The Most Expensive Sports Cards Of All Time

Sports cards have become a passionate hobby and a significant investment avenue, captivating millions of collectors around the world. For some, they’re nostalgic links to childhood; for others, symbols of fandom and loyalty. The thrill of opening a pack without knowing what’s inside adds a unique excitement that few other hobbies can match.

Their visual appeal also draws collectors in—each person has that one card that speaks to them. While it’s possible to start collecting with affordable packs, today’s focus is the opposite end of the spectrum. In this list, we highlight the most expensivesports trading cardsever sold.

In the future, other cards may sell for higher prices than those listed here, or the same cards could be sold for even more.

$3,750,000

$4,351,437

The 1979 O-Pee-Chee Wayne Gretzky rookie card is the crown jewel ofhockey card collecting. This iconic card features a young Gretzky in his Edmonton Oilers uniform, framed by bold blue borders that make the design instantly recognizable. It is Gretzky’s first official professional hockey card.

Produced by Canadian-based O-Pee-Chee, this version is rarer and generally more valuable than its Topps counterpart. Due to differences in production quality, O-Pee-Chee cards are often more difficult to grade in mint condition. On the back of the card, collectors look for distinctive blue lines beneath the player stats—these appear only in early prints and are seen as more desirable.

$3,936,000

$4,782,212

This autographed card is a true one-of-one. The 2009 Bowman Chrome Draft Picks & Prospects series focused on showcasing young talents preparing to enter MLB, including top prospects like Stephen Strasburg and Nolan Arenado alongside Mike Trout. Trout was selected 25th overall in the first round of the 2009 MLB Draft by the Los Angeles Angels.

At the time, he was a young outfielder from Millville High School in New Jersey. Although he debuted in MLB in 2011, this card is considered his “First Bowman,” which often holds more significance than a player’s official rookie card. Widely regarded as one of modern baseball’s greatest players, Trout’s MVP awards, elite statistics, and media presence contribute to this card’s immense value.

$4,212,000

$4,887,534

This yellow-background card, which originally came from chewing gum packs, features the Big League Chewing Gum logo and holds a surprising distinction. Although there are four different Babe Ruth cards in the 240-card 1933 Goudey set, this version is the most valuable ever sold.

The Goudey set is considered the first fully colored gum card series and the first major baseball card release during the Great Depression. It laid the foundation for modern card collecting. In 1933, Babe Ruth was 38 years old and nearing the end of his career, yet he remained a major star. That season, he hit 34 home runs with a .301 batting average. He also hit the first-ever home run in All-Star Game history.

Private sale

$4,300,000

$4,989,648

This card’s unique construction and Patrick Mahomes’ explosive start to his NFL career have made it astronomically valuable. Only five copies of this card were produced. It features Mahomes’ on-card autograph and a patch from a game-worn jersey. In 2021, it sold in a private sale for $4.3 million.

The card comes from a premium set known for its low print run and high-end focus, making it one of the most luxurious and investment-driven series in the hobby. Mahomes was selected tenth overall in the first round of the 2017 NFL Draft by the Kansas City Chiefs. Though he only started one game in his rookie year, his breakout came in 2018—and so did this card’s rise as themost valuable football card ever.

$4,600,000

$5,337,762

One of the most valuable cards in modern basketball collecting, this card dates back to Luka Doncic’s rookie NBA season. It features an authentic on-card autograph and a special patch with the official NBA Logoman, taken from a game-worn jersey. Uniquely, this is a true one-of-one card—only one exists.

Released as part of a premium set during the 2018 NBA Draft season, Doncic was selected third overall by the Atlanta Hawks and traded to the Dallas Mavericks that same night. His 2018–19 rookie campaign earned him the NBA Rookie of the Year award, with stats unmatched by any rookie since Oscar Robertson.

$5,200,000

$6,317,963

The 2003-04 Exquisite Collection #78 LeBron James JSY AU rookie card is widely considered one of the holy grails of modern sports card collecting. This card features an on-card autograph and a patch from a game-worn jersey—three elements that significantly elevate its value. Only 99 copies of this card were produced, making it extremely rare and highly sought after

Released as part of the 2003–04 Upper Deck Exquisite Collection, this ultra-premium set pioneered the luxury card market, even packaging cards in wooden boxes. LeBron was selected first overall in the 2003 NBA Draft by the Cleveland Cavaliers, jumping directly from high school. He won Rookie of the Year honors with impressive debut season stats.

$5,900,000

$6,846,261

This card from Stephen Curry’s NBA rookie season features a unique combination of design and content. Only one exists, containing Curry’s original autograph and an NBA Logoman patch from a Golden State Warriors jersey. Released in the same year Panini acquired its NBA license, this set marked the brand’s debut into the ultra-premium card market.

Drafted seventh overall in 2009, Curry had become a standout at Davidson College, gaining national attention during the NCAA tournament. He was named to the All-Rookie First Team and immediately showcased shooting skills that would redefine modern basketball. While less rare RPA versions exist, none match the value of the Logoman edition.

$7,200,000

$7,430,406

If you’re looking for the intersection of the oldest andmost valuable card, you’ll find it in Babe Ruth’s 1914 Baltimore News card. Known as Ruth’s first-ever card, it simply labels him as “Ruth – pitcher.” Though there is also a blue version, the red version is rarer and more expensive.

This card predates Ruth’s Major League debut and features him as a young pitcher for the International League’s Baltimore Orioles, making it a one-of-a-kind historical artifact. Only an estimated 10–15 copies are known to exist. Distributed by the Baltimore News in 1914, its local and limited print run adds to its rarity and prestige.

$7,250,000

$8,412,778

The Honus Wagner card is considered the Mona Lisa and the Holy Grail of sports card collecting. Its history and rarity place it at the pinnacle of the baseball card market. The card features Wagner in his Pittsburgh Pirates uniform with an artistic illustration.

$12,600,000

$13,538,481

If you’re looking for the most iconic and valuable sports card of all time, this is it. A copy of the 1952 Topps Mickey Mantle card graded SGC 9.5 sold for $12.6 million, making it the most expensive sports card ever sold. The 1952 Topps set revolutionized card design with its larger format and artistic presentation, laying the foundation for the modern baseball card.

Mantle’s facsimile signature appears on the card’s front. It belongs to the scarce high-number series, believed to have been printed and distributed in smaller quantities. A famous story claims unsold cards—including many Mantles—were dumped into the Hudson River, increasing their rarity and legendary status.