It’s hard to ignore that vintage sports cards remain a hot commodity, with scarce examples with low PSA Population Reports. Investing in rarer and more sought-after sports cards can pay off in the short and long term. Many old sports cards fly under the radar and remain good values for price-conscious collectors.
#1 1961 Topps Mickey Mantle #300
Although not his rookie from 1952 Topps, Mantle cards from any of his playing years are highly desirable. 1961 is particularly sought after because this was the year that Mickey Mantle and Roger Maris went head-to-head in the chase for most single-season home runs. Although Maris ultimately won the title, the Mantle card from this year is still great. The mantle is among the best players in baseball history, slugging 536 home runs, earning 110.2 WAR, and winning seven World Series championships during the period of an 18-year era.
#2 1967 Topps Tom Seaver Rookie #581
Widely regarded as one of the best pitchers of his time, Seaver rookies can be underrated. As one of the greatest pitchers to ever wear a Mets uniform, Seaver is a beloved and highly collectable player. Although he is featured with another player, it is undeniable that a Seaver rookie is an essential addition to any collection.
#3 1975 Topps Keith Hernandez PSA 9 Rookie #623
Keith Hernandez is among the fan-favourite athletes who haven’t been inducted into the Hall of Fame. His rookie cards became even more valuable after his retirement. Due to the limited PSA Numbers in PSA 9 grade, such cards may eventually double in value.
#4 1959 Topps Willie Mays #50
Mays is one of the most highly revered players in baseball history. As a result, his cards are precious. The 1959 card, with its clear aesthetic and head-on photo, make for a great display piece that any collector would be proud to have.
#5 1992 Score Joe DiMaggio Certified Auto
One of the earliest verifiable signature cards of Joe DiMaggio is on the 1992 Score baseball card series. As with modern signature cards, each has a serial number (up to 2500). Such a card was an impressive innovation at the time. You can see DiMaggio’s signature on the back of the card.
Bottom Line
We could’ve added many other cards to this list, but these five leave little room for argument. If you have one of these or any other valuable card under $1000, you need to keep it in excellent condition and eventually find the right place to sell it. We at American Legends can give you all the tips you need to do that. Just contact us and let us help you.
