Topps baseball cards have been around since 1951 and over the decades, certain cards have become extremely valuable collecting items. Whether due to their rarity, condition, or being of a iconic player, some Topps cards command prices well into the thousands of dollars. Here is a look at what are considered the top 100 most valuable Topps baseball cards based on sales records and auction prices.
To start off the list at #100 is the 1956 Topps Mickey Mantle card. Generally found in well-worn condition due to its age and ubiquity, high graded PSA/BGS specimens can reach $3,000. Mantle remained a fan favorite long after his playing days.
Coming in at #99 is the 1969 Topps Reggie Jackson rookie card. One of the most prolific home run hitters of his generation, Jackson’s star power has kept interest in his rookie card strong. PSA 10 examples have topped $3,000.
Holding the #98 spot is the 1968 Topps Nolan Ryan rookie card. As one of the most dominant pitchers in baseball history, Ryan’s early cards hold value. Highly graded versions change hands for $3,000-5,000 depending on the market.
At #97 is the 1975 Topps George Brett rookie card. Brett put together a Hall of Fame career defined by his hitting prowess. Gem Mint copies have sold for around $3,000 in recent auctions.
Taking #96 is the 1965 Topps Sandy Koufax card. One of the games greatest lefties, Koufax’s short but dominant career makes his vintage cards collectible. Very high grade Tops Koufaxes have sold for over $3,000.
Cracking the top 95 at #95 is the 1957 Topps Willie Mays card. Widely considered one of the best all-around players ever, collectibility of Mays’ early cards remains high. Near mint to Gem Mint specimens of his ’57 Topps card trade in the $3,000 range.
Checking in at #94 is the 1954 Topps Billy Pierce rookie card. A 20-year MLB veteran, Pierce had himself a fine career. His rookie is highly regarded by vintage collectors and has cracked $3,000 when in pristine condition.
The #93 spot belongs to the 1960 Topps Roberto Clemente card. A Hall of Fame outfielder and humanitarian, interest in Clemente’s on-field performances keeps demand for his early cards strong. Very nice examples have brought $3,000+.
At #92 is the 1969 Topps Tom Seaver rookie card. Seaver put together a Hall of Fame career capped by his near-unanimous induction. His rookie is considered among the most iconic of the late ’60s/early ’70s and in top grades has sold for around $3,000 in recent times.
Claiming #91 on the list is the 1964 Topps Phil Niekro rookie card. Niekro set records for longevity and had an impressive skill set on the mound. Scarce mint condition specimens exceeding expectations has reached $3,000.
This brings us to the halfway point at #90 where the 1952 Topps Willie Mays rookie card resides. Seen as one of the true unicorns of the vintage era, any Mays rookie in high grade is of utmost rarity and value. An example that surfaced intact graded PSA 8 brought over $5,000 a few years ago.
Checking in at #89 is the 1974 Topps Mike Schmidt rookie card. A career Philadelphia Phillie, Schmidt established himself as one of the game’s premier power hitters and won three MVP awards. Premium condition copies have sold north of $3,000.
Holding down the #88 slot is the 1973 Topps Johnny Bench rookie card. The legendary Reds catcher anchored “The Big Red Machine” dynasty in Cincinnati and remains one of the finest defensive backstops ever. Gem Mint graded specimens have topped $3,000 recently.
At #87 is the 1972 Topps Joe Morgan rookie card. A linchpin of those great Reds clubs, Morgan was a dynamic leadoff man and second baseman. Very choice examples command $3,000+.
Situated at #86 is the 1964 Topps Brooks Robinson rookie card. A steady third baseman for the Orioles dynasty, Robinson was awarded high praise from both peers and analysts. Premium quality low-population Robinson rookies bring over $3,000.
Taking the #85 position is the 1968 Topps Orlando Cepeda rookie card. “Cha Cha” enjoyed success with multiple clubs but is best known for his time with the Giants. High-grade Cepeda rookies have been six-figure cards.
Coming in at #84 is the 1968 Topps Luis Tiant rookie card. The mustachioed Tiant won 20 games three times during his career spent mostly with Boston. Pristine quality Tiant rookies have sold for $3,000+.
Holding down the #83 slot is the 1969 Topps Eddie Mathews rookie card. Mathews bashed over 500 career homers primarily with the Braves and Brewers. Near perfect specimens have topped $3,000.
Sitting at #82 is the 1965 Topps Carl Yastrzemski rookie card. Yastrzemski anchored the offense for the great mid-1960s Red Sox clubs and won the 1967 Triple Crown. Top graded examples have brought over $3,000.
Taking the #81 spot is the 1951 Topps Willie Mays card. Mays’ explosive rookie season made this an iconic early card. Only the finest conditioned examples still in existence have sold between $3,000-5,000.
This brings us to the famed #80 position where the 1954 Topps Hank Aaron rookie card resides. As the home run king for so long, Aaron’s cards remain some of the most prized in the hobby. Near pristine specimens sell in the $3,000-$5,000 range.
At #79 is the 1957 Topps Frank Robinson rookie card. Robinson put together a Hall of Fame career as one of baseball’s earliest five-tool stars. Population reports show few qualify for the coveted PSA 10 grade, elevating prices for such specimens.
Checking in at #78 is the 1967 Topps Tom Seaver card. This flashy issue debuted at the height of “Tom Terrific’s” early career dominance. Top condition ’67 Seaver cards have reached $3,000.
Securing the #77 slot is the 1967 Topps Carl Yastrzemski card. Yaz lit up AL pitching while capturing the elusive 1967 Triple Crown. Premium quality copies have pushed $3,000.
Sitting at #76 is the 1972 Topps Johnny Bench card. As one of the most feared sluggers of the decade, the Bench ’72 has long held collecting attention. High census PSA/BGS 10s have brought over $3,000.
Claiming #75 is the 1971 Topps Joe Morgan card. At the peak of his prime, the ’71 Morgan remains an icon of the record breaking Big Red Machine clubs. Top condition specimens have topped $3,000.
Taking the #74 position is the 1959 Topps Robin Roberts card. One of the game’s most durable hurlers throughout the 1950s, Roberts’ star power keeps this vintage issue strong. Very choice copies approach $3,000 valuation.
At #73 lies the 1968 Topps Tom Seaver card. Seaver’s ascension to ace status ignited collector demand for his early 70s issues. Superb condition ’68 Seaver cards have sold over $3,000.
Residing at #72 is the 1970 Topps Johnny Bench card. Bench’s prolific power output in the early 70s made his cards highly demanded. Rare pristine specimens change hands north of $3,000.
Holding down #71 is the 1969 Topps Willie Mays card. Even deep into his career, the Say Hey Kid’s magic kept collectors enthusiastic about his vintage issues. Flawless versions have topped $3,000.
Checking in at #70 is the 1964 Topps Brooks Robinson card. Robinson’s rock solid defense anchored Baltimore’s success. Scarce bottom half gem copies regularly bring $3,000+.
Taking the #69 slot is the 1952 Topps Campanella rookie card. A premier offensive catcher of the 1950s, Roy Campanella’s career was sadly cut short in an auto accident. Near mint specimens command $3,000 plus.
Stepping into #68 position is the 1964 Topps Phil Niekro rookie card. Though rookie cards were still being sorted out conceptually, Niekro’s found enthusiastic takers. Flawless quality pieces sell around $3,000.
This brings us to the hallowed middle spot at #67, where the 1953 Topps Billy Pierce rookie card holds court. Pierce compiled over 200 wins and made three All-Star teams. Quality Pierce rookie cards bring $3,000-5,000.
Sitting at #66 is the 1954 Topps Mickey Mantle card. One of the most iconic cards ever issued, the Mick’s 1954 Topps remains immensely popular. Very choice copies consistently top $3,000.
Holding down #65 is the 1971 Topps Willie Mays card. By now firmly a beloved veteran, collector demand for Mays’ early 70s issues stayed high. Notable condition rarities sell over $3,000.
Checking in #64 is the 1955 Topps Mickey Mantle card. The Commerce Comet’s 1955 campaign
