Gone are the days when kids bought packs of baseball cards to cut their lip on a hard piece of stale gum while they traded their cards with their friends. Baseball cards have turned into big money over the years, with a select few cards breaking six figures in value. Here are the top ten most valuable cards and the reasons why.
10) 1989 Upper Deck – Ken Griffey Jr.
You may be wondering why a card that is only twenty years old was placed on the list of the top ten most valuable baseball cards. Upper Deck decided to use the rookie card of Ken Griffey Jr. as the first card in the very first set they produced. Though the price of this card pales in comparison to the remainder of the list, we will continue to skyrocket in years to come.
9) 1968 Topps – Nolan Ryan
Perhaps one of the greatest pitchers every to take the mound, Nolan Ryan’s rookie card has been increasingly sought after with each passing year. Though the card lacked the scarcity of others on the list, Ryan’s accomplishment on the field, like throwing seven no hitters, has helped to fuel the desire for avid baseball card collectors.
8) 1914 Cracker Jack – Ty Cobb
What makes this Ty Cobb card one of the top ten most valuable baseball cards of all time is it marked the shift where cards began to be marketed in food product rather than tobacco goods. Whether you like him or not, having his card in your collection is a must.
7) 1954 Bowman – Ted Williams
You can add this to the list of top ten most valuable baseball cards because of the hitting prowess of Ted Williams and the scarcity of the card. Collectors can add this card to their resume if for a small paltry sum of $3,000 to $4,000.
6) 1963 Topps – Pete Rose
This Pete Rose rookie card started to increase in value as fans watched him gain on the all-time hit record set years prior by Ty Cobb. And thanks to the issues with counterfeiting, this card grew increasingly scarce among the collectors. With Rose’s status of rejoining baseball still in limbo, this baseball card has the potential to rise up through the ranks on the top ten most valuable baseball cards.
5) 1938 Goudey Card – Joe DiMaggio
Owner of one of the untouchable records in baseball, Joe DiMaggio, 56 game hitting streak help fuel the desire for collectors this card and has helped place it as one of the top ten most valuable baseball cards. Owners have paid a price range of $2,500 to $3,500 for this piece of sports memorabilia.
4) 1951 Bowman – Willie Mays
The rookie card of Willie Mays easily made the top ten most valuable baseball cards due to Mays determination and ability on the field. Referred to as some as the best all-around player of all-time, Mays’ baseball card has been priced anywhere from $2,000 to $3,000.
3) 1933 Goudey – Babe Ruth
Though the Sultan of Swat, Babe Ruth, had four cards in the 1933 set, only card #53 lands on the top ten most valuable baseball cards. Known worldwide for his homeruns during the 1920’s and 1930’s, collectors can add this card to their inventory for a mere $3,500 to $5000.
2) 1952 Topps – Mickey Mantle
When it comes to New York Yankee greats, there was none who have been more idolized by fans than Mickey Mantle. The value of the card skyrocketed in the 1980’s as baseball card collection took off. With prices ranging from $12,000 to $15,000, it is easy to see why it is ranked second on the top ten most valuable baseball cards.
1) 1909 T206 – Honus Wagner
Present day baseball collector’s can thank this card for starting their passion. It is believed the Hall of Fame second baseman had his card pulled from production because he objected to cigarette smoking. As a result there it is believed there are only 100 of these cards in existence, with a handful in decent condition. The last time there was a record of this card being sold at an auction; $1.1 million was the going price.
Resources
http://www.baseballcards101.com
http://www.baseball-almanac.com
