This top list shows the top 10 most expensive trading cards of all time
Trading cards
1. 1952 Topps Mickey Mantle #311 – $12.6 million
This iconic Mickey Mantle card shattered records when it sold for $12.6 million in 2022, becoming the most expensive trading card ever. Revered as the holy grail of baseball cards, its near-mint condition and legendary status among collectors drove the astronomical price. The 1952 Topps set was a landmark in card design, and Mantle’s rookie card—though technically not his first—symbolizes the golden era of baseball collecting. Its combination of rarity, nostalgia, and pristine preservation made it unbeatable at auction.
Image at 1952 Topps #311 Mickey Mantle | Trading Card Database
2. 1909-1911 T206 Honus Wagner (SGC 2) – $7.25 million
Often referred to as the “Mona Lisa of baseball cards,” this Honus Wagner card is legendary for its scarcity. Fewer than 60 are believed to exist, and this specific SGC 2 version fetched a staggering $7.25 million. Wagner himself reportedly disliked tobacco, leading to the early withdrawal of the card’s production. As a result, it became a unicorn in the trading card world—coveted for both its history and extreme rarity. For collectors, owning one is a dream come true.
Image at Honus Wagner T206 card sells for record $7.25 million – The Athletic
3. 1914 Baltimore News Babe Ruth Rookie (SGC 3) – $7.2 million
This ultra-rare card features a 19-year-old Babe Ruth as a minor league pitcher for the Baltimore Orioles. Only around ten copies are known to exist, making it the earliest known Ruth card. The red-border version in SGC 3 condition sold for $7.2 million in 2023. It offers a glimpse into Ruth’s pre-legendary status and has immense appeal for both baseball historians and elite collectors. Its rarity and historical value make it one of the most prized pieces in sports memorabilia.
4. 1909-1911 T206 Honus Wagner (PSA 3) – 6.6 million
Another T206 Wagner card, this one graded PSA 3, sold for $6.6 million. Its price was driven by the card’s excellent condition relative to others from the same limited run. Wagner’s mystique, the card’s age, and its rarity ensure it commands top dollar whenever one hits the market. Despite being over a century old, this card continues to redefine the boundaries of what collectors are willing to pay for baseball history.
Image at T206 Honus Wagner Sells for Record-Breaking $3.25 Million
5. 1952 Topps Mickey Mantle #311 (PSA 9) – 5.2 million
A second near-mint copy of the famed 1952 Mickey Mantle card reached $5.2 million at auction. While not the record-breaking version, this PSA 9 example is nearly flawless and extremely rare. Collectors revere Mantle as a Yankee legend, and his Topps rookie remains one of the most sought-after sports cards ever made. Its strong price reflects the continued strength of the high-end memorabilia market.
Image at 1952 Topps Mickey Mantle #311 PSA Mint 9.. … Baseball Cards | Lot #80477 | Heritage Auctions
6. 2003-04 Upper Deck Exquisite Collection LeBron James Rookie Patch Autograph #/23 – 5.2 million
This modern grail card features LeBron James’ autograph and a game-worn jersey patch. Limited to just 23 copies, it represents the pinnacle of basketball card collecting. When one sold for $5.2 million, it solidified LeBron’s place not just in NBA history, but also in high-value collectibles. The card is highly desirable for combining rarity, player greatness, and premium design. Its price continues to climb as LeBron’s legacy grows.
Image at 2003-04 Upper Deck Exquisite Collection LeBron James Rookie Patch | Lot #50022 | Heritage Auctions
7. 2018-19 National Treasures Luka Dončić Rookie Patch Auto Logoman #1/1 – $4.6 million
This one-of-one card of Luka Dončić includes the coveted NBA Logoman patch and his signature, making it unique. Selling for $4.6 million, it set a record for a modern player’s rookie card. Luka’s explosive rise in the NBA and the card’s exclusivity make it one of the hottest collectibles in the world. As Luka continues to evolve into a generational talent, the card’s value could soar even higher.
Image at Luka Doncic 2018-19 National Treasures Logoman Tops $3 Million – The Radicards® Blog
8. 2017 Panini National Treasures Patrick Mahomes II Rookie Patch – $4.3 million
This Mahomes rookie card, featuring a patch and autograph, became the most expensive football card ever when it sold for $4.3 million. With Mahomes already a Super Bowl champion and MVP, his early-career memorabilia is in high demand. Limited to a single copy, the card’s rarity and the quarterback’s superstar status made it irresistible to collectors. As Mahomes’ career progresses, this card remains a benchmark in football collecting.
9. 1933 Goudey Babe Ruth #53 – $4.2 million
This classic Babe Ruth card from the 1933 Goudey set is one of the most beloved vintage cards. The card features a bold illustration of Ruth and is known for its bright color and strong design. When it sold for $4.2 million, it reaffirmed Ruth’s timeless appeal in the collectibles world. While more common than some other cards on this list, the value lies in its cultural significance and historical stature.
Image at 1933 Goudey Babe Ruth Baseball Card Sells for Over $4.2 Million
10. 1952 Topps Mickey Mantle #311 (SGC 9) – $4 million
Yet another appearance of the Mantle rookie from the 1952 Topps set, this time graded SGC 9, sold for $4 million. While it doesn’t carry quite the same perfection as its PSA 9.5 counterpart, it’s still in elite condition. Its strong result underlines the enduring popularity of Mantle and the pivotal role of grading in determining a card’s market value. Among collectors, this card is a crown jewel.
Image at Millions for Mickey: SGC 9 1952 Topps, 1958 Game Jersey Top Heritage Sale
This top list shows the top 10 most expensive trading cards of all time.
Sources:
The 10 Most Valuable Trading Cards – Rookie
Top 10 Most Expensive Trading Cards Ever Sold – Catawiki
1952 Topps Mickey Mantle Card Sells for $12.6 Million, Destroys Record | Man of Many