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VALUE OF WILLIE MAYS BASEBALL CARDS

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Willie Mays is widely considered one of the greatest baseball players of all time. Over the course of his illustrious 22-year career playing center field primarily for the New York and San Francisco Giants, Mays dazzled fans with his incredible abilities both offensively and defensively. With 660 career home runs, over 3000 total hits, stolen bases titles, and tremendous defense in the outfield, Mays secured his place as a baseball legend for generations. Given his iconic career and status, it’s no surprise that Willie Mays baseball cards are some of the most coveted andvaluable cards in the hobby. Let’s take a deeper look at some key Mays cards and what factors influence their worth.

One of Mays’ earliest and most iconic rookie cards is his 1951 Bowman card. Issued during his second major league season after making his debut in 1951 with the New York Giants, the 1951 Bowman Mays is arguably the most significant and valuable post-WWII rookie card in existence. With its simple yet iconic design showing a smiling Mays in a Giants cap ready at the plate, the 1951 Bowman captured Mays at the very beginning of his trailblazing career. In top gem mint condition, this rare Mays rookie has sold at auction for over $600,000 in recent years, establishing it as among the costliest cards ever. Even well-centered excellent or near mint copies can fetch five figures. What makes it so highly sought is that it documents the early days of a legend shortly before he went on to have a career for the ages.

For collectors seeking a cheaper Mays rookie alternative, his 1952 Bowman card offers a more affordable option still packing major nostalgia and history. While produced a year later than the ultra-rare 1951 issue when Mays was already an established star, the 1952 Bowman captured Mays in just his third MLB season when he was still a rising young star. Low population numbers mean high-grade copies are still quite valuable, with near mint to mint versions trading hands for $3,000-6,000. The card is instantly recognizable displaying Mays from his Giants days in batting stance with the iconic Polo Grounds in the background. Even though it postdates his true rookie season, the 1952 Bowman acts as a nice proxy for those unable to afford or find the astronomically expensive 1951 card.

Mays’ rookie seasons in the 1950s established him as one of baseball’s emerging stars, but it was the latter half of his career playing in San Francisco that cemented his iconic status. His popular 1965 Topps card from his days as the face of the Giants franchise is undoubtedly one of the most historically significant Mays issues. With its crisp photography showing the Say Hey Kid batting in a Giants road grey uniform, the 1965 Topps captured Mays at the peak of his powers in the midst of some of his best statistical seasons. Graded mint copies in the coveted MINT 9 or 10 condition regularly sell in the $1000-2000 range, a testament to the strong collector demand for high quality examples of Mays in his Giants prime. Even well-centered near mint copies are still highly sought after and valuable at the $300-500 price point. The 1965 joins his 1951 and 1952 Bowmans as a “holy grail” card for any serious Mays or vintage card collector.

While Mays’ 1950s Bowman rookies and 1960s flagship Topps issues dominate talk of his valuable vintage cards, collectors should not sleep on some of his earlier 1950s Topps issues as well. Cards like his 1954, 1955, and especially 1957 Topps portray Mays in the early stages of greatness for the Giants and remain quite collectible and affordable for most budgets compared to the megabucks 1950s Bowmans. A sharp copy of Mays’ iconic 1957 Topps card, which showed him batting from the left side in San Francisco duds complete with sunglasses, can be obtained in the $100-250 range depending on condition. This is an extremely iconic and visually pleasing Mays image that documented one of his MVP seasons and established him as a bona fide star of the decade.

The 1970s posed unique challenges for collectors seeking Mays cards as he had retired from playing after the 1973 season. As a result, his main cardboard appearances come from archives, oddball, or team issue sets from the decade that lack the mass production of Topps flagship sets. Cards like his 1971 Topps Archives reprint or 1973 All-Time Giants set card remain quite scarce in high grades. Another unique Mays card comes from 1975, one of the inaugural years of the Pacific brand. The simple vertical format card showed Mays in retirement as a coach but remains a scarce Mays issue traded usually in the $150-300 range. Resourceful collectors should explore some of these deeper vintage cuts for affordable Mays representations from his post-playing days.

Fast forwarding to the modern era, Mays’ first autograph and memorabilia cards emerged in the early 1990s special sets from brands like Upper Deck and Topps. While these posed more affordable Willie Mays collectibles compared to his vintage issues, graded high quality examples of Mays’ autographed and memorabilia cards from the dawn of that category in the early 1990s UD and TSC sets still command over $1000 today. More contemporary Mays signings from the 2000s in mainstream sets like Topps Gallery are fairly plentiful on the secondary market in the $50-150 raw range depending on the exact parallel, design, and autograph quality. These modern options allow today’s collectors access to direct Mays pieces at affordable price points relative to his pre-1960 cards.

In summary, Willie Mays’ iconic career and status as “The Say Hey Kid” cemented him as one of the most collectible and imposing figures baseball cards have ever known. From his exceedingly rare and expensive 1950s Bowman rookie issues to mid-career flagship Topps portrayals to unique oddballs and autographs, Mays cards span the entire breadth of the hobby’s history. Whether it’s marquee cards like the 1951 Bowman or more reasonably priced 1970s and 1990s issues, admirers of the Mays mystique will continue to enthusiastically collect artwork celebrating one of the true pioneers of America’s pastime.

BASEBALL CARDS PRICE GUIDE 1966 WILLIE MAYS

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Willie Mays was already a living legend by 1966, having won two MVP awards and helped lead the New York and San Francisco Giants to three World Series championships over his first 12 seasons in Major League Baseball. At 34 years old in 1966, Mays was still performing at an elite level as one of the game’s premier power hitters and defensive outfielders.

Not surprisingly, baseball cards featuring Willie Mays from the 1966 season are highly sought after by collectors today given his iconic status in the sport. Let’s take a deeper look at some of the key Mays baseball cards from 1966 and analyze their current price valuations according to the hobby’s leading price guides.

Topps was the dominant baseball card manufacturer in the mid-1960s and unsurprisingly featured Mays prominently in their 1966 set, which was the company’s 25th annual release. The standard Mays card from the 1966 Topps set can still be found in relatively good condition for $15-20. In near mint to mint condition, the card jumps up to $30-50 range according to PSA’s SMR (Sports Market Report) price guide. Top graded gem mint PSA 10 examples of the ’66 Topps Mays card have sold at auction for over $1000.

Another very notable Willie Mays card from 1966 Topps is the much rarer “mini” size card variation that was inserted randomly in wax packs at a very low ratio. Only a small number of the mini Mays cards are known to exist today in high grades. A PSA 9 example sold at auction in early 2022 for a staggering $9,600, showing how coveted and valuable high-grade specimens of this oddball variation have become.

In 1966, Topps also issued their first ever high-number baseball card set beyond the standard base issue of 572 cards. The 1966 Topps High Numbers set featured cards #573-800, with Mays receiving card #596. This Mays high number card has become very collectible in its own right over the years. A PSA 9 copy would fetch $150-250 based on recent sales, while a PSA 10 example could command over $1000.

The other major baseball card manufacturer in 1966 besides Topps was Fleer. Their flagship regular issue set that year featured Mays on card #15. The ’66 Fleer Mays is quite collectible today for aficionados of the brand in general during its early card issues prior to losing the MLB license. In high grade PSA 9 condition, expect to pay $75-125 for the ’66 Fleer Mays. A pristine PSA 10 specimen could sell for $400-600.

Beyond the standard domestic English-language card releases, Willie Mays also received cards in 1966 issues targeted towards international collectors. The prestigious Italian-based Monaco Sports Memorabilia company put out sets that year which have become highly valuable today. The Monaco ’66 Mays card in PSA 9 condition is valued around $300 minimum per the SMR guide. An even rarer Japanese-language BBM baseball card set from 1966 featured Mays on a coveted insert card as well. A high grade PSA 9 copy of this exotic Mays card would be worth $1000-1500.

In summary, Willie Mays was such a dominant force in Major League Baseball throughout the 1960s that his baseball cards from 1966 remain extremely popular with collectors decades later. Top graded specimens of Mays’ main cards from the ’66 Topps, Topps High Numbers, Fleer and international issues can demand four-figure prices or more. Even in lower grades, Mays’ iconic 1966 cardboard continues to hold substantial value for enthusiasts of the Say Hey Kid and mid-20th century baseball memorabilia. As one of the true legends of America’s pastime, Willie Mays’ lasting legacy is still reflected strongly in the vintage baseball card market today.

BASEBALL CARDS 1966 WILLIE MAYS

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The 1966 season was a memorable one for baseball legend Willie Mays. At age 35, “The Say Hey Kid” was still performing at an elite level as the center fielder for the San Francisco Giants. That year, Mays hit .299 with 25 home runs and 80 RBIs, earning his 22nd consecutive All-Star selection.

Mays’ outstanding play on the field in 1966 was captured for collectors in the form of baseball cards released that year in packs, boxes and sets by the top card companies. Two of the most iconic and valuable Willie Mays cards from 1966 are his Topps and Fleer issues. Both cards showcase Mays in a Giants uniform and provide a glimpse into his legendary career during one of its later chapters.

The 1966 Topps Willie Mays card is considered one of the most iconic baseball cards of all time. It features a classic action shot of Mays swinging the bat, showcasing his smooth, powerful stroke that terrorized pitchers for over two decades in the major leagues. The simple yet striking design utilizes a blue and white color scheme with “Mays” arched in bold yellow letters across the top. On the back, it provides career stats and highlights through 1965 that emphasize Mays’ status as a surefire Hall of Famer and one of the game’s all-time greats.

In gem mint condition, graded MINT 9 or higher by professional grading services, 1966 Topps Willie Mays cards have sold at auction for over $100,000. Even well-centered, sharp examples in EX-MT 6 or 7 condition can fetch $10,000-$20,000. This speaks to the card’s iconic design, subject, and Mays’ standing as one of the most popular players in baseball history. For collectors, it’s one of the most desirable vintage cards they can own.

While not as iconic or valuable as the ’66 Topps issue, the 1966 Fleer Willie Mays card is also highly significant and sought after by collectors. It was the first year Fleer produced baseball cards after entering the market in response to Topps’ monopoly. The Mays card shows him in a headshot pose, grinning with his familiar gap-toothed smile. The minimalist design focuses attention on Mays’ likeness and Fleer’s bold red logo at top.

In top grades, ’66 Fleer Willie Mays cards have sold for $15,000-$30,000 at auction. They hold value not just for Mays collectors but also as an important part of vintage card and Fleer company set registry. The card captures Mays during the twilight of his career and his dominance on the field helped drive interest that made Fleer a viable competitor to Topps in the late 1960s.

For collectors who enjoy cards that depict legendary players at their athletic peaks, 1966 Willie Mays issues are among the most desirable. They capture “The Say Hey Kid” as he entered the latter stages of his Hall of Fame career but was still one of baseball’s biggest stars and best players. Both Topps and Fleer cards from ’66 preserve Mays’ legacy and provide a tangible connection to one of the most gifted all-around athletes the game has ever seen. Over 50 years later, they remain highly prized possessions that transport collectors back to Mays’ golden era with the Giants.

The 1966 Topps and Fleer Willie Mays cards are true icons of the vintage baseball card era. They depict Mays during one of his finest statistical seasons and capture him as one of the most popular athletes in America at that time. In top condition, they can sell for five or even six figures due to their subject, design quality and historical significance. For collectors, owning a gem ’66 Mays card is a crowning achievement and a tangible link to one of the most gifted baseball players who ever lived.

WILLIE MAYS BASEBALL CARDS VALUE

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Willie Mays is considered one of the greatest baseball players of all time, so it’s no surprise that Willie Mays baseball cards are highly coveted by collectors. From his rookie cards in 1951 to his later career cards in the 1960s and 1970s, many Mays cards hold significant value due to his legendary status in the sport. Let’s take a deeper look at some of the key Willie Mays baseball cards and what they may be worth today.

One of the most valuable Willie Mays rookie cards is his 1951 Bowman card. Produced during Mays’ rookie season with the New York Giants, the ’51 Bowman card is considered a true Holy Grail item for vintage baseball card collectors. In near mint condition, graded Mays ’51 Bowmans have sold for over $6 million, making it one of the most expensive trading cards ever. Even well-centered examples in worn condition can still fetch five figures. The ’51 Bowman was ahead of its time with its large portrait style and early color photography, adding to its appeal. With only around 50 high-grade copies known to exist, finding one in top condition is extremely rare.

Another top Willie Mays rookie card is his 1952 Topps card. While not quite as iconic as the ’51 Bowman, Mays’ 1952 Topps rookie remains a key item for collectors on a budget. In a pristine gem mint condition with a PSA 10 grade, a ’52 Topps Mays in 1952 could sell for $400,000-$500,000 at auction. More common grades of near mint to excellent see values of $15,000-$100,000 depending on centering and preservation. There are also “red back” variations of the 1952 Topps Mays that can fetch added premiums. Overall it’s a more obtainable yet still highly valuable rookie option for collectors.

For his third year in 1954, Willie Mays’ card was featured in Topps’ inauguralphotography set. High graded ’54 Topps Mays cards often surpass six figures. But there is also a much rarer variant, the ’54 Topps Gold Mays. Only 121 Gold parallels were produced with Mays’ photo and San Francisco Giants team logo printed in gold ink instead of the standard black and red. With unprecedented rarity, gold ’54 Mayscards have sold for as much as a half million dollars when in pristine condition. Even well-worn examples still command north of $25,000 due to their one-of-a-kind status.

From the late 1950s through the 1960s, Willie Mays cards appear in the vintage Topps, Fleer, and Post issues that followed each season of his decorated career. Some notable examples are his 1956 Topps, 1957 Topps, 1958 Topps, 1959 Topps, and 1960 Topps issues. High grades of these crucial Mays cards from his Giants championship years can reach values of $10,000-$50,000 depending on the specific issue and condition grading. The 1970 Topps card is also very collectible as one of Mays’ last with the Giants before finishing his career with the New York Mets.

Later career Willie Mays cards produced after 1970 hold value as well, just at reduced rates compared to his all-time great rookie and early career material. Advanced collectors still pay top dollar for pristine graded examples of Mays’ 1972 Topps, 1973 Topps, and final 1974 Topps card issued during his twilight Mets seasons. Special parallel and auto card inserts featuring Willie Mays from modern era products command four and even five-figure prices due financial rarity and nostalgia appeal.

The record sale prices and collector enthusiasm surrounding prized Willie Mays rookie cards and vintage issues illustrate why he remains one of the true untouchable icons in the world of sports memorabilia and baseball history over 60 years after his rookie season. Whether a collector seeks a prized Mays rookie or a well-preserved card from his later heyday with the Giants, very few athletes can rival the consistent value, lore, and fantasy attached to unique collectibles bearing the image and name of “The Say Hey Kid.” As one of the first five-tool superstars to achieve both on-field greatness and enduring off-field popularity, Willie Mays’ legacy as portrayed in vintage cardboard continues appreciating with time.

WILLIE MAYS BASEBALL CARDS WORTH

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Willie Mays is considered one of the greatest baseball players of all time, dazzling fans with his incredible skills on the field for over two decades. As such, Willie Mays baseball cards spanning his legendary career hold significant collecting and monetary value. In this in-depth article, we will explore some of Mays’ most notable and valuable baseball cards from both his rookie years in the 1950s with the New York Giants through his later career with the San Francisco Giants.

One of Mays’ most famous and sought after rookie cards is his 1951 Bowman card. Considered one of the true Holy Grails of the hobby, high grade 1951 Bowman Willie Mays rookie cards in Near Mint to Gem Mint condition can fetch six figure prices or more at auction. In 2021, a PSA NM-MT 8 graded 1951 Bowman Willie Mays rookie card sold for an astonishing $686,576 breaking records for the card. Even well-centered but lower graded copies in the PSA 6-7 range regularly sell for $30,000-$60,000. The rarity and condition of the fragile early 1950s cards combined with Mays’ all-time great status make his rookie one of the most valuable baseball cards ever made.

While the 1951 Bowman is the undisputed king, Mays’ rookie season is also represented in his 1952 Topps card. High end PSA Gem Mint PSA 10 graded 1952 Topps Willie Mays rookie cards have sold for over $200,000, with NM-MT 8s bringing $50,000-$100,000. Slightly less rare than the 1951 Bowman issue, the 1952 Topps is still an extremely significant early Mays card recognized the world over for its iconic photo and design. Along with the ’51 Bowman, it serves to capture the early years and coming of age of one of the games true pioneering superstars.

Jumping ahead several years into Mays’ dominant career, one of his most visually spectacular and widely recognized cards is his iconic 1964 Topps card. Featured is Mays’ now legendary over the shoulder catching pose on the Polo Grounds outfield grass ready to fire the ball back into the infield. Graded high examples in the coveted PSA 10 Gem Mint holder regularly sell for $15,000-$25,000 showing the enduring appeal of this definitive Mays image. Even well-centered lower grade copies still bring $3,000+ thanks to the card’s great aesthetic appeal and significance in chronicling Mays’ playing days as a San Francisco Giant.

Continuing with Mays’ period starring for the Giants out west, his 1965 Topps card also holds substantial collector value. What makes the 1965 stand out is the creative action photo cutting diagonally across the card depicting Mays mid-swing at the plate. High grade PSA 10 versions can reach $10,000+, with NM-MT 8s in the $4,000 range.

It’s not just his 1950s rookie and 60s Giants cards that hold value either. Even late career cards from Mays’ twilight years after leaving San Francisco retain collector interest. One example is his 1973 Topps card from his final season playing for the New York Mets before retirement. Capture in blue and orange Mets home pinstripes, the 1972 Topps is a memorable relic from the legend’s farewell tour. Top graded PSA/PSG 10 gem copies have topped $1,000 with most graded 8s and 9s settling in the $300-600 range. while his final 1974 Topps card usually sells for slightly less.

In summary, Willie Mays produced a hall of fame playing career that spanned over two decades, dazzling fans in New York and San Francisco along the way. Not surprisingly, his iconic baseball cards from each era and team hold tremendous value, led by his ultra-rare 1951 Bowman rookie that has achieved record prices. Whether its his early 1950s rookie issues, 1960s GIants cards displaying dominant years, or later 1970s send-off issues, Willie Mays cards remain a vibrant and lucrative collectible category for dedicated collectors, investors and fans to enjoy for generations to come. Few players in the long history of baseball cards can match the cache, popularity and impressive financial worth associated with the cards of “The Say Hey Kid.”

WILLIE MAYS BASEBALL CARDS EBAY

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Willie Mays is considered one of the greatest baseball players of all time, holding numerous career records and honors. As an icon of the game for over two decades playing centerfield for the New York and San Francisco Giants, Mays has amassed a tremendous collection of vintage baseball cards chronicling his legendary career. Let’s take an in-depth look at some of the most notable and valuable Willie Mays baseball cards that frequently appear for sale on the online auction site eBay.

One of Mays’ most famous and iconic early cards is his 1954 Topps card. This was Mays’ rookie card issued during just his second season in Major League Baseball after being called up to the Giants in 1951 at age 20. The 1954 Topps set featured Mays’ name spelled incorrectly as “Mays” rather than “Mayes” as it appeared on his previous Bowman and Topps cards. This led to the 1954 Topps card taking on extra notoriety and value for collectors. In pristine mint condition, graded gem mint 10 by grading services like PSA or BGS, Mays’ 1954 Topps rookie card can fetch upwards of $500,000 at auction on eBay. Even well-centered, sharply cornered examples in near mint to mint condition 8-9 can sell for $30,000-$100,000 depending on demand.

Another notable early Mays card is his distinctive 1954 Bowman card issued during his breakout MVP season. The colorful design with Mays posing alongside a posed shot made this a highly appealing and popular card among collectors. In top PSA 10 or BGS 9.5-10 grade, the 1954 Bowman card has sold for over $150,000 in recent eBay auctions. Lower graded copies in the 7-8 range can still sell in the $5,000 to $15,000 range. Also highly sought after is Mays’ 1956 Topps card, which was part of the brand’s Photostats subset that featured enlarged player photographs. Excellent condition PSA/BGS 10 examples have exceeded $50,000 at auction.

Moving into the late 1950s and 1960s, Mays’ 1957, 1958, 1959 Topps flagship cards remain must-have items for any serious vintage baseball card collection. As the centerpiece of many sets during his playing prime, these cards routinely sell for thousands even in lower grades due to their iconic imagery and status as definitive Mays issues. The high-grade population is extremely limited, so pristine PSA/BGS 10 examples can often fetch five figures or more. Also very collectible from this era is Mays’ iconic 1963 Topps card showing him sliding into third base, which has become one of the most enduring baseball card images of all time. Even well-centered near-mint to mint 8-9 copies sell for $1,000 or more on eBay.

In the 1970s as Mays began wrapping up his storied career, his 1969, 1970, and 1972 Topps cards remained hugely popular pull for collectors opening packs. While the populations are much higher than his 1950s rookie issues, excellent top-graded examples still command robust prices. A PSA/BGS 10 1969 or 1970 Mays routinely brings in $2,000-$5,000, with the rarer 1972 PSA/BGS 10 potentially reaching $10,000 given its status as one of the final flagship Topps cards issued of the Say Hey Kid. Many late-career Mays highlights also appeared in the 1976 SSPC and 1979 Topps Traded sets upon his retirement, adding to the lore surrounding his historic playing tenure.

Beyond his standard Topps flagship cards, Mays was also well-represented in the numerous oddball and regional baseball sets released throughout the 1950s-70s. High-grade specimens from issues like 1959 Post Cereal, 1968 Woolworth, 1972 Pic, or 1974 Kellogg’s can sell for thousands due to their scarcity compared to Topps. One of the rarest Mays cards remains the never-mass produced 1959 Bat Masterson Golden Years card issued by Leaf Candy Company. Only a handful are known to exist in any condition, with a PSA-graded example changing hands for $36,000 in a 2015 eBay sale.

Whether seeking a key early issue rookie from the 1950s, a sharp full-color card from his Giants playing years, or a final card showing one of history’s premier five-tool players, Willie Mays’ iconic baseball cards remain a cornerstone of the hobby. Even eighty years after his debut, demand remains sky high on auction sites like eBay for any Mays cardboard in top-notch condition due to his standing as “The Say Hey Kid” and one of the all-time baseball greats. With new generations of collectors entering the market each year, prices for Mays’ comprehensive card portfolio should stay robust for years to come.

WILLIE MAYS BASEBALL CARDS 1971

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The 1971 Topps baseball card set is one of the most iconic in the history of baseball cards. Often considered the “glory years” of Topps, the ’71 set featured great photography, fun and creative player poses, and was the first appearance of several all-time great players on baseball cards. No card from that set is more famous and coveted by collectors than the Willie Mays card.

By 1971, Willie Mays was in the final year of his legendary 24-year career. Though now 40 years old, “The Say Hey Kid” was still a force for the San Francisco Giants, posting his 19th consecutive season with double-digit home runs. Even as his batting average dipped below .250 for the only time in his career, Mays remained one of the game’s biggest stars and fan favorites. Topps chose to feature Mays prominently on the coveted #500 card in the set.

The Mays ’71 card struck the perfect balance of honoring his past accomplishments while acknowledging his waning abilities with age. Posed next to a montage of photos highlighting his top moments and records, Mays is shown proudly gripping his bat with a championship-sized smile. Topps’ copywriting reads “Willie’s Still Hitting Them A Long Way” with statistics noting his 6 home runs already that year. While other cards in the set showed players in batting or fielding stances, Topps allowed Mays this special treatment to commemorate his career achievements.

What made Mays’ ’71 card even more special was the rarity of finding one in mint condition. Packs from that year suffered from poor quality control issues during printing that caused many cards, especially those towards the back of the set like Mays’ #500 card, to endure flaws from poor centering, creasing or color breaks. High-grade Mays ’71 cards quickly became the holy grail for collectors. By the 1980s, the card was a mainstay on theTop 50 rarest and most valuable sports cards lists due to its scarcity in pristine condition.

As Mays’ playing career came to a close after the 1973 season, the significance and lure of his ’71 Topps card only grew stronger. In the decades since his retirement, Mays has cemented himself as arguably the greatest all-around baseball player in history based on his unreal statistical records, incredible defensive abilities in center field, and unmatched cluth playoff performances. With each passing year, collectors have held the ’71 card in even higher regard as the lone baseball card capturing Mays in his final MLB season before retirement.

Amidst skyrocketing prices for vintage sports cards in the late 1980s, the top-graded Mays ’71 cards smashed records at auction. In 1987, the highest-graded Mays ’71 to date, a true-gem mint PSA 10 copy, sold for an astronomical $6,075, making it one of the priciest single cards ever sold up to that point. Today, even heavily-played low-grade examples in PSA 1-3 condition fetch four-figure prices due to the enduring popularity and significance of Mays’ legendary career represented on his 1971 Topps card.

In the modern era, a perfect Mays ’71 has become the white whale for any ambitious vintage card collector. Graded examples in mint 9 condition routinely sell at heritage auctions for sums over $50,000. The current all-time record was set in August 2018 when a PSA 10 Mays ’71 realized $315,000 at auction, making it the most valuable baseball card in history based on a public sale. The unparalleled demand, rarity and iconic legacy behind the Willie Mays 1971 Topps card secure its status as perhaps the single most important baseball card ever made. For collectors, it represents the chance to own a piece of memorabilia embodying one of the true cornerstone athletes that helped build the beloved game of baseball into the national pastime.

Even at age 40 during his final MLB season immortalized on the ‘71 issue, Willie Mays showed he still had the skills, heart and fun-loving swagger that made him a living legend on the field for over two decades. Though nearly a half-century has passed, Mays’ 1971 Topps card remains as vibrant, trailblazing and prized as “The Say Hey Kid” was in his prime. It stands as the finest baseball card tribute ever created to honor not just a fantastic career statsheet, but the entire experience and magic surrounding one of sports’ true titans – Willie Mays. No other individual baseball card captures all that he meant to the game, and millions of fans both past and present, quite like the inimitable Mays ‘71.

WILLIE MAYS BASEBALL CARDS

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Willie Mays is considered one of the greatest baseball players of all time, dazzling fans with his incredible speed, power, defense and base running skills during his illustrious 22-year career predominantly with the New York and San Francisco Giants. Naturally, his impressive on-field exploits have translated to a cache of highly coveted baseball cards chronicling his Hall of Fame career from 1948 up until his retirement in 1973. While Mays’ rookie card from 1948 Bowman may fetch hundreds of thousands on the rare occasions it appears on the collecting market, there are numerous other key cards from different decades that continue to fascinate collectors and remind fans of Mays’ greatness.

One of Mays’ most iconic early cards comes from 1952 Topps, widely considered one of the most aesthetically pleasing designs in baseball card history with its colorful borders and team logo fronts. Within that classic design, the photo of a youthful Mays patiently awaiting a pitch captures his athleticism and anticipation of big things to come on the diamond. Only about 1 in 7 packs contained a Mays in the 1952 Topps set, making his card fairly scarce even back then. Nowadays, high grade examples in mint condition can sell for over $10,000 due to the iconic photo and Mays’ superstardom fully established in the few years following his rookie season.

In the mid-1950s, Mays’ cards began depicting more of his developing power and leadership of the Giants. The 1955 Topps issue shows Mays gearing up for an at-bat with a serious, determined expression befitting of an All-Star and budding slugger. Around the same time, Bowman released distinctive blue-bordered cards in 1954 and 1955 exhibiting Mays’ versatility through different action posed photos, foreshadowing highlights like his over-the-shoulder basket catch. High-number versions of these cards post-1909 Mickey Mantle are markedly rarer and can demand over $1,000 even in low grades.

The late 1950s brought about colorful innovative designs from Topps that really popped Mays’ accomplishments on the field. The 1957 issue has eye-catching orange photo borders and highlights Mays’ MVP season with a portrait. Even more visually striking is the 1959 Topps release with its yellow backgrounds, famous “Turn Back The Clock” subset, and stat-filled write-ups on the back—Mays’ card notes his excellence both offensively and defensively in centerfield. Well-preserved examples from these classic vintage sets can earn five-figure prices.

The early 1960s saw Mays begin to age into more of a power/RBI threat as the Giants moved to San Francisco, though he remained an elite player. Topps aptly captured this evolving offensive production through poses in the batter’s box on 1960 and 1962 issues. Around this time, Mays also appeared in the 1961 Post cereal short-print giveaway set that is now infamously difficult to locate in high grade. As one of the great “What If” cards in the hobby given its scarcity, ungraded examples have broken $20,000 at auction.

At the peak of his fame, Topps unleashed arguably its most famous design ever in 1963, featuring vivid action photos and statistical callouts on a yellow/orange background. As the proud face of the franchise, Mays naturally received one of the most visually stunning cards in the set, depicted rounding third base en route to possibly scoring the winning run. This iconic issue in mint condition routinely commands well into the five figures. In 1964, Mays’ transition to more of a power threat was emphasized through a headshot revealing his cork batting helmet with SAN FRANCISCO boldly printed across the front.

The late 1960s brought prolific product from Topps, and Mays appears in both the flagship ’67 and ’69 issues, the latter tying back to his 1954 MVP season. In 1967, he is framed from the chest up with intense focus, well into the backend of a storied career. His 1969 card depicts Mays hitting a deep fly ball with appropriate sunset colors in the background representing the metaphorical twilight of his playing days. As keys from the end of Mays’ on-field tenure and Topps’ most widely produced designs, high-grade versions remain affordable for most collectors.

Naturally, Mays has one of the most prominent rookie cards in the 1948 Bowman set too. With his young smiling face donning a New York Giants cap, it introduced baseball fans to a superstar in the making. Those who pulled this ultra-rare single back in 1948 had no idea they held a piece of cardboard that decades later, could trade hands for hundreds of thousands of dollars. Just a handful are known to exist in pristine mint condition, and one gem mint specimen sold for $658,000 in January 2022, among the costliest baseball cards ever. Even well-worn low-grade examples still demand five figures.

In total, Willie Mays’ extraordinary 22-year playing career spanning over two decades of 1950s-60s card production has resulted in some of the most coveted and financially valuable vintage issues cherished by collectors to this day. Whether it’s his iconic rookie, early action shots, colorful vintage designs, or late-career portraits, Mays’ impressive baseball cards continue to bear witness to one of the true legends of America’s pastime through captivating imagery and compelling reminders of why he remains The Say Hey Kid.

WILLIE MAYS AUTOGRAPHED BASEBALL CARDS

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Willie Mays is widely considered one of the greatest baseball players of all time, so it’s no surprise that his autographed baseball cards are highly sought after by collectors. Mays played from 1951 to 1973 for the New York/San Francisco Giants and had an illustrious 22-year career filled with accomplishments and records that still stand today. His incredible talent was evident from the start, and the baseball cards produced during his playing days capture all the excitement surrounding one of the sports’ all-time iconic figures.

One of Mays’ most famous and valuable rookie cards is his 1952 Topps card. As one of the pioneers of the modern baseball card era that started in the post WWII years, Topps captured Mays in his rookie season with the Giants. The 1952 Topps card shows a snapshot of the 21-year-old “Say Hey Kid” in his classic Giants uniform, flashing that brilliant toothed grin. As one of the earliest and best known rookie cards in the hobby, high grade examples with Mays’ signature can fetch six figures at auction. The card holds immense historical significance as one of the first to feature a player who would go on to have a Hall of Fame career and helped raised the popularity of baseball cards during the 1950s golden age.

Outside of his rookie, Mays has several other defining cards that grade out as true investments when autographed. His beloved 1954 Bowman card shows an action shot of Mays swinging the bat and captures him during one of his early MVP caliber seasons. High Tek examples with a clean Mays autograph can sell for over $50,000. Another iconic signature card is his dramatic 1954 Topps card where Mays is photographed laying out for an amazing catch during his famous over the shoulder game-saving grab. This influential defensive image with his John Hancock easily brings five figures on the collecting market.

Continuing through the 1950s, Mays signed cards from his 1955, 1956 and 1957 Topps issues are extremely cherished by collectors. These period pieces not only showcase Mays at the absolute height of his powers offensively and in the field, but were produced during the truly classic visual era of vintage cardboard. A flawless example with signature from any of these seasons would be a blue chip addition to any collection, valued well into the high four figure range minimum. Moving into the 1960s, stellar signed versions of his prized 1962 and 1965 Topps cards remain elite, commanding similar prices.

In the later stages of his career, signed Mays cards from his tenure with the San Francisco Giants preserve his legacy on the West Coast. A 1968 or 1969 Topps card signed in neat pen could trade hands for $3,000-$5,000 depending on condition. His iconic final card issued in 1974 Topps is another popular item to acquire autographed, serving as a fitting bookend to one of history’s greatest baseball lives. A full rainbow signed set spanning Mays’ entire playing days from 1952 to 1974 Topps issues would be one of the most coveted projects in the collectibles world, valued conservatively at a half million dollars or more.

For autographed card collectors, it’s important to note that Mays provided autographs fairly liberally in his post-playing career for appearances, memorabilia shows and through the mail via authenticated dealers. There are documented cases of forged or fake signatures that have emerged over the decades too due to his popularity. With big money now attached to his signed cards, authenticity is mission critical. The best way for today’s collector to ensure they are acquiring the real deal is to deal only with the most reputable sports memorabilia authenticators who can provide proof a Mays signature was obtained directly from the man himself. PSA/DNA, Beckett Authentication, and James Spence Authentication are industry leaders trusted to properly vet the autos on cards they encapsulate.

In summary, Willie Mays dominated the baseball landscape like few others in history and his autographed cards remain the holy grail for many collectors. With universally recognized talent, iconic cards produced during his long career, and an unwavering legacy as one of the greatest to ever play – investments in signed Mays cardboard are as solid as they come. For the fan who wants a certified piece of history and appreciating asset from one of baseball’s immortals, acquiring a signed Mays card is a classic choice that will only increase in rarity and value over time. The intrinsic nostalgia and investment potential attaching Mays’ flourishing signature to any of his classic cards makes them among the premier targets in the entire sports collectibles industry.

MOST VALUABLE WILLIE MAYS BASEBALL CARDS

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Willie Mays is widely considered one of the greatest baseball players of all time, dazzling fans with his incredible speed, defense, and powerful swing during his iconic career from 1951 to 1973. Known as “The Say Hey Kid,” Mays won two National League MVP awards and was selected to 24 All-Star teams over his storied tenure with the New York and San Francisco Giants. Given his immense talents and status as a legend of America’s pastime, it’s no surprise that some of Mays’ vintage baseball cards have gained immense value from collectors and card enthusiasts in recent decades. Several of his scarce and conditionally rare cardboard issues from the 1950s have climbed to stratospheric prices at auction. Here’s a breakdown of some of the most valuable Willie Mays baseball cards:

1952 Topps #91 – One of the rarest and most coveted sports cards in existence, only a handful of Mays’ rookie card from Topps’ hugely popular 1952 set are known to exist in high grades. In the most pristine mint condition of PSA Gem Mint 10, the 1952 Topps Willie Mays has shattered records by selling for as much as $6.1 million at public auction. Even well-centered and sharp examples in PSA Excellent-Mint (EX-MT) 8 or Mint 9 condition can demand six figures. The scarcity and fame of this iconic rookie issue have cemented it as the most treasured Willie Mays card among collectors.

1952 Bowman #61 – Often considered the “holy grail” for pre-1960 baseball card enthusiasts, the 1952 Bowman Willie Mays is nearly as rare and sought-after as his Topps rookie. High-grade specimens in EX-MT 8 or Mint 9 grade are believed to number under a dozen certified copies in existence. A single PSA 10 example in a 2000 Sotheby’s auction stunned the hobby by selling for $500,000, still a record price for the 1952 Bowman Mays. Even in lower grades of Good-Very Good, examples have still pulled in five-figure sums at public sale.

1957 Topps #258 – Though overshadowed by his prized rookie cards, Mays’ colorful 1957 Topps issue holds immense significance as one of the last cards produced during his legendary prime with the New York Giants. Its scarcer low-print run compared to later 1950s Topps issues and the immense popularity of its subject matter have pushed high-grade examples of the 1957 Mays into the six-figure range. In a PSA 9 sale in 2018, one copy realized an astonishing $94,800 from a bidding war between collectors. Graded examples in EX-MT 8 are regularly traded in the $50,000 range as well.

1964 Topps #139 – As one of Mays’ last cards featuring his trademark New York Giants uniform before being traded to the San Francisco squad, the 1964 Topps issue holds additional nostalgia and rarity against later issues from his career. With a scarcer print run versus subsequent years and a sharp, colorful Mickey Mantle-inspired design, mid-grade copies in EX-MT 8 have reached $20,000 at auction. Clean PSA 9 specimens regularly eclipse the $30,000 auction price point as well. It’s a key card chronicling Mays’ transition between two legendary franchises.

1967 Topps #20 – Often touted as one of the most attractive and graphically bold designs from the classic 1960s Topps era, the hugely popular 1967 design took on special significance when featuring baseball legends at the peak of their careers like Mays. Aside from its brilliant artwork, a relatively short print run increases the rarity of high-quality specimens today. Crackless PSA 9 copies have reached $25,000 at public sale in recent years, with PSA 10 Gems commanding sums well north of that figure when they rarely come to market.

1971 Topps #500 – As one of the final “action image” cards produced during Mays’ playing days, the 1971 Topps issue captures the Say Hey Kid in the midst of his classic left-handed swing during his tenure with the San Francisco Giants. Also notably one of Mays’ highest numbered cards issued, finding high-quality copies in near-perfect condition has proven elusive for collectors. In 2019, a PSA 10 example shattered records for the issue by selling for $31,200 at auction, demonstrating the rarity, condition sensitivity, and enduring appeal of one of the cooler Mays cards available.

While the bulk of high-dollar Willie Mays cards originated from his early 1950s rookie and New York Giants issues as one might expect, examples from other pivotal points in his career consistently break auction records due to their more limited surviving populations in top grades. With generations of fans and collectors holding Mays in the highest esteem as a player, cards like his 1952 and 1964 Topps rookies will likely maintain their positions among the most legendary and valuable baseball collectibles ever produced.