Tim McCarver, Ron Santo, and Gaylord Perry. Established stars like Willie Mays, Mickey Mantle, Duke Snider, and Juan Marichal also received their eighth consecutive card issues from Topps. Two Chicago Cubs teammates, Ernie Banks and Billy Williams, were the lone African American players featured that year.

In addition to the standard player cards, the 1958 Topps issue included 22 unique manager and coach cards. Legendary skippers Casey Stengel, Walter Alston, and Chuck Dressen were among those featured. Topps also allocated space for 32 umpire trading cards, including stalwarts Jim Honochick, Ed Runge, and Jocko Conlan. The checklist also contained 99 team cards highlighting the 16 major league franchises of the time. A further 42 of these were dedicated to complete team rosters with headshots of every player on that squad.

As the Dodgers and Giants had each just completed their inaugural seasons in Los Angeles and San Francisco, Topps acknowledged the huge moves by issuing separate club cards for both former New York teams. Complete new cities were added to the cardboard landscape. The Dodgers’ Brooklyn/Los Angeles roster card was one of the more visually impressive in the set.

Topps offered several premium offerings beyond the flagship release that further expanded the 1958 checklist. A “High Numbers” series was issued containing 76 additional cards of players that had been called up late in the season or were prospective rookies for 1959. This supplement series started with card #575. In addition, Topps produced nine promotional “Painted Facsimile” cards as mail-in premiums available by collecting wrapper points. Highlighting top stars, these had hand-tinted portraits.

Though not a significant vintage in the eyes of hardcore collectors today, the 1958 Topps set serves as an interesting historical baseball card release. It marked the first year without the Dodgers-Giants rivalry in New York while also being a first look at future legends just starting their big league careers. The set endures as a snapshot of the game during a transitional year while also being filled with many familiar faces from a storied era in baseball history. Its large checklist and mix of players old and new cemented Topps’ place as the premier producer of sporting cards in the 1950s.

MOST VALUABLE BASEBALL CARDS 1958

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The hobby of baseball card collecting took off in the late 1950s as young boys across America were enthralled with America’s national pastime. The 1958 Topps baseball card set is considered by many collectors and experts to be the most iconic set of that era. It was the year that Mickey Mantle achieved the coveted Triple Crown batting title and helped propel interest in the cards to new heights. As a result, many of the premium rookies and stars from the 1958 Topps set have become enormously valuable over the decades. Here are some of the most valuable and sought after 1958 Topps baseball cards:

At the top of most lists is the Mickey Mantle rookie card. As one of the greatest players of all time and the face of baseball for much of the 1950s and 1960s, Mantle’s rookie card is the crowning jewel of the ’58 set and arguably all of baseball card history. In pristine mint condition, Mantle rookie cards regularly sell for well over $200,000. Even well-worn low-grade examples still command prices of $50,000 or more. The card’s scarcity combined with Mantle’s iconic status make it the undisputed king as far as value goes.

Another Yankee who made his Topps card debut in ’58 was Roger Maris. Like Mantle, Maris went on to have a Hall of Fame career playing alongside Mickey in the Bronx. His rookie is exceptionally rare in high grades due to print errors, making it one of the most valuable cards after the Mantle. Grading a strong 8 or above, Maris rookies have sold for $150,000 and up. Even well-loved lower grade copies still fetch five figures.

Elston Howard’s rookie card is next up amongst the most lucrative. A trailblazing catcher who broke the color barrier for the Yankees, Howard is remembered as a key part of several World Series championship clubs. Like Maris, printing anomalies mean high quality Howard rookies are exceptionally scarce. At a PSA or BGS 9 or 10 grade, his debut card has gone for north of $100,000 at auction.

Another catcher who made his cardboard bow in ’58, Johnny Blanchard’s rookie card also holds immense value. Blanchard enjoyed success playing in multiple World Series for the mighty Yankees of the late 1950s and early 60s. His scarcity, tied to the prestige of the Yankees franchise during that era, means a PSA/BGS 9 specimen can sell upwards of $50,000. Even well-loved copies still earn five figures today.

While the ’58 Yankees rookies spearhead the value charts, there are other notable rookie and star cards that command huge sums. Orlando Cepeda’s debut offering for the San Francisco Giants routinely earns over $30,000 in pristine condition. Cepeda won the 1967 NL MVP award and battled many legendary pitchers of his generation.

Continuing down the list, Hoyt Wilhelm’s first card carries a heavy price tag as well. A crafty submarine pitcher who enjoyed over 21 years in the big leagues, Wilhelm holds the record for most career relief appearances. A PSA/BGS 9.5 graded copy of his ’58 rookie sold for $19,200.

Warren Spahn, a surefire Hall of Famer still regarded as one of the game’s all-time great lefthanded hurlers, also had his Topps beginnings in ’58 after 17 years in the majors already. High quality Spahn rookies now sell for up to $15,000.

While stars like Mantle, Maris and the Yankees drive the most value, there are more moderately priced gems to be found throughout the ’58 set as well. Bob Allison, Billy Pierce and Gene Conley were all integral parts of their teams for many seasons. Their rookies in a 9+ grade can be acquired for $4,000-$8,000 with patience and diligence.

The 1958 Topps set holds a treasure trove of among the most valuable vintage cards for collectors due to the perfect storm of Mickey Mantle’s Triple Crown year interacting with the proliferation of youth interest in collecting at the time. While only the deepest of pockets can secure a Mantle or Howard rookie in pristine condition, there are still countless affordable grails from this iconic set waiting to be unearthed even in well-loved lower grades. For hardcore collectors, searching flea markets or rummaging through old attics holds the promise of discovery within one of the true pinnacles of the modern collecting era.

1958 TOPPS BASEBALL CARDS PSA

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The 1958 Topps baseball card set is one of the most iconic and valuable issues in the entire hobby. Packaged as “1958 Topps Baseball”, this design features intricate player portraits set against colorful team logo backgrounds. The cards were produced during the peak of the golden age of baseball cards in the 1950s before the advent of modern sports cards in the 1980s shook up the industry. Today, examples in top graded condition from Professional Sports Authenticator (PSA) can sell for tens of thousands of dollars.

Topps released 525 cards as part of their flagship baseball set in 1958. The design used intricate black and white photos on a colored team logo backdrop similar to 1957. Rosters included all 16 major league teams from 1957 with players listed alphabetically under each club. Some players had multiple cards showing them with different uniforms if they were traded. The borders were thin and featured no team name text. The backs contained basic career and 1957 stats. Production was high, so uncut sheets and examples in high grades survive frequently today.

The biggest stars of 1958 had their iconic images captured perfectly in the set. Cards of Mickey Mantle, Willie Mays, and Hank Aaron can be considered some of the finest and most visually appealing baseball cards of all-time. Their dominance on the field is represented by the power and grace portrayed in their photos. Mantle’s effortless home run swing and Mays’ ability to run down any fly ball make these cards instant classics. The rarer high graded versions have become treasures for collectors.

Topps featured several Hall of Famers not pictured elsewhere like Robin Roberts, Duke Snider, Roy Campanella and Warren Spahn. Rookies included future stars like Ron Santo, Billy Williams and Bob Gibson. Some players were depicted in their new uniforms after offseason trades like Enos Slaughter and Early Wynn. Dick Groat and Johnny Podres had cards showing them in Phillies and Dodgers uniforms after being dealt in 1957. The set also captured unique photos no longer seen on modern reprints.

In terms of scarcity and condition, the 1958 Topps set presents several notable high points and challenges for collectors. While a large print run makes common examples readily available, high graded copies can prove elusive. The thin stock card paper does not hold up well over decades of handling. Proper storage is key to preservation. PSA has rewarded just a few hundred 1958 Topps cards with their perfect Gem Mint 10 grade due to the fragile condition of even well-cared for 50+ year old issues. A PSA 10 Hank Aaron, Mickey Mantle, or Willie Mays is a true condtioncensus rarity.

The monetary value of 1958 Topps increases exponentially with higher Professional Sports Authenticator grades. While run-of-the-mill well-centered examples can sell for around $10 raw, PSA mint 9 copies of common stars have reached over $1,000 at auction. A few elite PSA 10 grails have crossed the $100,000 mark including a Hank Aaron that sold for an astounding $198,000. Each small numeric jump in grade represents a huge premium. PSA certification adds trusted expert review that lowers risk for today’s cautious collectors.

The 1958 Topps set holds a special place in the history of the industry due to its innovative design that captured icons of the game in the midst of their prime. While condition challenges and rarity in the highest grades make complete PSA sets nearly impossible, individual highlights graded by the experts at PSA command top dollar. Owners of pristine examples preserve valuable links to the golden era that started it all. After 65 years, 1958 Topps cards continue to excite collectors with their blend of nostalgia, aesthetics and strong secondary market demand driven by condition.