Most Valuable Trading Card Collections
Collecting valuable trading cards is a popular hobby for many. While there are several cards in existence, only some of them are rare and worth a lot of money. Some of these unique cards were only made in very small batches, while others are rare for other reasons, such as their pristine condition. From basketball to baseball cards and even Pokémon cards, let’s take a look at some of the most valuable trading card collections.
Baseball Trading Cards
While all sports trading cards are unique and special to owners, baseball trading cards are what started this business. Baseball trading cards were popular in the 1980s and ’90s, and some of those cards have become extremely valuable over time. There are even some newer baseball cards that are worth a lot of money. Here are some of the most unique baseball trading cards of all time:
Mickey Mantle 1952 Topps PSA 9
This is one of the most unique baseball cards available. Not many of these cards were printed, which makes them rare. It also has a unique design, which adds to its value. The Mickey Mantle 1952 card has a PSA rating of nine and is worth $5.2 million, making it one of the most expensive baseball trading cards ever.
Mike Trout 2009 Bowman Chrome Superfractor Auto BGS 9/10
This card is special because Mike Trout accomplished amazing feats in baseball at such a young age. It’s a one-of-a-kind card of the outfielder, which increases its value. This card is also one of Mike Trout’s rookie cards. Rookie cards are usually more popular and have increased popularity for players who achieve success later in their careers. This Mike Trout card has a Beckett Grading Services (BGS) of 9/10 and is worth $3.9 million.
Roberto Clemente 1955 Topps PSA 9
Roberto Clemente 1955 cards only have 12 versions that are PSA 9. There’s only one Roberto 1955 card that’s a PSA 10. Since there are so few cards in such great condition, their value is very high. Plus, Clemente is a fan-favorite baseball player and a revered figure in the industry. Due to these reasons, this card is worth just over $1.1 million.
Basketball Trading Cards
Basketball is a highly loved sport, which makes it no surprise that basketball trading cards are so popular. Let’s take a look at some of the most valuable basketball trading cards:
Luka Doncic 2018-19 Panini National Treasures Logoman 1/1
The Luka Doncic 2018 Panini National Treasures Logoman card has only 10 of its type. Three of the 10 have PSA ratings, one of which earning a PSA of 10. Usually, cards are worth more the older they are, which is why this card, a 2018-2019 card, is so unique. The PSA 10 version of this card is worth $780,000.
Giannis Antetokounmpo 2013-14 National Treasures Logoman Patch Auto 1/1
This card is yet another rookie card, which increases its value. The Giannis Antetokounmpo 2013-14 National Treasures Logoman card is encapsulated and has a MINT 9 grade by BGS. What makes this card special is that it has an NBA patch from Antetokounmpo’s jersey. This card is currently worth over $1.8 million.
LeBron James 2003-04 Exquisite Rookie Patch Auto BGS 9.5
LeBron James is perhaps one of the most well-known basketball players of all time. This specific card is one of James’ rookie cards and is one of his most rare trading cards, with only 23 copies. With a BGS rating of 9.5, this card has a value of $1.8 million.
Football Trading Cards
Football is one of the most popular sports today. Due to its massive following, it’s no surprise that there are several football trading cards that are incredibly valuable. Here are some rare football trading cards:
Tom Brady 2000 Panini Playoff Contenders BGS 8.5/9
Tom Brady only autographed 13 of these cards, which makes it highly rare. However, only one of these 13 are in great condition, making it a collectible. This card is even more rare because it has a rookie theme. With a BGS rating of 8.5/9, this card is worth over $2.2 million.
Patrick Mahomes 2017 National Treasures Black RPA 1/5 BGS 9/10
This card is especially unique because none of its other copies have a PSA rating or a BGS rating higher than 9/10, meaning that this card is the best conditioned of its kind. Patrick Mahomes is a current star in football, which adds more value to this card. Currently, this card is estimated at $840,000.
Pokémon Trading Cards
Pokémon is a hugely popular brand with countless fans and followers. A large component of Pokémon is its trading cards, and there are several extremely special cards that fans want to get their hands on. Let’s take a look at some of these cards and what makes them so rare:
Ex Deoxys GOLD STAR HOLO Rayquaza #107
Rayquaza is a legendary Pokémon that is a fan-favorite in the community. Pokémon made and released these cards alongside its accompanying video game in 2005. Its PSA rating also adds to its value. This particular card is in perfect condition, with a PSA rating of GEM MINT 10. Currently, this card is worth $45,100.
1998 Japanese Promo Card Tamamushi University Magikarp Trophy
This promo card was only distributed during a two-day event in Japan. There were only 1,000 fans allowed at the event, meaning only so many people received the card. This card is also special because Ken Sugimori, a well-known Pokémon artist, designed its art. The 1998 Japanese Promo Card is currently worth $66,100.
2000 Neo Genesis 1st Edition Holographic Lugia
Lugia is another well-loved legendary Pokémon, and this card is the first edition of its kind, making it extremely rare. While there are several of these cards in existence, their age and popularity make them unique. Also, there are only a few of these cards in such great condition. A Neo Genesis first edition Holographic Lugia card with a BGS rating of 10 is worth $144,300.
Trading cards can be rare for several reasons. Whether their uniqueness is due to their age, condition, or series numbers, these cards are highly sought by collectors. Collecting trading cards is a unique hobby that can pay well if you have a rare enough card, or you could keep your rare cards to cherish for a lifetime. Did we miss an ultra-rare trading care collection? If we did, please contact us so we can highlight it on our list.
Image via Flickr by slgckgc
Tags: Collections, Trading Cards
