The 5 most famous baseball cards

When you ask baseball card collectors which cards they’d like to get their hands on, most would agree with the first two: the T206 Honus Wagner and the 1914 Babe Ruth. However, there would probably be some disagreement after that. . While card condition and market conditions certainly have a considerable influence on values, the following list includes five of the most valuable and recognizable cards in the baseball card collecting hobby.

Honus Wagner T206 – The most well-known rookie card in the baseball card collecting community, the Honus Wagner is generally treated as a work of art. It was included in the T206 set between 1909 and 1911 by the American Tobacco Company. Due to a dispute with the American Tobacco Company, between 50 and 200 cards were issued to the public. The reasons behind the dispute continue to be questioned: whether Wagner did not want his image to be included on cigarette packages or whether he wanted additional compensation. Whatever the reason, this limited availability made the T206 Honus Wagner the first valuable baseball card. Today, the card remains both an investment and a symbol of stature, as many famous people have bought or sold the card.

1914 Baltimore Sun Babe Ruth – printed in 1914 by the Baltimore Sun newspaper, Babe Ruth’s rookie card has become the second most valuable baseball card in the hobby. This 1914 ensemble included Ruth with his teammates from the Baltimore Orioles as well as the Terrapins from the International League. The cards were available in blue or red and included a team schedule on the back. Given the continued overwhelming popularity of Babe Ruth among baseball card collectors, it is entirely possible that this card will eventually replace the Honus Wagner as the most valuable card. For now, it stands as the number two signature among collectors.

1952 Topps Mickey Mantle – this Mickey Mantle card has been a favorite of the baseball card collecting community for many years. The value of this Mantle card has fluctuated somewhat in price over the past two decades, but it remains popular with collectors and is considered the most valuable of the cards printed during Mantle’s career.

1951 Archer Willie Mays – A PSA 9 Bowman Willie Mays card sold at auction in 2007 for over $93,000, further establishing the card as one of the elite cards among collectors.

1933 Goudey Babe Ruth – Of all the Babe Ruth cards printed during his storied career, his 1933 Goudey cards remain the most recognizable. Goudey’s 1933 edition included four Babe Ruth cards, a reflection of his stature in the sport and in the fandom.

The honorable mention for the best letters would have to go to the 1939 Ted Williams Ballgame and the 1949 Paige Bowman Wallet. Despite a spectacular career with the Boston Red Sox, Splendid Splinter’s rookie card is generally valued at a hefty price than Mantle’s 1952 rookie card. While it has a classic look, the 1939 Ted Williams is printed in black and white and visually it’s not a particularly memorable card. Possibly the biggest name in the Negro Leagues, Satchel Paige had a brilliant career with relatively few baseball cards in circulation today. As a result, this card is priced close to six figures in mint condition.

Completing the top ten would be an even more controversial task: Christy Mathewson, Ty Cobb, Hank Aaron, Lou Gehrig, Jackie Robinson and many others could deserve a seat at that table.