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WILLIE MAYS BASEBALL CARDS PRICES

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Willie Mays is widely considered one of the greatest baseball players of all time, so it’s no surprise that Willie Mays baseball cards are some of the most valuable in the hobby. Mays had a legendary 24-year career spanning from 1951 to 1973 mostly with the New York and San Francisco Giants. He was an incredible all-around player who could do it all – hit for power and average, run the bases, and play incredible defense in center field. His iconic style of play made him incredibly popular and lots of kids collected his cards as he was playing. Now decades later, those early Willie Mays cards have skyrocketed in value and are highly sought after by serious card collectors and investors.

One of Mays’ most famous and valuable rookie cards is his 1951 Bowman card. The 1951 Bowman set is considered one of the most important in baseball card history as it was among the first popular post-World War 2 issues as the hobby was taking off again. Mays’ vibrant color photo, with him in a New York Giants uniform from his rookie season in 1951, graces the design. In near-mint condition, a 1951 Bowman Willie Mays in a PSA 8 or 9 grade can sell for over $100,000. Pristine PSA 10 examples in a recent Golden Auctions sale went for over $189,000 and $192,000 respectively, setting new record prices. Condition is extremely critical for these ultra-rare and collectible cards.

For the true Willie Mays aficionado collector, his iconic 1952 Topps card is also extremely desirable. The 1952 Topps set is one of the most visually appealing designs ever and featured Mays prominently on the front in an action shot swinging the bat. High-grade versions in PSA 8 or 9 condition with strong centering and sharp corners typically sell in the $25,000 range. PSA 10 gem mint specimens have cracked the $100,000 price point before, an incredible return on investment from a single mass-produced baseball card released over 60 years ago. Like the 1951 Bowman, condition is everything for maximizing value on these classic Mays rookie cards from his early playing days.

Other early Willie Mays cards that can fetch big money from dedicated collectors include his 1956 Topps, 1957 Topps, and 1962 Topps issues. The 1956 Topps card shows Mays playing the outfield for the New York Giants in vibrantly illustrated style. In PSA 9 or 10 condition, values are $2,500-$4,500 depending on centering and surface quality. The high-res photo style 1957 Topps Mays goes for around $1,500-$2,500 in top grades. Perhaps his most iconic individual card portrait is found on the 1962 Topps design, just after Mays was traded to the San Francisco Giants. A PSA 9 of this colorful card can sell for over $1,000.

Condition always plays a huge role, but sometimes valuable error cards or variants of Mays’ early issues can be worth big money too. For example, the rare 1951 Bowman Mays with an inverted center (his name and position labels switched places) has sold for over $40,000 in graded holders. And the elusive 1953 Topps Mays “bar error” where the red bar across his name is omitted completely is valued over $10,000 in top condition. Other scarce finds like miscut cards, oddball team variants, or printing plate material featuring Mays’ image are highly sought by advanced collectors.

As Mays entered the later stages of his career in the 1960s with the San Francisco Giants, the values of his cards from this “Indian Summer” period are more moderate compared to his true rookie issues. Still, graded examples of his popular 1963, 1964, and 1965 Topps cards in high grades can bring $100-$300 each depending on condition factors. His 1966 and 1967 designs from Topps sell in the $50 range when gem mint. Even in the twilight of his career with the New York Mets in the early 1970s, Mays’ final cards remain popular investments graded at the PSA/BGS 9-10 level for $75-150 each.

Perhaps Mays’ most visually stunning card comes from 1967 when Topps produced their pioneering “Action Portraits” design. This dramatic black-and-white action photo captures the Say Hey Kid unleashing a powerful swing. Even well-circulated copies in worn condition sell for $25-50 due to the iconic image. Top-graded specimens can bring over $1,000 in the marketplace from avid collectors. For many, this unique pose perfectly represents the all-out hustle and passion that defined Mays as one of baseball’s true ambassadors.

In summary – whether you seek out rare rookie issues like his 1951 Bowman or 1952 Topps, prefer iconic late career portraits, or simply want an investment-quality example – Willie Mays baseball cards spanning his entire 24-year tenure are some of the most blue-chip holdings in the entire collectibles economy. Savvy investors know that top-graded specimens from the early years of this five-tool Hall of Famer will retain and increase their value for decades to come. Even for casual fans, owning any Mays card is a privilege to hold a piece of living baseball history from one of its all-time greats. Condition and rarity are key to maximizing value, but simply having “The Say Hey Kid” as part of your collection is reward in itself.

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.

WILLIE MCCOVEY BASEBALL CARDS

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Willie Lee McCovey was one of the most prolific power hitters of his era who spent his entire Hall of Fame career with the San Francisco Giants from 1958-1980. Known by his nickname “Stretch”, McCovey was a fearsome left-handed slugger who struck terror into opposing pitchers and delighted fans with towering home runs. He was a key player who helped established the Giants as one of baseball’s marquee franchises on the West Coast in the early 1960s. McCovey’s legendary career has been commemorated through numerous baseball cards issued over the decades that tracked his accomplishments from rookie to star to veteran.

One of McCovey’s earliest and most valuable rookie cards comes from his 1959 Topps rookie card issue. As a rookie that year, McCovey finished second in the National League Rookie of the Year voting and smashed 13 home runs in just 56 games. That breakout rookie campaign made him one of the hottest rookies in baseball and resulted in him receiving prominent placement in the 1959 Topps set, with his card bearing the number 139. High-grade examples of this seminal McCovey rookie card in mint condition can fetch over $10,000 due to his Hall of Fame career and the card’s early release right after his emergence onto the MLB scene.

During McCovey’s peak years in the early 1960s, Fleer and Topps issued cards that highlighted some of his biggest seasons. In 1961, both companies put out cards showing McCovey after blasting 45 home runs and driving in 112 runs in a monster season that nearly won him the NL MVP award. The 1962 cards from Fleer and Topps memorialized another outstanding campaign where McCovey slugged 44 home runs and knocked in a career-high 126 RBI. Highlighting McCovey in the midst of these offensive explosions made these cards integral to any collector looking to chronicle the prime of his prolific career.

As the 1960s continued, McCovey appeared prominently in the 1963 and 1964 Topps sets during seasons where he slugged over 30 home runs each year. The 1965 and 1966 issues from Topps and Fleer reflected McCovey maintaining his offensive dominance into the mid-1960s as a cornerstone of the Giants. In 1966, he earned the first of two All-Star Game MVP awards by blasting a game-winning home run, an iconic moment preserved on his baseball cards from that year. During this stretch in the early-to-mid 1960s, McCovey continued cementing his status among the game’s elite sluggers every time fans opened a pack of cards.

McCovey sustained his production into the latter part of the 1960s and ensuing 1970s as shown through more baseball cards. The 1968 Topps issue captured him after smashing a career-high 44 home runs in his “Year of the Pitcher” campaign. Further Topps and Fleer issues from 1969-1971 highlighted McCovey producing at an All-Star level late into the decade. In the early 1970s, injuries limited McCovey more frequently but he still managed to churn out 20-homer seasons in 1972 and 1973 to remain a intimidating force. Topps issues from this era reflected McCovey’s enduring excellence and durability through different physical ailments.

On the cusp of retirement in the late 1970s, Topps released cards showing McCovey gearing up for what would be his final campaigns. In 1977 and 1979 Topps, fans saw a graying but still respectable McCovey putting together his last prolific seasons. His 1979 issue was especially poignant as it was slated to be McCovey’s final card before he hung up his spikes after 22 distinguished seasons entirely in the orange and black of the Giants. To this day, cards from McCovey’s waning years remain popular with collectors wanting a piece of memorabilia from the closing chapter of a first-ballot Hall of Famer’s career.

After retirement, McCovey’s legend lived on through special reprint and commemorative baseball cards. In 1985, Topps put out an anniversary card honoring 25 years of McCovey in the majors. Fleer issued a platinum medallion card in 1992 commemorating McCovey’s induction into Cooperstown. Numerous insert sets and high-end reproductions since the 1990s have paid homage to McCovey’s iconic career. These modern cards ensuring his greatness would not be forgotten by new generations of collectors. Today, Willie McCovey’s staggering baseball accomplishments and iconic status in San Francisco remain immortalized through the countless cards released that tracked every milestone of his amazing 22-year career.

From his breakout rookie season in 1959 to his finale two decades later, Willie McCovey thrilled fans and opponents alike with one of the most prodigious slugging displays in baseball history. The legendary “Stretch” cemented his place among the game’s all-time greats and his excellence has been preserved on hundreds of baseball cards released since his playing days. Whether its a vintage 1959 Topps rookie, 1970s issues showing his veteran years, or modern reproductions, McCovey cards continue snaring the attention of collectors eager to own pieces of one of the finer sluggers to ever swing a bat.

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.

WILLIE MAYS BASEBALL CARDS FOR SALE

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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 sought after by collectors. Mays had a legendary 24-year career playing center field for the New York and San Francisco Giants from 1951 to 1973. His athleticism, power, and defensive skills made him a superstar and fan favorite. Here is an in-depth look at some of the most valuable and desirable Willie Mays baseball cards that can be found for sale in today’s collecting market.

One of the holy grails of baseball card collecting is the 1951 Bowman Willie Mays rookie card. This iconic card was issued early in Mays’ rookie season and captures him at just 20 years old in his New York Giants uniform. The image shows the youthful Mays grinning with confidence in his crouched center field stance, foreshadowing the excellence and excitement he would bring to the game. Due to the low print run of Bowman cards in the 1950s and Mays’ rookie status, very few of these cards survived in pristine condition. Graded mint condition examples can sell for well over $100,000. Even lower grade copies still command prices of $5,000 or more due to their historical significance as Mays’ first trading card appearance.

Another highly valuable early Mays card is his 1954 Topps card. This issue came out during Mays’ breakout season where he won both the National League MVP and Rookie of the Year awards. The card features a solid action shot and the statistics from Mays’ impressive 1953 campaign. High grade 1954 Topps Mays cards in a PSA/BGS Gem Mint 10 or SGC 10 price range routinely sell in auctions for $15,000-$30,000. Even well-worn lower grade copies often trade hands for $1,000-2,500 depending on condition. The 1954 Topps set is one of the most popular and iconic vintage releases, making Mays’ prominent card a must-have for accomplished collectors.

While not quite as rare or expensive as his early 1950s issues, Mays’ 1957 Topps card remains one of the definitive representations of his playing career. It captures “The Say Hey Kid” in the midst of one of his many Gold Glove seasons, leaping with ease to rob a home run. Graded examples in Mint 9 to Gem Mint 10 condition regularly sell in the $2,000-$4,000 range. Even well-loved lower grade copies can be acquired for $500-1,000. The 1957 Topps set increased production substantially from prior years so more copies survived. It was still one of the final vintage issues available as a common find in original wax packs sold in candy stores.

For collectors seeking iconic 1960s Mays cards, his 1964 Topps or 1965 Topps issues are great centering pieces. Both cards portray Mays in the all-star uniform used during the annual Midsummer Classic games. Him smiling proudly while holding his glove in 1964 or in a more serious eyes-focused stance in 1965, these later career images remain highly popular. PSA/BGS 10 graded examples can still reach $1,000-2,000. Most raw near-mint to mint quality copies change hands in the $200-500 range. Of course, Mays also had several other beautiful and exciting action image cards produced in the1950s-60s by Topps, Fleer and other brands that usually sell in the $50-200 range depending on condition, scarcity and desire.

Continuing into the 1970s, Mays’ 1972 Topps card holds special appeal for collectors. It was produced during the final season of his celebrated career and shows him gazing determinedly in his San Francisco Giants uniform, with statistics from 1971 listed on the back. This poignant farewell image resonates strongly for those who followed Mays’ career. High graded examples can sell above $500 but most clean near-mint or better common copies are valued between $150-300 when available.

While not as costly as some of his vintage standouts, Mays also had many outstanding cards printed in the 1980s and 90s by Donruss, Fleer, Score and more that traded hands for $10-75 per copy. These postwar issues help commemorate Mays’ incredible full 24-season career in professional baseball and many include classic action photos not seen elsewhere.

For investors or affluent collectors, a truly once-in-a-lifetime Willie Mays item that has sold for over $400,000 is his only known 1951 Bowman signed proof sheet. This exceedingly rare promotional piece was approved and autographed by Mays early in his career and features the future home run king signing ten proofs of his classic rookie card design. The sheet provides a unique window into the card production process and an unmatched piece of authenticated memorabilia from Mays’ formative playing days.

In conclusion, Willie Mays dominated the 1950s-60s baseball card market like no other player through eye-catching photography, Hall of Fame stats, and iconic rookie cards. Whether pursuing vintage gems or affordable commemorations, his diverse trading cards remain cherished holdings that connect collectors to Mays’ timeless contributions on the field. With Mays’ legacy as perhaps the game’s greatest all-around player, this ensures his cardboard items remain widely collected, displayed and discussed for generations to come. Serious baseball archives are always seeking to strengthen their Willie Mays collections through available deals in the current marketplace.