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WHAT ARE THE MOST VALUABLE 1986 TOPPS BASEBALL CARDS

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One of the most coveted and valuable 1986 Topps baseball cards is the Ken Griffey Jr. rookie card. Griffey Jr. went on to have an incredible Hall of Fame career and is widely considered one of the greatest players of all time. His 1986 Topps rookie card, which has the card number 116, regularly sells for thousands of dollars in near-mint to mint condition. In a PSA 10 Gem Mint grade, Griffey Jr.’s 1986 rookie card has sold for over $25,000 and the price continues climbing higher as his legend grows. The card holds exceptional value because it captures Griffey Jr. at the very start of his legendary career and rookie cards for iconic players will always be in high demand.

Another extremely valuable 1986 Topps card is the Roger Clemens rookie card. Clemens, like Griffey Jr., also went on to have an outstanding Hall of Fame career and his rookie card number is 281. In top grades of PSA 8 to PSA 10, the Clemens rookie card has sold for $4,000-$15,000 depending on condition. What makes it especially rare and sought after is that Topps only produced his rookie card in limited quantity in 1986 as Clemens didn’t make his MLB debut until midway through the 1984 season. It’s one of the most scarce Topps rookie cards from the 1980s as a result. Any mint condition example of the Clemens rookie would be a valuable find decades after the set was originally released.

In addition to rookie cards of future all-time greats, other 1986 Topps cards that have gained immense value include stars from that era who went on to have incredible careers. One of those is the Barry Bonds card numbered to 474. Bonds had already put together a few strong MLB seasons by 1986 but hadn’t yet entered his prime and reached that unprecedented level that would make him arguably the greatest hitter of all time. His card sells for $500-900+ in high grades today. Another 1986 Topps star who long appreciated in value is Don Mattingly. His card is numbered to 168 and has earned Mattingly notoriety as one of the most consistent hitters of the 1980s. In top condition, his 1986 Topps card can reach well over $1000.

Two other position player cards from the 1986 Topps set that often demand four-figure prices are Rickey Henderson’s (card #610) and Tim Raines’ (card #582) rookie cards. Both were already exciting speedsters and base stealers in 1986 and went on to Hall of Fame careers. Raines arguably never got his full due but he was an integral piece on Montreal’s teams. The scarcity and historical significance of their rookie cards maintain strong prices decades later. On the pitching side, Dwight Gooden’s card numbered 35 has also gained tremendous value in the ensuing years. His 1984 and 1985 seasons established him as one of the best young power pitchers in baseball before substance abuse problems derailed his career prematurely.

Some of the 1986 Topps cards that have appreciated most substantially over the past 35+ years and hold the highest values today are the rookies of future superstars Ken Griffey Jr. and Roger Clemens. High-grade samples of their iconic rookie cards can each sell for over $15,000-$25,000 now. Other enormously valuable 1986 Topps cards feature childhood heroes like Barry Bonds, positional legends like Rickey Henderson, Tim Raines, and Don Mattingly, and young phenoms like Dwight Gooden. Their on-field accomplishments, Hall of Fame careers, and the simple rarity to pack such a valuable trading card in the 1980s all contribute to the substantial prices that top 1986 Topps cards can command in the present-day collecting market.

WHAT ARE THE MOST VALUABLE 1974 TOPPS BASEBALL CARDS

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The 1974 Topps baseball set is considered one of the most iconic sets in the history of the hobby. It was a time of transition as many of the stars from the 1960s were finishing their careers while a new generation of talent was emerging. Some of the rookie cards in this set would go on to become hugely valuable. While there are a few factors that determine card value such as player performance, popularity, and card condition, here are some of the most valuable 1974 Topps cards based on PSA 10 Gem Mint prices:

Nolan Ryan (#205): As one of the most intimidating and dominant pitchers ever, it’s no surprise that Nolan Ryan’s rookie card is the most valuable from the 1974 set. His expressive deliveries and record-breaking strikeouts made him a fan favorite. In PSA 10 condition, his rookie card recently sold for over $100,000 making it one of the most expensive modern baseball cards period. What makes it even more sought after is that there was low production on his card within the set.

George Brett (#250): George Brett had a long and storied career with the Kansas City Royals highlighted by a .305 career batting average and winning the 1980 MLB batting title with a .390 average. That success has translated to a very strong demand for his rookie card. High grade PSA 10 versions regularly sell for $15,000-$20,000 due to his iconic status within the game.

Don Sutton (#157): “Shuttey” Don Sutton was one of the most durable and consistent pitchers across the 1970s and 1980s. He amassed over 300 career wins and had 6 All-Star appearances. While not quite as flashy as Nolan Ryan, his sustained excellence and playing career until 1988 keeps his rookie card highly valuable in the $8,000+ range for a PSA 10.

Bert Blyleven (#265): Similar to Sutton, Blyleven racked up impressive counting stats including over 3,700 strikeouts and 287 wins despite toiling on mostly bad teams. He’s since become a Hall of Famer which has given his rookie card a nice boost in demand. In top PSA 10 condition, it now sells for $6,000+ due to his wider recognition.

Mike Schmidt (#397): The “Snapman” went on to have a first ballot Hall of Fame career primarily with the Philadelphia Phillies that saw him win 10 Gold Gloves and 3 MVP awards. He’s considered one of the greatest third basemen ever. In high grades his 1974 rookie card has surpassed the $5,000 price tag.

Rollie Fingers (#322): While not a true rookie card, 1974 was Rollie Fingers’ first card with the Oakland A’s after previous issues as a San Diego Padre. He would help transform the closer role and win the 1981 AL MVP and Cy Young awards. In PSA 10 condition his first A’s card sells for $4,000+ now.

There are numerous other valuable and desirable rookie cards in the 1974 set such as Lou Brock, Gary Carter, Tom Seaver, and Dave Winfield. overall, strong prices are found across the board for stars and rookie talent from this iconic vintage Topps release. With the mix of established legends and players who were just starting their careers in 1974, this set holds an especially unique lens into that transitionary period in baseball which continues to drive collector and investor appeal for these classic cardboard keepsakes today. The players, designs, and the stories they tell ensure these 1974 Topps baseball cards will remain among the most widely collected issues in the hobby.

WHAT YEAR BASEBALL CARDS ARE MOST VALUABLE

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When it comes to vintage baseball cards, there are a few years that tend to stand out as producing the most valuable and sought after cards on the collector’s market. Of course, the value of any given card can vary greatly depending on its specific player, condition, and other factors, but certain years during the early development of the baseball card industry created cards that have proven to maintain extremely high values over decades.

The earliest years of mass-produced baseball cards from the late 1800s are infamous for their rarity and sky-high prices, but the accuracy of the player information and production quality on these ultra-early cards varies widely. For more standardized rosters and visuals on the cards, most collectors and experts point to the early 1900s as the start of baseball’s “golden age” of card production. Within this era, the year 1909 has emerged as a stand-out in terms of both iconic player roster and extreme card scarcity.

The 1909-1911 T206 card set, produced by the American Tobacco Company, is widely considered the single most valuable release in the history of the hobby. Iconic stars like Ty Cobb, Christy Mathewson, and Walter Johnson had their only true “rookie cards” produced within this short series window. With production numbers estimated at just 50-200 copies surviving of cards like the 1909 Honus Wagner, condition is pivotal and finds of high-grade T206 cards in recent decades number in the single digits. As a result, mint condition examples can sell for millions of dollars.

Moving into the next decade, the 1913 and 1914 batch of “White Border” cards maintained the high-quality player images and background designs that made the tobacco era sets so collectible. Scarcity increased even further due to wartime production declines. The 1914 Baltimore Terrapins E90-1 Eddie Plank card holds the record as the costliest card ever publicly sold, fetching over $2.8 million back in 2016. Its statistics-backed rarity and subject’s baseball importance still make this one of the preeminent price leaders.

During the late 1910s and through the 20s, the rise of bubble gum included cards and other premiums helped expand the baseball card consumer base significantly. Nevertheless, the 1920s also struggled with production issues stemming from the aftermath of World War I. Within this decade, the 1914 and 1916 B&W Patent Card issues stand out. Not only did they maintain the esteemed quality of preceding tobacco sets, but their runs were especially limited. High-grade 1914 B&W Patents regularly trade hands in the high six-figure range today.

Other noteworthy pre-WWII vintages include 1933 Goudey and its hugely rare Babe Ruth “murderers row” card. The hobby truly exploded following World War II as soldiers returned home, the economy boomed, and new card manufacturers like Topps emerged on the scene. This post-war collecting frenzy flooded the market compared to the sport’s earlier decades. As such, the true “holy grails” tend to come from baseball’s earliest issued cards up to the late 1910s/early 1920s at latest.

Within the post-WWII golden era of the 1950s, two years stand above the rest in terms of demand – 1952 and 1957. The groundbreaking 1952 Topps release introduced the modern cardboard format and color images. Icons like Mickey Mantle also had some of their most iconic rookie cards found here. Condition is still pivotal, as pristine ’52 Topps examples routinely command over $100,000. Jumping to 1957, that year’s flagship Topps set single handedly revived the post-war hobby and introduced a new breed of young stars. High-grade rookie cards of future Hall of Famers like Willie Mays regularly sell for six figures today.

While individual cards from most any early era can gain value based on certain unique traits, the most universally expensive cards when properly graded stem from baseball’s true pioneering eras around the turn of the 20th century. Sets from 1909 through the mid-1920s established thevisual templatesand player pools that still captivate collectors over a century later. Within that period, the ultra-rare 1909-11 tobacco cards and pristine 1914/1916 patent issues especially stand out. Post-WWII, the 1952 and 1957 Topps issues maintained collecting momentum but in higher print runs. Condition remains crucial, as the earliest decade may hold the most expensive baseball cards, but also the most difficult to acquire in high grades.

WHAT ARE THE MOST VALUABLE BASEBALL CARDS FROM THE 1990s

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The 1990s was a transformative decade for the baseball card industry. For many collectors coming of age in the decade, favorite players included Ken Griffey Jr., Barry Bonds, Cal Ripken Jr., Greg Maddux, and Chipper Jones. These superstar players of the era have cards from the 1990s that are among the most valuable in the hobby today. Let’s take a closer look at some of the top cards from the 1990s:

Ken Griffey Jr. Upper Deck Rookie Card (1989) – Widely considered the crown jewel of 1990s cards, Griffey’s rookie is the most coveted by collectors. With its superb photo and design, this card is easily among the top 3 most valuable cards of all-time. In pristine gem mint condition, it can sell for well over $100,000. Even well-centered near mint copies often sell for $10,000 or more. Griffey was already a superstar as a rookie and this early card captures the excitement of his entry into the league.

Barry Bonds 1992 Bowman Chrome RC (1992) – Bonds is one of the home run kings of all-time and the rise of his stardom in the 90s is reflected by strong demand for his rookie card. The ultra-rare Chrome variation of his 1992 Bowman rookie takes the cake as his most sought after card. It has a distinctive, light-refracting chrome look that collectors love. In gem mint 10 condition, the Bonds Chrome RC has sold for over $30,000, showing its place as one of the top rarity cards from the decade.

Cal Ripken Jr. Fleer Update Rookie (1981) – While not technically from the 1990s, Ripken’s illusive 1981 Fleer Update rookie experienced a huge surge in popularity and value in the 90s as Ripken redefined what it meant to be “iron man.” He broke Lou Gehrig’s consecutive games played record in 1995. This increased interest led his rookie to new heights, with pristine copies selling for thousands during the decade. Today in a PSA 10 gem, it can go for over $50,000, due to its historical significance and ultra-low population of high-grade copies.

Chipper Jones 1993 Bowman’s Best Chrome RC (1993) – Jones solidified himself as one of the best third basemen ever while playing his whole career for the Atlanta Braves. As a young star in the 1990s, his ultra-rare 1993 Bowman’s Best Chrome rookie card created a lot of buzz and still does today. Only about 25 of these refractors are known to exist in gem mint condition. At auction, they have sold for astronomical prices like $80,000 due to their amazing eye appeal and status as one of the true oddball insert rarities of the period.

Greg Maddux 1992 Studio Blue Refractor RC (1992) – Maddux was a legendary pitcher who won 4 consecutive Cy Young Awards from 1992-1995. While he has several desirable rookies, the cream of the crop is considered his 1992 Studio Blue Refractor rookie card. It has all the same attributes as Chipper Jones’ Chrome refractor that make it such a sought-after gem – an eye-popping color, extremely limited production, and capturing an all-time great at the onset of his Hall of Fame career. High-grade copies have sold for over $50,000.

Derek Jeter 1996 Topps Gold Label RC (1996) – As one of the most successful and popular Yankees of all-time, Jeter’s rookie cards from the 1990s hold a special place in the hobby. While lacking the rarity of a refractor, his 1996 Topps Gold Label RC stands above the rest for its elegant golden design, photo of a young Jeter, and iconic status of a superstar’s early career. Pristine PSA 10 copies have sold for $20,000+, a testament to Jeter’s enduring popularity.

These represent some of the most valuable examples, but there were countless other star rookies, rare parallels, and insert cards that captured the excitement of 1990s players and created lifelong collecting legacies. The decade saw tremendous growth in the sport and its card industry, leading to cards that hold great nostalgia as well as high demand in the resale market today. Whether investment pieces or sentimental favorites, these rookie cards from the 1990s exemplified the talents that came to define baseball in a new era.

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WHICH TOPPS BASEBALL CARDS ARE VALUABLE

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One of the most valuable Topps baseball cards is the 1952 Topps Mickey Mantle rookie card. In pristine gem mint condition, ungraded examples have sold for over $2 million, making it one of the highest valued trading cards of all time. The 1952 set marked Topps’ first season of baseball cards and Mantle’s rookie season, making his card extremely rare and historically significant. Fewer than 50 gems are known to exist.

Another highly valuable Topps rookie is the 1954 Hank Aaron rookie card. While not quite as scarce as the Mantle, graded gem examples have still sold for over $100,000. Aaron went on to beat Babe Ruth’s home run record and is considered one of the greatest sluggers in baseball history, increasing demand for his early Topps issues. The 1954 set is also one of the most attractive designs in the entire vintage era.

Speaking of record breakers, the 1973 Topps Mike Schmidt rookie card is highly sought after by collectors. Schmidt smashed the single-season home run record for a third baseman and won 3 NL MVPs, cementing his Hall of Fame career long after this rookie was issued. High grades have reached $50,000 due to his achievements and the card’s excellent condition. Later 1970s rookie cards of inductees Dave Winfield (1973) and Andre Dawson (1977) also possess great value.

Honus Wagner’s legendary 1909-11 T206 card is perhaps the most famous issue ever created by Topps’ precursor, the American Tobacco Company. Fewer than 60 copies are known to exist in all grades combined, creating immense rarity and demand from collectors. In January 2021, a PSA EX-MT 6 sold for a record $6.6 million, showing it remains the highest valued trading card period. Any Wagner issue from this pioneering tobacco era studded with stars is invaluable.

Rookie cards are not the only valuable releases from the vintage 1950s-1970s Topps years. Iconic legends with excellent condition and eye-catching photographs can also gain significant value. The iconic 1952 Mickey Mantle with batting pose #125 has 6 figure estimates for mint copies. The spectacular 1961 Roger Maris #130 highlighting his 61 home run season is another highly valued Yankee issue, as is the 1954 Willie Mays #91 “Catch”. Heavily played legends can still fetch thousands in higher grades as well from this “Golden Age” of cardboard.

High-number rookie cards from the late 1980s and 1990s Topps issues have also gained popularity in recent Memory Lane investor fever. The Ken Griffey Jr. Upper Deck rookie from 1989, which sports arguably the best rookie card photo ever, sees PSA 10s push past $10,000. Chipper Jones’ 1993 Topps debut at #1.1 also fetches thousands in pristine condition from the popular Atlanta third baseman’s career. Frank Thomas’ impressive 1990 rookie starting the Finest set and Derek Jeter’s identifiable 1996 Topps debut are similarly valuable from this vintage period.

The most valuable Topps baseball cards center around legendary players like Mantle, Mays, Aaron, Clemente, and Wagner from the early 50s-70s period due to their unmatched rarity, historical significance, and excellent condition remaining after 50+ years. More modern rookie issues from stars of the 80s, 90s, and 2000s can gain considerable value as well if preserved in perfect Gem Mint 10 status according to professional grading scale like PSA. While not every card from the vintage to modern eras hold extreme value, concentrating on the all-time greats in top shape is a solid strategy for significant worth in the competitive trading card market. Whether from the early tobacco days or modern wax packs, Topps has long delighted collectors with iconic player imagery across decades.

WILL BASEBALL CARDS EVER BE VALUABLE AGAIN

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There are many factors that will influence whether baseball cards become valuable collectors’ items again like they were in the late 1980s and early 1990s. During that time, interest in baseball card collecting skyrocketed and certain rare, vintage cards sold for record prices. The bubble eventually burst in the mid-1990s.

One key factor is the overall popularity and interest in baseball itself. When the national pastime is thriving with high viewership and attendance, that interest and passion trickles down to collecting related memorabilia like cards. Currently, Major League Baseball is still generally popular, but viewership has been declining in recent years for various reasons such as longer game times and fewer exciting young stars. If the popularity of baseball can be reinvigorated among both casual and diehard fans, that would likely boost interest in collecting cards as well.

Nostalgia tends to play a big role in the card collecting hobby. Many current middle-aged and older Americans have fond childhood memories of collecting cardboard and chewing gum from packs on the way home from school. As they get older and have more discretionary income, there is a desire fuel interest and demand for vintage cards from their youth in the 1950s through 1980s. The growing population of collectors from that era should maintain some level of value for classic cards over the next 10-20 years. Younger generations today did not have the same type of childhood collecting experiences, so nostalgia may not drive as much future interest.

On the supply side, many experts agree that the sheer number of baseball cards produced during the boom years of the late 80s and early 90s significantly devalued the entire hobby. Billions upon billions of cards were printed and inserted in every imaginable product. More than just the standard wax packs too – you’d find them in cereal boxes, magazine subscriptions, bubble gum containers, and more. While this was great for the card companies at the time, the end result was essentially a massive oversupply of common cards from even the sport’s biggest stars that are now considered relatively worthless. For values to truly appreciate again long-term, scarcity will need to take hold as these flood of printed cards from three decades ago continue to get lost, destroyed or otherwise disappear from the market over subsequent generations.

Another important consideration is how popular baseball card collecting remains as both a casual hobby and long-term investment for enthusiasts. While it may never reach the fever-pitch heights of the late 80s and early 90s bubble period again, maintaining a steady, passionate collector base is important for values. So trends like the rise of online auction websites that help easily move older cardboard, the emergence of television shows and social media focused on the hobby, card shop conventions, set releases from the major manufacturers, and league support can help bolster ongoing interest and demand. As long as card collecting refuses to go the way of the polaroid picture or 8-track tape, it has a chance to remain a living part of popular culture.

The rise of high-priced memorabilia and collectibles across all major sports is another potential positive for baseball cards. As fans and wealthy investors look for tangible ways to connect to sports history and their favorite competitors, valuable game-used equipment, autographs, rare tickets, and vintage jerseys have all realized incredible prices in recent market. This “investment collecting” mentality has spill-over potential to buoy card values long-term as well, especially for the true vintage cardboard icons from the early 20th century pre-war era. Similarly, if certain cards can re-establish themselves as verifiable historical documents showcasing the earliest known images of legends like Babe Ruth, Lou Gehrig, or Mickey Mantle, there may be demand premiums attached. Like any collectible, baseball cards will always remain primarily a speculative long-term hold.

As has always been true – it is star power that essentially drives the high-end card collecting market. Certain legendary names transcend eras and generations to maintain universal name recognition and fascination. Players like a rookie Mike Trout card or cards featuring existing icons like a rare Honus Wagner from the 1910s have virtually guaranteed long-term demand simply due to legacy and mystique regardless of short-term trends. As long as there are superstar players who capture both the casual fan’s attention as well as the collector community’s wildest dreams, the true high-dollar collectible cards will always hold relevancy and blue-chip status within the greater baseball memorabilia world.

While it may be unrealistic to assume baseball cards will soon experience another speculative mania like the early 1990s again, maintaining an passionate niche collector base along with reinvigorated MLB popularity, scarce vintage supply, increased demand for memorabilia investments overall, and continued star power driving iconic cardboard could help ensure cards have an appreciating future ahead as long-term holdings. As always, scarcity, condition, and legendary subjects will be crucial factors determining which cards may be truly valuable again someday for enthusiastic collectors.

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WHAT 1980 BASEBALL CARDS ARE VALUABLE

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The 1980 baseball card set is considered one of the most valuable sets from the modern era due to several high-profile rookie cards that were included. While there are certainly many valuable cards, several stand out as truly elite pieces that can fetch huge sums.

Perhaps the most iconic and valuable card from the set is the Tony Gwynn rookie card. Gwynn went on to have a Hall of Fame career primarily with the San Diego Padres and is widely considered one of the greatest and most consistent hitters of all-time. His impeccable swing and elite contact skills made him a fan favorite for decades. In near mint condition, his rookie card can sell for over $10,000 and higher grades can go for significantly more. Given his status as a legend of the game, demand for this card remains incredibly strong.

Another highly sought after rookie is that of Ozzie Smith, also known as “The Wizard” for his incredible defensive skills at shortstop. An equally great player but in a less flashy offensive position, Smith’s defense was game-changing and revolutionized how the shortstop position was played. He spent nearly his entire career with the St. Louis Cardinals and was beloved by fans there. His 1980 rookie in top grades can sell for $3,000-$5,000 still today as collectors look to add this key piece to their collection commemorating one of history’s greatest defenders.

Two other major rookie cards from 1980 that can each sell for $2,000-$3,000 in top condition are those of Hall of Famers Eddie Murray and Dave Parker. Murray enjoyed a 24-year career primarily with the Baltimore Orioles and Los Angeles Dodgers, establishing himself as one of the most durable and consistent sluggers of his generation. Parker won back-to-back NL MVP awards in the late 1970s with the Pittsburgh Pirates and was part of their dominating World Series winning teams of that era. Both were true five-tool talents and some of the top players throughout the 1980s.

Continuing with star rookies and key cards from the set, those of Denny Martinez and Keith Hernandez can each reach over $1,000 today. Martinez enjoyed a long, standout career mainly with the Montreal Expos highlighted by two no-hitters. Hernandez was a stalwart for numerous teams including the St. Louis Cardinals, winning several Gold Gloves and being named an All-Star eight times in a career where he hit over .300 seven times. Both gave outstanding performances throughout their careers and remain memorable figures from the 1980 season.

There were numerous others who had good overall careers that maintain value as well, such as George Brett, Andre Dawson, Dave Steib, Alan Trammell, and Jeff Reardon, whose rookie cards range from $200-$600 depending on condition. Brett in particular had a Hall of Fame resume primarily with the Kansas City Royals and energized that franchise for over two decades. Dawson similarly became synonymous with the Montreal Expos early on before starring elsewhere late in his career.

Perhaps most remarkably though given the era, rookie cards of players like Mike Schmidt, Nolan Ryan, and Tom Seaver can also reach well over $1,000 in top grade today. All are considered among the all-time greats and their iconic status from prior decades keeps interest in their vintage cards strong even today. Schmidt’s was the final season of his career but still a highly collectible piece.

So in conclusion, while the 1980 baseball card set overall maintained strong value through the decades due to great stars like these dispersed throughout, there are a select few rookie cards that stand out as true all-time valuable gems due to the legendary careers and player attachment associated with them. Names like Gwynn, Smith, Murray, and Parker lead that conversation as keys to a truly elite vintage set that remains of great interest to collectors today.

WHAT’S THE MOST VALUABLE BASEBALL CARDS

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When discussing the most valuable baseball cards in the hobby, there are a few cards that consistently top the list due to their rarity, condition, and historical significance. Leading the way is undoubtedly the 1909-11 T206 Honus Wagner card, which is widely considered the “Mona Lisa” of sports cards.

The story of the T206 Wagner is quite famous. The Pittsburgh Pirates shortstopHonus Wagner was one of the most prominent players of the early 20th century. In 1909, American Tobacco Company created the hugely popular T206 series as a promotional tool to sell packs of cigarettes. However, Wagner objected to having his image used to promote smoking, and a small number of his cards were accidentally printed without his approval. It’s estimated only 50-200 Wagner cards were ever printed, making it incredibly rare today.

For decades, the Wagner was known only as a rumor among collectors until one surfaced in the 1980s in poor condition. It attracted a then-record price of $110,000. In the 1990s, more were found in attics and basements, further substantiating its existence but still in low grades. In 2000, a T206 Wagner PSA 2.5 sold for $1.27 million, at the time the highest price ever for any card. Another PSA 1.5 examples broke the $2 million barrier in 2016. The finest-known PSA NM-MT 8 copy was famously sold by SCP Auctions in August 2021 for $6.6 million, making it by far the most valuable trading card ever sold.

Aside from the Wagner, several other notable pre-war cards routinely make top-value lists. The 1913 E90-1 Eddie Plank and the 1914 C5 Babe Ruth are two of the rarest and most coveted of the T206 subset. The Plank has only been graded twice ever historically by PSA, with a PSA 2.5 example selling for over $900,000 in recent years. Even low-grade C5 Ruth rookies now surpass $250,000 and up given how only a tiny fraction are still known to exist in any form.

1952 Topps are also highly valuable as the oldest modern set. A PSA Gem Mint 10 Mickey Mantle is potentially worth over $5 million, with one example selling for $2.8 million in January 2021. The 1952 Topps #311 Billy Johnson (RC) is essentially the rarest mainstream modern card, with only 2-3 high-grade copies publicly accounted for. One PSA 9.5 example traded hands privately for north of $500,000 in 2015.

Post-war rookies of iconic stars like Ted Williams, Hank Aaron, Willie Mays and Roberto Clemente from sets such as 1951 Bowman, 1956 Topps, 1954 Topps, and others typically range from $50,000-$250,000+ in high grades. Of particular note is the last-year 1951 Bowman #213 Willie Mays RC, which sold for $2.88 million in January 2022. It now stands as one of the most expensive post-WWII cards ever.

Single year milestone cards like 1969 Topps #663 Nolan Ryan’s record 5,000th strikeout or 1977 Topps #550 Reggie Jackson’s three home run game in the 1977 World Series can achieve six figures in mint condition as well. High-grade vintage-era complete sets go into the half-million dollar range or more depending on the year and condition level.

When considering condition, cards graded high by legitimate third-party authentication companies such as PSA and BGS carry far higher values than raw or lower-grade copies. While mint-grade vintage cards are particularly scarce, the number of high-end condition cards from the 1970s, 80s and 90s is still quite small overall. Even more “modern” rookies and autographs from star players who debuted in the 2000s can approach a hundred thousand dollars or more in pristine condition.

While raw or low-grade vintage cards still hold tremendous nostalgia and collecting value, the true blue-chip gems within the hobby remain six and seven-figure rarities such as the T206 Wagner, 1952 Topps Mantle, other pre-war artifacts in high grades, and impossibly fresh vintage star rookies authenticated in near-perfect condition. These exceptional survivors continue to achieve record prices on the auction block and define the highest peaks of collectible card valuations.

WHAT IS THE MOST VALUABLE 2022 TOPPS BASEBALL CARDS

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The 2022 Topps MLB baseball card series featured some highly valuable rookie cards and cards of star players that have already started to garner strong interest from collectors. While it’s still early and card values can fluctuate over time, here are some of the most valuable 2022 Topps cards based on recent sales data:

Julio Rodriguez Base Rated Rookie Card – The rookie card of Mariners phenom Julio Rodriguez has been one of the hottest selling cards from the 2022 Topps series. Rodriguez had an incredible debut season that saw him named an All-Star and finish second in AL Rookie of the Year voting. His autograph and high-numberedParallel parallel cards have sold for hundreds and even thousands of dollars. His most desirable is considered his base rated rookie card, which has recently sold in the $150-$250 range in PSA 10 gem mint condition. As Rodriguez continues what looks to be a superstar career, this card’s value is expected to rise significantly.

Bobby Witt Jr. Base Rated Rookie Card – Like Rodriguez, Bobby Witt Jr. made a huge impact in his first MLB season with the Royals. Also an All-Star in 2022 and finishing third in AL ROY voting, Witt’s cards parallel Rodriguez’s in popularity. His base rated rookie card has sold for $100-$200 in PSA 10, though some believe Witt’s long-term upside is even higher than Rodriguez so this card could eventually be the most valuable from the 2022 Topps set.

Spencer Strider Refractor Chrome Rated Rookie Card – Breakout Braves pitcher Spencer Strider burst onto the scene in 2022 and looks like a future ace. While he has fewer base cards due to his surprise rise, his refractor chrome rated rookie from Topps Chrome stands out. These rare parallel cards have already sold ungraded for $400+ due to Strider’s incredible 2.67 ERA across 31 starts in 2022 and bright future.

Seiya Suzuki Base Rated Rookie Card – One of the biggest Japanese position player imports, Cubs outfielder Seiya Suzuki had a solid first MLB season after coming over from NPB. His base rated rookie card has sold for $50-150 in PSA 10, but some believe Suzuki could develop into a perennial All-Star, which would make this one of the premier rookie cards in the entire set long-term.

Ronald Acuna Jr. Autograph Card – After missing almost all of 2022 due to injury, Ronald Acuna Jr. remains one of baseball’s brightest young stars when healthy for the Braves. His autograph cards from 2022 Topps update sell for over $1,000 each in PSA 10, showing that interest remains high in Acuna achieving superstardom. Numbered parallels and on-card autographs are even more expensive.

Shohei Ohtani Base Card – The two-way Japanese phenom just finished probably his best season yet and is the runaway favorite for AL MVP. Not surprisingly, demand for Ohtani cards is as strong as ever. While his rookie cards from previous years sell for thousands, his 2022 Topps base card still fetches $50-100 each in mint condition as collectors clamor for any fresh Ohtani cardboard.

These are just a few of the 2022 Topps cards that have already shown promise as long-term gems, valuable investments or just high-demand collectibles. As stars like Rodriguez, Witt Jr., Strider and others potentially cement all-time great careers, while perennials like Acuna and Ohtani continue producing, the values of their 2022 Topps cards figures to appreciate over the coming decades as these players’ legends grow. The 2022 Topps MLB set looks poised to produce numerous seven-figure cards down the road, solidifying its place among the most valuable modern issues. With the sport’s young talent and mega-stars, 2022 Topps has cards that could end up making their collectors very wealthy in the long run.

WHAT 1990 TOPPS BASEBALL CARDS ARE VALUABLE

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One of the most valuable 1990 Topps baseball cards is the Ken Griffey Jr. rookie card. Griffey was one of the most hyped prospects in baseball history and became one of the game’s all-time great players. His iconic swing and electrifying play in center field made him a fan favorite. In near mint to mint condition, Griffey’s 1990 Topps rookie card can sell for over $1000 and the highest price ever paid for one in a PSA 10 gem mint condition is nearly $20,000.

Other highly sought after rookie cards from the 1990 Topps set include Roberto Alomar, Chuck Knoblauch, and Todd Van Poppel. Alomar went on to have a Hall of Fame career as a second baseman starring for the Blue Jays, Orioles, Indians, and Mets. His rookie is valued at $100-200 in top shape. Knoblauch was a speedy and slick fielding second baseman for the Twins who won a Rookie of the Year award. A PSA 10 of his rookie has sold for over $500. Van Poppel was one of the highest drafted pitching prospects ever but didn’t live up to expectations. Still, his rookie surpasses $50 graded gem mint.

Several stars autographed cards are some of the most valuable 1990 Topps cards as well. Barry Bonds rookie autographed cards are quite rare and top out at over $5,000 for clean examples. Other autographed supers that command big bucks include Nolan Ryan ($1500), Tommy Lasorda ($800), Ozzie Smith ($600), and Cal Ripken Jr ($500). Team/regional inserts are also highly coveted collectors items from the 1990 Topps set. The California Angels subset cards have sold for $200 each while scarce team leaders like Ozzie Smith and Roberto Alomar insert cards have reached $300.

Mint condition star rookies and returning veterans remain always popular. Ken Griffey Jr aside, the 1990 Topps rookie cards of Gregg Jefferies (150), Derek Bell (75), and Brian Barnes (50) hold value. Veterans like Ozzie Smith and Roberto Alomar maintain strong collector demand as well given their Hall of Fame caliber careers. Higher graded versions of these cards can fetch $100-300 each. Upper deck also printed short printed parallel variations in 1990 Topps that are rare. These sp variants of stars like Dave Stewart, Will Clark, and Robin Yount have sold for over $500 in gem condition.

The always sought after error/variant/photo variation cards that can spike in value from collectors seeking anomalies. Todd Van Poppel is shown with his jersey #30 but was issued #35 which generates $75-150 for that version. An error front variation of Phil Plantier’s card with no team logo sells for over double uncorrected versions. Photo variations also exist. The Cal Ripken Jr. card has at least two different posed pictures used which causes collector premiums. Rarer still are die-cut foilbord or embossed parallels that represent the pinnacle of the 1990 Topps set at over $1000 graded mint. The 1990 Topps set still yields many collectable gems for baseball card investors to seek.