One of the most beloved sports in the United States, baseball, has a lot of tradition in Uncle Sam’s country. It is a passion that is so ingrained in the hearts of Americans, it still stirs a lot of emotions to this very day. No other tradition ‘s so cherished as going to the ball game and eating a good hot dog, or having a beer with your friends. So, with this kind of fanaticism, there is no wonder that a lot of merchandising is produced. Fanatics of a particular team crave for their favorite player’s T-shirt, for autographed balls or baseball bats, and all sorts of other goodies. But one item that proves to be exceptional with people is the baseball cards. Its popularity has stood the test of time, and it is still a very sought after item among collectors. So much that its prices can go way up the scale of what is considered normal for this type of things. We have compiled a list of the top 5 most expensive baseball cards in existence, and we are sure the prices will flip you out. Apparently aimed for the most fervent devotees of the sport, these kinds of cards are the holy grail of collectors, and a very limited number of them have been produced. So, without further ado, here is the list:
5. Hank Aaron, 1954 Topps – $357,59
The second most valuable card of the Dmitri Young Collection depicts Henry “Hank” Aaron, one of the baseball’s greats. He is truly the definition of a living legend, playing a total of 23 seasons. He has held the MLB record for career home runs for 33 years, a very impressive feat. This 1954 vintage rookie card sold in 2012 as part of the $2.4 million collections and remains one of the most valuable rookie cards ever sold.
4. Eddie Plank, 1909-1911 ATC T206 – $414,750
Eddie Plank was one of the premiere pitchers during his tenure with the Philadelphia Athletics, from 1901 to 1914. Plank is the first left-handed pitcher to win 200 games and then 300 games, and now ranks third in all-time wins among left-handers with 326 career victories (eleventh all time) and first all-time in career shutouts by a left-handed pitcher with 66. Issued by the American Tobacco Company over three years, the 1909-1911 T206 series is one of the most coveted sets in the hobby. This card, worth over $400,000, belonged to the Arizona Diamondbacks owner Ken Kendrick and was part of a collection that he loaned to the Baseball Hall of Fame for display.
3. Roberto Clemente, 1955 Topps – $432,690
Roberto Clemente was a Puerto Rican professional baseball player, spending 18 seasons in the MLB. This 1955 Roberto Clemente rookie card was the most expensive card sold as part of the Dmitri Young Collection in 2012. This particular card is the only one that has received a PSA 10 rating out of more than 2,860 submitted to PSA. It illustrates how much condition correlates with a price: the same card with a PSA 8 is worth about $6,000.
2. Babe Ruth, 1914 Baltimore News SGC – $ 517,000
Babe Ruth is one the most famous baseball players of all time and is considered a legend of the sport. This 1914 rookie card is worth over half a million dollars, featuring Babe just after he signed with the Baltimore Orioles. Only 10 of these cards are believed to exist, and even though Sportscard Guaranty gave the card a low grade of 40/100, the card received 59 bids in a 2008 Robert Edwards Auction, closing at $517,000.
1. Honus Wagner, 1909-1911 ATC T206 – $2.8 million
This is the Holy Grail of baseball cards. An item so rare, its value has sky-rocketed to extreme levels, reaching the almost 3 million mark, a tremendous number for a simple collection card. This card was pulled from circulation after 200 had made it to market because Wagner didn’t want to support tobacco use for his young fans. A PSA 8 version (highest surviving grade) of the card traded hands with hockey star Wayne Gretzky and others.
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