Stan Musial, also known as Stan the Man, was one of the greatest hitters and outfielders in baseball history during his 22 year career spent entirely with the St. Louis Cardinals from 1941 to 1963. Musial won a record seven National League batting titles, was a 24-time All-Star and holds the records for the most total bases, extra-base hits and triples in National League history. He was inducted into the National Baseball Hall of Fame in 1969 in his first year of eligibility with over 93% of the vote. Given his legendary career and status as a true baseball icon, it’s no surprise that many of Musial’s rookie and vintage baseball cards have become highly coveted collectibles among enthusiasts. Here are some of the top and most valuable Stan Musial baseball cards:
1941 Play Ball Stan Musial Rookie Card – Musial’s official rookie card comes from the 1941 Play Ball set that was produced by Leaf Candy Company as promotional inserts in their chewing gum packs. The cards featured images of NL and AL players on the front with stats and a short bio on the back. Musial’s rookie card shows him as a young player for the Cardinals with “Rookie Star” printed below his image. In near mint condition, graded PSA 8, Musial’s 1941 Play Ball rookie has sold for over $100,000 making it one of the most valuable vintage rookie cards. High grades of PSA 9 can fetch $150,000 or more.
1948 Bowman Stan Musial Card #61 – Musial’s most iconic card appearance comes from the 1948 Bowman set. The card pictures Musial mid-swing wearing his Cardinals uniform number 6. The photography and design of the 1948 Bowman set are considered some of the finest of the era. Musial’s ’48 Bowman in a PSA 8 grade recently sold for over $70,000 showing its desirability among collectors. Even low-end PSA 6 examples can sell for $20,000 or more depending on the buyer. Higher grades of PSA 9 are extremely rare and can demand six figure prices.
1951 Bowman Stan Musial Card #155 – Musial received another prominent card in the highly regarded 1951 Bowman set. This card shows a headshot of Musial facing to the right. While not quite as iconic as his 1948 issue, Musial’s ’51 Bowman is still a key card for any serious Musial or vintage baseball card collection. High grade PSA 8 copies have sold for around $25,000 with PSA 9 examples reaching the $50,000 price range.
1955 Topps Stan Musial Card #254 – Musial’s first card in the landmark 1955 Topps set is another significant piece. The card depicts Musial batting from the left side with “All-Time Hits King” printed above. This was Musial’s age 38 season but he was still in his prime, having just won the NL batting title in 1954. High quality PSA 8 versions of Musial’s ’55 Topps card have sold for $10,000 to $15,000. Top grades of PSA 9 can command $25,000 or higher.
1957 Topps Stan Musial Card #277 – In Musial’s age 40 season of 1957, he received his final Topps regular issue card that showed him batting from the right side. Musial was still a star, batting .312 that year in limited playing time. Well-kept PSA 8 copies sell for $5,000 to $8,000 while Mint PSA 9 examples reach $15,000. This was the last “mid-career” Musial card issued until retirement sets of the 1960s.
1960 Topps Stan Musial Card #391 – Musial’s 1960 Topps card marked his age 43 season, which would be his last All-Star campaign. Despite his advancing age, Musial was still productive, batting .296 that year part-time for St. Louis. This was one of Musial’s final “active player” issued cards before retirement. PSA 8 copies trade hands for $3,000 to $5,000 while no PSA 9s have yet reached the census.
1962 Topps Stan Musial Baseball Stars Card #B7 – As Musial entered his final season at age 44 in 1962, Topps issued this special “Baseball Stars” card set that paid tribute to some of the game’s greats. The colorful cartoony style was a precursor to later oddball/specialty sets of the 1970s. Musial’s vibrant red card displays his Cardinals uniform number 6 along with stats from his historic career. Even low-grade examples in PSA 5-6 condition sell for over $1,000 in recognition of its rarity and place in Topps history.
1965 Topps Stan Musial Record Breakers Card #130 – After retiring following the 1963 season, Topps included Musial in their 1965 “Record Breakers” set highlighting career milestones and statistics. The card shows a headshot of Musial and lists some of his batting records from his 22 seasons. Although not a true “rookie card”, Musial’s 1965 Record Breakers has become a valuable piece for collectors given his decorated career. PSA 8 copies can sell for $800-$1,200.
1970 Topps Stan Musial Baseball Greats Card #BG3 – One of the final mass-produced Musial cards was issued in 1970 as part of Topps’ “Baseball Greats” set highlighting legendary players from past eras. Displaying an action photo of Musial swinging away, the card notes some of his impressive career numbers in the St. Louis jersey. Lower grade PSA 5-6 versions range $150-250 still in recognition of Musial’s iconic status in baseball history.
While rookie cards and early issues naturally carry the highest values, any vintage Stan Musial cards spanning his entire Hall of Fame playing career from the 1940s through 1960s remain highly collectible and pride of place centerpieces in collections of Cardinals and baseball memorabilia items. As one of the game’s true ambassadors and revered hitters, Musial’s on-card appearances retain significance and investment potential even decades after his final at-bat.
