‍The Top Ten Highest Selling Sports Trading Cards of All Time

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‍The world of sports trading cards has seen a dramatic surge in value over the past few years, with record-breaking sales becoming almost a regular occurrence. From legendary baseball icons to modern-day basketball superstars, these cards have fetched astronomical prices at auctions.

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Here, we rank the top ten highest selling sports trading cards of all time, detailing their prices and the stories behind them.

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1. Mickey Mantle, 1952 Topps SGC 9.5 - $12.6 Million

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‍Date Sold: August 27, 2022

‍Auction House: Heritage AuctionsThe 1952 Topps Mickey Mantle card is the crown jewel of sports trading cards. Known as the "Chairman of the Cardboard," this card's value is driven by Mantle's legendary status, the card's scarcity, and its pristine condition. It shattered previous records when it sold for $12.6 million, making it the most expensive sports card ever sold.

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2. Honus Wagner, 1909-1911 T206 SGC 2 - $7.25 Million

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Date Sold: August 4, 2022

‍Auction House: Goldin (Private Sale)The T206 Honus Wagner card is often referred to as the "Holy Grail" of baseball cards. Its rarity stems from Wagner's refusal to allow his likeness to be used in tobacco products, resulting in a limited print run. This particular card, graded SGC 2, sold for $7.25 million, cementing its place in the annals of sports card history.

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3. Babe Ruth, 1914 Baltimore News SGC 3 - $7.2 Million

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Date Sold: December 3, 2023

‍Auction House: Robert Edwards Auctions (REA)Babe Ruth's 1914 Baltimore News card is one of the rarest and most sought-after cards in the hobby. This card, featuring a young Ruth in his minor league days, fetched $7.2 million, highlighting the enduring legacy of the "Sultan of Swat".

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see also: Are Trading Cards... Securities?

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4. Honus Wagner, 1909-1911 T206 SGC 3 - $6.6 Million

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Date Sold: August 16, 2021

‍Auction House: Robert Edwards Auctions (REA)Another T206 Honus Wagner card, this one graded SGC 3, sold for $6.6 million. The card's historical significance and Wagner's legendary career continue to drive its value to unprecedented heights.

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5. Mickey Mantle, 1952 Topps PSA 9 - $5.2 Million

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Date Sold: January 14, 2021

‍Auction House: PWCC Marketplace (Private Sale)The 1952 Topps Mickey Mantle card appears again on this list, this time in a PSA 9 grade. This card sold for $5.2 million, underscoring Mantle's iconic status and the card's desirability among collectors.

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5. LeBron James, 2003-04 Exquisite Collection Rookie Patch Autograph BGS 9 - $5.2 Million

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Date Sold: April 26, 2021

‍Auction House: PWCC Marketplace (Private Sale)Tied with Mantle, LeBron James' 2003-04 Exquisite Collection Rookie Patch Autograph card set a record for the most valuable basketball card ever sold. The card, featuring a patch from James' rookie jersey and his autograph, sold for $5.2 million.

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read: Investing in a Giannis Antetokounmpo Would've Beaten the S&P 500 and Gold

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7. Luka Doncic, 2018-19 Panini National Treasures Logoman Auto 1/1 - $4.6 Million

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Date Sold: February 28, 2021

‍Auction House: Private SaleLuka Doncic's 1/1 Logoman Autograph card from the 2018-19 Panini National Treasures set sold for $4.6 million. This card's unique status as a one-of-a-kind item and Doncic's rising stardom contributed to its high value.

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8. Patrick Mahomes, 2017 Panini National Treasures Rookie Auto BGS 8.5 - $4.3 Million

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Date Sold: July 2021

‍Auction House: Private SalePatrick Mahomes' 2017 Panini National Treasures Rookie Autograph card, graded BGS 8.5, sold for $4.3 million. Mahomes' rapid ascent in the NFL and his potential for a Hall of Fame career have made his rookie cards highly sought after.

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9. Mike Trout, 2009 Bowman Chrome Draft Prospects Superfractor Auto - $3.9 Million

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Date Sold: August 2020

‍Auction House: Goldin Auctions

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Mike Trout's 2009 Bowman Chrome Draft Prospects Superfractor Autograph card sold for $3.9 million. Trout's consistent performance and status as one of the best players in baseball today have driven the value of his rookie cards.

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10. Honus Wagner, 1909-1911 T206 PSA 2 - $3.75 Million

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Date Sold: May 2021

‍Auction House: Private Sale

Rounding out the top ten is yet another T206 Honus Wagner card, this one graded PSA 2. It sold for $3.75 million, further solidifying Wagner's dominance in the high-end sports card market.These record-breaking sales highlight the enduring appeal and investment potential of sports trading cards. As the market continues to evolve, it will be fascinating to see which cards will join or surpass these legendary items in the future.