1. 1952 Mickey Mantle Topps – $12.6 Million
Taking the crown as the most expensive trading card of all time is the legendary 1952 Topps Mickey Mantle. In pristine condition, this card fetched an astounding $12.6 million at auction in 2022. It’s often called the “Holy Grail” of baseball cards, not only for its rarity but for its role in solidifying the baseball card craze of the 1950s.
2. 1909–1911 T206 Honus Wagner – $7.25 Million
Known as the “Mona Lisa” of baseball cards, the T206 Honus Wagner is almost as famous as the player himself. Only around 50 of these cards exist, largely because Wagner, a Hall of Famer, supposedly didn’t want his image on cigarette cards. The scarcity has made it a collector’s dream, with one selling for a jaw-dropping $7.25 million.
3. 1933 Goudey Babe Ruth – $4.2 Million
Babe Ruth’s legacy lives on through one of the most prized cards in the hobby, the 1933 Goudey. Known for its vibrant art and iconic image of Ruth, this card is a classic. At $4.2 million, it’s not just an expensive piece of memorabilia; it’s a symbol of baseball history.
4. 2009 Mike Trout Bowman Chrome Superfractor – $3.9 Million
At just over a decade old, Mike Trout’s 2009 Bowman Chrome Superfractor may seem young compared to others on this list, but it’s already achieved legendary status. This one-of-a-kind card, graded in mint condition, sold for $3.9 million in 2020, making it the most expensive modern-day sports card ever sold.
5. 1979 O-Pee-Chee Wayne Gretzky Rookie Card – $3.75 Million
The Great One’s rookie card holds the record as the most expensive hockey card ever sold. In 2021, a pristine copy of the 1979 O-Pee-Chee Wayne Gretzky card sold for $3.75 million. This card is known for its difficulty to find in top condition, thanks to the card’s original misaligned cuts.
6. 2018 Luka Dončić National Treasures Logoman – $3.12 Million
Luka Dončić’s rookie card broke records in 2021, auctioning for $3.12 million. The one-of-one Logoman autograph card has a piece of the NBA logo embedded in it, and collectors went crazy over this rookie sensation’s high-value card.
7. 1996 Pocket Monsters Japanese Promo Illustrator Pikachu – $2.3 Million
This ultra-rare Pokémon card is a holy grail for fans and collectors alike. Only a few copies of the 1996 Japanese Promo Illustrator Pikachu card exist, making it extremely sought after. In 2021, this card reached a new height when it sold for $2.3 million.
8. 1955 Roberto Clemente Topps Rookie Card – $1.1 Million
Roberto Clemente’s rookie card broke into the million-dollar club in 2021, selling for $1.1 million. A Puerto Rican legend and a Hall of Famer, Clemente’s card is treasured not only for its value but for the legacy he left on and off the field.
9. 2017 Patrick Mahomes National Treasures Rookie Auto Patch – $4.3 Million
This modern masterpiece of Patrick Mahomes was sold for $4.3 million in 2021. The card features Mahomes’ autograph and a patch from his game-worn jersey. The rapid rise of Mahomes’ career and his impact on the game has made this card a collector’s must-have.
10. 1986 Fleer Michael Jordan Rookie Card – $738,000
Though several copies exist, a high-grade 1986 Fleer Michael Jordan Rookie Card reached $738,000 in 2021, marking it as one of the most prized basketball cards out there. It’s often credited with sparking basketball card collecting in the late ’80s and ’90s.
11. 1961 Fleer Wilt Chamberlain Rookie Card – $500,000
Wilt “The Stilt” Chamberlain’s rookie card set a basketball record when a PSA 9 graded copy sold for $500,000. As one of the greatest players to ever step on the court, Chamberlain’s Fleer card has become increasingly valuable among fans and collectors.
12. 1993 SP Foil Derek Jeter Rookie Card – $750,000
The Captain’s rookie card is beloved by fans and collectors, especially in mint condition. Derek Jeter’s 1993 SP Foil rookie card reached $750,000 in 2021, reflecting his legacy in baseball and his place among Yankees legends.
13. 2000 Playoff Contenders Championship Rookie Ticket Tom Brady – $3.1 Million
Tom Brady’s Championship Rookie Ticket card has reached legendary status, selling for $3.1 million in 2021. The combination of Brady’s seven Super Bowl titles and this card’s rarity makes it a must-have for football fans with deep pockets.
14. 1999 Base Set First Edition Shadowless Holo Charizard – $369,000
Pokémon fans know this card well. The 1999 First Edition Shadowless Holo Charizard has become an iconic card in Pokémon history. Pristine copies of this card have sold for $369,000, making it one of the most expensive non-sport trading cards ever auctioned.
