Every year in the hobby of collecting sports cards, certain cards from the past establish themselves as the key “heritage” cards that are highly sought after. These cards tend to depict some of the most legendary players throughout baseball history from the earliest era of issued cards in the late 19th century all the way up through the 1970s and 1980s. As we head into 2023, here are some of the top heritage baseball cards that collectors will be hunting for and investing in over the next year.
1909-11 T206 Honus Wagner: As often named the most valuable and coveted card in the world, the famed Honus Wagner card from the early 20th century T206 set remains the undisputed king of all heritage baseball cards. Produced only between 1909-1911, the rarity of even locating one of the approximately 60 high-grade examples still around makes this simply untouchable at the top of lists. Expect seven and even eight figure auction prices to continue for the fortunate few who encounter one.
1952 Topps Mickey Mantle: The first card issued by Topps of one of the all-time Yankee greats, Mantle’s rookie is the pinnacle card from the post-WWII era. With Mickey’s iconic swing captured perfectly on the front, his ’52 Topps rookie holds claim as the most important post-war card alongside the likes of Ted Williams and Jackie Robinson. High grades can bring in over $2 million nowadays.
1933 Goudey Babe Ruth: Depicting the notorious “Sultan of Swat” in action for the Yankees, this early Goudey visual is among the most historic cards out there concerning one of the first true baseball superstars. High grades above a PSA 8 are all-time valuable, potentially reaching seven figures for a PSA 9 or 10. It’s one of the few cards that can rival Mantle and Wagner in terms of collectability over the long run.
1970 Nolan Ryan rookie: The first imagery issued of the future all-time strikeout king during his early days with the Mets, Ryan’s 1970 Topps rookie remains among the top modern rookie card targets. Condition is crucial, as a single-digit graded example can reach $50,000 or more due to Ryan’s lofty legend status. Lower grades in the $5-10k range show his enduring popularity too.
1957 Topps Hank Aaron: Capturing “Hammerin’ Hank” in his Milwaukee Braves uniform, this is the vital first Topps card of the eventual all-time home run leader. Grades of PSA 8 or better can end up priced over $15-20k given Aaron’s #755 milestone and cultural importance during the Civil Rights era. This is an essential card for any true vintage collection.
1909-11 T206 Mathewson/Wagner: While the true HOF talent of these Hall of Famers makes their solo cards extremely valuable, the rare T206 simultaneous portrait of Mathewson and Wagner doubles down on the history. Fewer than a dozen high-grade examples are known to exist, ensuring this landmark dual image sells for multiple millions when it crosses the block. From collecting or investing angles, it is the highest tier of any vintage card.
1968 Topps Nolan Ryan rookie: Serving as the much more attainable modern-era variation on his true first card two years prior, Ryan’s 1968 Topps rookie replaced his original debut appearance in Topps’s standard design. Highly sought after in top condition due to Ryan’s popularity during his record-setting later career, a PSA 9 can reach $5,000-10,000 with room to rise long-term. Still more wallet-friendly than the ’70 issue.
1948 Bowman Larry Doby rookie: Marking the first Bowman cardboard appearance of the star African American outfielder following Jackie Robinson’s 1947 debut with the Dodgers, Doby’s 1948 rookie card is an underappreciated key from that transitional era. It gains recognition as one of the most significant black pioneers, with high grades over $5,000 despite a larger print run versus contemporaries like Mantle and Williams.
1909-11 T206 Old Mill Ty Cobb Back: Highlighting one of the game’s original controversial fiercest competitors, Cobb’s solo posed shot from the famed Tobacco timing set jumps off the card front. Fewer than 10 high-quality specimens are known, indicating its superstar status is comparable to the other T206 greats in collectibility. Sets the standard as one of the all-time defining Cobb issues.
1957 Topps Willie Mays: Iconic imagery of baseball’s original “Say Hey Kid” during his playing days with the New York Giants, this early Topps Mays rookie is a must-have for any serious vintage collector. High grades above a PSA 7 are difficult to acquire but can bring multiples of thousands due to Mays’s legend. One of the most historically significant cards alongside contemporaries like Mantle and Aaron.
As highly sought after heritage cards from the earliest decade of issued cardboard through the pioneering 1950s, these 10 selections show the top targets that will maintain and gain value over the next year and beyond. Condition always plays a huge factor in their worth, with mint high grades exponentially more valuable long term. Overall they represent the biggest names and moments chronicled in the vintage era prior to the modern explosion of the 1980s. Their significance to the progression of baseball and place in history ensures these cards are must-owns for avid collectors and investors.
