Roy Campanella Baseball Cards
Collecting baseball cards isn’t just a nostalgic trip down memory lane; it can be a savvy investment, especially when the cards in question belong to legends of the game. Among such iconic players, Roy Campanella stands out not just for his on-field prowess but for breaking racial barriers during his career.
This article dives into the top 15 most valuable Roy Campanella baseball cards that you should consider adding to your collection or investment portfolio. From his rookie cards to unique sets featuring incredible art and design, these cards not only hold monetary value but also encapsulate a significant chapter in baseball history.
Roy Campanella Career Summary
Overview:
- Career Span: 10 years (1948–1957)
- Team: Brooklyn Dodgers
- Career Batting Average: .276
- Home Runs: 242
- Runs Batted In (RBIs): 856
- Games: 1,215
Key Highlights:
- MLB Debut: Roy Campanella made his Major League Baseball debut in 1948 as one of the early African American players to break the color barrier.
- Prime Years:
- 1951: Hit .325 with 33 home runs and 108 RBIs, winning his first of three MVP awards.
- 1953: Recorded a .312 batting average, 41 home runs, and 142 RBIs, earning another MVP.
- 1955: Third MVP season with a .318 average, 32 home runs, and 107 RBIs. Contributed significantly to the Dodgers’ World Series win.
- Impact on Team Success: A key part of the Brooklyn Dodgers’ success, he helped the team reach the World Series five times during his career.
- Awards & Recognitions:
- 3-time National League MVP (1951, 1953, 1955)
- 8-time All-Star (1950–1956, 1958)
- 1955 World Series Champion
- End of Career: Tragically, his career was cut short by a car accident before the 1958 season, which left him paralyzed from the shoulders down.
- Offensive Output: On a 162-game average, Campanella would have 31 home runs and 109 RBIs, showcasing his offensive prowess as a catcher.
Additional Stats:
- Slugging Percentage: .500
- On-Base Percentage (OBP): .360
- Doubles: 178
- Fielding Percentage: .988
Roy Campanella had a meteoric, albeit tragically short, career as one of the greatest catchers in Major League Baseball history. His blend of power and skill behind the plate makes him a legend of the sport, and his pioneering role in integrating baseball adds to his significant legacy.
Without any further ado, let’s jump into the list!
#15
1961 Topps Roy Campanella #480
PSA 9 Value: $611
1961 Topps Roy Campanella MVP baseball card
The 1961 Topps series featured a special MVP subset that highlights players who have MVP awards during their careers. Roy Campanella, a three-time MVP, is card #480 in this subset. According to PSA’s population report, 839 of these Campanella cards have been graded. Remarkably, none have received the coveted gem mint status. However, 17 are mint 9s, and 172 are classified as near mint to mint 8s.
While not the most valuable Campanella card, one in PSA 9 condition was auctioned off by PWCC Auctions in July 2021 for $611. The card is not only a fitting tribute to Campanella’s stellar career but also boasts a sleek design that has captivated collectors.
#14
1959 Topps Roy Campanella #550
PSA 10 Value: $5,160
1959 Topps Roy Campanella Baseball Card
In 1959, the year following Roy Campanella’s life-altering accident, Topps issued a special card to honor his bravery during that difficult period. This card holds particular resonance with collectors as it symbolizes the conclusion of his illustrious baseball career.
Due to its sentimental and historical value, top-grade versions of this card are hotly contested among enthusiasts. A PSA 10-rated example of this card fetched a remarkable $5,160 at a Heritage Auctions event in July 2021. Cards rated as PSA 9 typically trade for upwards of $2,000, while those graded as PSA 8 can still command a price over $100.
#13
1957 Topps Roy Campanella #210
PSA 9 Value: $1,174
1957 Topps Baseball Card Set
The 1957 season marks the final appearance of a Roy Campanella baseball card in a standard issue. This year is also significant for being the first time Topps chose to use real photographs of players, featuring Campanella in a batting stance. This makes the 1957 Topps set a perennial favorite among card collectors.
1957 Topps Roy Campanella Baseball Card Value
As for the grading statistics of Campanella’s 1957 Topps card, PSA has evaluated 3,208 copies. Of these, a single card made gem mint status, 29 are mint, and 341 fall into the category of near mint to mint condition.
A PSA 9 example of this card sold by Memory Lane in March 2021, fetching $1,714. If you’re eyeing a PSA 8, you can expect to part with $300-$400, while a PSA 7 version is generally available for around $100.
#12
1956 Topps Roy Campanella #101
PSA 9 Value: $6,600
1956 Topps Roy Campanella Baseball Card
#11
1955 Bowman Roy Campanella #22
PSA 9 Value: $2,220
1955 Bowman Baseball Card Set
The 1955 Bowman set holds a unique place in baseball card history, as it marks the final year before Bowman was taken over by Topps. Interestingly, both companies debuted a horizontal card layout in that same year.
The set’s wood-grain borders present grading challenges due to the susceptibility of the ink to chipping. Additionally, centering issues are a known problem for this collection.
1955 Bowman Roy Campanella Baseball Card Value
When it comes to Roy Campanella’s ’55 Bowman card, PSA has graded 1,875 examples, with none achieving gem mint status. Only seven have been rated as mint, and 132 fell into the near mint-to-mint range.
PSA 9s are exceedingly rare for this card—a solitary example came up for auction back in 2019, fetching an impressive $2,220. Cards graded as PSA 8 usually sell in the range of $375 to $475.
#10
1954 Bowman Roy Campanella #90
PSA 9 Value: $2,827
1954 Bowman Roy Campanella Baseball Card
#9
1954 Red Man Tobacco Roy Campanella #13
PSA 9 Value: $3,480
1954 Red Man Tobacco Baseball Card Set
The 1952 Red Man Tobacco baseball cards are a coveted series that featured 50 elite players of the era, split evenly between the American and National Leagues. J.G. Taylor Spink, editor of the Sporting News, handpicked each player for inclusion.
The cards originally came with a stub at the bottom; collecting 50 such stubs could be redeemed for a free hat. As a result, cards with an intact stub are far more valuable than those without. The cards’ original placement in chewing tobacco packs makes high-grade examples both challenging to find and exceedingly rare.
1954 Red Man Tobacco Roy Campanella Baseball Card Value
In terms of Roy Campanella’s Red Man card, PSA has graded only a scant 105 copies. Shockingly, not one is gem mint, and just a single example is mint condition. This lone mint-condition card commanded a price of $3,480 in a July 2020 auction. For collectors on a budget, raw cards can still be found in the $50-$100 range, depending on their condition.
#8
1953 Bowman Roy Campanella #46
PSA 9 Value: $7,200
1953 Bowman Roy Campanella Baseball Card
The 1953 Bowman Color set marked a pioneering moment in baseball card history—it was the first to feature actual photographs of players. Rather than capturing Campanella in his familiar role as a catcher, the card uniquely depicts him preparing to swing his bat. To date, PSA has appraised 1,413 of these Campanella cards.
Astonishingly, not a single one has been graded as gem mint, but 9 have received a mint rating and 68 are classified as near mint to mint. A PSA 9 example of this card fetched $7,200 at a Heritage Auctions event back in November 2018. If you’re interested in more affordable options, ungraded cards in less-than-stellar condition are up for grabs on eBay for around $30.
#7
1953 Topps Roy Campanella #27
PSA 9 Value: $10,200
1953 Topps Baseball Card Set
The 1953 Topps baseball card set is a collector’s dream, notable for its stunning hand-painted portraits of players. Each card is an artistic gem, and aficionados are willing to shell out significant sums for the most impeccable specimens. But just how scarce are these cards in premium condition, and what kind of price tags do they carry?
1953 Topps Roy Campanella Baseball Card Value
As of the time this article was penned, PSA has evaluated 2,466 Roy Campanella cards from the 1953 Topps collection. Among these, a singular card achieved the coveted gem mint status, 21 scored a mint grade, and 138 fell into the near mint-to-mint category.
Heritage Auctions sold a PSA 9 example in May 2023, fetching an impressive $10,200. Meanwhile, PSA 8s currently sell for approximately $1,100, and those graded as PSA 7s can range from $355 to $500.
#6
1952 Berk Ross Roy Campanella
PSA 9 Value: $5,400
1952 Berk Ross Baseball Card Set
The Berk Ross set from 1952 has carved out its own niche in the world of baseball card collecting. Printed in New York, the set gains significance not only for featuring legends like Mickey Mantle, Willie Mays, Joe DiMaggio, Stan Musial, Jackie Robinson, and Ted Williams but also because it includes DiMaggio and Williams, who were not present in the 1952 Bowman or Topps sets.
Berk Ross Used Campanella’s Photo from the 1951 Bowman Set
Berk Ross reused the photo from Campanella’s 1951 Bowman card. Although Berk Ross cards are often overlooked due to their non-Bowman and non-Topps origin, their rarity is increasingly recognized.
1952 Berk Ross Roy Campanella Baseball Card Value
As of the most recent data, PSA has graded only 157 of the Berk Ross Roy Campanella cards. None are gem mint condition, but six are mint, and 23 are near mint to mint.
The value of these cards is closely tied to their condition. A mint PSA 9 example was sold at a Heritage Auction in May 2022 for $5,400. Meanwhile, PSA 8 versions typically sell for around $500. For those just starting their collection, a PSA 3 Campanella card sold in May 2023 for $180.
#5
1952 Bowman Roy Campanella #44
PSA 9 Value: $9,225
1952 Bowman Roy Campanella Baseball Card
PSA has assessed 1,342 of Roy Campanella’s 1952 Bowman baseball cards. Not a single one has been designated as gem mint, but six have achieved a mint rating, and 94 falls into the near mint-to-mint category. The grade most commonly seen is a PSA 5, which makes up a population of 242 cards.
One of the scarce mint-condition PSA 9 cards was auctioned off by Goldin Auctions in May 2021, fetching a substantial $9,225. Currently, a PSA 8 Campanella card from this set is valued at approximately $750, while a PSA 7 sells for around $250.
The 1952 Bowman collection is an illustrious set brimming with Hall of Famers, and it’s worth grabbing a few cards now as the available stock seems to be dwindling.
#4
1952 Topps Roy Campanella #314
PSA 9 Value: $22,800
1952 Topps Baseball Card Set
The 1952 Topps baseball card set isn’t just any collection—it’s a cornerstone of baseball card history, marking the first Topps appearances for a slew of legendary Hall of Famers. Even if a card isn’t in pristine condition, its value can be substantial, particularly depending on whose face graces the front.
Now, here’s something to note: the ’52 Topps Mickey Mantle card isn’t merely a card; for many, it’s the “Holy Grail”. Its iconic status sends ripples throughout the set, elevating the desirability and price of the other cards.
1952 Topps Roy Campanella Baseball Card
As for Roy Campanella, a titan in his own right, his ’52 Topps card has its own captivating tale. Out of the 847 graded by PSA, a mere two—yes, just two—have reached the coveted gem mint status. And guess what? Neither has touched the auction block.
But that’s not the end of the story. Six more boast a PSA 9 mint rating, with one fetching a cool $22,800 at a Heritage Auction in July 2018. If you’re on the hunt for a PSA 8 Campanella, prepare to shell out anywhere between $7,000 to $11,000.
And those graded PSA 7? They hover in the $4,000 to $5,000 range. So, collectors, take note: whether it’s Mantle or Campanella, 1952 Topps is where history meets high value.
#3
1951 Bowman Roy Campanella #31
PSA 9 Value: $9,417
1951 Bowman Roy Campanella Baseball Card
The 1951 Bowman card featuring Roy Campanella is unique, depicting him in the catcher’s stance—a contrast to all his other cards. This distinction cements its place as a favorite among true Campanella aficionados.
This 1951 set is also significant as it marked the rookie card year for baseball legends Mickey Mantle and Willie Mays, making the entire collection particularly sought after, especially for cards in pristine condition.
Population Report & Value of the 1951 Bowman Roy Campanella Baseball Card
PSA has evaluated 1,202 of these Campanella ’51 Bowman cards. None have achieved the coveted gem mint status, but there are 7 in mint condition and 106 graded as near mint to mint. The scarcity of mint-condition cards pushes their market value up.
A PSA 9 example was snapped up for $9,417 at a Memory Lane Auction in January 2020. Meanwhile, PSA 8 graded cards average around $1,400 in sales, and PSA 7s are typically priced at about $430.
#2
1950 Bowman Roy Campanella #75
PSA 9 Value: $10,359
1950 Bowman Roy Campanella Baseball Card
In PSA’s records, 924 of Campanella’s 1950 Bowman cards have been graded, but notably, none have achieved the elusive ‘gem mint 10’ status. There are six that have been graded as ‘mint 9,’ one of which set a record when it was auctioned by Memory Lane Auctions in October 2021 for $10,359—marking the highest-ever price for a 1950 Bowman Campanella card.
For those on a budget, ungraded versions of the card can be found at prices ranging from $20 to $150, depending on their condition.
#1
1949 Bowman Roy Campanella Rookie Card #84
PSA 9 Value: $34,800
1949 Bowman Baseball Card Set
Roy Campanella’s 1949 Bowman rookie card stands as a significant memento in the world of collectibles, encapsulating a pivotal moment in baseball history. Roy Campanella, who made a striking entry into Major League Baseball in 1948, was among the pioneering African American athletes who shattered the racial barriers in the sport.
The 1949 Bowman collection showcased players in black-and-white photographs, with a notable addition: the introduction of color to their team uniforms and pastel-shaded backgrounds. This shift from the previous year’s monochrome series marked a significant evolution in Bowman’s card production.
1949 Bowman Roy Campanella Rookie Card Population & Value
In total, PSA assessed 1,435 of Campanella’s ’49 Bowman rookie cards. A mere two of these achieved the ‘gem mint’ rating, while 18 were graded as ‘mint’, and 122 found themselves in the ‘near mint to mint’ category. Notably, the PSA 5 grade emerged as the most prevalent, with 221 cards earning this designation.
High-grade cards, due to their rarity, command impressive prices. A PSA 9 example was auctioned off by Heritage Auctions in May 2023, fetching a sum of $34,800. Meanwhile, PSA 8 versions typically range between $3,800 and $4,400 in sales.
Budget-conscious collectors might consider ungraded cards, which typically range from $125 to $500 based on their condition. Those rated as PSA 1 can sometimes be purchased for as low as $275, making them an attractive starting point for enthusiasts.
Conclusion
Investing in Roy Campanella baseball cards is more than just a play for financial gain; it’s an investment in a lasting legacy. The scarcity of high-grade Campanella cards makes them not only a rare find but also a robust investment, promising appreciating value over time.
➡️ Top 50 Most Valuable Baseball Rookie Cards of All Time
As one of the early African American players to make a mark in Major League Baseball, Campanella’s cards offer both historical importance and a slice of baseball Americana. Whether you’re a seasoned collector or a new investor, these top 15 cards provide a solid foundation for a diverse and potentially lucrative collection. It’s not just about owning a piece of cardboard; it’s about owning a piece of history.
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.
