Are you a baseball card collector or a fan of the legendary Mickey Mantle? If so, you’re in for a treat! This comprehensive guide will take you through the top 25 most valuable and expensive Mickey Mantle baseball cards. We’ll explore their estimated PSA grades, detailed descriptions, key features, market values, historical sales, availability, and much more. Whether you’re a seasoned collector or just starting out, this article will provide you with valuable insights into the world of Mickey Mantle baseball cards.
Mickey Mantle, one of baseball’s greatest icons, continues to captivate collectors and fans alike. His baseball cards are among the most sought-after in the hobby, with some commanding astronomical prices. In this guide, we’ll dive deep into the world of Mickey Mantle cards, focusing on the cream of the crop – the 25 most valuable and expensive examples mickey mantle baseball cards.
Let’s start our journey through these cardboard treasures, each telling a unique story of Mantle’s illustrious career and the evolution of baseball card collecting.
Top 25 mickey mantle baseball cards
1. 1952 Topps Mickey Mantle #311
The 1952 Topps Mickey Mantle #311 is widely considered the holy grail of post-war baseball cards. This iconic card features a young Mantle in his New York Yankees uniform, bat on shoulder, with a vibrant blue sky background.
Key Details
- Year: 1952
- Brand: Topps
- Card Number: #311
- Rookie Card: No (but often mistaken as one)
Estimated PSA Value
- PSA 10 Gem Mint: $10,000,000+
- PSA 9 Mint: $2,000,000 – $5,000,000
- PSA 8 Near Mint-Mint: $500,000 – $1,000,000
Historical Sales
In 2022, a PSA 9.5 example of this card sold for a staggering $12.6 million, setting a new record for the most expensive sports card ever sold.
Availability
Extremely rare in high grades. It’s estimated that only a few dozen examples exist in PSA 8 or better condition.
2. 1951 Bowman Mickey Mantle #253
This is Mickey Mantle’s true rookie card. It shows a fresh-faced Mantle in a batting pose, wearing his Yankees uniform against a brown background.
Key Details
- Year: 1951
- Brand: Bowman
- Card Number: #253
- Rookie Card: Yes
Estimated PSA Value
- PSA 10 Gem Mint: $5,000,000+
- PSA 9 Mint: $750,000 – $1,500,000
- PSA 8 Near Mint-Mint: $200,000 – $400,000
Historical Sales
In 2018, a PSA 9 example sold for $750,000 at auction.
Availability
Very rare in high grades. PSA has graded fewer than 10 examples in Mint 9 condition or better.
3. 1953 Topps Mickey Mantle #82
This beautiful card features a close-up portrait of Mantle, showcasing his boyish good looks. The card’s vibrant colors and artistic style make it a favorite among collectors.
Key Details
- Year: 1953
- Brand: Topps
- Card Number: #82
- Rookie Card: No
Estimated PSA Value
- PSA 10 Gem Mint: $1,000,000+
- PSA 9 Mint: $250,000 – $500,000
- PSA 8 Near Mint-Mint: $50,000 – $100,000
Historical Sales
In 2021, a PSA 9 example sold for $375,000 at auction.
Availability
Rare in high grades, but more common than the 1952 Topps or 1951 Bowman.
4. 1954 Bowman Mickey Mantle #65
This card features a smiling Mantle in his Yankees uniform, with a stadium background. It’s known for its excellent photo quality and clean design.
Key Details
- Year: 1954
- Brand: Bowman
- Card Number: #65
- Rookie Card: No
Estimated PSA Value
- PSA 10 Gem Mint: $500,000+
- PSA 9 Mint: $100,000 – $200,000
- PSA 8 Near Mint-Mint: $20,000 – $40,000
Historical Sales
In 2020, a PSA 9 example sold for $125,000 at auction.
Availability
Moderately rare in high grades. PSA has graded several dozen examples in Mint 9 condition or better.
5. 1955 Topps Mickey Mantle #202
This card features a horizontal layout with two images of Mantle – a close-up portrait and an action shot. It’s known for its unique design and vibrant colors.
Key Details
- Year: 1955
- Brand: Topps
- Card Number: #202
- Rookie Card: No
Estimated PSA Value
- PSA 10 Gem Mint: $750,000+
- PSA 9 Mint: $150,000 – $300,000
- PSA 8 Near Mint-Mint: $30,000 – $60,000
Historical Sales
In 2021, a PSA 9 example sold for $272,000 at auction.
Availability
Rare in high grades, but more available than earlier Mantle cards.
6. 1956 Topps Mickey Mantle #135
This card features a classic portrait of Mantle with a smaller action shot in the foreground. It’s from Mantle’s Triple Crown season, adding to its significance.
Key Details
- Year: 1956
- Brand: Topps
- Card Number: #135
- Rookie Card: No
Estimated PSA Value
- PSA 10 Gem Mint: $1,000,000+
- PSA 9 Mint: $200,000 – $400,000
- PSA 8 Near Mint-Mint: $40,000 – $80,000
Historical Sales
In 2022, a PSA 10 example sold for $1.12 million at auction.
Availability
Rare in high grades, but more common than earlier Mantle cards.
7. 1957 Topps Mickey Mantle #95
This card features a close-up portrait of Mantle against a plain background. It’s known for its simplicity and clean design.
Key Details
- Year: 1957
- Brand: Topps
- Card Number: #95
- Rookie Card: No
Estimated PSA Value
- PSA 10 Gem Mint: $500,000+
- PSA 9 Mint: $100,000 – $200,000
- PSA 8 Near Mint-Mint: $20,000 – $40,000
Historical Sales
In 2021, a PSA 9 example sold for $168,000 at auction.
Availability
Moderately rare in high grades. PSA has graded several hundred examples in Near Mint-Mint 8 condition or better.
8. 1958 Topps Mickey Mantle #150
This card features a smiling Mantle in his Yankees uniform. It’s known for its excellent photo quality and clean design.
Key Details
- Year: 1958
- Brand: Topps
- Card Number: #150
- Rookie Card: No
Estimated PSA Value
- PSA 10 Gem Mint: $400,000+
- PSA 9 Mint: $75,000 – $150,000
- PSA 8 Near Mint-Mint: $15,000 – $30,000
Historical Sales
In 2020, a PSA 9 example sold for $90,000 at auction.
Availability
Moderately rare in high grades. PSA has graded several hundred examples in Near Mint-Mint 8 condition or better.
9. 1959 Topps Mickey Mantle #10
This card features a close-up portrait of Mantle with his name in a baseball-shaped design. It’s known for its unique layout and vibrant colors.
Key Details
- Year: 1959
- Brand: Topps
- Card Number: #10
- Rookie Card: No
Estimated PSA Value
- PSA 10 Gem Mint: $300,000+
- PSA 9 Mint: $50,000 – $100,000
- PSA 8 Near Mint-Mint: $10,000 – $20,000
Historical Sales
In 2021, a PSA 9 example sold for $75,000 at auction.
Availability
Moderately rare in high grades. PSA has graded several hundred examples in Near Mint-Mint 8 condition or better.
10. 1960 Topps Mickey Mantle #350
This card features a horizontal layout with two images of Mantle – a portrait and an action shot. It’s known for its unique design and excellent photo quality.
Key Details
- Year: 1960
- Brand: Topps
- Card Number: #350
- Rookie Card: No
Estimated PSA Value
- PSA 10 Gem Mint: $250,000+
- PSA 9 Mint: $40,000 – $80,000
- PSA 8 Near Mint-Mint: $8,000 – $16,000
Historical Sales
In 2022, a PSA 9 example sold for $60,000 at auction.
Availability
Moderately rare in high grades. PSA has graded several hundred examples in Near Mint-Mint 8 condition or better.
11. 1961 Topps Mickey Mantle #300
This card features a classic portrait of Mantle in his Yankees uniform. It’s from the year of his famous 61 home run chase with Roger Maris.
Key Details
- Year: 1961
- Brand: Topps
- Card Number: #300
- Rookie Card: No
Estimated PSA Value
- PSA 10 Gem Mint: $200,000+
- PSA 9 Mint: $30,000 – $60,000
- PSA 8 Near Mint-Mint: $6,000 – $12,000
Historical Sales
In 2021, a PSA 9 example sold for $45,000 at auction.
Availability
Moderately rare in high grades. PSA has graded several hundred examples in Near Mint-Mint 8 condition or better.
12. 1962 Topps Mickey Mantle #200
This card features a close-up portrait of Mantle with a wood-grain border design. It’s known for its unique look and excellent photo quality.
Key Details
- Year: 1962
- Brand: Topps
- Card Number: #200
- Rookie Card: No
Estimated PSA Value
- PSA 10 Gem Mint: $250,000+
- PSA 9 Mint: $40,000 – $80,000
- PSA 8 Near Mint-Mint: $8,000 – $16,000
Historical Sales
In 2022, a PSA 9 example sold for $66,000 at auction.
Availability
Moderately rare in high grades. PSA has graded several hundred examples in Near Mint-Mint 8 condition or better.
13. 1963 Topps Mickey Mantle #200
This card features a smiling Mantle in his Yankees uniform. It’s known for its excellent photo quality and clean design.
Key Details
- Year: 1963
- Card Number: #200
- Brand: Topps
- Rookie Card: No
Estimated PSA Value
- PSA 10 Gem Mint: $200,000+
- PSA 9 Mint: $30,000 – $60,000
- PSA 8 Near Mint-Mint: $6,000 – $12,000
Historical Sales
In 2021, a PSA 9 example sold for $42,000 at auction.
Availability
Moderately rare in high grades. PSA has graded several hundred examples in Near Mint-Mint 8 condition or better.
14. 1964 Topps Mickey Mantle #50
This card features a close-up portrait of Mantle with a facsimile autograph. It’s known for its clean design and excellent photo quality.
Key Details
- Year: 1964
- Brand: Topps
- Card Number: #50
- Rookie Card: No
Estimated PSA Value
- PSA 10 Gem Mint: $150,000+
- PSA 9 Mint: $25,000 – $50,000
- PSA 8 Near Mint-Mint: $5,000 – $10,000
Historical Sales
In 2022, a PSA 9 example sold for $36,000 at auction.
Availability
Moderately rare in high grades. PSA has graded several hundred examples in Near Mint-Mint 8 condition or better.
15. 1965 Topps Mickey Mantle #350
This card features a portrait of Mantle with a pennant-style design for his name. It’s known for its unique look and excellent photo quality.
Key Details
- Year: 1965
- Brand: Topps
- Card Number: #350
- Rookie Card: No
Estimated PSA Value
- PSA 10 Gem Mint: $150,000+
- PSA 9 Mint: $25,000 – $50,000
- PSA 8 Near Mint-Mint: $5,000 – $10,000
Historical Sales
In 2021, a PSA 9 example sold for $33,000 at auction.
Availability
Moderately rare in high grades. PSA has graded several hundred examples in Near Mint-Mint 8 condition or better.
16. 1966 Topps Mickey Mantle #50
This card features a close-up portrait of Mantle with a simple design. It’s known for its clean look and excellent photo quality.
Key Details
- Year: 1966
- Brand: Topps
- Card Number: #50
- Rookie Card: No
Estimated PSA Value
- PSA 10 Gem Mint: $125,000+
- PSA 9 Mint: $20,000 – $40,000
- PSA 8 Near Mint-Mint: $4,000 – $8,000
Historical Sales
In 2022, a PSA 9 example sold for $30,000 at auction.
Availability
Moderately rare in high grades. PSA has graded several hundred examples in Near Mint-Mint 8 condition or better.
17. 1967 Topps Mickey Mantle #150
This card features a portrait of Mantle with a simple design. It’s known for its clean look and excellent photo quality.
Key Details
- Year: 1967
- Brand: Topps
- Card Number: #150
- Rookie Card: No
Estimated PSA Value
- PSA 10 Gem Mint: $125,000+
- PSA 9 Mint: $20,000 – $40,000
- PSA 8 Near Mint-Mint: $4,000 – $8,000
Historical Sales
In 2021, a PSA 9 example sold for $27,000 at auction.
Availability
Moderately rare in high grades. PSA has graded several hundred examples in Near Mint-Mint 8 condition or better.
18. 1968 Topps Mickey Mantle #280
This card features a portrait of Mantle with a burlap-style border design. It’s known for its unique look and excellent photo quality.
Key Details
- Year: 1968
- Brand: Topps
- Card Number: #280
- Rookie Card: No
Estimated PSA Value
- PSA 10 Gem Mint: $100,000+
- PSA 9 Mint: $15,000 – $30,000
- PSA 8 Near Mint-Mint: $3,000 – $6,000
Historical Sales
In 2022, a PSA 9 example sold for $24,000 at auction.
Availability
Moderately rare in high grades. PSA has graded several hundred examples in Near Mint-Mint 8 condition or better.
19. 1969 Topps Mickey Mantle #500
This card features a portrait of Mantle in his final season. It’s known for its historical significance as Mantle’s last regular-issue Topps card during his playing career.
Key Details
- Year: 1969
- Brand: Topps
- Card Number: #500
- Rookie Card: No
Estimated PSA Value
- PSA 10 Gem Mint: $150,000+
- PSA 9 Mint: $25,000 – $50,000
- PSA 8 Near Mint-Mint: $5,000 – $10,000
Historical Sales
In 2021, a PSA 9 example sold for $33,000 at auction.
Availability
Moderately rare in high grades. PSA has graded several hundred examples in Near Mint-Mint 8 condition or better.
20. 1952 Berk Ross Mickey Mantle
This lesser-known card features a young Mantle in a batting pose. It’s from the same year as the famous 1952 Topps card but is much rarer.
Key Details
- Year: 1952
- Brand: Berk Ross
- Card Number: N/A
- Rookie Card: No
Estimated PSA Value
- PSA 10 Gem Mint: $500,000+
- PSA 9 Mint: $100,000 – $200,000
- PSA 8 Near Mint-Mint: $20,000 – $40,000
Historical Sales
In 2020, a PSA 8 example sold for $33,600 at auction.
Availability
Very rare in all grades. PSA has graded fewer than 100 examples total.
21. 1953 Bowman Color Mickey Mantle #59
This card features a beautiful color portrait of Mantle. It’s known for its excellent photo quality and vibrant colors.
Key Details
- Year: 1953
- Brand: Bowman
- Card Number: #59
- Rookie Card: No
Estimated PSA Value
- PSA 10 Gem Mint: $750,000+
- PSA 9 Mint: $150,000 – $300,000
- PSA 8 Near Mint-Mint: $30,000 – $60,000
Historical Sales
In 2021, a PSA 9 example sold for $215,000 at auction.
Availability
Rare in high grades. PSA has graded fewer than 50 examples in Mint 9 condition or better.
22. 1955 Bowman Mickey Mantle #202
This card features a close-up portrait of Mantle with a television set design. It’s known for its unique look and excellent photo quality.
Key Details
- Year: 1955
- Brand: Bowman
- Card Number: #202
- Rookie Card: No
Estimated PSA Value
- PSA 10 Gem Mint: $500,000+
- PSA 9 Mint: $100,000 – $200,000
- PSA 8 Near Mint-Mint: $20,000 – $40,000
Historical Sales
In 2022, a PSA 9 example sold for $144,000 at auction.
Availability
Rare in high grades. PSA has graded fewer than 100 examples in Mint 9 condition or better.
23. 1958 Topps Mickey Mantle All-Star #487
This card features Mantle as part of the All-Star subset. It’s known for its unique design with a large star in the background.
Key Details
- Year: 1958
- Brand: Topps
- Card Number: #487
- Rookie Card: No
Estimated PSA Value
- PSA 10 Gem Mint: $200,000+
- PSA 9 Mint: $40,000 – $80,000
- PSA 8 Near Mint-Mint: $8,000 – $16,000
Historical Sales
In 2021, a PSA 9 example sold for $54,000 at auction.
Availability
Moderately rare in high grades. PSA has graded several hundred examples in Near Mint-Mint 8 condition or better.
24. 1961 Topps Mickey Mantle MVP #475
This card celebrates Mantle’s 1956 and 1957 MVP awards. It features two portraits of Mantle and is part of the MVP subset.
Key Details
- Year: 1961
- Brand: Topps
- Card Number: #475
- Rookie Card: No
Estimated PSA Value
- PSA 10 Gem Mint: $150,000+
- PSA 9 Mint: $30,000 – $60,000
- PSA 8 Near Mint-Mint: $6,000 – $12,000
Historical Sales
In 2022, a PSA 9 example sold for $42,000 at auction.
Availability
Moderately rare in high grades. PSA has graded several hundred examples in Near Mint-Mint 8 condition or better.
25. 1964 Topps Stand-Up Mickey Mantle
This unique card is die-cut and can stand up. It features a full-body image of Mantle in a batting pose.
Key Details
- Year: 1964
- Brand: Topps
- Card Number: N/A
- Rookie Card: No
Estimated PSA Value
- PSA 10 Gem Mint: $100,000+
- PSA 9 Mint: $20,000 – $40,000
- PSA 8 Near Mint-Mint: $4,000 – $8,000
Historical Sales
In 2021, a PSA 9 example sold for $27,000 at auction.
Availability
Rare in high grades due to the die-cut nature of the card. PSA has graded fewer than 50 examples in Mint 9 condition or better.
Conclusion
Mickey Mantle’s baseball cards continue to be some of the most sought-after and valuable in the hobby. From his early cards in the 1950s to his later issues in the 1960s, each card tells a part of the story of one of baseball’s greatest legends.
The 1952 Topps Mickey Mantle #311 stands out as the most valuable, with recent sales reaching into the millions of dollars. However, even his more common cards from later years can command significant prices in high grades.
For collectors, these cards represent not just valuable assets, but pieces of baseball history. Whether you’re a seasoned collector or just starting out, understanding the value and rarity of these cards can help you make informed decisions about your collection.
Remember, while the monetary value of these cards is significant, the true value lies in the joy of collecting and the connection to the rich history of America’s pastime. Happy collecting!
FAQs
Why is the 1952 Topps Mickey Mantle card so valuable?
It’s considered Mantle’s most iconic card, is from a landmark set, and is extremely rare in high grades due to limited production and poor preservation.
What is Mickey Mantle’s true rookie card?
The 1951 Bowman Mickey Mantle #253 is considered his true rookie card.
How many Mickey Mantle cards are there?
There are over 100 different Mickey Mantle cards produced during his playing career, with many more released after his retirement.
What factors affect the value of Mickey Mantle cards?
Key factors include the card’s age, rarity, condition, historical significance, and overall demand among collectors.
Are reprints or reissues of Mickey Mantle cards valuable?
Generally, reprints and reissues are much less valuable than original cards, but some limited edition reprints can have some value.
How can I tell if a Mickey Mantle card is authentic?
Professional grading and authentication services like PSA, SGC, and BGS can verify a card’s authenticity.
What’s the best way to store valuable Mickey Mantle cards?
Use protective sleeves and hard cases, store them in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight, and consider professional grading for the most valuable cards.
Are Mickey Mantle cards a good investment?
High-grade Mickey Mantle cards have shown strong appreciation over time, but like any investment, there are risks involved.
Where can I buy Mickey Mantle cards?
Reputable auction houses, card shows, and online marketplaces are common sources for purchasing Mickey Mantle cards.
What should I look for when buying a Mickey Mantle card?
Look for cards in the best condition you can afford, check for authenticity, and research recent sales of similar cards to ensure you’re paying a fair price.
Have you ever wondered why rookie Mickey Mantle baseball cards are so valuable and expensive? What factors contribute to their high market value compared to other baseball cards?