Top 10 Most Expensive Baseball Cards 2022 - Break Stuff App (2023)

The baseball card hobby is at an all-time high as baseball fans, sports card collectors, and people looking to invest in sports cards flock to the hobby. With the increased interest in baseball cards as well as the overall hobby of sports cards, one question that is asked is what are the Top 10 Most Expensive Baseball Cards as of 2022? Now before we can turn our attention to those 10 Most Valuable baseball cards, you might be wondering what makes one baseball card more valuable than another baseball card.

A true answer to that question requires more than just one physical item contributing to the value of baseball cards. These physical items include the rarity of the baseball card, how old the baseball card is, whether the baseball card is graded, what baseball team the baseball player card is for, and who the baseball player is. In addition, other trends such as prospect status or how well a player is playing can also impact current players baseball card value. If you are new to sports cards, take the time to read our beginners guide to sports cards while also taking the opportunity to learn more about sports card grading with our sports card grading guide.

As you continue to read on, you will learn more about the most expensive baseball cards in the world as well as deeper look into the various items impacting the value of baseball cards.

Items Impacting the Most Expensive Baseball Cards

Various items as we mentioned earlier can play a key impact on the value of baseball cards and whether they increase/decrease in value. For example, the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic has played a dramatic role in the value of baseball card singles such as the 1952 Topps Mickey Mantle Rookie Card as well as retail baseball card boxes and hobby baseball card boxes. Here are the various items impacting the value of all sports cards including baseball cards.

ERA & Year of Baseball Card

One of the biggest contributors to the value of any baseball card is the ERA of the baseball card and how old the baseball card is. While this may sound to be the same thing, but it can be different. The various ERA include the Pre-1900 cards including cabinet cards and Peck and Snyder baseball cards followed up by the Tobacco Card ERA. However, while these ERA of collectors are positive, the Junk Wax ERA of the mid to late 1980’s through 1990’s have little to no value in comparisons.

In addition, the age of the card to go along with what ERA also has a key impact. For example, a card that is 50-60 years old that is in great condition will have a higher value than a newer card that might be damaged. That said, the age of the card doesn’t always guarantee a card will be more expensive baseball card than another baseball card.

Rarity of the Baseball Card

A second factor contributing to the value of baseball cards is how rare of a baseball card it is. The easier to find the baseball card on sports marketplaces such as Check Out My Cards (COMC), and eBay will lower the value of the card, while a card that may only have a handful available will increase in value. This is how and why the Honus Wagner T206 card is at the top of all baseball card collectors wish list because it is extremely rare due to Wagner not wanting to be featured within the product.

Other reasons for rarity of cards include how the cards were maintained and secured when available. Sports card penny sleeves and top loaders weren’t available during the start of card collecting, limiting how baseball card collectors protected their cards. This caused many cards to be thrown away while other kids used their cards to make sounds with their bicycle tires.

With modern day cards produced top sports card companies such as Topps, Bowman, Leaf Trading Cards, and Panini have introduced autographed cards, parallel cards, and other inserts that may come in different production levels to include cards numbered to a specific number such as a one of one card.

Graded Baseball Card or Non-Graded Baseball Card

A third factor impacting the value of a baseball card is whether it is graded or is not graded. Having a card graded by a third-party sports card grading company such as BGS or PSA or SGC or CSG allows the card to receive a numeric graded value while also making it rarer. For example, an ungraded 2011 Topps Update Mike Trout Rookie Card with sharp corners sells for approximately $1,000 compared to a graded 2011 Topps Update Mike Trout Rookie Card BGS 10 sells for between $2,000 and $4,000.

In addition, grading vintage baseball cards can also drastically drive the value of the card up based on the population report of each specific card. Not sure what sports card grading company is better? Read our articles comparing BGS VS PSA, PSA VS SGC, CSG VS BGS, and BGS VS SGC.

Baseball Team of Baseball Player featured on Card

Another impact factor causing a baseball card to increase in value is the team that specific player plays for. For example, fans of larger market teams such as the Los Angeles Dodgers and New York Yankees will have more fans increasing the demand for their cards compared to smaller market teams such as the Tampa Bay Rays or Kansas City Royals.

Baseball Prospect Status

The prospectus status of a player also impacts the value of a sports card such as a player be the number one baseball prospect in the minors. In return, this has driven some prospect cards such as the Bryce Harper Bowman SuperFractor or the Mike Trout SuperFractor to skyrocket in price.

Current Baseball Playing Trends (Hot, Cold, Awards, Call Up, Etc.)

Lastly trends can impact the value of sports cards of current players such as a player getting red hot at the plate, or someone who wins the Cy Young Award. Other trends include minor league prospects getting called up to the Major Leagues to make their MLB debuts.

As each of these factors have can have an impact, not every card has the same success. With that said here is a look at the Top 10 Most Expensive Baseball Cards 2022.

Top 10 Most Expensive Baseball Cards 2022

#10 2011 19Topps Update Platinum 1 of 1 Mike Trout RC (1 of 1)

$1,100,000 in July 2021 (Private Sale to DJ Skee)

Top 10 Most Expensive Baseball Cards 2022 - Break Stuff App (1)

#9 1955 Topps Roberto Clemente RC PSA 9

$1,107,000 sold by Goldin Auctions in March 2021

Top 10 Most Expensive Baseball Cards 2022 - Break Stuff App (2)

#8 1916 M101-4 Sporting News Black Back Babe Ruth PSA 7

$2,460,000 sold by Mile High Card Auctions in November 2021

Top 10 Most Expensive Baseball Cards 2022 - Break Stuff App (3)

#7 1909-11 T206 Honus Wagner PSA 3

$3,700,000 sold by Heritage Auctions in December 2020

Top 10 Most Expensive Baseball Cards 2022 - Break Stuff App (4)

#6 1909-11 T206 Honus Wagner PSA 2

$3,750,000 sold by Goldin Auctions in May 2021

Top 10 Most Expensive Baseball Cards 2022 - Break Stuff App (5)

#5 2009 Bowman Chrome Draft Prospects SuperFractor Mike Trout

$3,936,000 sold by Goldin Auctions in August 2020

Top 10 Most Expensive Baseball Cards 2022 - Break Stuff App (6)

#4 1933 Goudey Babe Ruth

$4,212,000 sold by Memory Lane in July 2021

Top 10 Most Expensive Baseball Cards 2022 - Break Stuff App (7)

#3 1952 Topps Mickey Mantle PSA 9

$5,200,000 sold by PWCC Marketplace in January 2021

Top 10 Most Expensive Baseball Cards 2022 - Break Stuff App (8)

#2 1909-1911 T206 Honus Wagner SGC 3

$6,600,000 sold by Robert Edwards Auctions in August 2021

Top 10 Most Expensive Baseball Cards 2022 - Break Stuff App (9)

#1 1909-1911 T206 Honus Wagner SGC 2

$7,250,000 sold by Goldin Auctions on August 4th, 2022

Top 10 Most Expensive Baseball Cards 2022 - Break Stuff App (10)

Have you seen the Top 10 Most Expensive Hockey Cards, Top 10 Most Expensive Baseball Cards, Top 10 Most Expensive Football Cards, Top 10 Most Expensive Basketball Cards, and the Top 10 Most Expensive Soccer Cards. What baseball cards do you think have the potential to top these most expensive baseball cards?

FAQs

What app gives you the value of baseball cards? ›

CollX (pronounced “collects”) answers the question every collector has: “What's it worth?” The app lets you scan most cards; it's not just a baseball card scanner! Scan football, wrestling, hockey, soccer, or basketball cards — as well as TCG cards like Pokemon, Magic, and Yu-Gi-Oh!

What are the best baseball player cards to invest in 2022? ›

Without further ado, here are the eight top 2022 Topps Series one cards that will add value to your collection.
  • Wander Franco cards. ...
  • Brandon Marsh 2022 Topps Chrome Purple Refractor. ...
  • Shohei Ohtani limited-edition 2022 Topps SSP. ...
  • Oneil Cruz 2022 Topps Base Chrome. ...
  • Mike Trout 2022 Topps Series 1 Base Gold.
Feb 3, 2023

What baseball cards are hot in 2022? ›

Most Valuable Baseball Cards of 2022 Topps
  • 2022 Topps #1c Shohei Ohtani.
  • 2022 Topps #1 Shohei Ohtani PSA 10.
  • 2022 Topps Stars of MLB #SMLB-8 Alex Bregman PSA 10.
  • 2022 Topps #82 Charlie Morton.
  • 2022 Topps #99 Aaron Judge PSA 10.
  • 2022 Topps #100c Fernando Tatis Jr. PSA 10.
Aug 15, 2023

What baseball cards are worth the most money right now? ›

The current record price is the US$12.6 million paid for a 1952 Mickey Mantle baseball card (Topps; #311) on August 28, 2022, breaking all previous records.

Where can I go to check the value of my baseball cards? ›

PSAcard.com has the answer.

Whether you're looking to find the value of a cardboard classic like the 1952 Topps #311 Mickey Mantle or a modern release like a 1986 Fleer #57 Michael Jordan rookie card, the resources on PSAcard.com will give you accurate pricing information on your card of interest.

What baseball players cards are hot right now? ›

Beckett Baseball Card Hot List – April, 2023
  • 2011 Topps Update #US175 Mike Trout RC ($300-$800) ...
  • 2022 Bowman Chrome Draft Autographs #CDAJH Jackson Holliday ($200-$500) ...
  • 2022 Bowman Chrome Prospect Autographs #CPAJCO Jackson Chourio ($200-$500) ...
  • 2019 Bowman Chrome Prospect Autographs #CPAJRO Julio Rodriguez ($600-$1,500)

What baseball cards should keep? ›

Cards with Famous Players

If they have been, their card is much more likely to have a high value. You can also keep an eye out for players who have won Most Valuable Player (MVP), Gold Glove, Cy Young, and the Silver Slugger Award. Finally, rookie cards tend to be more valuable then cards from other years.

What cards to collect in 2022? ›

In the present day, you could look out for cards and packs like:
  • 2022 Topps Star Wars Galaxy Chrome Pack Hobby Box.
  • 2022 Topps Star Wars Boba Fett Hobby Box.
  • 2022 Chrome Black Star Wars Hobby Box.

What is the hardest baseball card to get? ›

While the 1933 Goudey Ruth cards are probably the most well known, the rarest card is actually the Nap Lajoie card (#106). Lajoie was not initially included in the set, yet due to an outcry from fans, Goudey later produced it in 1934. The only way to get the card was via a mail in request to Goudey.

How do I know if my sports cards are worth money? ›

The value of a sports card is determined by several factors, including the rarity, condition, and demand for that particular card. The most expensive sports cards are typically those that are rare, in excellent condition, and have a high demand from collectors.

How to sell high value baseball cards? ›

However, if you want to get the best possible price for your collection, it's best to work with a dealer or auction house that specializes in sports card trading. They can help you assess the value of your collection and determine the best way to sell it.

Is there an app to scan old baseball cards for value? ›

CollX (pronounced “collects”) is the fastest way to figure out what your cards are worth. Snap photos of them and instantly get the current market price. Add them to your collection and track your overall portfolio value. You can even buy, sell, grade, and trade your cards with other collectors.

Is the ludex app accurate? ›

Ludex is the fastest and most accurate scanner app to identify and price out your card collection. Prices are updated daily. How to know if my trading card is worth selling? With the Ludex scanner and price guide app, you can find the values of your cards in seconds.

What is the app that tells you how much magic cards are worth? ›

Dragon Shield – MTG Card Manager makes it easy to check prices for trades, track your Magic the Gathering collection's value and stats, build decks, instantly translate foreign-language cards and find oracle-text and rulings.

How can I get my baseball cards graded for free? ›

A: From time to time, JRI Cards will offer free grading services for high value cards, unless the customer makes it clear they do not want the card graded. JRI will use PSA, SGC, or BGS for this free grading service.

Top Articles
Latest Posts
Article information

Author: Saturnina Altenwerth DVM

Last Updated: 22/10/2023

Views: 6629

Rating: 4.3 / 5 (44 voted)

Reviews: 91% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Saturnina Altenwerth DVM

Birthday: 1992-08-21

Address: Apt. 237 662 Haag Mills, East Verenaport, MO 57071-5493

Phone: +331850833384

Job: District Real-Estate Architect

Hobby: Skateboarding, Taxidermy, Air sports, Painting, Knife making, Letterboxing, Inline skating

Introduction: My name is Saturnina Altenwerth DVM, I am a witty, perfect, combative, beautiful, determined, fancy, determined person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.