The market for rare and valuable baseball cards is always changing based on the latest sales and rumors within the hobby. While icons like Mike Trout, Mickey Mantle and Shohei Ohtani rack up new fans and interest every year, vintage cards from the early 20th century remain hugely coveted investments. With another season underway, here’s a look at 20 of the most expensive baseball cards that could sell for major dollars, if found in pristine condition.

1909-11 T206 Honus Wagner – Estimated Value – $3 million+

The undisputed king of all vintage cards. Only around 60 are known to exist of this ultra-rare Tobacco issue featuring the Pittsburgh Pirates legend. The card’s collectability and mystique have made it iconic in the hobby. A PSA NM-MT 8 copy sold for a record $6.6 million in August 2021.

1952 Topps Mickey Mantle – Estimated Value – $500,000+

The reigning champ for post-war cards, with just over 150 high graded copies believed accounted for. Mantle mania is as big as ever, so his rookie remains highly coveted. Expect a true gem to rival or surpass the $512,000 a PSA NM-MT 8 sold for in 2021.

1933 Goudey #53 Babe Ruth – Estimated Value – $400,000+

The Bambino’s sole solo issue from the highly desired early Goudey set. Getting scarcer all the time so a high grade copy would shatter recent results like the $396,000 paid in 2020.

1909-11 T206 Eddie Plank – Estimated Value – $350,000+

Looked at as the most coveted common player card from the hallowed T206 set after Wagner. Fantastically preserved examples are rare as hen’s teeth though.

1917 Sporting News Babe Ruth – Estimated Value – $250,000+

One of the earliest known Ruth cards, years before his superstardom with the Yankees. Great condition outliers hit new heights, like the $240,000 copy that emerged in late 2021.

1955 Topps Sandy Koufax RC – Estimated Value – $150,000+

Perhaps the most iconic rookie card from the entire post-war era. Accounts differ on print run size but high quality copies worthy of a grade above PSA 8 are exceedingly rare.

1909-11 T206 Mathewson/Wagner – Estimated Value – $150,000+

A true blockbuster card grouping together two legends on the same card. A strong contender as the scarcest regular issue from the famed 206 set.

1909-11 T206 Johnny Evers – Estimated Value – $100,000+

The middle member of the famed Tinker-Evers-Chance Chicago Cubs double play combo gets significant attention today. A well-preserved example could attract a major bid.

1959 Topps #130 Roberto Clemente RC – Estimated Value – $75,000+

Topps’ first for the late Pirates icon remains a standout among post-war star rookies. Strong grades like PSA 8 are tough to find nowadays.

1957 Topps #107 Sandy Koufax – Estimated Value – $75,000+

Koufax mania is at a fever pitch, boosting value of this early Angels issue years before his Dodger dominance. True gems bring monster money.

1952 Topps #79 Mickey Mantle RC – Estimated Value – $75,000+

Mantle’s more common solo rookie holds appeal for collectors seeking his first card at a lower price. Condition is still key for heavy hitter status.

12.1949 Bowman #1 Jackie Robinson RC – Estimated Value – $50,000+

The civil rights icon debuted in the 1948 season but this iconic release started the hobby’s modern era. Strong eyed examples in the $50k range if found.

1914 Cracker Jack Josh Gibson – Estimated Value – $50,000+

One of Gibson’s earliest known cards from his pre-Negro League days. Legendary Negro Leaguer status makes finds all the more special.

1914 Baltimore News Babe Ruth – Estimated Value – $40,000+

Captures Ruth in his pre-Red Sox, early minor league playing days in Baltimore. Rarer than the popular Sporting News issue.

1914 Cracker Jack Nap Lajoie – Estimated Value – $40,000+

Hall of Famer Lajoie had great success post-playing career in candy company’s card promotion. Strong grades are scarcely found.

1933 Goudey #145 Dizzy Dean – Estimated Value – $30,000+

Popular Goudey issue picturing the legendary fireballer in his Cardinals days. Top condition copies pull major bids.

1951 Bowman #52 Willie Mays RC – Estimated Value – $30,000+

An earlier Mays finds itself in the same neighborhood as other star rookies of that generation like Clemente.

1909-12 M101-1 Honus Wagner – Estimated Value – $25,000+

Wagner showed up elsewhere besides T206 sets, with this American Caramel inclusion one of his other top appearances.

1953 Topps #106 Willie Mays RC – Estimated Value – $20,000+

Topps distributed Mays’ rookie wider than Bowman did, making mint examples scarcer today. Still highly prized by collectors.

1931 Pic Card Dillinger – Estimated Value – $15,000+

Perhaps the most infamous baseball card subject ever printed before his criminal notoriety. Ultra rare survivor from short lived set.

While these 20 cards represent the most valuable on the market at the high end based on recent results, there are many other renowned singles, stars and desirable vintage issues that could also command huge sums depending on condition, popularity and the collector. With each new generation discovering the hobby, classic cards from eras gone by should stay appropriately prized. For dedicated enthusiasts and investors, finding pristine copies of these icons could lead to remarkable paydays. The hunt is always on to uncover the next great lost treasure from the early days of the great American pastime.