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BASEBALL’s FAMOUS FEATS CARDS 1972

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In 1972, Topps released its most iconic baseball card set yet, featuring some of the most impressive baseball feats ever achieved on individual cards. Known as the “Famous Feats” subset, these 11 cards commemorated record-breaking performances and milestone accomplishments. At a time when baseball card sets typically only included a player’s picture and stats from the previous season, the Famous Feats cards took things to another level by dedicating entire trading cards to single amazing plays, games, or seasons.

The cards covered feats from the 19th century up to the early 1970s. Each card featured a dramatic photo related to the feat as well as descriptive text detailing what made it so remarkable. These cards captured the essence of why these historic baseball moments are still discussed today. For collectors and fans of the time, the Famous Feats cards brought these legendary performances to life and celebrated the incredible athletic achievements of some of baseball’s greatest stars.

Perhaps the most famous card of the set was #1, honoring Joe DiMaggio’s 56-game hitting streak of 1941. That season, DiMaggio hit safely in 56 consecutive games, a record that still stands today. The card featured a photo of DiMaggio batting and text that read: “In 1941, Joe DiMaggio set a record that may stand forever by getting at least one base hit in 56 consecutive major league games.”

Another eye-popping feat was card #2, commemorating Mickey Mantle’s 500-foot home run in 1953. While playing for the Yankees at Griffith Stadium in Washington D.C., Mantle launched a ball completely out of the stadium, a feat estimated to have traveled over 500 feet. The card showed Mantle rounding the bases with the caption: “In 1953, Mickey Mantle of the New York Yankees hit one of the longest home runs in history, a shot estimated at over 500 feet, out of old Griffith Stadium in Washington, D.C.”

Nolan Ryan’s record 383 strikeouts in a single season in 1973 was the subject of card #3. Ryan, then with the California Angels, dominated hitters that year and broke Sandy Koufax’s previous record of 382 Ks. The card featured Ryan mid-windup and the text highlighted how he “shattered the modern major league record with 383 strikeouts.”

Card #4 paid tribute to Roger Maris’ 61 home runs in 1961, breaking Babe Ruth’s longstanding single season record of 60. The photo showed Maris rounding the bases after homer #61 with a caption celebrating how he “broke Babe Ruth’s 37-year-old record by hitting 61 home runs in 1961.” This was one of baseball’s most hallowed records at the time.

Other remarkable feats chronicled in the set included Ty Cobb’s 1910 season where he batted .385 (#5), Cy Young’s 511 career wins (#6), Nap Lajoie’s .426 batting average in 1901 (#7), Josh Gibson’s estimated 800 career home runs in the Negro Leagues (#8), Honus Wagner’s .331 career batting average (#9), Cap Anson’s 3,435 career hits (#10), and Cy Young’s perfect game in 1904 (#11).

The Famous Feats cards were a trailblazing concept that brought to life baseball’s most astonishing single-game and career accomplishments. They celebrated iconic players, records, and milestones in a visually compelling way. The set was a huge hit with collectors, showcasing why these feats were so remarkable and cementing them as some of the most incredible performances in baseball history. Even today, the Famous Feats cards from 1972 remain a highly coveted and valuable subset that any serious baseball card collector seeks to obtain. They were baseball cards unlike anything seen before, immortalizing the sport’s most outstanding individual achievements in a way that has endured for generations of fans.

FAMOUS BASEBALL CARDS

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Baseball cards have been popular collectibles since the late 19th century, with some of the early cards becoming extremely valuable over time. Cards from the early 20th century featuring legendary players who helped popularize and professionalize the sport of baseball are among the most famous and sought after in the hobby. Here are some of the most notable baseball cards that any serious collector hopes to find in their collection.

1909-11 T206 White Border – The holy grail of baseball cards is generally considered to be the 1909-11 T206 White Border Honus Wagner. Produced by the American Tobacco Company, fewer than 60 examples are known to exist today in collectible condition. What makes the Wagner so rare is that the player refused to endorse tobacco products, so his card was pulled early and fewer made their way into circulation. High grade examples have sold at auction for over $3 million. Other notable stars featured on the T206 set include Ty Cobb, Cy Young, and Walter Johnson.

1914 Cracker Jack – Introduced as an insert in Cracker Jack boxes, the 1914 Cracker Jack baseball cards featured a variety of major and minor league players. Perhaps the most significant card is the Babe Ruth rookie from 1914, as the Sultan of Swat had just started his career with the Boston Red Sox. Only an estimated 50-100 examples are known to exist, making this one of the key early Ruth cards. Graded examples in high grades have cracked the $1 million mark at auction.

1933 Goudey – The first modern mass produced set, the 1933 Goudey baseball card set featured photos on the front and stats on the back. Highlights include Babe Ruth and Lou Gehrig, but the true star is the one-of-a-kind “Mecca Double Print” error card which features two images of Jimmie Foxx. Only one is known to exist and it holds the record for the highest price paid for a single card at $2.8 million. Other key Goudey rookies are Dizzy Dean and Bill Dickey.

1948 Leaf – The post-WWII Leaf set is perhaps best known for the Mickey Mantle rookie card, one of the most significant cards in the hobby. Mantle went on to have a Hall of Fame career with the New York Yankees and is still one of the most popular players ever. High grade Mantle rookies have exceeded $2 million at auction. The 1948 Leaf set also featured other future stars like Jackie Robinson, Roy Campanella, and Whitey Ford.

1952 Topps – Generally considered the most famous set in baseball card history, the 1952 Topps issue introduced the modern cardboard format still used today. Iconic photos like Mickey Mantle’s exaggerated follow-through swing and Willie Mays’ famous basket catch graced the fronts of these cards. Top rookies included Mays, Hank Aaron, and Roberto Clemente. In high grades, complete sets have sold for over $1 million. Individual key cards can reach six figures as well.

1956 Topps – While the ’52 set may be more famous, the ’56 Topps issue featured the true rookie cards of future Hall of Famers like Sandy Koufax, Bob Gibson, and Don Drysdale. Koufax’s iconic windup photograph makes his one of the most visually stunning cards ever produced. In high grades, a Koufax rookie has sold for over $250,000. The ’56 set is also notable for the error card featuring Mickey Mantle without a cap, only two of which are known.

1957 Topps – Often considered the “holy grail” of complete vintage sets much like the T206 Wagner is for a single card. The ’57 Topps set introduced the modern design that would be used for decades, with team logo on the left and player photo on right. The true stars are the rookie cards of future all-time greats like Hank Aaron, Frank Robinson, and Billy Williams. In pristine condition, a ’57 Topps set recently set the record for highest price paid for a complete set at $2.88 million.

There are numerous other notable and valuable baseball cards produced over the decades in the 20th century as the hobby boomed. These represent some of the most iconic issues, players, and single cards that continue to captivate collectors today. With the combination of star players, historical significance, rarity, and aesthetics, these cards will likely remain the pinnacles of the baseball card collecting world.

BASEBALLS FAMOUS FEATS CARDS

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Baseball cards have long been a staple of the sport, documenting players, teams, statistics and more. Some cards stand out more than others by highlighting truly remarkable accomplishments on the diamond. These “famous feats” cards celebrate some of the most impressive single-game, single-season and career achievements in the history of Major League Baseball.

Some of the earliest famous feats cards date back to the 1930s and 1940s, when companies like Goudey and Play Ball began issuing sets dedicated to individual players’ standout performances. One of the first was a 1937 Goudey card honoring Lou Gehrig’s streak of 2,130 consecutive games played, a record that still stands today. Other early feats cards recognized Babe Ruth’s 60 home runs in 1927 as well as his career home run record.

In the post-World War II era, Bowman and Topps released sets focused on single-season and career milestones. The 1951 Bowman set included cards for Joe DiMaggio’s 56-game hitting streak in 1941 and Ted Williams’ batting average titles of .406 in 1941 and .388 in 1957. Topps’ 1959 release highlighted career numbers like Willie Mays’ over 600 career stolen bases and Hank Aaron’s over 500 career home runs at that point.

The 1960s saw some truly monumental accomplishments that earned their own famous feats cards. Topps issued singles for Roger Maris’ 61 home runs in 1961, breaking Babe Ruth’s 34-year-old single-season record. They also produced cards for Sandy Koufax’s four no-hitters between 1962-1965. Fleer highlighted Roberto Clemente’s 3,000th hit in 1972 shortly before his tragic death. These remain some of the most iconic famous feats cards ever made due to the historical significance of the records broken.

In the 1970s, new sets continued to pay tribute to major milestones. A 1974 Topps card honored Hank Aaron for passing Babe Ruth’s all-time RBI record. Topps’ 1976 release included a card for Nolan Ryan’s 5,000th career strikeout. The 1980s saw cards made for Rickey Henderson’s single-season stolen base record of 130 in 1982 as well as his all-time stolen base record. Don Mattingly’s 1987 season where he hit .343 with 35 home runs and 145 RBI earned him inclusion too.

As individual player accomplishments grew even more impressive in the 1990s and 2000s, so did the associated famous feats cards. Cal Ripken Jr. received multiple cards for breaking Lou Gehrig’s consecutive games played streak in 1995 and career games played record in 1998. Sammy Sosa’s 66 home runs in 1998 to pass Maris’ single-season mark was also celebrated. Cards were cut upon Derek Jeter breaking Gehrig and Ripken’s career games played record in 2014 as well as his 3,000th hit in 2011. Mariano Rivera’s career saves record from 2006-2013 netted the reliever several famous feats cards too.

Today’s famous feats cards continue to pay homage to the new single-season, career and all-time records being set. In 2007, Alex Rodriguez received a card for his 500th career home run. In 2016, Ichiro Suzuki’s 4,257th career hit passed Pete Rose’s all-time record and earned Ichiro recognition. Albert Pujols’ 600th career home run in 2017 and 3,000th career hit in 2018 each merited famous feats cards as well. As long as baseball keeps being played and new milestones are reached, card companies will undoubtedly create modern tributes to these legendary achievements through new famous feats cards.

From Babe Ruth to Barry Bonds, Lou Gehrig to Cal Ripken Jr., the names enshrined on baseball’s most noteworthy famous feats cards read like a who’s who of the sport’s all-time greats. More than just documentation of statistics, these specialized cards act as a permanent celebration for the most impressive records and single-game, season or career-defining performances in MLB history. They represent some of the pinnacle accomplishments that players and fans alike can appreciate for generations to come. Baseball’s famous feats cards stand as a visual reminder of the immortal feats that have shaped the game for over 100 years.

FAMOUS FEATS BASEBALL CARDS 1980

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The 1980s were a transformative decade for baseball cards. While the hobby had been around since the late 1800s, it was in the 1980s that it truly exploded in popularity. Several high-profile rookie cards were released during this decade that would go on to become some of the most valuable cards ever printed. This was also when the modern baseball card industry began to take shape, with companies like Topps, Fleer, and Donruss vying for licensing deals and collectors.

Perhaps the most famous rookie card from the 1980s is the 1979 Topps Traded Ken Griffey Jr. card. Widely considered one of, if not the most, valuable baseball cards ever made, a PSA 10 graded Griffey Jr. rookie recently sold at auction for over $300,000. Griffey was already generating buzz in the minors and this served as card collectors’ first glimpse of the future Hall of Famer. Its rarity, Griffey’s iconic status, and the card’s flawless aesthetic design all contribute to its immense worth today.

Another hugely valuable 1980s rookie is the 1984 Topps Traded Jose Canseco. Canseco helped usher in the “steroid era” and was the first 40-40 player. His rookie card also stands out for its photo, which depicts Canseco flexing his muscular physique. High grade Canseco rookies have sold for over $100,000. Like Griffey, Canseco went on to have a huge major league career and his rookie card remains a crown jewel for collectors.

The 1988 Score Ken Griffey Jr. rookie card is another seminal piece from the decade. While not quite as rare as the 1979, the 1988 marked Griffey’s true rookie season debut. Its photo of a young, grinning Griffey also exemplifies the player’s charm and talent. In high grades, the 1988 Griffey has reached the $10,000-20,000 range at auction. For collectors who couldn’t afford the ultra-expensive ’79, the 1988 served as an affordable alternative to own an early Griffey.

The 1986 Topps Mark McGwire rookie is another defining 1980s card. McGwire smashed the single season home run record in 1998 and this early issue established him as a can’t-miss prospect. High grade ’86 McGwires have sold for over $15,000, a true testament to his eventual superstardom. Like Griffey and Canseco, McGwire’s prodigious power made him a collector favorite from the very beginning.

The rise of Michael Jordan also had a major influence on the baseball card market during this era. After Jordan’s 1984-85 Fleer rookie basketball cards skyrocketed in value, collectors became infatuated with identifying the next breakout star early on. This fueled intense demand for the rookie cards of promising young players, like Griffey, Canseco, and McGwire. It also led to more speculative investing in cards and created a highly competitive marketplace.

In addition to coveted rookies, stars of the 1980s like Don Mattingly, Wade Boggs, and Ozzie Smith had popular flagship rookie issues that have endured extremely well. Mattingly’s iconic 1984 Topps design regularly commands four-figure prices in high grades. Boggs’ 1981 Topps rookie is highly regarded for its subject matter and surface quality. Ozzie Smith’s 1978 Topps is considered a classic by collectors for its innovative action shot. Each of these cards established legends at the start of their careers.

The 1980s also marked the rise of the modern sports card industry. Previously, Topps had mostly dominated baseball cards since the 1950s. But in 1981, Fleer obtained an MLB license and produced the first modern competitor set. This began an era of competition that expanded product lines and drove innovation. Donruss entered the scene in 1981 as well. The ’80s saw the introduction of oddball issues from brands like Leaf and Score. Upper Deck’s 1989 debut revolutionized quality control and design.

The 1980s was a seminal period that shaped the baseball card collecting world as we know it today. Rookie cards of future Hall of Famers like Griffey, Canseco, and McGwire took on outsized importance. Established legends like Mattingly and Boggs also had defining early issues. The rise of competition expanded the market tremendously. Cards from this era remain some of the most coveted and financially valuable in the history of the hobby. The seeds planted during the 1980s boom continue to influence collectors decades later.

BASEBALL’s FAMOUS FEATS CARDS

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Baseball cards have long been a staple of the sport, allowing fans to collect images and statistics of their favorite players. While the typical baseball card provides a visual snapshot of an athlete alongside their career numbers, some stand out by commemorating truly remarkable accomplishments on the diamond. These so-called “feats cards” honor some of the most impressive single-game and single-season performances in baseball history.

One of the earliest and most iconic feats cards was issued in 1974 by Topps to celebrate Hank Aaron breaking Babe Ruth’s all-time home run record. That season, Aaron launched his 715th career home run on April 8th, surpassing the hallowed mark that had stood for over 30 years. Topps rushed out a special card to acknowledge the historic moment, featuring a photo of Aaron rounding the bases after the home run with a caption reading “715 & ALL TIME HOME RUN KING.” The Aaron feats card is one of the most valuable from the 1970s due to how quickly it immortalized one of the true crowning achievements in baseball.

In 1987, Topps paid tribute to two pitching performances for the ages with dedicated feats cards. One honored Don Larsen’s perfect game for the New York Yankees in Game 5 of the 1956 World Series. Larsen struck out every Baltimore Oriole batter he faced that October afternoon, becoming the only pitcher to complete a perfect game in World Series history. The other 1987 feats card recognized Roger Clemens’ record-tying 20 strikeout game for the Boston Red Sox against the Seattle Mariners on April 29, 1986. Clemens matched the single-game K mark set by the Cubs’ Karl Spooner in 1954. Both feats cards captured the pitcher on the mound with captions emphasizing the unprecedented pitching dominance they achieved.

In the modern era, feats cards have continued to surface whenever a truly extraordinary statistical barrier is broken. When Barry Bonds smashed the single-season home run record with 73 in 2001, Topps rushed out a special card. It featured Bonds rounding third base after one of his prodigious blasts with text reading “73 HOME RUNS – SINGLE SEASON RECORD.” Similarly, when Mark McGwire and Sammy Sosa dueled for the home run crown that same year, Topps issued a dual feats card showcasing them side by side with “70+ HOME RUNS” in bold. Their epic chase captivated the nation and eclipsed Roger Maris’ previous standard of 61 set in 1961.

In 2007, Topps commemorated David Ortiz smashing the Boston Red Sox single-season home run record. Big Papi launched 54 homers that year to surpass the franchise mark of 54 set by Jimmie Foxx in 1938. Ortiz’s feats card depicted him rounding the bases with the caption “54 HOME RUNS – RED SOX SINGLE SEASON RECORD.” When Miguel Cabrera became just the seventh player to achieve the Triple Crown in 2012 by leading the American League in batting average, home runs, and RBI, Upper Deck issued a special card in his honor as well.

Some feats cards have even recognized truly bizarre and unprecedented events. In 1988, Topps issued a card for the only “immaculate inning” in MLB history pitched by Tom Browning of the Reds on September 11, 1988 against the Los Angeles Dodgers. In that inning, Browning struck out the side on just nine pitches. The feats card showed Browning on the mound with the caption “IMMACULATE INNING – 9 PITCHES, 3 STRIKEOUTS.” In 1991, Topps also produced a card for Joe Carter’s walk-off World Series home run for the Toronto Blue Jays, immortalizing one of the most dramatic championship-clinching moments in history.

While feats cards are not produced for every record-breaking performance or notable achievement, the most exceptional statistical milestones and one-of-a-kind baseball feats tend to be commemorated through these special limited print cards. They allow collectors to tangibly hold history in their hands and preserve some of the sport’s most indelible individual moments for posterity. Feats cards remind us that behind every hallowed number resides a tale of remarkable athletic accomplishment worthy of remembrance.

FAMOUS BASEBALL PLAYERS CARDS

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Baseball cards have been around for over 150 years and have grown to become an iconic part of American culture and the baseball experience. Collecting and trading baseball cards is a beloved hobby for both casual fans and serious collectors. Some of the most famous and valuable baseball cards feature all-time great players who have left an indelible mark on the game. Here is an in-depth look at some of the most famous and valuable baseball cards featuring legendary players throughout history.

Honus Wagner – The Holy Grail of Baseball Cards

The most famous and valuable baseball card of all time is undoubtedly the 1909-11 T206 Honus Wagner card. Produced by the American Tobacco Company between 1909-1911, it is one of the rarest cards in existence with only 50-200 known to still exist today in various conditions. What makes this card so iconic and valuable is the story behind it. Wagner, who played for the Pittsburgh Pirates from 1900-1917, was one of the first true baseball superstars. He had banned tobacco products and requested his card be pulled before it was widely distributed. As a result, far fewer of his card made it into circulation compared to others featured in the set. This rarity has driven values of high grade examples of this card into the millions. In 2021, a PSA NM-MT 8 example sold for $6.6 million, setting a new record for most expensive trading card ever sold. No other card commands the same cache and mystique as Wagner’s elusive T206.

Mickey Mantle – The Commerce Comet

One of the most prolific sluggers and beloved Yankees of all time, Mickey Mantle, is featured prominently across several classic 1950s and 1960s card sets like Topps and Bowman. One of his standout rookie cards is the 1951 Bowman Mantle PSA 1. It is regarded as one of the key vintage cards for any serious collector. Mantle burst onto the scene in 1951 as a 19-year-old and had one of the greatest rookie seasons in baseball history, winning the AL Rookie of the Year. His iconic swinging stance and boyish good looks made him a superstar. The 1951 Bowman Mantle captured him at the very start of his Hall of Fame career playing for the Yankees. High grade examples in the PSA 8-10 range now sell for well over $100,000 due to its key rookie card status of one of the game’s all-time great sluggers who won 3 AL MVPs.

Babe Ruth – The Bambino

When discussing the all-time pantheon of baseball legends, Babe Ruth is undoubtedly near or at the very top of most lists. “The Bambino” completely changed the game in the 1920s with his home run prowess after transitioning from a star pitcher. He appeared across several early 20th century tobacco era sets like the 1914 Cracker Jack, but one of his most famous and valuable singles is the 1914 Baltimore News Babe Ruth card. This pre-fame card captured Ruth as a promising young pitcher for the Red Sox before his record shattering home run totals. The rarity of this early single card of Ruth makes high grade examples extremely valuable. In 2021, a PSA 5 sold for over $240,000, showing the strong demand for a key early Ruth rookie type card before he became the legendary “Sultan of Swat.”

Shoeless Joe Jackson – The Black Betsy Whammy

One of the most controversial figures in baseball history is Shoeless Joe Jackson due to his alleged involvement in the infamous 1919 Black Sox Scandal where members of the Chicago White Sox were accused of throwing the World Series. There is no disputing Jackson’s incredible on-field talents as a hitter during his prime years with the White Sox and Indians in the early 1900s. A standout card is his 1909 E90 Allen & Ginter card which features a true “action shot” style photo of Jackson swinging a bat. Only a small number of the E90 set were produced, making high quality examples quite rare. Graded examples in the PSA 5-8 range now sell for five figures or more due to Jackson’s legendary status and the rarity of well-preserved early 20th century tobacco era cards. For collectors fascinated by baseball’s history, a graded Jackson card is a true treasure.

Sandy Koufax – Lefty of Legend

As one of the most dominant pitchers in baseball history for the Los Angeles Dodgers in the 1960s, Sandy Koufax is a legend for his blistering fastball and devastating curveball. He had a career cut short due to arthritis, but not before winning 3 Cy Young Awards and a record 4 ERA titles. One of his most famous rookie cards is the 1955 Topps #161 Sandy Koufax. It captured him at the beginning of his stellar 12 year career where he won 165 games and struck out 2,396 batters. With his rookie season taking place in 1955 for the then-Brooklyn Dodgers, the 1955 Topps set is highly regarded by collectors. PSA 9 or 10 examples of Koufax’s iconic rookie card now sell for over $10,000 due to his legendary status and the quality of the photograph and production of this vintage issue.

Nolan Ryan – The Ryan Express

No pitcher in baseball history threw harder or had more raw “stuff” on the mound than Nolan Ryan who holds the all-time records for strikeouts and no-hitters. While he had several iconic cards produced during his 27 year MLB career spent with five different teams, one of his most famous rookie issues is the 1966 Topps #532 Nolan Ryan. It captured the flame-throwing righty at the very start of his journey to baseball immortality during his second season with the New York Mets. High quality PSA 8-10 examples now sell for over $1,000 due to Ryan’s hallowed status in the game and the key rookie card factor. For collectors seeking an affordable card from one of the most intimidating pitchers to ever toe the rubber, this 1966 Topps Nolan Ryan is a great addition to any collection.

Ken Griffey Jr. – The Kid

As one of the most complete five-tool players of the 1990s and early 2000s, Ken Griffey Jr. was a once-in-a-generation talent who seemed destined for greatness from a young age. One of his most iconic early cards is the 1989 Upper Deck Griffey Jr. rookie card. It captured him at the very start of his Hall of Fame career playing centerfield for the Seattle Mariners. With its high quality production and photo of a young Griffey, it became one of the most sought-after and valuable modern rookie cards. PSA 10 examples now sell for over $10,000 due to Griffey’s status as a fan favorite and one of the game’s all-time great sluggers. For collectors seeking a true star of the modern era in pristine condition, this 1989 Upper Deck Griffey Jr. rookie is a standout addition.

Collecting famous vintage and modern baseball cards of legends like Wagner, Mantle, Ruth, Jackson, Koufax, Ryan, and Griffey is a beloved hobby that connects fans to the rich history and traditions of America’s pastime. While the rarest and highest graded examples of these iconic cards now sell for thousands or even millions, there is a card and a player for every budget that allows collectors to celebrate their favorite stars. With care and preservation, these cardboard pieces of history can be enjoyed and passed down for generations to come.

FAMOUS BASEBALL ERROR CARDS

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Baseball cards have long captured moments from the game, both accomplishments as well as mistakes. While error cards are not the most sought after, they do provide a unique snapshot into baseball history. Some of the most notable error cards include:

1953 Topps Mickey Mantle (#91) – One of the rarest and most valuable baseball cards ever printed, the 1953 Topps Mantle features an upside down photo of the Yankee great. Only a small number were printed this way before the error was caught, making this one of the most iconic error cards. In pristine condition, an upside down Mantle card can fetch over $100,000 at auction.

1956 Topps Willie Mays (#258) – Like the Mantle error, only a small number of 1956 Topps Mays cards were printed with the photo upside down before the mistake was caught. Considered nearly as rare as the Mantle, high grade examples can sell for $50,000 or more. Both the Mantle and Mays errors are must-have pieces for serious error card collectors.

1957 Topps Hank Aaron (#253) – This card stands out not just for Aaron’s image being reversed left-to-right, but also because the text under his name is truncated. Only a small subset of the 1957 Aaron cards were printed this way before the dual errors were addressed. In top condition it can sell for over $10,000, showing the scarcity even of lesser-known errors.

1962 Topps Maury Wills (#537) – A more common error, but still notable for capturing an on-field mistake. Wills’ photo shows him in a Dodgers uniform, but the back identifies him as a member of the Pittsburgh Pirates. Wills was famously traded mid-season in 1962, leading to the card mismatch. Still sells for a few hundred dollars in high grade.

1973 Topps Johnny Bench (#640) – One of the most dramatic error cards due to a missing image, the 1973 Bench has blank white space where his photo should be. Topps has stated only 10 were mistakenly printed this way before being caught. Currently the record sale price is over $50,000 in pristine condition, a true holy grail for collectors.

1974 Topps Hank Aaron (#70) – A strikingly obvious error where Aaron’s head is miscut off the top of the card. Topps has said only a handful slipped through with this mistake. Even well-centered examples in good condition can sell for $1,000 due to the visual impact of the error.

1982 Donruss Cal Ripken Jr. (#481) – Ripken’s photo is noticeably cropped on this early Donruss issue. While a relatively common error, it was an early capture of a superstar before his amazing consecutive games streak. High grades have sold for $500 due to Ripken’s popularity.

1986 Fleer Bill Buckner (#377) – Infamously shows Buckner committing his infamous error at first base for the Red Sox in Game 6 of the 1986 World Series. Considered one of the most iconic modern sports error cards. Low pop numbers and high demand mean gem mint copies sell for $3,000+.

1991 Upper Deck Ken Griffey Jr. (#1) – Griffey’s rookie card was printed with his first name misspelled as “Ken Jr.” on some copies before Upper Deck caught and fixed the mistake. High grades in pristine condition have sold for over $10,000, showing the card’s significance.

1995 Select Derek Jeter (#84) – Jeter’s photo is noticeably missing from this rookie issue of Select. The manufacturer stated only a small number were mistakenly printed without the image before being fixed. Near-perfect condition copies have sold for $7,500.

2000 Topps Alex Rodriguez (#123) – A-Rod is shown in a Mariners uniform on the front, but the back identifies him as a member of the Rangers, reflecting his trade midway through the 1999 season. Considered one of the more iconic modern-day error cards.

While not all are equal in rarity or demand, these error cards represent unintended snapshots from baseball’s history. They are prized by collectors not just for historical significance, but also the scarcity introduced by the production mistakes. As long as the hobby endures, fascinating flubs like these will continue to captivate enthusiasts.

FAMOUS BASEBALL CARDS FROM THE 1980’s

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The 1980s were a transformative decade for baseball cards. Following a lull in the 1970s, the baseball card hobby exploded in popularity again thanks to the rise of star players like Rickey Henderson, Wade Boggs, and Roger Clemens. Card companies produced cards at unprecedented levels to meet demand. Several iconic rookie cards from the decade have become extremely valuable as a result.

Perhaps the most famous and valuable baseball card from the 1980s is the rookie card of Cincinnati Reds star pitcher Joe Charboneau, known as “The Kid.” Charboneau had a phenomenal rookie season in 1980, batting .289 with 23 home runs and 87 RBIs to win the American League Rookie of the Year award. His career was short-lived due to injuries. Still, his 1980 Topps rookie card, featuring him swinging a bat with a bright smile, became one of the defining cards of the decade. In near-mint condition, the Charboneau rookie now fetches thousands of dollars due to its rarity and his status as a true “one-hit wonder.”

Another hugely valuable rookie card is Fernando Valenzuela’s 1981 Topps card. “Fernandomania” swept Los Angeles in 1981 as the Mexican rookie pitcher for the Dodgers went 13-7 with a 2.48 ERA in 25 starts, winning Rookie of the Year and the Cy Young Award. His smiling rookie card features him in a Dodgers cap. High-grade versions can sell for over $10,000 today. Valenzuela went on to have a solid 17-year career but never matched the dominance of his rookie season, making his rookie card that much more coveted.

The rookie cards of skateboarding superstars Tony Hawk from 1984 Fleer and Lance Armstrong from 1991 Upper Deck also gained fame and value from the athletes’ success in other sports. Hawk became a legendary pro skater while Armstrong won a record seven Tour de France titles after overcoming testicular cancer. High-grade versions of their obscure baseball rookie cards can sell for thousands.

Two of the most iconic baseball cards of any decade were released in 1987 – the rookie cards of Ken Griffey Jr. from Upper Deck and Barry Bonds from Topps. Griffey became one of the great five-tool players and fan favorites of all-time while Bonds shattered home run records. PSA 10 versions of their near-perfect rookie cards have sold at auction for over $100,000. The Griffey and Bonds rookies came to define the end of the 1980s boom and remain two of the most valuable modern-era cards ever produced.

Other notable high-dollar 1980s rookie cards include Darryl Strawberry’s 1983 Topps card, Roger Clemens’ 1984 Topps card, Cal Ripken Jr.’s 1981 Topps card, Wade Boggs’ 1982 Topps Traded card, and Ozzie Smith’s 1979 Topps card. Ripken’s and Smith’s rookie cards from the late 1970s gained tremendous value as their careers progressed through the 1980s. Strawberry, Clemens, and Boggs went on to Hall of Fame careers.

The rise of stars in the latter half of the 1980s also produced some iconic base cards that hold value today. Donruss released Michael Jordan’s first baseball card in 1984. In 1986, Topps issued its iconic boxed set featuring player portraits with their stats and positions on a color panel behind them. The same year, Fleer released its “winged” logo design that became a fan favorite.

Two of the most visually striking card designs of the decade came in 1987 and 1989 from Score. The 1987 Traded set featured dramatic action photos of players with their names embossed in a foil-like lettering over the images. In 1989, Score issued dramatic close-up headshot portraits surrounded by team colors and logos. Both sets are still widely collected today for their innovative designs as much as the included stars like Bo Jackson, Kirby Puckett, and Nolan Ryan.

The 1980s were truly the “golden age” of baseball cards in terms of production volume, player popularity, and subsequent collectability and value among the stars of the era. Rookie cards of players who went on to the Hall of Fame like Griffey, Bonds, Ripken, and others are now truly rare and valuable pieces of memorabilia from one of the hobby’s most iconic decades.

FAMOUS BASEBALL CARDS PRICES

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Baseball cards have been popular collectibles for over a century, with some of the earliest and rarest cards fetching millions of dollars at auction in recent years. Whether it’s iconic rookie cards of legends like Mickey Mantle and Mike Trout or unique misprints and errors, the most valuable baseball cards in existence can sell for extraordinary prices.

One of the most famous and expensive baseball cards ever sold is the 1909-11 T206 Honus Wagner card, considered the rarest and most coveted card in the hobby. In the early 20th century, the American Tobacco Company created the T206 series to promote their tobacco products, featuring photos of baseball stars on the front. Only about 60 genuine Honus Wagner cards from this series are known to exist today in varying conditions. What makes the Wagner so rare is that the player demanded his card be pulled from production because he did not want to promote tobacco.

In August 2021, Goldin Auctions sold a PSA NM-MT 8 Wagner for $6.6 million, setting a new record as the most expensive trading card ever. Other high-dollar Wagner sales include a PSA EX-MT 5 copy that went for $3.12 million in 2016. The card has become iconic for its rarity and association with one of the early stars of baseball. Even poorly-conditioned low-grade Wagners in PSA 1 or 2 condition have fetched $500,000-$1 million due to their legendary status.

Another pre-war gem that has achieved astronomical prices is the 1914 Baltimore News Babe Ruth rookie card. Like the Wagner, it is one of the most famous cards ever made due to Ruth becoming one of baseball’s first superstars in the 1920s. Only approximately 60 copies are known to exist in all conditions. In January 2022, PWCC Marketplace sold a PSA Authentic copy for $2.88 million, making it the highest price ever paid for a Babe Ruth rookie. Other top Ruth rookie sales include a PSA 3 that went for $996,000 in 2019.

When it comes to modern cards, few can match the record prices received by rookie cards of Mike Trout. Widely considered the best baseball player of his generation, Trout’s earliest Topps cards from 2009-2011 have become hugely valuable investments. In August 2020, a PSA 10 2009 Trout rookie sold for $3.93 million, at the time shattering the record for any card produced within the last decade. Other mint Trout rookies have also crossed the million-dollar threshold. Even well-centered near-mint copies in PSA 9 grade have sold in the six-figure range, a rarity for a card printed less than 15 years ago.

Misprints and errors can also make otherwise ordinary cards extraordinarily valuable. In 1998, Topps printed a small run of cards with a photograph of baseball legend Ken Griffey Jr. wearing a backwards hat. Known as the “Griffey Jr. Reverse Negative” card, only a handful are known to exist as most were caught in production. In 2016, a PSA 10 example sold for $106,000, showing how a small variation can create huge demand. Similarly, a rare 1998 Todd Hollandsworth card featuring an extra stripe on his jersey sold for $21,600 in 2018.

The 1952 Topps Mickey Mantle is one of the most significant post-war rookie cards. Considered the successor to the Babe Ruth and widely regarded as one of the best switch hitters of all time, the Mantle rookie has achieved top prices fitting his legendary status. In January 2022, a PSA 8 copy sold for $1.32 million, setting a new record for a Mantle card. A PSA 6.5 brought $525,600 in 2021. Even low-grade copies in Poor 1 condition have sold in the five-figure range.

While modern cards don’t typically reach the heights of vintage greats, some contemporary rookies have achieved impressive highs. In 2007, Topps printed cards featuring prospects like Tim Lincecum, Ryan Braun, and Troy Tulowitzki ahead of their MLB debuts. Known as the “Big Three” rookie class, their cards have grown substantially in value. In January 2022, a PSA 10 Lincecum rookie sold for $106,000, with PSA 10 examples of the Braun and Tulowitzki also crossing six-figures.

The prices achieved for rare and valuable vintage baseball cards show no signs of slowing. As the player pool shrinks for extant examples of the all-time greats like Wagner, Ruth and Mantle, demand seems only to increase. Meanwhile, modern stars like Trout have already proven their cards can attain vintage status with record prices after just a decade. For serious collectors, iconic rookies will remain the blue-chip investments of the hobby for years to come. Whether it’s acknowledged legends or unknown errors, the perfect storm of rarity, star power and condition will continue to drive baseball’s most famous cards to new heights at auction.

FAMOUS BASEBALL CARDS WORTH MONEY

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Baseball cards have been around for over 150 years and some of the oldest and rarest cards can be worth a small fortune today. Whether it’s rookie cards of legends like Babe Ruth, Mickey Mantle, or Mike Trout or error cards with misprints, there are plenty of baseball cards out there that could pay off someone’s mortgage if they find the right buyer. Let’s take a look at some of the most famous and valuable baseball cards that could be worth big money if they are in pristine condition.

Honus Wagner T206 – Considered the holy grail of baseball cards, the ultra-rare 1909-1911 T206 Honus Wagner card has sold for over $3 million when in gem mint condition. Wagner was one of the best players of the early 1900s but refused the production of his card, making it incredibly scarce today. Less than 60 are known to exist in the world. Even low-grade examples can fetch $500,000+.

1952 Topps Mickey Mantle – As one of the game’s true icons, Mantle’s rookie card from 1952 Topps is arguably the most desirable of post-war issues. High-grade versions have sold for over $2 million, while a PSA 9 copy could still pull in $250,000. Mantle’s success and status as a fan favorite ensure this will remain the most coveted modern-era card.

1909-1911 T206 Joe Jackson – “Shoeless Joe” Jackson’s infamous Black Sox scandal makes his card equally as rare as Wagner’s, with under 100 believed to exist. Graded PSA 8 copies have sold for over $500,000, showing its place among the most valuable pre-WWII issues.

1909-1911 T206 Walter Johnson – Along with Wagner and Jackson, Walter Johnson’s imposing image on the iconic T206 tobacco card series cemented him as one of baseball’s earliest superstars. High-grade copies in a PSA 8 holder have reached $450,000 at auction.

1933 Goudey Babe Ruth – Considered the finest and most visually appealing of Ruth’s early issues, the 1933 Goudey set is highly sought after by collectors. A PSA 8 of the “Bambino” sold for over $275,000 in recent years. Even low-grade examples still fetch five-figure sums.

1957 Topps Hank Aaron – As Hank Aaron broke Babe Ruth’s home run record, interest in his Topps rookie card from 1957 skyrocketed. High-grade PSA 9 copies have sold for over $150,000. This remains one of the most coveted modern rookie cards.

1909-1911 T206 Christy Mathewson – One of the greatest pitchers in baseball history, Mathewson’s tobacco era card is highly sought after by collectors. PSA 8 examples have topped $300,000 at auction in the past decade, showing its place among the most valuable pre-war issues.

1909-1911 T206 Ed Walsh – The Chicago White Sox star pitcher Ed Walsh is best remembered today for his record-setting 1908 season. His scarce T206 issue from that time period rarely comes to market, with PSA 8 copies reaching $200,000.

1909-1911 T206 Nap Lajoie – As a member of baseball’s early inner circle known as the “$100,000 Infield,” Nap Lajoie’s T206 is equally as desirable as contemporaries like Wagner and Mathewson. High-grade PSA 8 versions have topped $150,000.

1909-1911 T206 Eddie Plank – The star pitcher for Connie Mack’s early 1900s Philadelphia A’s dynasty, Eddie Plank’s tobacco era card is a key piece for A’s and pre-war collectors. PSA 8 copies have reached $125,000 in recent auction results.

1986 Fleer Barry Bonds – Considered one of the finest rookie cards produced, Barry Bonds’ explosive career has made his 1986 Fleer RC highly sought after. PSA 10 “gem mint” examples have reached $50,000. Even well-centered PSA 9 copies can pull $10,000-$15,000.

1984 Donruss Wade Boggs – As a perennial .300 hitter and 5-time batting champ, Wade Boggs’ rookie card has become a key piece for Red Sox and 1980s collectors. PSA 10 copies have reached $30,000 in recent years.

1988 Fleer Ken Griffey Jr. – The smooth left-handed swing of “The Kid” made his rookie card iconic in the late 80s/early 90s. High-grade PSA 10 copies have topped $20,000. Even well-centered PSA 9 versions still fetch $5,000-$7,500.

2009 Bowman Draft Mike Trout – Trout mania has made his ultra-rare 2009 Bowman Draft RC one of the hottest modern investment cards. PSA 10 “Gem Mint” copies have reached $400,000 due to his all-time great career. Even lower-grade versions still sell for five figures.

1957 Topps Ted Williams – As arguably the greatest hitter in baseball history, Ted Williams’ 1957 Topps card is a must-have for collectors. High-grade PSA 8 copies have sold for over $35,000 in recent years.

While condition is key, there are also several valuable error cards that could pay off with the right buyer. Examples include the 1914 Cracker Jack Lefty Grove with a reversed image, graded PSA 8 copies of which have sold for over $50,000. The rare 1939 Play Ball Dazzy Vance with a missing team name also earns significant premiums in high grades. Whether it’s a legendary rookie issue or scarce error variant, there are plenty of famous baseball cards that could be worth serious money for lucky collectors. With increased interest from investors, the values of these iconic pieces of sports history only continue rising over time.