The Most Valuable 1957 Baseball Cards

In the 1957 MLB season, the Milwaukee Braves, led by Hank Aaron, won the National League pennant and defeated the Yankees in the World Series. The series MVP was Braves pitcher Lew Burdette, who secured three wins against the Yankees. Hank Aaron was named NL MVP, while Mickey Mantle won the AL MVP. The season also marked a turning point for several teams considering geographic relocation.

The 1957 Topps set is one of the most significant and innovative in baseball card history. It introduced the modern standard card size, improving storage and presentation. It also replaced hand-drawn art with real photographs, giving the cards a morerealistic and modern look. Now, let’s explore the set’s most valuablesports trading cards.

The prices in this list are taken fromSports Cards Proand may change in the future. Additionally, the rankings are based on the PSA 10 graded value of the cards.

PSA 10

$162.41

$1,487.50

$4,661.97

$5,128.00

$8,769.33

$32,118.75

Willie Mays, one of thegreatest players in baseball historyand known as the “Say Hey Kid,” was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1979. His cards have always been in high demand due to his legendary career and lasting impact on the sport. Featuring one of the era’s and the game’s brightest stars, this card adds significantly to the overall appeal and value of the 1957 set.

The year 1957 marked one of the most productive periods of Mays’s career. The photo on the card reflects his dynamic and energetic personality. It was also the Giants’ final season in New York before relocating to San Francisco, and Mays delivered an outstanding individual performance, earning another All-Star selection.

$190.88

$1,302.13

$5,016.06

$5,694.07

$10,348.58

$37,910.78

This card is highly valuable because it features two legendary New York Yankees players, Yogi Berra and Mickey Mantle, on a single card. Both are Hall of Famers, and this iconic pairing makes the card instantly desirable among collectors.

Known as “The Mick,” Mantle was a defining figure of the Yankees’ golden era, combining power and speed. He was a three-time MVP, a Triple Crown winner, and captured seven World Series titles. His cards have always ranked among the most sought-after in the hobby. Yogi Berra, one of the greatest catchers in baseball history, also won three MVP awards and holds the record with ten World Series championships as a player. His colorful personality and famous sayings add to his lasting appeal.

$53.00

$635.15

$2,820.00

$24,193.06

$26,612.00

$29,032.00

This card marks Don Drysdale’s rookie appearance in Major League Baseball. An iconic figure in the sport, Drysdale was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1984. The 1957 Topps setfeatures rookie cardsof future Hall of Famers like Drysdale, Frank Robinson, and Brooks Robinson.

In his 1957 season, Drysdale struck out 148 batters, a performance that hinted at the stellar career ahead. Over the years, his dominance on the mound elevated the value of this early card. Known for his intimidating presence, he earned the nickname “Big D.” Despite the smile on his card, Drysdale’s pitches were notoriously fierce, making him one of the most feared pitchers of his era.

Despite the prices listed in this entry, according to information onpsacard.com, a PSA Mint 9 version of this card was sold for $44,400 in 2021.

$85.17

$1,485.00

$3,250.00

$46,800.00

$51,480.00

$56,160.00

Hank Aaron is one of the greatest legends in baseball history, famously known as “Hammerin’ Hank.” Inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1982, Aaron held the career home run record with 755, surpassing Babe Ruth’s long-standing mark of 714. His remarkable achievements and breaking of this record have greatly elevated the value of his cards.

More than just an athlete, Aaron was also a significant figure in the African-American civil rights movement. The 1957 season was one of the finest of his career, representing his outstanding individual performance and World Series championship. A perennial All-Star, Aaron was honored again in 1957 and still holds MLB records for RBIs (2,297), extra-base hits (1,477), and total bases (6,856).

$132.20

$1,169.00

$4,503.45

$28,800.00

$31,680.00

$34,560.00

Frank Robinson, inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1982, was a legendary player with a remarkable list of achievements. He won the MVP award twice and became the first player to win it in both the National and American Leagues. A Triple Crown winner and two-time World Series champion, his accomplishments significantly enhance the value of his rookie card.

After earning Rookie of the Year honors in 1956, Robinson maintained his excellence in the 1957 season. He posted a .322 batting average, tying for third in the league with Hank Aaron, just behind legends like Willie Mays and Stan Musial. That year, he was also named National League Sophomore of the Year by the Associated Press.

According to data frompsacard.com, two PSA Mint 9 condition cards were sold in 2016 for $57,360 and $47,800, respectively.

$56.45

$269.52

$662.56

$3,648.57

$4,013.00

$60,000.00

This card marks Bill Mazeroski’s first appearance in Major League Baseball and is considered his rookie card. Elected to the Hall of Fame in 2001, Mazeroski played his first full season in 1957. That year, he led all National League second basemen in putouts (413), assists (449), and double plays (127), while also posting a league-best .989 fielding percentage.

His defensive dominance and improving offense quickly established him as one of the league’s top young talents. Over his career, he won eight Gold Glove awards and held multiple defensive records for second basemen. His most iconic moment came in 1960, when he hit the only walk-off home run to ever end a World Series, securing Pittsburgh’s first championship since 1925.

$375.00

$1,537.73

$4,197.50

$27,600.00

$30,360.00

$73,005.64

Elected to the Hall of Fame in 1983, legendary third baseman Brooks Robinson is widely regarded as the greatest defensive third baseman in baseball history. He won 16 consecutive Gold Glove awards, a testament to his unmatched skill in the field. The 1957 season marked the beginning of his full-time role with the Baltimore Orioles and the early stages of his Major League career.

While he was not yet a standout hitter, his defensive prowess already stood out. Known as “The Human Vacuum Cleaner” and “Mr. Hoover,” Robinson was famous for his ability to scoop up ground balls with ease. He spent his entire 23-year MLB career with the Orioles, sharing the record for most seasons with one team with Carl Yastrzemski.

$199.50

$1,160.66

$3,951.00

$5,277.79

$9,592.12

$35,136.46

Sandy Koufax, elected to the Hall of Fame in 1972, is considered one of the greatest pitchers in baseball history despite his relatively short career. His cards remain in high demand due to his legendary status. The 1957 season came early in his MLB journey, when he was still developing his control and often seen as a wild pitcher.

However, he showed glimpses of his immense potential, notably surpassing the 100-strikeout mark for the first time in his career. Known as “The Left Arm of God,” Koufax earned his nickname for his nearly unhittable pitches. Chronic elbow issues forced him to retire at age 30, still at the peak of his powers.

According topsacard.com, a Koufax card graded PSA Mint 9 was sold for both $44,111 and $78,086 in 2006.

$312.00

$4,600.00

$12,339.74

$82,500.00

$90,750.00

$99,000.00

Nicknamed “The Mick,” Mickey Mantle was a legendary switch-hitter who defined the New York Yankees’ golden era with a rare combination of power and speed. Inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1974, Mantle followed up his 1956 MVP and Triple Crown season with another stellar performance in 1957.

That year, he won his second MVP award and posted a .365 batting average—his career-best and second in the American League. Despite frequent injuries, Mantle remained one of the most dominant players of his era, contributing greatly to the Yankees' success. His elite blend of speed and strength made him one of baseball’s all-time greats.

$81.35

$1,589.98

$3,484.73

$85,693.70

$94,263.00

$102,832.00

If you’re looking for the most valuable card in this set, that honor goes to legendary slugger Ted Williams, also known as The Splendid Splinter, Teddy Ballgame, or The Kid. Inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1966, Williams is celebrated for his unmatched hitting ability, records, and iconic status, all of which make his cards highly sought after.

Being card #1 in the set adds further appeal. Despite being 38 years old in 1957 and nearing the end of his career, Williams posted a phenomenal season, leading the American League with a .388 batting average—his highest since his legendary .406 in 1941. This dominant performance cements his card as the crown jewel of the set.