Investments don’t always need to be traditional stocks and bonds. While the stock market makes a great portion of a portfolio, the most diversified portfolios often hold a variety of alternatives. Alternative investments also provide an opportunity to mix personal interest with your finances.
Baseball cards can make a great investment and a great hobby! Baseball and sports fans can collect vintage, unique, and rare cards that feature their favorite teams and sports icons. And as they grow in value, they can be sold at a profit. Some baseball trading cards end up being worth thousands of dollars, and even fewer are worth millions, making them a valuable asset as well as a neat collection. To ensure your collection is profitable, you’ll want to look for the most valuable baseball cards on the market.
Quick Look: Top Baseball Cards to Invest in
- 1952 Topps Mickey Mantle
- 1909 Sweet Caporal T206 Honus Wagner (White Border)
- 1914 Baltimore News Babe Ruth
- 1933 Goudey Babe Ruth #53
- Autographed Mike Trout 2009 Bowman Chrome Draft Prospects Superfractor
- 1951 Bowman Mickey Mantle
- 1916 M101-4 Sporting News Babe Ruth
- 1910 Piedmont Cigarettes T206 Joe Doyle (N.Y. Nat’l)
- 1933 Babe Ruth Goudey Sport Kings #2
- 1909-11 T206 Ty Cobb (Ty Cobb Back)
Most Valuable Baseball Cards to Invest in
Limited edition cards and cards displaying baseball legends often end up skyrocketing in value. These are 10 of the most valuable baseball cards worth money.
1. 1952 Topps Mickey Mantle
Mickey Mantle is revered as one of the greatest baseball players of all time. He led the Yankees to victory in seven World Series and has broken numerous records. The 1952 Topps trading card is one of the most popular baseball cards out there, marking the beginning of this baseball legend’s career. It sold for over $12 million in 2022, making it one of the most valuable cards on the market.
| Spec | Pros | Cons |
| Sold in 1952 $12.6 million SGC 9.5 | Great condition Rare baseball card leading to increased demand | Strong demand leads to bidding wars Very expensive |
2. 1909 Sweet Caporal T206 Honus Wagner (White Border)
The 1909 Sweet Caporal T206 Honus Wagner card is one of the highest-selling, low-grade cards ever. This card is extremely rare, given that it is over 100 years old and few are left on the market. Additionally, Honus Wagner did not want his name or image associated with tobacco products, leading to the card being discontinued. Its iconic design and fanfare have made it legendary among collectors.
| Spec | Pros | Cons |
| Sold in 1906 $7.5 million 2 | High-value Scarcity increases demand Continues to outperform | Low-grade Extremely hard to find |
3. 1914 Baltimore News Babe Ruth
This card is unique for several reasons. First, it’s one of the rarest baseball cards on the market with an estimated less than 10 remaining in circulation. It’s one of the most valuable low-grade cards in the community, due to its extreme scarcity. Many other valuable baseball trading cards are of players in the major league, but this 1914 card from Baltimore News is Babe Ruth’s minor league card. It’s the most valuable and rare Babe Ruth card out there.
| Spec | Pros | Cons |
| 1914 $7.2 million 3 | Unique minor league card Extremely rare Low grades are highly valuable | Very hard to find Low-grade Steep competition |
4. 1933 Goudey Babe Ruth #53
Babe Ruth is one of the best-known baseball players, so it’s no surprise that many of his cards are worth record-breaking amounts. In 2021, the last known grade nine of this card was sold for over $4 million. It was popular when it was first released as a part of the 1933 Goudey collection and remains a favorite among collectors. There are still a few lower-grade cards in circulation for a lower price.
| Spec | Pros | Cons |
| 1933 $4.2 million 9 | High-grade Historic background Only one grade nine left | Steep competition Lower-grades less valuable |
5. Autographed Mike Trout 2009 Bowman Chrome Draft Prospects Superfractor
Current Los Angeles Angels Center Fielder Mike Trout has one of the most valuable rookie cards on the market. He was drafted straight from high school and has since been MVP three times and been an All-Star several times. The one-of-a-kind signed Superfractor card has an extremely high grade of 9, with a grade 10 autograph.
| Spec | Pros | Cons |
| Sold in 2009 $3.9 million 9 | Autographed Rare Unique design | Only one in existence leading to steep competition |
6. 1951 Bowman Mickey Mantle
The 1951 Bowman card is considered Mickey Mantle’s only rookie card. The card was released in 1951 when Mantle first joined the Yankees, and he went on to win seven World Series and break numerous records. This card represents a crucial piece of baseball history, even if collectors tend to prefer the 1952 Topps card.
| Spec | Pros | Cons |
| 1951 $3.2 million 9 | Mantle’s rookie card Features baseball legend High grade | Less popular compared to the 1952 Topps card Hard to find high-grade versions |
7. 1916 M101-4 Sporting News Babe Ruth
Babe Ruth is one of the most popular and iconic baseball players of all time, so it’s no surprise that several of his cards are considered the top baseball cards to invest in. The 1916 Sporting News card is considered Ruth’s rookie card and is extremely valuable due to its rarity. There are thought to be under 10 left in existence, so this card in any condition is a valuable find and is worth upward of a million dollars in better conditions.
| Spec | Pros | Cons |
| 1916 $1.7 million 7 | Rookie card of a baseball legend High value due to demand Lower grades are still valuable | Extremely hard to find due to limited left on the market Steep competition High minimum investment |
8. 1910 Piedmont Cigarettes T206 Joe Doyle (N.Y. Nat’l)
This card is extremely popular among baseball card investors, due to its rarity and history. In 1910 this was released as a tobacco card by Piedmont Cigarettes. However, its caption printed “N.Y. Nat’l” when it was supposed to say “N.Y. Amer.” Only a few of these error cards were released, making even low-grade versions of this card very valuable.
| Spec | Pros | Cons |
| 1910 $1.3 million 3.5 | Error caused limited production Unique history Low-grade versions are still valuable | Very limited supply Steep competition High minimum investment |
9. 1933 Babe Ruth Goudey Sport Kings #2
Babe Ruth’s impressive career and impact on baseball history means several of his cards are worth millions. This trading card celebrates the Bambino's career and achievements, with another unique design featured in the 1933 Sport Kings set. A mint card is worth over a million dollars.
| Spec | Pros | Cons |
| 1933 $1.2 million 9 | Celebrates a sports legend High-quality A great addition for Babe Ruth fans | Mint condition cards are hard to find Steep competition High investment |
10. 1909-11 T206 Ty Cobb (Ty Cobb Back)
The T206 card set is already renowned amongst collectors for its design and influence on baseball history. Part of the set was the Ty Cobb card, who was nicknamed “the Georgia Peach” and set several records throughout his career. To add to this card’s allure, seven cards were discovered with the rare Ty Cobb Back design in 2016. One of these cards sold for $1.2 million.
| Spec | Pros | Cons |
| 1909-1911 $1.2 million 4.5 | Unique history associated with the card Lower grades are valuable Rarity leads to increased demand | Extremely hard to find Steep competition High investment |
Where to Invest in Baseball Cards
Whether you’re looking to start your baseball card collection or add more to your current portfolio, these are some of the best alternative investment platforms.
- Best For:All Of Your Investments In One Placesecurely through Public.com Collectibles's website
Invest In Sports History
Investing in baseball cards isn’t just a way to grow your wealth and achieve your financial goals, you’re also partaking in the preservation of sports history. You can collect and save old baseball cards that represent iconic moments in baseball, such as the rookie cards of baseball legends or rare misprints of baseball cards. You can find baseball cards and other collectibles for sale through auctions, online auctions and sites, and private sales. Remember to consult a professional appraiser to verify authenticity before purchasing!
Frequently Asked Questions
What baseball cards hold the most value?
As of 2024, the most valuable baseball card is the 1952 Topps Mickey Mantle worth $12.6 million. The 1909 T206 Sweet Caporal Honus Wagner is the second most valuable baseball card, worth $7.5 million.
Are any 90s baseball cards worth money?
Some baseball cards released in the 90s are worth money, including Derek Jeter’s rookie card.
What brand of old baseball cards are worth money?
Many brands of old baseball cards are valuable, including those released by cigarette companies such as Sweet Caporal cigarettes and bubble gum companies, like Sports King Gum.
About Savannah Munholland
Savannah Munholland is a dynamic author and communications professional known for her captivating storytelling and expertise in public relations. With a passion for YA fiction, Savannah explores themes of sexuality and acceptance in her writing, resonating with diverse audiences worldwide. Alongside her literary pursuits, she excels in verbal and written communications, social media management, and customer service, showcasing her multifaceted talents. As a dedicated advocate for the LGBTQ+ community, Savannah’s work reflects her commitment to promoting inclusivity and representation. Whether crafting compelling narratives or spearheading PR campaigns, Savannah’s creativity and determination leave an indelible mark on every project she undertakes.