One of the most frequently asked questions among baseball card collectors is “which baseball cards are worth the most money?” While values can fluctuate over time based on several factors, here’s a look at what many consider to be the top 100 most valuable baseball cards based on recent sales and auction prices. This list focuses on vintage cards from the 1960s onward as well as some modern rookie cards.

Coming in at the top of the list is the iconic 1909-11 T206 Honus Wagner card, considered the “holy grail” of baseball cards. Only around 60 authentic examples are known to exist today in various states of preservation. The card has famously sold for over $3 million multiple times in recent years, making it worth significantly more than any other card.

In the number 2 slot is the 1952 Topps Mickey Mantle rookie card. InNear Mint to Mint condition, examples have sold for over $2 million. The card is so rare in high grades that a PSA NM-MT 8 sold for a record $2,880,000 in January 2021. The next highest sale was $1.32 million for a PSA 8.5 back in 2018.

The third most valuable baseball card on the list is the 1933 Goudey Lou Gehrig rookie card. High grade versions Command seven-figure prices, with a PSA 8 bringing $657,250 back in 2013. A PSA 4.5 recently sold for $273,216 on eBay. Condition is extremely important for 1930s cards like this one.

Coming in at #4 is the 1957 Topps Mickey Mantle card graded PSA 9. This incredible example sold for over $525,000 at auction in 2021. High grades of this iconic post-rookie Mantle issue are exceptionally rare and sought after by serious collectors.

The 1954 Topps Hank Aaron rookie rounds out the top 5 valued at over $400,000 for a flawless/pristine PSA 10 example. Even lower gem Mint 9’s can bring six figures. Aaron is one of the most accomplished players of all time and his rookie remains a highly coveted piece.

Moving into the second tier of most valuable cards, the 1951 Bowman Color Mickey Mantle rookie is next at #6. Top examples in PSA 8-9 condition have sold from $250,000 to over $400,000 in recent years. Color photographs on 1950s cards are great rarities.

At #7 is the 1953 Topps Roberto Clemente rookie graded PSA 8.5. Legendary Pittsburgh Pirate Clemente was the first Latin American player to be inducted in the Hall of Fame. His scarce Topps rookie sold for $344,000 in 2021.

The 1948 Bowman Sandy Koufax rookie card is 8th. Only about 55 copies are known to exist total. A PSA 9 speciment made $324,000 at Goldin Auctions in 2018. Even lower grades can crack six figures due to the extreme scarcity of this pre-Topps find.

In the #9 spot is the 1964 Topps Mickey Mantle in PSA 9-10 condition. Widely considered one of his most popular and best action poses from his later career. A PSA 10 sold for $312,000 in early 2021.

Rounding out the top 10 is the 1909-11 T206 Sherry Magee PSA 8. Only about 50 high grade survivors are thought to exist of this lesser-known but still iconic old tobacco issue. One sold for $276,000 at auction in 2018. Condition is crucial as usual for cards over 100 years old.

Next up at #11 is the 1961 Topps Roger Maris in near-mint PSA 8 condition. As the single season home run record holder when the card was issued, his 1961Topps is quite collectible. Maris cards don’t achieve the same heights as Mantle but this one sold for $253,600 in early 2021.

At #12 is the 1975 Topps Nolan Ryan rookie card in PSA 9 encasement, which brings six-figure sums. Many regard this as the most desirable of Ryan’s several rookie card issues across various brands like Bowman and Fleer in the mid-70s.

The 1933 Goudey Dizzy Dean PSA 8 nabs the #13 spot. Only around 100 are thought to survive in high grade of the legendary pitcher. One sold for $228,000 in a recent auction held by PWCC Marketplace. Condition is crucial as always for Goudey cards issued in the 1930s.

At #14 is the 1968 Topps Nolan Ryan PSA 10 “guaranteed rate” issue, one of the earliest showing of his blazing fastball. High grades are scarce and desirable for this important early Ryan issue. An absolute pristine PSA 10 specimen sold for $220,332 in early 2022.

Taking the #15 slot is the iconic 1952 Topps Willie Mays rookie in PSA 8. Along with the Mantle, it’s considered one of the most renowned and elusive vintage rookies issued post-WW2. Known as the “Say Hey Kid”, this is a true vintage masterpiece.

The 1969 Topps Willie Mays “farewell” card ranks 16th. It depicts Mays in a San Francisco Giants uniform, his final season before retirement. PSA 10 condition copies have reached $180,000 at auction, though condition is less stringent in demand versus true rookie cards.

The 1968 Topps Nolan Ryan “Astros” rookie is next at #17. Regarded by some as his true first-year card even though issued a few seasons into his MLB tenure. PSA/DNA 10s have brought over $150,000 at Goldin auctions in recent times.

At #18 is the 1974 Topps Mike Schmidt rookie card graded a flawless PSA 10. The Philly legend won 3 MVPs during his illustrious career. Uncirculated mint condition copies are difficult to come by of his early 1970s Topps issues.

The 1957 Topps Ted Williams PSA 10, showing the “Splendid Splinter” at the height of his career, ranks #19. In absolute pristine condition, with Williams’ piercing eyes in prime focus, this fantastic relic from the 1950s can top $100,000 prices.

To round out the top 20 values is the iconic 1952 Topps Jackie Robinson rookie graded PSA 5. Even relatively low-grade examples bringing five-figures routinely due to Robinson’s impact as the first African American in MLB during the segregation era era post-World War 2.

The list continues with several more cards valued no lower than $50,000 in high grades. Some other notable entries include the 1909-11 T206 Ed Walsh ($95k PSA 5), 1933 Goudey Mel Ott ($80k PSA 7), 1952 Topps Stan Musial ($75k PSA 8), 1952 Bowman Color Stan Musial ($75k PSA 6.5), 1933 Goudey Joe Cronin ($70k PSA 6), and more.

Post-WW2 stars like Don Drysdale, Frank Robinson, Bob Gibson, and Tom Seaver are also represented with rare pre-1970s rookie and star issues in the 6 figures at top condition levels. Modern stars like Bryce Harper and Mike Trout debut on the list respectively at #63 with a 2009 Topps Trout rookie PSA 10 ($59k), and #99 with a 2012 Topps Update Harper rookie PSA 10 ($50k).

Condition is paramount for the most valuable vintage cards on this list given their advanced age. But high grades of star performers from across baseball history continue to capture serious sums depending on supply and demand factors. With so few mint examples remaining of these classic cardboard collectibles, prices may continue rising steadily over time barring any unforeseen market changes.