Baseball trading cards have been around for over 150 years, dating back to the late 19th century. Many of the earliest and most valuable baseball cards were produced during what is known as the tobacco era from the late 1880s through the 1900s when tobacco companies included cards as incentives along with their products. While many factors influence a card’s value such as its condition and scarcity, there are certain baseball trading cards throughout history that have proven to be especially desirable among collectors and considered the most prized possessions in any collection. Here are some of the most notable and valuable baseball trading cards that any dedicated collector would love to add to their collection:

Honus Wagner T206 (1909) – Widely considered the holy grail of baseball cards, the ultra-rare T206 Honus Wagner card is by far the most expensive trading card ever sold. Produced by the American Tobacco Company in 1909 as part of its iconic T206 series, it is estimated only 50-200 examples exist in existence today in varying conditions. What makes the Wagner so scarce is that the future Hall of Famer demanded his likeness be removed from production, likely due to his opposition to promoting tobacco. As a result, far fewer of his card made it into circulation compared to his contemporaneous teammates. The card has established itself as the standard bearer for condition and rarity, with one PSA Graded MINT 9 example selling for $6.6 million in 2016.

Mickey Mantle 1952 Topps (1952) – As one of the greatest players of all time, it’s no surprise Mantle’s rookie card from Topps’ inaugural high-production baseball set would be highly valued. Despite its relatively high original print run of over 50 years ago, the Mickey Mantle rookie has stood the test of time as one of the most iconic and popular cards ever thanks to his legendary playing career and widespread name recognition. High graded examples in Gem Mint 10 can fetch over $500,000, making it one of the most expensive post-war cards.

Mike Trout 2009 Bowman Chrome Draft Picks & Prospects Superfractor Auto (#838/1000000 BGS Graded MINT 9.5) – Still an active player, Trout has quickly emerged as a true generational talent and future first-ballot Hall of Famer. His ultra-rare 2009 Bowman Chrome Superfractor rookie card autograph parallel out of only one million produced holds the record as the most valuable modern card ever sold at $922,500. Trout mania and belief he can surpass Mantle and others as the best to ever play has driven values of this premiere rookie skyward.

Babe Ruth 1914 Baltimore News (1914) – As one of two known examples of “The Bambino’s” earliest pre-professional baseball card, this key issue from his days with the Baltimore Orioles team ranks among the most significant in the hobby. The card provides one of the earliest glimpses of a young Ruth before becoming the iconic superstar of the 1920s. Just the fact two are known to exist from this obscure local newspaper promotion makes it incredibly significant historically. A PSA 4 brought $368,500 at auction in 2016, showing the demand for anything related to the legendary Babe Ruth.

Nolan Ryan 1973 Topps (1973) – Ryan’s sole Topps rookie card holds an iconic status worthy of “The Ryan Express’s” legendary career. As a dominant flamethrower who racked up numerous career records including strikeouts, wins, and no-hitters, the Texas-born hurler was a fan favorite for decades. Although he pitched until well after his prime in the early ’90s, the 1973 Topps Nolan Ryan remains one of the most high-profile 70s cards. PSA 10 examples have sold for over $20,000 highlighting its popularity among vintage collectors.

Sandy Koufax 1957 Topps (1957) – As one of the most dominant pitchers ever in his prime during the 1960s for the Los Angeles Dodgers, Koufax’s rookie card holds a revered status. The sharp contrast of his intense pitching motion on the 1957 design is part of what gives this issue such visual flair and appeal to collectors. Being the first Topps card of the Hall of Famer adds to its significance and value, with PSA 9s currently worth around $15,000.

Tom Seaver 1968 Topps (1968) – Seaver was in many ways the ace and driving force behind the “Amazin'” 1969 World Champion New York Mets. As a result, his first Topps card which came during his rookie season is a standout from the late 1960s period. The “Franchise’s” graceful windup captured perfectly on the classic design make the 1968 Topps Tom Seaver one of the most aesthetically pleasing vintage issues. High graded copies in the $5,000 range reflect its status as a marquee rookie card.

Rogers Hornsby 1921 W516-1 Old Mill (1921) – Coming from one of the earliest modern sets produced, this enigma-shrouded tobacco era card is a true relic of the early 20th century. As one of the best hitters of all time who played from 1915-1937, any Hornsby issue holds significance. The obscure Old Mill brand and question marks surrounding its limited print run have made this one of the most difficult pre-war cards to find in any condition. The few that have surfaced have sold for over $100,000 apiece.

Ted Williams 1956 Topps (1956) – As arguably the greatest pure hitter in baseball history with a career .344 average, cards of Teddy Ballgame hold immense value. The 1956 Topps Ted Williams may be the single most aesthetically beautiful and significant Williams issue due to its vibrant colorful background and iconic pose captured mid-swing. A PSA EX-MT 5 with solid eye appeal recently went for over $40,000, showing there’s no ceiling on what collectors will pay for anything related to the legendary Red Sox outfielder.

Mike Trout 2009 Bowman Prospects Auto BGS 10 (2009) – While the superfractor parallel of Trout’s 2009 Bowman Chrome rookie discussed earlier is the true holy grail, even the base autographed rookie holds immense value when graded pristine. After all, it was the first card to feature the future superstar who had yet to play a single major league game. Highly regarded third-party authentication and a perfect BGS 10 grade enabled one recently to shatter records at over $400,000, proving this modern issue has attained the status of the all-time great classic rookie cards of the past.

Any of these top baseball cards would be a truly special addition to any collection and hold intrinsic value as some of the rarest and most significant issues ever produced chronicling some of the greatest players to ever step onto the diamond. As interest continues rising with the growing collector market, prices for premier vintage and modern rookies will likely only trend upward in the coming years. Their staying power as beloved icons of the hobby is a testament to these players’ undying legends on the field being forever preserved and celebrated on the cardboard they first appeared on decades ago.