Baseball cards are among the most iconic collectors’ items of all time. America’s obsession with the sport dates back more than a century, before massive print runs made popular cards ubiquitous. Now, some of the limited-run cards that have stood the test of time are valued above six and seven figures. Below are some of the most expensive cards of all time.

High-Value Collectors’ Baseball Cards

1. 1909 Honus Wagner

Baseball cards first appeared in cigarette packages. One of these cards is the famous T206 Honus Wagner, which was released by the American Tobacco Company in 1909. Other cards in the series aren’t valued as highly because the Honus Wagner card only ran for a select time. The card can pull in a remarkable $1 million or more, even in poor condition.

2. 1916 Babe Ruth

Another card estimated at $1 million or more — in near-mint condition— is the 1916 Sporting News Babe Ruth rookie card. It depicts Ruth in his Red Sox uniform, showcasing his rookie career prior to being traded to the Yankees. The card within the M101-5 set is the one that fetches the highest value; it’s slightly off-center and is extremely difficult to find.

3. 1952 Mickey Mantle

In excellent condition, the Topps #311 Mickey Mantle can bring in more than $1 million at auction. This card was printed in a lesser quantity compared to other cards that year. 1952 was also Topps’ first year producing sports cards, making it more noteworthy than other editions of Mickey Mantle cards.

4. 1909 Ty Cobb Tobacco

The most expensive Ty Cobb card, “The Lucky 7,” is part of the T206 set that ran from 1909 to 1911. Experts estimate that less than two dozen exist. In excellent condition, the card could sell for over $1 million. 

5. 1909 “Shoeless” Joe Jackson

As a player involved in the infamous Black Sox Scandal, in which the Chicago White Sox were accused of intentionally losing a World Series game in exchange for money, “Shoeless” Joe Jackson is now famous for another reason. His 1909 American Caramel card sold has sold for more than $600,000 in near-mint condition, with poorer-quality cards bringing in close to $100,000.

While it may be unlikely to come across any of the rarities listed above, trading baseball cards is a rewarding hobby in any case. As the leading source for collectibles and sports cards in Portage County, OH, Collector’s Palace Coins & Jewelry is home to an extensive range of rare baseball and football cards. Send their team a message online, or call (330) 626-2464 to speak with a knowledgeable store associate.