Most Valuable Sports Cards Ever Sold: Rare Baseball and Basketball Card Prices

Sports cards are small collectible cards, usually printed on cardboard, that feature athletes along with some basic info. The earliest ones were used as advertising. You’d find them in cigarette packs or candy boxes, often with an ad printed on the back. Today, sports cards have become serious investments. Their value depends on a few things: how rare the card is, what shape it's in, and how popular the athlete is.

Older cards, especially the ones that came out before card collecting became a big hobby, can be worth millions. Right now, the two most valuable sports cards in the world are baseball cards. After that, the next three most expensive are all basketball cards.

Back in 2000, a T206 Honus Wagner card became the first sports card to sell for over a million dollars. It went for $1.265 million at auction. Adjusted for inflation, that’s about $2.3 million in 2024 dollars. Since then, the sports card market has exploded. As of May 2020, it brings in over a billion dollars every year across manufacturers and sellers.

The most anyone has ever paid for a single sports card is $12.6 million. That was for a 1952 Topps Mickey Mantle card, sold on August 28, 2022. That sale broke every record in the book. No other sports card has ever come close.

This list, updated through August 20, 2021, shows the most expensive sports cards sold, based on their adjusted value in 2024. Each card listed is only shown once, based on the highest price ever paid for a single copy. So even if the same type of card sold again for a different amount, it’s not listed more than once.

Take the T206 Honus Wagner, for example. It's only listed here for its most recent sale. Earlier sales, like one in 2012 for $1.2 million or another known as the Jumbo Wagner that sold for $3.12 million, are not included again.

Each card is graded by a third-party service that checks its condition and gives it a score from 1 to 10. The main grading companies are PSA (Professional Sports Authenticator), BGS (Beckett Grading Services), and SGC (Sportscard Guaranty Corporation). Higher grades mean cleaner corners, better centering, and fewer marks or creases, which drives up the price.

Note that the pictures you usually see of these cards aren’t always the exact one that sold. They just represent the same type.

 

1952 Mickey Mantle Topps Card

A Mickey Mantle card from 1952 sold for $12.6 million in August 2022 through Heritage Auctions. That price, adjusted for inflation, is around $13.5 million in 2024. It's the most anyone has ever paid for any sports item at auction, not just cards. This one sale more than doubled the previous record for a sports card.

There are about 2,372 known copies of this card floating around. The one sold was graded SGC 9.5, which is near mint condition.

1909-11 Honus Wagner T206 Card

A T206 Honus Wagner card sold privately for $7.25 million on August 3, 2022. That’s roughly $8.4 million in today’s money. Only around 50 to 200 of these cards were ever printed, and even fewer have survived. This particular card was graded a 2 by SGC. Even at that low grade, it still sold for a fortune. The sale was arranged by Goldin Auctions but kept private.

These cards are rare, fragile, and old. That’s what makes them so valuable. The T206 Honus Wagner has been known as the “holy grail” of baseball cards for years.

Babe Ruth’s 1914 Baltimore News Card

One of the earliest Babe Ruth cards ever made sold for $7.2 million on December 3, 2023. That’s about $7.43 million when adjusted for 2024. It was the 1914 Baltimore News version printed in red. Only around 10 copies are known to exist. This particular one was graded SGC 3, which means it’s in very good condition for its age. A blue version of the same card sold in 2021 for just $575,000.

This was Ruth’s first card ever produced. It had been kept by the family of the paperboy who originally collected it in 1914. For years, it was on display at the Babe Ruth Birthplace and Museum. Its sale marked one of the biggest moments in baseball card history.

Stephen Curry’s 2009 National Treasures Rookie Logoman Autograph

Stephen Curry’s top rookie card sold privately for $5.9 million in July 2021. That’s about $6.85 million today. It’s a one-of-one card from the 2009 National Treasures set, featuring the NBA Logoman patch and an autograph. The card was graded PSA 8, meaning it’s in near mint to mint condition.

This is the highest price ever paid for a basketball card. The buyer was Alt Fund II, an investment group focused on alternative assets. This sale put Curry’s rookie card among the most valuable in sports history.

LeBron James’ 2003 Exquisite Collection Rookie Patch Autograph

LeBron James’ rookie card from 2003 sold for $5.2 million in April 2021. Adjusted for inflation, that’s around $6.32 million. It’s part of the Upper Deck Exquisite Collection and is numbered 07 out of 23. This one was graded BGS 9, which means mint condition.

At the time, this was the most expensive basketball card ever sold. Another similar LeBron rookie card sold earlier for $1.845 million in May 2020. This sale pushed LeBron’s value in the card world to a whole new level.

Luka Dončić’s 2018 Panini National Treasures Logoman Autograph

Luka Dončić’s one-of-a-kind rookie card sold for $4.6 million on February 28, 2021. In 2024 dollars, that’s roughly $5.34 million. The card comes from the 2018 Panini National Treasures set and features a Logoman patch and an autograph. It’s serial numbered 1 of 1 and was never graded.

This sale was made public on Dončić’s birthday. Before this, the same card had changed hands in a private deal for $3.2 million back in December 2019. It remains one of the most expensive modern basketball cards ever sold.

Patrick Mahomes’ 2017 National Treasures Platinum Shield Rookie Patch Autograph

Patrick Mahomes’ rookie card from 2017 sold in July 2021 for $4.3 million. That comes out to about $4.99 million today. It’s from Panini’s National Treasures set and is a one-of-a-kind Platinum Shield version with a patch and autograph. The card was graded BGS 8.5, meaning near mint to mint condition.

This sale set the record for the most expensive football card ever. It was bought by a card shop in New Albany, Ohio, and the deal was handled by PWCC Marketplace. Mahomes joined the ranks of the most valuable names in sports memorabilia.

Babe Ruth’s 1933 Goudey #53

Another Babe Ruth card, this one from the 1933 Goudey set, sold for $4.212 million in July 2021. Adjusted, that’s around $4.89 million. The card is #53 in the set and one of four Ruth cards from that year. About 1,986 copies of this one exist, but this version received a PSA 9 grade, which is near perfect.

No other copy of this card has ever been graded higher. That’s part of why this one fetched such a strong price. It stands as one of the most sought-after vintage cards in baseball.

Mike Trout’s 2009 Bowman Chrome Superfractor Autograph

Mike Trout’s top rookie card sold for $3.936 million on August 23, 2020. That’s about $4.78 million now. It’s a one-of-a-kind Superfractor from the 2009 Bowman Chrome Draft Prospects set. The card includes an autograph and was graded BGS 9, or mint condition.

The seller was sports bettor and consultant “Vegas Dave” Oancea, who had bought the card for just $400,000 in 2018. He made one of the biggest profits in sports card history with this sale.

Wayne Gretzky’s 1979 O-Pee-Chee Rookie Card

A Wayne Gretzky rookie card from 1979 sold privately for $3.75 million on May 27, 2021. In today’s value, that’s about $4.35 million. The card was from the O-Pee-Chee set and graded PSA 10, which means gem mint condition. Out of over 10,000 copies known, only two have ever earned that grade.

The other copy with the same grade had already broken records five months earlier when it sold for $1.29 million. This later sale cemented Gretzky’s place in the top tier of collectible hockey cards.

Tom Brady Rookie Autograph Card Breaks Football Record

A Tom Brady rookie card from the 2000 Playoff Contenders Championship series sold for $3.1 million on June 4, 2021. Adjusted for inflation, that’s about $3.6 million today. The card is autographed and marked #8 out of only 100 printed. It was graded BGS 9, which means it’s in mint condition. This sale broke the record for the most expensive football card, beating a different copy of the same card that sold just two months earlier. The auction was handled by Lelands.

1951 Mickey Mantle Rookie Card Hits Millions

Mickey Mantle’s only recognized rookie card, the 1951 Bowman, sold for $3.2 million in December 2022. In today’s dollars, that’s around $3.4 million. The card was graded PSA 9, which is very high. There are about 2,066 known copies. Mantle is still one of the most collected names in sports cards, and this Bowman card is a key piece in any serious collection. The sale was run by Memory Lane Inc.

Rare Michael Jordan One-of-One Card Surfaces

A rare Michael Jordan card from 1997 sold for $2.9 million on June 2, 2024. This was part of the Upper Deck Ultimate Collection. It’s a one-of-one card, meaning only one exists, and includes both an autograph and the NBA logo patch. PSA authenticated it. Until 2022, nobody knew where this card was. It showed up unexpectedly and was verified by PSA. Goldin Auctions handled the sale.

LeBron James Triple Logoman Card Sets Modern Record

A LeBron James card from the 2020-21 Panini Flawless set sold for $2.4 million in June 2022. That’s about $2.58 million today. It’s a one-of-one card featuring three NBA logo patches and an autograph. PSA authenticated it. The card was pulled from a ten-card Panini Flawless box that originally sold for around $15,000. The sale got major coverage and was called one of the most promoted card sales ever. It also set the record for a card that was pulled and resold within the same year. Goldin Auctions managed the deal.

Kobe Bryant Green PMG Breaks Franchise Record

A Kobe Bryant card from the 1997 Metal Universe Precious Metal Gems series sold privately for $2 million in February 2022. Adjusted for inflation, that’s about $2.32 million. The card was graded BGS 8.5. Only 100 of these cards were made. Just ten were the rare green version, which makes this card one of the hardest Kobe cards to find. This sale set a new high for any Kobe Bryant card ever sold.

Giannis Logoman Card Tops Basketball Charts

A 2013-14 Panini National Treasures card featuring Giannis Antetokounmpo sold for $1.86 million in September 2020. Adjusted to today’s value, it’s about $2.26 million. It has a logoman patch and autograph, and it’s a one-of-one card. Graded BGS 9, it’s in mint condition. This sale set a new basketball card record just 62 days after the previous one. Goldin Auctions ran the sale.

Kobe Bryant 1996 Topps Chrome Refractor

A Kobe Bryant rookie card from the 1996-97 Topps Chrome Refractor set sold for $1,795,800 in March 2021. Adjusted for inflation, that’s about $2.08 million today. The card was graded a perfect BGS Black Label 10. That grade is extremely rare, making it one of the highest-rated Kobe rookies ever sold.

There are around 742 copies known. What makes this sale even wilder is that this same exact card sold for just $58,100 on eBay back in 2016. In five years, its value skyrocketed. The sale was handled by Goldin Auctions.

Justin Herbert 2020 Panini National Treasures Platinum NFL Shield Autograph

A one-of-a-kind Justin Herbert card from 2020 sold for $1.8 million on September 11, 2022. That’s roughly $1.93 million in today's dollars. It’s from the Panini National Treasures set, and it’s serial numbered 1-of-1. The card has the NFL Shield patch and Herbert’s autograph on it. It was graded BGS 8.5, which is near mint.

The card sold through Goldin Auctions. What’s even more surprising is that another Justin Herbert card sold just a few days earlier for $1.1 million.

Babe Ruth 1916 M101-4 Sporting News Rookie Card

A 1916 Babe Ruth rookie card from the M101-4 Sporting News set sold for $1.77 million on February 25, 2023. That comes to about $1.83 million now. The card was graded SGC 7, which is extremely high for something over 100 years old.

Even though these cards are known as the Sporting News set, they were printed with ads from different companies. The one sold in 2023 had the Sporting News ad on the back. Only about 35 of these Ruth rookie cards are known to exist today. It was sold by Heritage Auctions.

Joe Burrow 2020 Panini National Treasures Platinum NFL Shield Autograph

A Joe Burrow rookie card sold in a private deal for $1.7 million on September 12, 2022. Adjusted, that’s just over $1.83 million. Like the Herbert card, this one is from the 2020 Panini National Treasures set. It’s also a one-of-one and includes the NFL Shield patch and Burrow’s autograph.

The card received a BGS 9.5 grade, which is considered gem mint. It’s one of Burrow’s most valuable cards ever sold.

Triple Logoman: Jordan, LeBron, Kobe 2006 Upper Deck Exquisite Collection

A unique card featuring Michael Jordan, LeBron James, and Kobe Bryant sold for $1.68 million on August 6, 2022. That’s worth about $1.81 million now. The card came from the 2006-07 Upper Deck Exquisite Collection and was part of the All NBA Access Triple Logoman set.

It’s serial numbered 1-of-1 and graded as PSA Authentic. That means it's real and verified, even if not assigned a numbered grade. This card combines three NBA legends and is the only one like it.

LeBron James 2003 Upper Deck Exquisite Rookie Patch Autograph

A rookie patch autograph card of LeBron James from the 2003-04 Upper Deck Exquisite Collection sold for $1.54 million in March 2021. That equals about $1.78 million now. It was serial numbered 32-of-99 and graded BGS 8.5.

This set is one of the most important basketball card releases ever, and this LeBron card is one of the best examples from it. The sale took place through Goldin Auctions.

Wilt Chamberlain 1961 Fleer Rookie Card

A Wilt Chamberlain rookie card from the 1961 Fleer set sold privately for $1.7 million in September 2024. That’s the full price adjusted as well. The card was graded a perfect SGC 10, which is extremely rare for a card of this age.

There are about 3,170 known copies of this rookie card. It’s the only official rookie card of Chamberlain. The sale was handled through Goldin Auctions and set a new record for any vintage basketball card.

Babe Ruth 1933 Goudey #149

A Babe Ruth card from the 1933 Goudey set sold for $1.62 million on November 21, 2024. That number doesn’t need adjustment, as it reflects today’s value. The card was graded SGC 3, which is in very good condition for its age.

There are about 1,905 copies known. Ruth had four different cards in this same set. This one is card number 149. Another Ruth card from this set, #53 with a yellow background, sold for over $4.2 million back in 2021. The card in this sale was listed by Fanatics Collect.

2004-05 LeBron James Logoman Autograph Card

A one-of-a-kind LeBron James card from the 2004-05 Upper Deck Ultimate Signatures Logos set sold for $1.29 million on March 6, 2021. That’s about $1.5 million in today’s money. This signed Logoman card was serial numbered 1-of-1 and graded as “PSA Authentic.” It set the record for the most expensive LeBron card from 2004 ever sold. The sale was handled by Goldin Auctions.

2013-14 Giannis Antetokounmpo Panini Prizm Black Mosaic

This rare one-of-one Prizms Black Mosaic card of Giannis Antetokounmpo sold for $1.14 million on December 12, 2020. Adjusted for inflation, that’s around $1.32 million. It was graded BGS 9.5, which is near mint. This card represents the peak of Giannis rookie card demand at the time. The sale went through Goldin Auctions.

1955 Roberto Clemente Topps Rookie Card

A 1955 Topps rookie card of Roberto Clemente brought in $1.1 million on June 3, 2021, through Goldin Auctions. Adjusted, the value is close to $1.28 million. This copy was graded PSA 9, which is extremely high for a card that old. It set the all-time record for any Roberto Clemente card sold.

2017 Patrick Mahomes National Treasures Holo Gold Rookie Patch Autograph

A patch autograph card of Patrick Mahomes from the 2017 Panini National Treasures set sold for $1.08 million on September 18, 2021, at the PWCC Marketplace. With inflation, that’s around $1.25 million. This card was numbered 3-of-10 and graded BGS 9.5. Other rarer versions of the same card had already sold for $4.3 million and $840,000 earlier in 2021.

2011 Mike Trout Topps Update Platinum One-of-One

A one-of-a-kind 2011 Topps Update Platinum card of Mike Trout sold for $1.05 million in a private deal on July 29, 2021. That puts its current value at roughly $1.22 million. It was graded BGS 9. The buyer was DJ Skee, a well-known DJ and entrepreneur. The card was put on display at the Topps booth during the 2021 National Sports Collectors Convention.

2012-13 Anthony Davis Logoman Rookie Patch Autograph

This one-of-one Anthony Davis rookie card from the 2012-13 Panini National Treasures NBA set brought in $1.02 million on January 30, 2021. That’s about $1.18 million now. It features a Logoman patch and was graded BGS 9. This sale set the all-time high price for any Anthony Davis card. Goldin Auctions managed the sale.

2020 Justin Herbert Panini Prizm Black Finite One-of-One

In September 2022, a Justin Herbert rookie card from the 2020 Panini Prizm Black Finite series sold privately for $1.1 million. Adjusted for inflation, that’s around $1.18 million. It was a one-of-one and graded BGS 9. This deal made Herbert the third NFL player to have a million-dollar card sale, joining Tom Brady and Patrick Mahomes.

1969 Reggie Jackson Topps Rookie Card

A 1969 Topps Reggie Jackson card sold for $1.005 million on February 28, 2021, through Heritage Auctions. That equals about $1.17 million today. The card was graded PSA 10, which is as high as it gets. Only one card with that grade exists. It was once owned by former MLB player Dmitri Young.

Stephen Curry Rookie Patch Autograph Card

On August 6, 2022, a Stephen Curry rookie card from the 2009-10 Panini National Treasures set sold for $1.08 million through Goldin Auctions. That’s around $1.16 million in today’s dollars. This specific version is the Century Platinum Rookie Patch Autograph, serial numbered 4 out of 5. It was graded PSA Mint 9. The limited print, signature, and patch helped drive its value. Curry's legacy and continued impact on the NBA make this one of the most desirable basketball cards out there.

Mike Trout Red Refractor Autograph Card

In October 2022, a 2009 Bowman Chrome Draft Red Refractor Autograph card of Mike Trout sold for $1.08 million through PWCC Marketplace. After adjusting for inflation, that's about $1.16 million. This version is numbered 5 out of 5 and graded BGS Gem Mint 9.5. The same card had already made headlines back in 2020 when it sold for $922,500, setting a modern-era record at that time. Trout's career and long-term value in baseball collecting keep this card near the top of the charts.

Jackie Robinson 1952 Topps Card

A 1952 Topps Jackie Robinson card sold on March 6, 2021, for $984,000 via Goldin Auctions. In today’s value, that’s about $1.14 million. It holds the record for the most expensive Jackie Robinson card ever sold. Graded PSA Mint 9, it’s one of the best-preserved examples of one of baseball’s most important figures. While Robinson cards from earlier years exist, this 1952 Topps version remains iconic.

Michael Jordan 1997 Precious Metal Gems Green

On December 13, 2020, a rare 1997 Metal Universe Precious Metal Gems Green Michael Jordan card went for $915,000 through Heritage Auctions. Adjusted to 2024, that’s around $1.11 million. Only 100 of these cards were made, with the first 10 being green and the rest red. This one was graded PSA Authentic, which confirms it's real, but not in perfect condition. Even so, its rarity and Jordan’s global fame made it a top-dollar card.

Paul Skenes 2024 MLB Debut Patch Autograph

A 2024 Topps Chrome Update MLB Debut Patch Autograph card of Paul Skenes sold for $1.11 million on March 21, 2025, through Fanatics Collect. The card was serial numbered 1 of 1 and graded PSA Gem Mint 10. This was a unique sale. Dick’s Sporting Goods bought the card, and Fanatics pledged to donate their part of the proceeds to California wildfire relief efforts. The sale set a high bar for cards featuring debut patches and one-of-one autographs.

LeBron James and Michael Jordan Logoman Card

In February 2020, a dual Logoman card featuring both LeBron James and Michael Jordan sold for $900,000 through Goldin Auctions. That equals around $1.09 million in today’s money. From the 2003-04 Upper Deck Exquisite Collection, it’s a one-of-one card, graded BGS 8.5. At the time, it was the most expensive basketball card ever sold and a record-holder for a modern-day card. It was bought by Nat Turner, a well-known collector in the space.

Mickey Mantle 1969 Topps White Letter Error

On December 3, 2022, a 1969 Topps Mickey Mantle error card sold for $933,483.60 at Memory Lane Inc. That’s about $1 million today. This version features Mantle’s name in white letters instead of the standard yellow, making it an uncommon error variant. It was graded PSA Mint 9. Only about 2,251 copies exist. While not as famous as his 1952 rookie card, this error version has become a sought-after piece for collectors.

Patrick Mahomes Rookie Patch Autograph

A 2017 Panini National Treasures Black Rookie Patch Autograph card of Patrick Mahomes sold on January 30, 2021, for $840,000. In 2024 dollars, that’s roughly $974,000. It was serial numbered 1 of 5 and graded BGS 9. This sale marked a new record for a football card. Mahomes’ success early in his career and the patch-autograph combo made this one a standout in the modern football card market.

2020 Lewis Hamilton Topps Chrome F1 Superfractor Auto

This card sold for $900,000 on May 1, 2022, which comes out to about $967,000 today. It was sold through Goldin Auctions and is the highest-priced Formula 1 card ever sold. The card is a Superfractor autograph, marked as one-of-one, meaning it’s the only one in existence. It was graded PSA 8. This card gained extra attention after being featured on King of Collectibles: The Goldin Touch, helping boost its profile in the hobby.

1909-11 Eddie Plank T206

The T206 Eddie Plank sold for $700,000 in 2012, or around $958,000 when adjusted. This sale was private. There are only about 110 known copies, and this one was graded PSA 7. Like the Honus Wagner card from the same set, the Plank card is extremely rare. No one knows for sure why it’s so hard to find, which adds to its mystique.

1916 Babe Ruth M101-5 Sporting News (Blank Back)

On August 28, 2016, a 1916 Babe Ruth card sold for $717,000 at Heritage Auctions. That equals roughly $939,000 today. This rookie card was from the M101-5 Sporting News set, but this particular card had no ad on the back, which makes it more unique. Though the set is linked to Sporting News, many other companies used the same design and added their own ads on the back. This version, with a blank back, makes it more desirable to collectors. It was graded PSA 7.

1963 Topps Pete Rose Rookie Card

This 1963 Topps card features four players, but Pete Rose is the headliner. It sold for $717,000, also on August 28, 2016, through Heritage Auctions. That’s about $939,000 now. It’s the only officially recognized rookie card of Pete Rose. Graded a perfect PSA 10, it’s in gem mint condition, which is rare for a card from this era. Only a few are graded that high.

2007-08 Kevin Durant Upper Deck Exquisite Collection Rookie Patch Auto

Kevin Durant’s rookie patch autograph card from the 2007-08 Exquisite Collection sold for $799,500 on March 6, 2021, via Goldin Auctions. That’s around $928,000 in today’s value. It was graded BGS 9 and is numbered 23 out of 35. This specific sale set the record for the highest price paid for a Kevin Durant card. The autograph and patch combination, plus the limited print run, helped drive up demand.

1941 Joe DiMaggio Play Ball

This card sold for $750,000 on February 22, 2020, through Heritage Auctions, which now equals about $911,000. Only around 1,386 copies are known, and this one was graded PSA 10. That’s rare for a card from the early 1940s. It was made the same year as DiMaggio’s legendary 56-game hitting streak, adding historical significance that pushed the value higher.

2018 Luka Dončić Panini Prizm Gold Prizm

On January 30, 2021, a Luka Dončić Gold Prizm card sold for $780,000 through Goldin Auctions. In today’s dollars, that’s about $905,000. It’s numbered 3 out of 10 and graded PSA 10, making it gem mint. The Gold Prizm parallel is one of the most sought-after Luka rookie cards because of its low print run and popularity with modern collectors.

2004 Topps Chrome Superfractor LeBron James

On October 3, 2020, a 2004 Topps Chrome Superfractor LeBron James card sold for $720,000 through Heritage Auctions. That’s around $874,795 in today’s money. This card was graded PSA Gem Mint 10 and is serial numbered 1-of-1, meaning there’s only one like it. It set the record for the most expensive non-autographed LeBron James card from 2004.

1909 American Caramel Joe Jackson Rookie Card

A Joe Jackson card from 1909 sold for $667,149 at SCP Auctions on August 21, 2016. Adjusted for inflation, that’s $874,084. Graded PSA Near Mint-Mint 8, it’s one of the highest-rated examples of this candy card. With only around 124 known to exist, it’s considered Joe Jackson’s rookie card and is still the most valuable candy card ever sold.

1909-11 T206 Ty Cobb with Bat Off Shoulder

One Ty Cobb card from the famous T206 series sold for $870,000 at Heritage Auctions on August 23, 2024. This version shows Cobb holding a bat away from his body and has a Piedmont Cigarettes ad on the back. It was graded PSA Mint 9. There are roughly 837 of these known, and it remains one of the most iconic Cobb cards in circulation. A similar copy sold for less in 2016, proving how much the market has grown.

1986 Fleer Michael Jordan Rookie Card

Michael Jordan’s 1986 Fleer rookie card, #57 in the set, reached $720,000 in two different sales. Those took place in early 2021 through Goldin Auctions. Both were graded PSA Gem Mint 10. Adjusted to today’s value, those sales come out to about $835,476 each. This card now holds the record for the most expensive Jordan rookie cards ever sold.

1909-11 T206 Sherry Magee Error Card

A T206 card featuring Sherry Magee sold for $660,000 on September 21, 2018, at Heritage Auctions. That sale equals $826,443 today. The card was graded PSA Near Mint-Mint 8 and is famous for a printing mistake. Magee’s last name was incorrectly spelled “Magie” on this version. Only around 110 of these error cards are known.

1968 Topps Nolan Ryan and Jerry Koosman Rookie Card

Nolan Ryan’s rookie card, which he shares with Jerry Koosman, was part of the 1968 Topps set. A PSA Gem Mint 10 version sold for just over $612,000 in August 2016 at Heritage Auctions. Adjusted for inflation, that’s $802,300. There are about 17,425 of these cards out there, but very few are in such pristine shape.

1914 Baltimore News Babe Ruth (Blue)

One of the rarest Babe Ruth cards ever made sold privately in August 2012 for $575,000, which is $787,531 in today’s dollars. Printed by the Baltimore News in blue ink, this card shows a young Ruth when he played for the minor league Baltimore Orioles, two years before his first Major League card. The card was graded PSA 2, and only about eight copies are known. The original buyer paid just under $200,000 for it in 2007, making this one a strong long-term investment.

1910 Joe Jackson Old Mill Card

A Joe Jackson card from 1910 sold for $600,000 in February 2019 through Heritage Auctions. That’s about $738,000 today. It shows Jackson during his time with the New Orleans Pelicans, a minor league team, even though he was already playing in the majors. There are only around 17 of these cards known to exist. This one was graded PSA 3.5, which means it's in good condition but has some wear. Because of its rarity and the player’s legacy, the card holds serious value among collectors.

2009-10 Stephen Curry Panini National Treasures Rookie Card

A Stephen Curry rookie patch autograph card from the 2009 to 2010 Panini National Treasures set sold for just over $601,000 in December 2020 through Goldin Auctions. In 2024 dollars, that's about $730,000. The card is part of a limited run, numbered 10 out of only 25 made. It’s graded BGS 9.5, which is near perfect. Curry’s rise to stardom and this card’s low print run make it one of the most sought-after modern basketball cards.

1969-70 Lew Alcindor Topps Rookie Card

A Lew Alcindor card, better known as Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, from the 1969 to 1970 Topps set sold for nearly $502,000 in August 2016 through Heritage Auctions. Adjusted for inflation, that’s around $658,000. This was the highest price paid for a basketball card at the time. It’s the only officially recognized rookie card for Abdul-Jabbar. Around 4,433 of these cards are known, but the one sold was graded a perfect PSA 10, which is extremely rare.

1952 Willie Mays Topps Card

A 1952 Topps Willie Mays card sold for $478,000 in May 2016 through Heritage Auctions. That’s about $626,000 now. This card is part of the same iconic 1952 Topps set that includes Mickey Mantle. Roughly 3,088 of these Mays cards exist today. The one that sold was in mint condition, graded PSA 9. In 1953, leftover cards from this set were sent back to Topps and dumped into the Hudson River, which makes surviving copies even more valuable.

1915 Ty Cobb Cracker Jack Card

A 1915 Cracker Jack Ty Cobb card sold for $504,000 in April 2019, also through Heritage Auctions. Adjusted for inflation, that’s about $620,000 today. This card is one of only 198 known to exist. The one sold was graded PSA 9, meaning it's in mint condition. Cracker Jack cards from this era are rare in high grades because they were packed with caramel-coated popcorn, making them tough to preserve. Cobb’s status as one of baseball’s early legends adds even more weight to the price.