Whether you’re an avid collector or someone who stumbled upon an old stash, you might be sitting on a goldmine without even knowing it. Trading cards, whether they’re from sports teams or fantasy games, can fetch impressive sums at auctions. In some cases, some of these cards are worth thousands or even millions.
Without further ado, here are nine rare trading cards that could be worth a fortune.
1. Mickey Mantle 1952 Topps
This card is considered the Holy Grail of baseball cards, and it features one of the most beloved players of all time, Mickey Mantle. After his impressive rookie season, Topps decided to include Mantle in their 1952 set.
However, the production was halted, making the Mantle card extremely rare. If you happen to have one in mint condition, you could be looking at a price tag in the millions.
2. Black Lotus Magic: The Gathering Card
Magic: The Gathering is renowned for having some of the most valuable trading cards in the world. The Black Lotus card from the Alpha set is the most sought-after, known for its powerful effect in the game.
Its value increases with the condition and rarity, with some selling for up to $250,000.
3. Honus Wagner 1909 T206
This card is often referred to as the “Mona Lisa of baseball cards.” It was part of the most famous set of tobacco trading cards. However, production was stopped due to Wagner’s objection to tobacco, making it extremely rare. A mint condition card sold for over $3 million in 2016.
4. Pikachu Illustrator Pokémon Card
Only 39 of these cards were ever made, distributed as prizes for a Pokémon comic contest in Japan. Due to its rarity and the worldwide popularity of Pokémon, this card can fetch up to $200,000 at auction.
5. Michael Jordan 1986 Fleer Rookie Card
As one of the most popular basketball players of all time, it’s no surprise that Michael Jordan’s rookie card would be highly valuable. A mint condition card can fetch up to $100,000, with some even reaching the $200,000 mark.
6. Wayne Gretzky 1979 O-Pee-Chee Rookie Card
The Great One’s rookie card is one of the most sought-after hockey cards on the market. The value of this card mostly depends on its condition, with mint condition cards fetching up to $200,000.
7. Charizard 1st Edition Pokémon Card
This iconic card from the original Pokémon trading card game is highly sought after. A mint condition first edition holographic Charizard card can fetch up to $300,000, with some even reaching the $400,000 mark.
8. Babe Ruth 1916 Sporting News
This card features a young Babe Ruth and is one of the most valuable baseball cards in the world. Mint condition cards can fetch up to $600,000, while cards in less-than-perfect condition are still worth a considerable amount.
9. Time Walk Magic: The Gathering Card
Another Magic: The Gathering card, Time Walk is part of the game’s “Power Nine,” a set of cards known for their incredible game-altering abilities. Due to its age and impact on the game, a mint condition Time Walk card has been known to fetch up to $35,000.
