Jim Brown: A Football Legend and Collector’s Dream
Jim Brown’s football cards mirror his unparalleled achievements on the gridiron, making them a collector’s treasure. These cards encapsulate his NFL legacy, marked by accolades like three NFL MVP Awards, eight All-Pro First Team nods, and nine Pro Bowl appearances. His surprising 1966 retirement at his career’s peak adds a unique rarity and appeal to his cards.
➡️ Top 50 Most Valuable Football Rookie Cards of All Time
Jim Brown’s Rise in the NFL
Jim Brown showcased his unmatched athletic prowess at Syracuse in the 1950s, particularly in lacrosse and football. His collegiate success paved the way for an iconic NFL career with the Cleveland Browns, where he rewrote the record books. Brown’s dominance from 1957-1965 was unparalleled, leading the league in numerous rushing categories, and cementing his reputation as one of the greatest NFL players of all time.
League Dominance and Retirement
His records, such as the most seasons leading the league in all-purpose yards and being the first NFL player to cross the 100-touchdown threshold, further accentuate the significance and potential investment value of his cards. After the gridiron, Jim transitioned to Hollywood, enhancing his larger-than-life persona. With his enshrinement in both the Pro Football Hall of Fame (1971) and the College Football Hall of Fame (1995), Jim Brown’s football cards remain a coveted treasure for sports card enthusiasts and investors.
Without any further ado, let’s jump into this list!
#10
1966 Philadelphia Jim Brown #41
PSA 8 Value: $1,555
1966 Philadelphia Jim Brown football card value
The 1966 Philadelphia set features Jim Brown’s final regular-issue card, cementing its place as one of the most sought-after and treasured cards in the company’s football card lineup. To date, PSA has assessed 773 of these #41 Jim Brown cards: none achieved a gem mint rating, 9 were mint, and 85 qualified as near mint to mint. In March 2023, a PSA 8 specimen fetched $1,555. Meanwhile, PSA 4 versions can be acquired for a mere $100, offering a cost-effective starting point for enthusiasts of Jim Brown football cards.
#9
1965 Philadelphia Jim Brown #31
PSA 9 Value: $3,212
1965 Philadelphia football card set
The 1965 series marks Philadelphia’s sophomore set, bearing a design resemblance to its 1964 predecessor, primarily displaying the player’s name, team, and position at the base. This year, however, Philadelphia took pride in adding the NFL logo to the cards, emphasizing their exclusive rights to NFL players. This exclusive arrangement pushed Topps to feature AFL players in their sets.
1965 Philadelphia Jim Brown football card value
While the set might not have any groundbreaking design elements, it holds significance as an early vintage collection showcasing football legends absent from the Topps series, such as Jim Brown, Johnny Unitas, Mike Ditka, Bob Lilly, Paul Hornung, and Bart Starr. Of Jim Brown’s #31 card, PSA has reviewed 934 copies: none achieving gem mint condition, 24 reaching mint 9, and 132 in near mint to mint 8. In recent market activity, a PSA 9 was auctioned off at $3,212 in September 2022, and a PSA 8 typically trades between $800 and $1,000.
#8
1964 Philadelphia Jim Brown #30
PSA 9 Value: $2,337
1964 Philadelphia football card set
The 1964 Philadelphia football card set marked a significant shift in the landscape of football card collecting. It was the debut year for Philadelphia’s entry into the market, setting the stage for competition with the established Topps brand. The introduction was bold, and the set was made memorable with a mix of compelling designs and player choices.
Central to the 1964 Philadelphia set is the Jim Brown card #30. It’s a card that holds particular appeal, not just because Brown is a football legend, but also because of its place in this inaugural Philadelphia collection. To date, PSA has examined 1,867 of these specific Jim Brown cards. Remarkably, only one achieved the illustrious gem mint status. A further 53 were classified as mint 9, and 351 were graded as near mint to mint.
1964 Philadelphia Jim Brown football card value
The value of this card has seen significant appreciation, with a PSA mint 9 example reaching an all-time high at a Goldin Auctions event in June 2023, selling for $5,102. For those looking to add this card to their collection without breaking the bank, PSA 8 graded examples are available in the range of $400 to $800.
The 1964 Philadelphia set not only signaled competition for Topps but also presented collectors with a fresh choice, adding depth and variety to the hobby. Jim Brown’s #30 card is a testament to this era of transition and remains a sought-after piece for enthusiasts.
#7
1963 Topps Jim Brown #14
PSA 8 Value: $7,800
1963 Topps Jim Brown football card value
PSA has evaluated 1,001 of the 1963 Topps Jim Brown cards. From these, none achieved a gem mint status, 6 were graded as mint 9s, and 96 fell into the near mint to mint 8 category. These figures are notably low compared to his other cards. This grading trend is evident throughout the ’63 Topps set, with the PSA report showing only 23 cards in gem mint and 793 in mint 9 for the entire collection.
Notably, a PSA 9 version of this card fetched $2,151 back in 2010. A more recent sale in September 2022 saw a PSA 8 variant go for $3,894, a remarkable price given its rarity. For those with a tighter budget, PSA 6 versions can be acquired for around $300, offering a relatively affordable piece of near-pack-fresh history.
#6
1962 Topps Jim Brown #28
PSA 8 Value: $10,500+
1962 Topps Jim Brown football card value
The 1962 Topps football card collection distinguishes itself in several ways, primarily with its distinct dark black borders on the front. For anyone familiar with grading vintage cards, it’s well-known that black borders can be problematic. They easily reveal wear, showing the white cardstock beneath. Grading companies recognize this inherent flaw and adjust their evaluation metrics accordingly.
It’s also worth noting that finding well-centered borders, both front and back, in this set is a rarity, further complicating the grading process. As a result, the 1962 Topps set is among the toughest to secure in high grades, elevating the worth of those rare cards that do achieve mint condition.
Of the Jim Brown cards evaluated by PSA, a total of 1,145, none achieved a perfect 10. Only 3 were graded as mint 9, and 45 were classified as near mint to mint 8, underscoring the grading challenges of this set. In monetary terms, a PSA 8 Jim Brown card from this set fetched $15,541 in September 2022, while a PSA 7 can command about $2,000.
#5
1961 Topps Jim Brown #71
PSA 9 Value: $14,146
1961 Topps Jim Brown football card value
PSA has reviewed 1,492 of Jim Brown’s #71 cards from the 1961 Topps collection. Among these, a singular card achieved the gem mint status, 23 are rated as mint 9, and 240 fall within the near mint to mint 8 category. The 1961 Topps set is celebrated for its distinct design, showcasing players against solid color backgrounds, making it a favorite among collectors.
The set is further amplified by its roster of football legends, including Johnny Unitas, Bart Starr, Paul Hornung, Jim Taylor, Y.A. Tittle, Bobby Layne, Jack Kemp, and of course, Jim Brown. A PSA 9 specimen of this card fetched a staggering $14,146 in a Memory Lane Auction held in May 2023. Meanwhile, cards rated as PSA 8 are currently trading between $1,000 and $1,300.
#4
1961 Fleer Jim Brown #11
PSA 9 Value: $27,457
1961 Fleer Jim Brown football card value
The 1961 Fleer football card set stands out not just for its portrayal of the early days of the AFL, but also for housing an iconic card of one of the sport’s all-time greats: Jim Brown’s #11 card. This card captures Brown in his prime, immortalizing his unmatched prowess on the football field.
As of now, PSA has graded a total of 1,492 of these ’61 Fleer Jim Brown cards. Impressively, only one of these has achieved the pinnacle gem mint 10 grading, with 23 cards graded as mint 9, and 240 in near mint to mint condition. Memory Lane Auctions sold a PSA 9 example in September 2022 for $27,457. However, a PSA 8 sells much lower between $900-$1,200.
1961 Fleer Football Card Set
While Fleer might not hold the same weight in the vintage card community as some other brands, largely due to this being their sole vintage football card set, Jim Brown’s inclusion makes it a noteworthy possession for collectors. Interestingly, the demand for this specific card hasn’t peaked like Brown’s cards from other sets. Yet, with the potential of a rarer-than-expected supply, its value and demand could see a significant uptick in the future.
#3
1960 Topps Jim Brown #23
PSA 9 Value: $10,010
1960 Topps Jim Brown football card value
PSA has graded 2,100 of the 1960 Topps Jim Brown cards. None have achieved a gem mint status, with 21 in mint condition and 221 near mint to mint. Centering and edge wear on the backs make this set challenging to grade. While its design may not rival other Jim Brown cards, collectors still value it as an early edition.
A PSA 9 example fetched $10,010 in September 2022, whereas a PSA 8 went for $1,140 in July 2023. The price gap is attributed to the rarity of PSA 9 cards, with only 21 in existence compared to 221 NM-MT examples.
#2
1959 Topps Jim Brown #10
PSA 9 Value: $7,727
1959 Topps Jim Brown football card value
PSA has graded 2,619 of Brown’s sophomore card, with 3 achieving gem mint status, 53 in mint, and 297 in near mint to mint condition. Grades of 6 EX-MT and 7 NM are the most prevalent.
In February 2023, a PSA 9 example fetched $7,727 on eBay, while a PSA 6 commonly trades between $300-$400. Given that this is the second-year card of arguably the best running back in history, these prices appear remarkably affordable.
1959 Topps football card set
Jim Brown’s sophomore card from the 1959 Topps collection is a treasured piece for several reasons. Firstly, it’s his second appearance in a Topps set. The sharp photographs set against vibrant backgrounds enhance its visual charm. The design, characterized by alternating colors for player names, gives this set a unique distinction.
The 1959 Topps design, widely acclaimed for its aesthetics, features other football legends such as Johnny Unitas (#1), Frank Gifford (#20), Bart Starr (#23), Bobby Layne (#40), Raymond Berry (#55), Paul Hornung (#62), and Y.A. Tittle (#130), with Jim Brown proudly positioned at #10.
#1
1958 Topps Jim Brown Rookie Card #62
PSA 9 Value: $336,000
Jim Brown’s 1958 Topps Rookie Card: A Cornerstone of Vintage Football Collecting
The 1958 Topps Jim Brown rookie card is more than just a piece of cardboard; it’s a snapshot of history. Collectors see it as a tangible connection to a time when Brown dominated every game he played. Over his nine-season career, Brown led the league in rushing eight times, was named to the Pro Bowl in every season he played, and left the game as its all-time leading rusher – achievements that amplify the value and allure of this card.
For vintage football card enthusiasts, this card isn’t just valued for Brown’s legendary feats, but also for its emblematic representation of a bygone era. To many, it symbolizes football’s golden age as the sport transitioned from post-war obscurity to America’s beloved spectacle. Though it’s highly sought after, PSA has evaluated a mere 5,055 copies, with none achieving gem mint status and only 6 deemed in mint condition—underscoring the rarity of finding this card in impeccable shape.
1958 Topps Jim Brown rookie card value
In terms of collectability, pristine examples of this card are hard to come by, making them all the more desirable. The card’s vibrant colors, paired with its susceptibility to wear and tear, mean that high-grade versions are a rarity. When they do surface in auctions, their prices reflect their scarcity.
Values can range dramatically based on condition but expect to pay a premium for well-preserved examples. A card graded in near-mint condition or better can easily fetch five-figure sums, a testament to its enduring appeal. Heritage Auctions sold a PSA 9 example in February 2017 for an astonishing $336,000.
Owning a piece of football royalty
In conclusion, Jim Brown’s 1958 Topps rookie card is not just a card; it’s a symbol. A symbol of an era, of a legend, and of the everlasting allure of vintage football collecting. Whether you’re a seasoned collector or just a fan of the game, owning this card is akin to holding a piece of football royalty – a tribute to Jim Brown’s unparalleled legacy.
From a young age, Matt dove deep into sports card valuation, turning to esteemed price guides like Beckett and Tuff Stuff. Eventually he extended to Pokémon, Magic: The Gathering, and Yu-Gi-Oh!. With a vision to sustain and nurture the hobby he loved, Matt established the ‘Graded Card Investor’ YouTube channel and website. He aims to foster a healthy community and offer invaluable insights to those entering the world of sports cards and TCGs. His depth of understanding, from the card market’s 2020 pinnacle to its 1990s valleys, is consistently fortified by meticulous research.
