12 Vintage Baseball Cards Worth a Small Fortune

These days, many of us are currently looking for ways to make extra money on the side — and it just may be sitting in your basement or attic. Collecting baseball cards is an age-old pastime that just may pay off big for a lucky few. 

Rarely is a card in pristine enough condition to go for top dollar, but it's worth a look around your home and local thrift shops to see what you've got..

Keep an eye out for these 12 vintage baseball cards that are worth a small fortune.

The image on the 1952 Topps Mickey Mantle #311 card is one of the most iconic in card trading. One of the most storied baseball players of all time is staring off into the distance, a look of intensity on his face.

In 2022, one of these cards in brand new condition went for $12.6 million, more than any sports memorabilia ever sold. 

One is currently listed on eBay for $600,000, although the price it sells for depends on the condition and grade — recently sold listings have gone for a few hundred dollars to well over $100,000.

Honus Wagner is one of the most well-known baseball players of all time, commonly referred to as the Pittsburgh Pirates' "Flying Dutchman." Known as the "Mona Lisa" of baseball cards for collectors, there are thought to be only 50 to 60 in existence, making it super rare.

In 2022, one of these cards in fantastic condition sold for $7.5 million at auction.

Reprints of this card in fair condition could get you over $1,000, and several are listed for far more.

It is believed that less than 10 copies of this 1914 Babe Ruth card are still around, making it one of the rarest around. Add to the fact that everyone knows the player's name, and you can understand why this card would be so valuable.

If you happen upon this card, even in a damaged state, you could rake in millions. In 2023, this rookie card sold for an astonishing $7.2 million.

Known as one of the top all-around baseball players of his generation, Mike Trout Bowman has a few cards that are worth some money. Several versions of the refractor cards were released, but there are only five red ones in existence.

In October of 2022, one of these was sold for $1,080,000, though it is currently valued at $5.5 million.

A one-of-a-kind chrome Superfractor autographed version of the same Mike Trout Bowman card sold for $3,936,000 in 2020. It was in mint condition, and cannot be replicated.

A few cards in mint condition featuring other refractor colors are currently up for around $20,000 on eBay.

This 1933 Big League Chewing Gum PSA 9 card is a one-of-a-kind find and sold for $4,212,000 in 2021. The PSA 8 version has 14 copies in circulation and is estimated to be worth over $900,000.

You can find other, more common grades of the card, for upwards of $27,500 right now on eBay and they've recently been sold for nearly that amount.

This horizontal card is one of the most valuable rookie cards in the trading game. The player was known for his humanitarian efforts just as much as his baseball skill and now has an award named after him.

This card sold in mint condition for $960,000 and is listed pretty consistently on eBay between $10,000 and $20,000.

Celebrated as the first African-American player to take the field in the National League, Jackie Robinson was one of the most important baseball players of all time — and his card's value reflects that.

This 1952 Topps card went for $960,000 in almost perfect condition in 2021. Other grades of the same card are currently listed between $28,000 and $50,000. Even those in visibly battered condition are listed for as much as $5,700. A recent sale had one sold in moderately used condition for $13,000.

While errors in other collectibles increase their value, that is rarely true for baseball cards save for a few exceptions, like this Sherry Magee 1909 wonder. The first printing of this card misspelled Magees last name as "Magie," making it a highly sought-after mistake.

There are about 142 in circulation, and the most expensive one sold went for $660,000.

This card is over 30 years old, so it qualifies as vintage. Depicting Derek Jeter reaching out to catch a ball, this full-color photo card went for $396,000 in mint condition in 2021.

Because of the fragility of the foil on this card, it's rarely found in perfect condition. On eBay, most people are getting a few hundred dollars for this card.

This 1914 card is a one-of-a-kind work of art from a window display series. Featuring iconic player Ty Cobb — or "The Georgia Peach" — in an orange diamond, with baseballs on either side of him and a garter displayed underneath him.

This card sold at auction for $204,000 in 2018. It is valued the same as the 1914 Boston Garter Joe Jackson (Tie) card.

The youngest player ever elected into the Hall of Fame, "Sandy" Koufax was a left-handed pitcher with endless talent. The horizontal card features a brilliant yellow background and green border.

The last rookie card that sold at public auction went for $215,100 in August of 2016. A card listed in mint condition is currently up for $285,000 on eBay, and several have been sold in fairly good condition for over $5000.

Some of the best side hustles involve going through your family's old items and sorting out what could be worth some money. Look specifically for well-cared-for items.

If you're sorting through bent or waterlogged tubs of cards, keep in mind that even the most valuable card in the lot may take a hit in its value as a result.