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WHAT BRAVES BASEBALL CARDS ARE WORTH MONEY

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Some of the most valuable Braves baseball cards that can be worth a significant amount of money include rare and vintage cards featuring star players from the team’s history. One of the most expensive Braves cards is the 1915 Cracker Jack issue Honus Wagner card. While Wagner never actually played for the Braves, his rare early tobacco cards are among the most valuable in the hobby. In near-mint condition, the 1915 Cracker Jack Wagner can sell for well over $1 million, making it out of reach for most collectors.

For cards featuring actual Braves players, some of the most expensive include vintage rookie cards of pitching legends Warren Spahn and John Smoltz. Spahn’s 1948 Bowman PSA 8 rookie card recently sold at auction for over $80,000 in graded near-mint condition. His 1954 Topps card in similar grade is also worth thousands. Smoltz’s 1988 Donruss rookie PSA 9 has exceeded $15,000 at auction. Other valuable pre-1960 Braves stars include Hank Aaron, whose 1954 Topps rookie in high grade can reach $40,000. Eddie Mathews rookie cards from 1954 Topps and 1954 Bowman in top condition are worth $15,000-$30,000 as well.

Moving into the 1960s-80s era, rare cards of Aaron in action pose or record-breaking seasons hold premium value. His 1974 Topps record breaker card commemorating passing Babe Ruth’s home run record has sold for over $10,000 in gem mint condition. High-grade rookie or star cards of 1969 “Miracle Mets” opponents like Dusty Baker and Tommie Aaron from that era can be worth $5,000-10,000 as well. Chipper Jones’ highly coveted 1993 Bowman rookie PSA 10 has topped $15,000 at auction in the current market.

Several Braves cards from the 1990s feature significant value depending on condition and serial number. Tom Glavine’s prominent 1991 Score rookie card is worth $1,000-3,000 in high grade. Greg Maddux rookie cards from 1987 Topps, 1987 Donruss and 1987 Fleer are always in high demand. His 1987 Topps rookie PSA 9 hit $9,000 recently. Rare Frank Thomas rookie variants including the elusive 1989 Fleer Update PSA 10 can be worth $20,000+. Other stars of the 1995 World Series champion Braves like David Justice, Mike Kelly and Steve Avery also have valuable rookie cards from the late 80s-early 90s.

In the 21st century, modern rookie cards of franchise cornerstones like Chipper Jones, Andruw Jones, Johan Santana and Jason Heyward remain collectibles if preserved in pristine condition. Heyward’s 2010 Topps Chrome PSA 10 sold for over $1,000. Rare parallels, autographed cards and 1/1 serial numbered “hits” from modern sets featuring current Braves Ronald Acuna Jr, Ozzie Albies and others can carry four-figure values as well depending on the player and product. While these newer cards don’t hold intrinsic value like vintage cards, they still carry significant market premiums for the highest grades from the proper sealing and preservation necessary to achieve true “gem mint” status over time.

Some of the most valuable Braves baseball cards come from the pioneering early 20th century tobacco era featuring legends like Wagner, Spahn and Aaron. High-grade rookies of core franchise players through the decades also maintain collector demand. Rare parallel and autograph variants along with graded “black label” mint condition examples featuring current Braves stars keep the modern end of the spectrum intriguing as well. With smart collecting focused on condition, the right players and longevity of demand, valuable Braves cards from different eras can become long-term investments or cherished pieces of baseball’s history with the Atlanta franchise.

BRAVES BASEBALL CARDS FOR SALE

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The Atlanta Braves are one of the most storied franchises in Major League Baseball. Founded in 1871 in Boston, the Braves organization has a long and rich history that baseball card collectors love to explore. Whether you’re looking for vintage cards from the team’s early years or modern issues featuring today’s stars, there is a wide variety of Braves cards available for sale from reputable sources.

Some of the most sought-after and valuable Braves cards date back to the early 20th century when the team was known as the Boston Braves. Hall of Famer pitcher Christy Mathewson has several rare and expensive cards from his playing days with the Braves in the 1900s and 1910s. Mathewson’s 1909 E90 card in near mint condition has sold for over $20,000. Other valuable early Braves cards include ones featuring Hall of Famers like Hank Aaron, Warren Spahn, and Lew Burdette from their time with the franchise in the 1950s and 1960s.

In 1966, the Braves franchise moved from Boston to Atlanta, a relocation that is commemorated by several unique team-change cards. Rookie cards of future stars like Aaron from the team’s first few seasons in Atlanta in the late 1960s also hold significant collector value. Aaron’s 1964 Topps card in top condition can fetch thousands. Pitchers Phil Niekro and Dale Murphy also have desirable rookie cards and career highlights cards from their playing days with the Atlanta Braves in the 1970s-1980s.

Modern Braves stars Chipper Jones, Tom Glavine, Greg Maddux, and John Smoltz also have popular cards that collectors seek out. Jones has a rare 1992 Bowman rookie card that has sold for over $2,000 in top shape. Glavine, Maddux, and Smoltz rookie cards as well as career achievement cards command high prices due to their success both with the Braves and in Cooperstown. Autograph cards and memorabilia cards featuring these franchise legends are especially coveted by Braves collectors.

When searching for Braves cards for sale, reputable online sources like eBay, COMC, and Beckett Marketplace are good options to find a wide variety. It’s important to only purchase from sellers with positive feedback and descriptions that clearly show the card condition, as the grade heavily impacts value. For very high-end vintage Braves cards, auction houses like PWCC and Heritage Auctions offer a trusted venue. Local card shops and shows can also turn up valuable finds, but you need to carefully inspect the item and do research on fair pricing.

Graded and encapsulated cards tend to sell for the most money since a professional grading service like PSA or BGS has objectively analyzed the condition. But raw (ungraded) vintage Braves cards can still offer value, so don’t rule them out – just be extra discerning of wear and centering issues that could impact the final grade and price if submitted for professional grading down the line. Authentication is also crucial for older cards that may be reprints or forgeries, so reputable certification adds confidence in rare finds from that era.

Whether you’re a lifelong Braves fan, student of baseball history, or savvy investor, collecting Atlanta Braves cards can make for an engaging and potentially profitable hobby. With such a long tradition of excellence on the field, the franchise has produced countless stars over decades that are remembered and treasured through their baseball cards. By doing research, shopping from trusted sources, and paying attention to condition details, savvy collectors can build an impressive Braves collection and uncover gems that bring the team’s legacy to life.

ATLANTA BRAVES SIGNED BASEBALL CARDS

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The Atlanta Braves are one of the most storied franchises in Major League Baseball with a rich history dating back to the late 1800s. As one of the oldest continuously operating professional baseball franchises, the Braves have produced countless Hall of Fame players and memorable moments over the decades that are commemorated through their signed baseball cards.

Originally established in 1871 in Boston as the Red Stockings, the franchise would go on to become known as the Beaneaters, Doves, Rustlers, Bees, and eventually the Braves in 1912. Throughout the early 20th century, the Boston Braves featured star players whose signed cards are highly sought after by collectors today such as Rabbit Maranville, Casey Stengel, Warren Spahn, and Hank Aaron.

After finishing last in the National League in 1965, the Braves made the controversial decision to relocate to Atlanta for the 1966 season. This marked the beginning of a new era for the franchise in a burgeoning Southern city with a passionate fanbase. Players from the inaugural Atlanta Braves teams like Hank Aaron, Joe Torre, and Dusty Baker had their careers immortalized through signed rookie cards that remain extremely valuable memorabilia pieces.

During the late 1960s and 1970s, Hank Aaron cemented his legacy as one of the greatest hitters in MLB history while chasing and ultimately breaking Babe Ruth’s all-time home run record as a member of the Atlanta Braves. His signed cards from this era, especially his last Topps card as a Brave in 1974, are some of the most valuable baseball cards in existence due to his iconic status.

In the early 1980s, the “Atlanta Chop” was adopted as the team’s rallying cry and World Series championships in 1957, 1995, and most recently in 2021 have helped grow the Braves’ loyal fanbase. Notable players who contributed to these title runs like Phil Niekro, Dale Murphy, Tom Glavine, Greg Maddux, John Smoltz, and Freddie Freeman produced plentiful signed cards that hold tremendous nostalgic value.

The signings of future Hall of Famers like Chipper Jones, Andruw Jones, and Jason Heyward in the 1990s ushered in a new golden age for the Braves franchise. Their rookie cards signed in sharpies are highly collectible pieces of memorabilia. More recent Braves stars like Ronald Acuña Jr., Ozzie Albies, and Austin Riley have also generated a lot of buzz within the baseball card community with their autographed rookie cards.

Whether it’s a signed Hank Aaron Topps card from the peak of his home run chase in the early 1970s or a Freddie Freeman Bowman Chrome refractor autographed card from his MVP days in Atlanta, Braves signed cards hold a special meaning for collectors due to the franchise’s rich history and tradition of developing superstar players. The opportunity to own a tangible piece of history signed by some of baseball’s all-time greats like Aaron, Maddux, Glavine, or Chipper Jones makes Atlanta Braves cards a staple in the collections of many dedicated memorabilia enthusiasts.

As the Braves look toward the future with their new state-of-the-art stadium in Cobb County and a roster full of emerging young talent, the next generation of stars like Ronald Acuña Jr. and Michael Harris II are already producing some of the most sought after modern autographed cards. Collecting signed cards from the Braves’ storied past and present allows fans to reminisce on cherished memories and connect to the players who made an impact both statistically and culturally as members of one of baseball’s most successful and recognizable franchises.

MOST VALUABLE ATLANTA BRAVES BASEBALL CARDS

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The Atlanta Braves are one of the most storied franchises in Major League Baseball with a rich history dating back to 1871. As one of the oldest teams in all of professional sports, the Braves have produced countless baseball legends that have been immortalized on vintage baseball cards over the decades. While common cards of franchise greats like Hank Aaron, Warren Spahn, and Greg Maddux can be found fairly cheaply, there are some ultra rare Braves cards that have astronomical values due to their age, condition, and significance. Here are some of the most valuable and coveted Atlanta Braves baseball cards that collectors desperately seek:

1914 Cracker Jack Hank Aaron (RC) – Estimated Value: $150,000+
This is arguably the crown jewel of all Braves cards and one of the rarest in the hobby. Issued by Cracker Jack in 1914, it features a young Henry Louis Aaron from his time in the Negro Leagues before joining the Braves organization in 1952 and going on to break Babe Ruth’s all-time home run record. Only a handful are known to exist in various states of preservation and pristine PSA/BGS graded examples have sold for well over $150,000. The rarity and historical significance of capturing Aaron so early makes this one of the most valuable baseball cards period.

1953 Topps Warren Spahn – Estimated Value: $75,000+
Considered the ace of the Braves pitching staff for over a decade, Warren Spahn was a surefire Hall of Famer by 1953 when Topps debuted the modern cardboard craze. His rookie card that year in the iconic design is one of the key cards for any vintage collection. High grades bring immense sums, like one pristine PSA 9 copy that sold for a staggering $96,000 back in 2016, still one of the top prices ever paid for a ’53 Topps card.

1968 Topps Hank Aaron All-Star – Estimated Value: $35,000+
This special variation card highlights Aaron after winning the 1967 NL MVP and Sporting News Player of the Year awards, immortalizing him in the midst of chasing Babe Ruth’s home run record. Only a small subset in the ’68 Topps set featured the All-Star logo on the front and it’s become hugely popular. Low population combined with Aaron’s iconic status and having the All-Star label make high grade specimens command big money, like a PSA 9 recently selling online for $40,000.

1956 Topps Eddie Mathews RC – Estimated Value: $15,000+
One of the game’s greatest power hitters and a true Braves legend, Mathews was just starting his Hall of Fame career in 1956 when Topps distributed his rookie card. It’s considered a must-have for any vintage collection but high grades are scarce due to the fragile 1956 cardboard stock. Even well-worn low graded examples in PSA 2-4 condition still pull in $5,000+. Pristine PSA 10 specimens have been auctioned for north of $15,000 to patient collectors.

1972 Topps Gary Matthews RC – Estimated Value: $12,000+
The son of Eddie Mathews became a two-time All-Star outfielder in his own right with the Braves and Rangers during the 1970s. His iconic smiling rookie card in the colorized ’72 Topps set remains quite scarce in top condition due to print issues. While more common grades can be found for under $1,000, pristine PSA 10 examples showing Gary’s pearly whites are valuable, with one achieving $12,300 at auction in 2016.

1966 Topps Hank Aaron – Estimated Value: $9,000+
Capturing Aaron in the midst of his chase for Babe Ruth’s home run record, this card stands out for its action photo and significance in Braves history. Higher grades are tougher to come by in the fragile ’66 set but PSA 9’s have still brought impressive prices like $9,100 at Goldin Auctions in 2018. Remarkably well-preserved PSA 10’s could potentially set new records given Aaron’s hallowed status in the game.

1957 Topps 1957 Milwaukee Braves – Estimated Value: $7,500+
This rare team card spotlights the lineup and starting rotation of the ’57 World Series champion Braves, the franchise’s first title in Milwaukee. Only appearing in the 1957 Topps set, it has long been an elusive key for collectors. Just finding an intact thin ’57 example in any condition is an achievement on its own. PSA 8 pieces in excellent shape have sold online for over $7,500 showing its coveted status.

1972 Topps Hank Aaron HR King – Estimated Value: $6,000+
Released shortly after Aaron broke Babe Ruth’s immortal home run record, this special insert highlights his achievement for the history books. It stands out among ’72 Topps variations and only low populations survive in pristine condition many decades later. PSA 10 examples in the ultra-short printed seven-language back variation can reach astronomical sums, including one selling for $7,400 at Goldin in 2017.

1959 Topps Del Crandall RC – Estimated Value: $5,500+
The hometown kid from Milwaukee who had a long, successful career mostly with the Braves as their catcher. His early rookie card in the desirable ’59 design remains a must-have. Higher grade copies tend to be scarce since the entire ’59 set had print issues. A PSA 8 recently traded hands for over $5,500 proving there’s great demand for Del’s first cardboard.

1970 Topps Hank Aaron – Estimated Value: $5,000+
Released a year after Hammerin’ Hank had dethroned The Bambino, this eye-catching action shot reflects his status at the top. The 1970 design holds up well and higher grades can be found with patience. A spectacular near-mint PSA 9 recently got bids up to $5,400 before selling – watch for a Gem PSA 10 breaking new barriers down the road.

As more time passes, rarities become rarer and demand increases for cherished cards representing the heroes of our national pastime. For Atlanta Braves fans and collectors worldwide, iconic pieces depicting franchise legends like Aaron, Mathews, Spahn and more will only hold stronger significance in both appreciation and valuation. With so many golden years in the team’s history to reminisce, their classic cardboard keeps these noteworthy ballplayers enshrined forever.

OLD BRAVES BASEBALL CARDS

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The Atlanta Braves are one of the most storied franchises in Major League Baseball, with a history spanning over 140 years. The franchise originated in Boston in the late 1800s as the Boston Red Stockings before eventually becoming the Boston Braves. While the team has called multiple cities home since then, their rich history has been captured through baseball cards from each era. Some of the oldest and most valuable Braves cards date back to the early 1900s when the team was still located in Boston.

One of the earliest Braves cards still around from that period is the 1909-11 T206 Honus Wagner card featuring Boston pitcher Vic Willis. The card is part of the iconic T206 set issued between 1909-1911 that is widely considered the most valuable collection of baseball cards ever produced. Only 60 copies of the Vic Willis card from this set are known to exist today in various conditions. High grade examples can sell for well over $100,000 making it one of the most valuable Braves cards ever made. Other key Braves included in the historic T206 set are Rabbit Maranville, Bill James, Rabbit Lavagetto, and Toots Shor. While not as scarce or valuable as the Vic Willis card, high quality examples can still fetch thousands of dollars.

Through the 1910s and 20s, the Boston Braves roster was featured in several prominent tobacco card sets of the time including Hassan Triple Fold (1915), Dutch Masters Cigars (1915-17), Sporting News Baseball Cards (1914-1931), and more. Players often seen in these sets include Casey Stengel, Dave Bancroft, Baby Doll Jacobson, George Cutshaw, and manager Bill McKechnie. Condition is critical for these early 20th century Braves cards as they were mass produced on thin paper stock over 100 years ago. Even low grade examples can be quite valuable simply due to their immense historical significance.

When the Great Depression hit in the late 1920s and early 1930s, it took a big toll on the tobacco card industry. The Goudey Gum Company released sets in 1933 and 1934 that helped restart baseball card production. The 1933 Goudey set included Braves stars like Billy Jenkins, Johnny Vergez, Lefty O’Doul, and Guy Bush. High grades of these keys can sell for $1,000+ today. An even more iconic Braves card from the 1930s is the Johnny Vergez card from the rare 1935 Diamond Stars set. Only 30-40 are known to exist in all grades making it one of the true Holy Grails for Braves collectors.

After moving to Milwaukee in 1953, the Braves franchise was featured in several iconic 1950s Topps sets that built the modern baseball card collecting hobby. Stars like Hank Aaron, Eddie Mathews, Warren Spahn, and Red Schoendienst each have crucial rookie or early career cards from 1953 Topps or Bowman that are highlights for any collection. Topps continued dominance of the baseball card market through the 1960s saw legends like Joe Torre, Felipe Alou, and Donn Clendenon have affordable yet highly collectible cards produced. The 1969 Topps card of Hank Aaron surpassing Babe Ruth’s home run record remains an iconic snapshot of sports history captured in cardboard.

Fans in Atlanta got their first glimpse of the new home team after the Braves relocation in 1966. Topps, Fleer, and other major producers captured the inaugural season in Atlanta with affordable commons. Some harder to find promotional issues and oddities from that era have grown in prominence over the decades. The 1970s brought early stars like Dusty Baker, Gary Matthews, Gene Garber, and more greats with affordable issues from the era. Atlanta Stadium hosted many important events captured forever in players’ annual baseball card portraits through the decade until moving to their current home at Turner Field in 1997.

Decades of Braves franchise history has been beautifully encapsulated in cardboard going back over 100 years. From the rarest early tobacco issues in the T206 set to affordable modern rookie cards, Braves collectors have a deep pool of players, designs, and eras to explore. While six figure rarities certainly exist, there are affordable options across every period to enjoy appreciation of the Braves legendary past. The franchise’s roots in Boston and success in Milwaukee make for a truly historical collecting catalogue, expanded further by their popular modern dynasty years in Atlanta.

RARE BRAVES BASEBALL CARDS

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The Atlanta Braves franchise has a long and storied history dating back to their beginnings in the late 1800s. As one of the oldest franchises in baseball, the Braves have produced some truly legendary players and had many memorable moments over the decades. This franchise’s rich legacy has also translated into some exceptionally rare and valuable baseball cards that collectors prize dearly.

Some of the rarest and most valuable Braves cards ever produced feature stars from the early 20th century, when the team was still based in Boston. A legendary example is the iconic 1909-1911 T206 Honus Wagner card, widely considered the “Holy Grail” of baseball cards. Only around 50 copies of this ultra-rare Wagner card are known to exist today in varying conditions. In recent times, one mint condition example sold at auction for $3.12 million, setting a new record. While Wagner never actually played for the Braves, his scarce card from this iconic early 20th century tobacco era set remains a tremendously significant piece of baseball memorabilia.

Another very rare early Braves card is the 1914 Cracker Jack Nash card featuring legendary pitcher Dick Rudolph. Only a small handful of these cards are known to exist in collectors’ hands today. One was recently consigned by its owner and auctioned off for over $130,000, a new record price for this particular issue. Rudolph had a breakout season for the 1914 Boston Braves and made the All-Star team that year, making his card quite desirable for both Braves and vintage collectors alike.

Jumping ahead to the modern post-wartime era, one of the rarest Braves cards was issued in 1954 as part of the Topps baseball card set. The coveted ‘Ted Williams — 1952 All-Star’ photo variation card is one of the most scarce variations ever produced by Topps. Depicting Williams in an unusual close-up headshot instead of his usual Red Sox uniform, it is believed only 12-36 of these strange anomaly cards were ever printed by the company. In 2020, one received a record price of $468,000 in an online auction sale, showing just how rare and sought-after this peculiar issue remains.

Another ultra-high dollar Braves card comes from the late 1950s. The 1957 Topps Minnie Miñoso card, featuring the Cuban star in a Braves uniform during his lone year with the club, has consistently sold at auction in the $25,000+ range when highest graded examples become available. Miñoso was an elite player and one of the first Afro-Latin stars in the major leagues, making his scarce rookie card a tremendous find for any vintage baseball card collector.

Moving into the 1960s, one of the rarest regular baseball issues from the decade is the 1965 Topps Hank Aaron card. Picturing “Hammerin’ Hank” in action during the peak of his legendary career, higher graded specimens rarely trade hands but can fetch over $10,000 when they do surface on the secondary market. Aaron’s iconic career and revered status has cemented this issue as a must-have for any serious Braves collector.

The 1970s saw the arrival of the modern era of mass-produced baseball cards. Some scarce gems were still produced that hold immense value today. The highly coveted 1971 Topps N.L. Rookie Stars card which featured Braves young stars Hank Aaron and Dave Johnson on the same card in a dual image is considered by many to be one of the toughest cards to find in high grade from the entire decade. Just a few years later in 1974, the Kellogg’s 3-D baseball card set included another very rare Braves issue—an Eddie Mathews card that has sold at auction for up to $7,000 in pristine condition due to the player’s Hall of Fame career and the distinctive 3-D premium card format of the kellogg’s promotion.

In the 1980s, the heyday of the junk wax era saw massive production runs that made most issues from the decade relatively obtainable even today. One card stands above the rest as an especially scarce Braves gem — the coveted 1988 Mother’s Cookies Dale Murphy card. Only about 50 are believed to have been produced and distributed through this obscure local cookie promotion. Finding one in top condition is an incredibly rare happening. Just a few years ago, a PSA GEM MT 10 example brought an amazing $44,000 at auction, a record price for this obscure Atlanta issue and proof that scarcity still holds value even in the midst of the junk wax era flood.

Moving into the 1990s and 2000s, the advent of ultra-premium insert and parallel card sets produced some of the most valuable Braves pieces. Highlights include rare parallel printings like the 1997 Finest Refractor Andruw Jones, the 1998 Bowman’s Best Refractor Chipper Jones rookie, and the coveted 2001 Playoff Parallel Tom Glavine printing limited to only 100 copies. All command prices well into the thousands of dollars for high-grade specimens. The insert set boom of the late 90s/early 2000s also created such scarce Braves gems as the 1998 Playoff Prestige Cut Signature Andruw Jones /35 and the coveted 2001 Playoff Contenders Memorabilia Jersey Tom Glavine /10, both exponentially tough pulls that are museum piece finds today.

As one of the most historic franchises in baseball, it’s no surprise the Atlanta Braves have produced some truly rare and prized baseball cards over the decades that are absolute trophies for any collector. While supply and demand factors largely drive valuation in the hobby, the scarcity and significance attached to depictions of franchise icons like Aaron, Mathews, Jones, and others unquestionably cement certain Braves issues amongst the most desired pursuits in the collector community. With the team’s rich history spanning over a century of ups and downs, their rare vintage and modern card treasures are sure to retain tremendous value and interest from collectors for generations to come.

BOSTON BRAVES BASEBALL CARDS

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The Boston Braves franchise has a long and storied history in Major League Baseball. While the team has been located in other cities like Milwaukee and Atlanta for decades, their roots trace back to Boston in the late 19th century. As one of the oldest franchises in baseball, the Braves issued many collectible baseball cards during their time in Beantown.

When the modern baseball card era began in the late 1880s, the Boston Braves were already an established National League franchise. They had been founded in 1871 as the Boston Red Stockings and were one of the charter members of the NL in 1876. Some of the earliest baseball cards included images of Braves players from this era, though the cards are incredibly rare today in anything better than poor condition. Stars like Jim O’Rourke, King Kelly, and Jim Whitney appeared on tobacco cards in the 1880s and 1890s as the Braves developed one of baseball’s earliest fanbases in Boston.

In the early 20th century, the Boston Braves issued cards in several of the top sets of the time as the hobby grew rapidly. Players like Rabbit Maranville, Casey Stengel, and Dave Bancroft were featured on T206 White Border cards in the 1900s-1910s. These are some of the most iconic and valuable baseball cards ever made. The Braves were also represented in the popular Candy/Gum cards of the 1910s with stars like Baby Doll Jacobson and Dick Rudolph pictured. The team changed its primary uniform colors to red and blue in 1912, a change that was captured on many contemporary baseball cards.

The 1920s saw the Braves move into their new home park, Braves Field, which opened in South Boston in 1915. This decade produced many of the most visually striking and collectible Braves cards ever made. Stars of the late 1910s/early 1920s like Dave Bancroft, Dick Crutcher, and Rabbit Maranville appeared in the classic E90 and E92 sets produced by Excello. The cards featured vibrant colors and unique designs that remain fan favorites. The Braves also issued cards in the popular Baltimore News and Caramel sets of the early 1920s with images of future Hall of Famers like Burleigh Grimes and George Kelly.

The 1930s saw a new wave of talented players come through the Braves system, many of whom had lengthy MLB careers. Future Hall of Famers like Lefty O’Doul, Bill McKechnie, and Tommy Bridges were featured on cards in 1930s sets like Goudey and Play Ball. Stars of the late 1930s dynasty teams like Johnny Vergez, Lew Riggs, and Johnny Moore appeared on cards in sets like 1939 Play Ball. The Braves captured the National League pennant in 1914, 1915, 1918, and 1948 during their Boston years.

When World War II hit, the Braves roster was depleted as players went off to serve. But stars who remained like Dixie Walker, Lonny Frey, and Ernie Koy had their images preserved on cardboard in 1940s sets from Bowman and Leaf. The postwar Braves teams of the late 1940s featured future Hall of Famers like Warren Spahn, Bobby Thomson, and Johnny Sain. Their rookie cards from sets like 1948/1949 Leaf and Bowman are highly valuable today.

The Boston Braves franchise relocated to Milwaukee after the 1952 season, ending over 80 years of history in Beantown. But their legacy lives on through the countless baseball cards issued during their time in Boston. Ranging from the earliest tobacco cards to postwar gems, Braves cards capture the history and personalities that made the franchise a staple of the National League for decades. For collectors, Braves cards connect them to one of baseball’s oldest franchises and the unique era when they called historic Boston home.

ATLANTA BRAVES 1970 BASEBALL CARDS

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The 1970 Atlanta Braves baseball cards were issued during one of the most memorable seasons in franchise history. That year, the Braves won the National League West division title with an 81-78 record in their first season playing home games at Atlanta-Fulton County Stadium after relocating from Milwaukee.

Some key things to know about the 1970 Atlanta Braves baseball cards:

Design: The 1970 Topps set featured a simple yet classic design with a solid color background and team logo at the top. The Braves cards had a red background to match the team colors. Player photos were in focus with good contrast.

Roster: The set included cards for 27 members of the 1970 Atlanta Braves roster including starters and reserves. Some notable players featured were Hank Aaron, Orlando Cepeda, Rico Carty, Phil Niekro, and relief ace Dale Murphy.

Hank Aaron Chase: Hank Aaron’s chase of Babe Ruth’s all-time home run record was one of the biggest sports stories of 1970. His Topps card that year featured a photo of him taking a big swing with the simple caption “Aaron 713” referring to his career home run total at that point.

Orlando Cepeda: Acquired in a late 1969 trade, Cepeda had a monster season in 1970 winning the National League MVP award while batting .325 with 25 home runs and 99 RBI. His card highlighted his offensive prowess.

Rico Carty: Enjoying the best season of his career, Carty led the NL with a .366 batting average in 1970. His card depicted him following through on a pitch with his smooth left-handed swing.

Rookies: Two future Braves stars, outfielder Dave May and pitcher Buzz Capra, had rookie cards in the 1970 set as they began their MLB careers that season.

Managers: Both the Braves manager for 1970, Luman Harris, and former Braves/Milwaukee skipper Bobby Bragan who managed the team part of the 1969 season had manager cards in the set.

Stadium Photo: One of the Braves team cards in the set showed a photo of the brand new Atlanta-Fulton County Stadium which opened in 1966 and became the team’s home for over 30 seasons.

Popularity: Due to the Braves success and national interest in Hank Aaron’s chase of Ruth, the 1970 Topps Braves cards remain some of the most sought after and collectible from the franchise. High-grade examples in near-mint to mint condition can fetch hundreds of dollars today.

Highlights Revisited: The 1970 season was one of the most exciting in Braves history. They dueled the Cincinnati Reds for the NL West title down the stretch before winning on the final day of the season. Hank Aaron continued his assault on the home run record with 37 that year.

While the 1970 Braves fell in the NLCS to the eventual World Series champion Cincinnati Reds, their division title and strong season led to the issue of very memorable and and important baseball cards. They captured the excitement of that year and remain a highlight of the long and storied Topps baseball card series documenting the game. For collectors and fans of the franchise, the 1970 Atlanta Braves cards will always have a special significance in revisiting one of the most successful early seasons after the team’s move to Atlanta.

The 1970 Topps Atlanta Braves baseball cards are a fascinating piece of sports collectibles history. They memorialized the personalities and performances from that memorable season. For condition-sensitive collectors, high-grade 1970 Braves rookies, stars, and key cards remain both desirable and expensive given the historical context of that first postseason year in Atlanta. The simple yet effective design also makes them an aesthetically pleasing set to collect even decades later.

VALUABLE ATLANTA BRAVES BASEBALL CARDS

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The Atlanta Braves are one of the most storied franchises in Major League Baseball with a rich history dating back to their beginning as the Boston Braves in the early 20th century. Throughout their decades of existence, countless players have worn the Braves uniform and had their likeness immortalized on baseball cards. While most cards from the Braves’ past have little monetary value today outside of sentimental worth to diehard fans, there are certain rare and coveted cards that can fetch high prices on the collectibles market. Let’s take an in-depth look at some of the most valuable Atlanta Braves baseball cards that card collectors seek.

One of the most expensive Braves cards ever sold is the 1952 Topps Mickey Mantle RC. While Mantle never played for the Braves, this is one of the famous “Mickey Mantle Rookie Cards” produced in the 1952 Topps set that is the sports card Holy Grail. In near-mint condition, examples of this iconic card have sold for well over $1 million, shattering records. For dedicated Braves collectors, it’s a card to hope to perhaps own a lower-grade version of someday to commemorate one of the best players in MLB history.

Braves fans seeking uniquely Atlanta cards would be interested in stars from the team’s many past glory years. One such card is the 1969 Topps Hank Aaron, which captured Aaron during his record-breaking season when he passed Babe Ruth for the all-time home run crown. High-grade versions have sold for over $10,000. Aaron remains one of the franchise’s most beloved players, and his rookie card from 1954 is also quite valuable in top condition.

Chipper Jones had a Hall of Fame career entirely spent with the Braves dynasty of the 1990s-2000s. Two of his especially valuable rookie cards are the 1991 Upper Deck #1 Pick #59 and the 1991 Topps Traded baseball card #T136. Both captured Jones at the beginning of his journey to superstardom and have sold in the $1,000-5,000 range based on condition. His 2008 Topps baseball card autographed rookie may fetch over $10,000 signed.

Greg Maddux is considered one of the greatest pitchers ever and dominated for the Braves throughout the 1990s winning multiple Cy Young Awards. His 1987 Topps Traded rookie card is a highly coveted piece for Braves devotees, selling in the $500-2,000 range depending on quality. Authenticated signed versions can go for significantly more money. Maddux’s success helped the Braves win many championships too.

Tom Glavine was Maddux’s ace pitching partner who also enjoyed tremendous success with Atlanta. Like Maddux, the 1987 Topps Traded card featuring Glavine’s MLB rookie season is extremely valuable for dedicated Braves collectors. High-grade copies can sell for well over $1,000. Memorabilia cards containing game-worn jersey swatches or signed items for Glavine fetch prices in the 4-figure range or higher as well.

Moving deeper into the Braves farm system, collectors seek out cards of stars before they made their big league debuts. One such popular option is the 1990 Bowman Prospects Chipper Jones #58 card, which was one of the first to feature him as a top Atlanta prospect before his call-up. In mint condition this scarce card can sell for $1,000 or more. The 1988 Donruss Rookie Debut Tom Glavine #163 has also gained value over time reaching over $500 for pristine copies.

For fans wanting iconic cards featuring the franchise’s classic logos and uniforms, high-grade versions of the 1960 Topps Hank Aaron #130 card or the 1972 Topps Eddie Mathews #559 remain fairly attainable compared to modern players at $150-400 each. Fundamentally sound copies in higher grades climb significantly in price due to rarity and demand from vintage collectors.

While present day Braves stars like Freddie Freeman and Ronald Acuña Jr. have cards that will gain value as their careers progress, for the time being most modern issues are considered common and affordable outside of rare parallels, autographs or memorabilia cards. Collectors can still find deals on certified vintage gems celebrating the Braves’ famed alumni. Whether spending $10 or $10,000, assembling meaningful pieces from the team’s lengthy history makes for a truly special collection to enjoy and proudly display for years to come.

BEST BRAVES BASEBALL CARDS

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The Atlanta Braves are one of the most storied franchises in Major League Baseball with a rich history dating back to their beginnings in Boston in the late 1800s. As one of the oldest teams in MLB, the Braves have produced many legendary players over the decades that have been immortalized on some truly iconic and valuable baseball cards. For collectors looking to build the ultimate Braves collection or simply learn about some of the best players to suit up for the team, here’s a breakdown of some of the most coveted and expensive Braves cards on the hobby.

Perhaps the holy grail of all Braves cards is the legendary 1909-11 T206 Honus Wagner card, one of the rarest and most valuable trading cards ever produced. While Wagner spent just one season playing for the Boston Doves in 1914 near the end of his Hall of Fame career, his inclusion in the famed T206 set as a member of the Pirates makes this one of the most sought-after Braves cards. In pristine condition, examples have sold for well over $1 million at auction.

Another incredibly rare early Braves card is the 1915 Cracker Jack Eddie Plank card. Plank pitched just two seasons for the Braves late in his career but his inclusion in the popular Cracker Jack set makes this one of the key cards for collectors looking to build a complete Braves vintage set. Graded examples in top condition have reached over $100,000 at auction in recent years.

Moving into the modern era, one of the most iconic Braves cards remains the 1955 Topps Hank Aaron rookie card. As arguably the greatest Brave of all-time and one of baseball’s true legends, Aaron’s rookie card is a staple of any collection. High-grade Aaron rookies in a PSA/BGS 10 gem mint condition have reached upwards of $100,000 at auction. Another Aaron card that fetches big money is his 1974 Topps card, the year he broke Babe Ruth’s all-time home run record. Pristine ’74 Aaron’s can approach $10,000.

Chipper Jones’ rookie card from 1991 Fleer is also a highly sought-after Braves card. As one of the franchise’s most beloved players who spent his entire Hall of Fame career in Atlanta, Jones’ rookie is a key piece of any Braves PC. PSA/BGS 10 graded examples have reached over $5,000 at auction. His 1999 Topps Finest Refractor parallel /150 is also an incredibly rare and valuable parallel card, regularly commanding over $1,000 for high-end examples.

From the pitching side, one of the best Braves cards remains Greg Maddux’s dominant run with the team in the 1990s. His 1992 Bowman rookie card as well as his dominant 1994 season where he won the first of his 4 straight Cy Young Awards are highly valuable. PSA/BGS 10 graded versions of Maddux’s ’92 rookie have reached $3,000+, while pristine ’94 Topps and Finest parallels can approach $1,000.

Tom Glavine, Maddux’s longtime battery mate, also has some incredibly valuable Braves cards from his Hall of Fame career. His 1984 Topps Traded rookie card as well as his dominant seasons of 1991, 1998 (20 wins) and 2000 (NLCS MVP) produce cards that can reach $500-1000 in top grades. Glavine’s rare 1998 Stadium Club Chrome Refractor parallel /299 is truly one of the crown jewels for Braves collectors, valued well over $1,000 in high-end condition.

From the post-millennium Braves dynasty, some valuable cards include Javy Lopez’s 1997 Bowman’s Best Chrome Refractor rookie, which has reached $500+ in top grades. Andrelton Simmons’ 2012 Bowman Chrome Refractor rookie is also highly sought after by Braves collectors, valued near $300 for pristine examples. Freddie Freeman’s rookie cards from 2010 Topps and Bowman Sterling have also held strong value near $100 for top-graded versions.

For the ultimate Braves collection, vintage cards like Wagner, Plank and early Aaron are true holy grails that will cost collectors thousands or even hundreds of thousands. But there are also plenty of affordable modern options like Maddux, Glavine, Jones, Freeman and others that can be found for under $100 to build an impressive collection paying tribute to some of the franchise’s greatest players. With over a century of history, the Braves have produced countless iconic cards that any serious collector would be proud to showcase.