The Legacy of Stan Musial’s Baseball Cards: A Collector’s Dream
Stan Musial is more than just a baseball legend; he is an icon synonymous with the St. Louis Cardinals. Revered as one of the titans of baseball, there’s no surprise that Musial’s baseball cards are among the most coveted cards to collect.
However, while there’s a vast array of Stan Musial cards, a deeper dive reveals some surprising absences in mainstream card collections from his active years.
In this article, we provide a curated guide highlighting Stan Musial’s principal baseball cards, tracing his illustrious career from 1948 to 1963. This compilation focuses on cards from renowned collections like Bowman, Topps, and Leaf.
Without any further ado, let’s jump into the list!
Note: This list is organized by release date, starting with the newest cards and going back to the oldest—not by their market value. Keep an eye on the sets that are commanding top dollar among collectors to figure out which Stan Musial card you should be hunting for.
#15
1963 Topps S. Musial/W. Mays Pride of N.L. #138
PSA 9 Value: $1,290
1963 Topps Musial / Mays Pride of N.L. Baseball Card
The first card on our list features not just Stan Musial but also fellow Hall of Famer Willie Mays. Captured in a moment where they are discussing a baseball bat, this card is a highlight of the “Pride of N.L.” card and is particularly sought-after in high grades.
Of the 3,000 Mays/Musial cards evaluated by PSA, only six were deemed gem mint, 57 were rated as mint, and 409 scored near mint to mint. In May 2023, a PSA 9 version of this card was auctioned off by PWCC Auctions for $1,290. Generally, PSA 8 examples sell in the $300-$400 range.
#14
1963 Topps Stan Musial #250
PSA 9 Value: $7,500
1963 Topps Stan Musial Baseball Card
The 1963 Topps card marks Stan Musial’s final regular-issue baseball card, coinciding with his retirement year. PSA has assessed 2,398 of these cards, identifying just one as gem mint, 21 as mint, and 293 as near mint-to-mint condition. Remarkably, the lone PSA 10 example sold for $11,163 in a 2009 Robert Edwards Auction, which was quite a hefty sum for a baseball card at the time.
As of now, cards graded PSA 9 are trading between $6,000 and $7,500, while PSA 8 versions fetch between $500 and $700. The value of an ungraded card is entirely contingent on its condition. Those in poor shape can be found for as little as $20 on eBay, while cards in near-mint condition can command prices upward of $80.
➡️ For more information on grading baseball cards read this article.
#13
1962 Topps Stan Musial #250
PSA 9 Value: $4,812
1962 Topps Stan Musial Baseball Card
PSA has evaluated 3,273 of Stan Musial’s 1962 Topps baseball cards, finding none in gem mint condition, 30 in mint, and 393 in near mint to mint condition. A PSA 9 example fetched an eye-catching $4,812 in a May 2023 auction by Heritage Auctions. On average, a PSA 8 version goes for around $700, while ungraded cards can be purchased for as low as $20 if in poor shape.
The 1962 Topps set is notorious for its wood-grain borders, which are prone to chipping, making high-grade examples of this collection quite challenging to come by.
#12
1961 Topps Stan Musial #290
PSA 9 Value: $5,520
1961 Topps Stan Musial Baseball Card
PSA has assessed 3,392 of Stan Musial’s 1961 Topps baseball cards, revealing just 2 graded as gem mint, 50 as mint, and 471 as near mint to mint. A PSA 9 example of this card was auctioned by Heritage Auctions in January 2023, fetching $5,520.
In stark contrast, ungraded versions of the card can be found on eBay for as little as $15. As is the case with all collectible cards, the card’s condition is pivotal in determining its value—the better the condition, the higher the value.
Nevertheless, for a true aficionado, this card would be a cherished addition to any collection. So don’t hesitate to scour eBay for some budget-friendly options!
1960 Topps Stan Musial #250
- Grade: PSA 9
- Auction House: Memory Lane, Inc.
- Sale Date: September 2023
- Sale Price: $4,140
➡️ Check The Value Of This 1960 Topps Stan Musial Baseball Card On eBay
Market Analysis: 1960 Topps Stan Musial Baseball Card #250
Supply: PSA has graded 2,144 of the 1960 Topps Stan Musial cards with 1 grading gem mint 10, 25 mint 9, 254 NM-MT 8 and the remaining NM 7 or less.
- PSA 9 Value:
- PSA 8 Value:
🔥 The Best 1960 Topps Baseball Cards – Highest Selling Prices
1959 Topps Stan Musial #150
- Grade: PSA 8
- Auction House: Heritage Auctions
- Sale Date: February 2023
- Sale Price: $7,500
➡️ Check The Value Of This 1959 Topps Stan Musial Baseball Card On eBay
Market Analysis: 1959 Topps Stan Musial Baseball Card #150
Supply: PSA has graded 3,252 of the 1959 Topps Stan Musial cards with none grading gem mint 10, 28 mint 9, 300 NM-MT 8, and the remaining NM 7 or less.
- PSA 9 Value:
- PSA 8 Value:
🔥 The Best 1959 Topps Baseball Cards – Highest Selling Prices
#9
1958 Topps Stan Musial #476
PSA 9 Value: $1,864
1958 Topps Stan Musial Baseball Card Value
PSA has graded a total of 4,012 copies of Stan Musial’s 1958 Topps All-Star card, with none achieving a gem mint status. This scarcity at the top end has heightened the value of the mere 22 cards that did earn a mint grade. Furthermore, there are 407 cards that have been rated as near mint to mint with a PSA 8 designation.
The market prices for this iconic card can fluctuate considerably: A PSA 9 specimen fetched $1,864 in a February 2023 auction, while a PSA 8 version sold for $232 in July 2023. If you’re considering ungraded examples, prices can range from as low as $20 to as much as $100, contingent on the card’s condition.
1958 Topps Stan Musial Baseball Card
For collectors looking to capture the essence and value of Stan Musial’s career through baseball cards, the 1958 Topps #476 Stan Musial All-Star card holds a unique place. Not only is it a significant card in its own right, but it also marks Musial’s first appearance on a Topps baseball card.
Additionally, the Musial All-Star card is unique in that, along with Mickey Mantle’s card from the same set, it was triple-printed, making it more accessible to collectors than some other vintage options.
The Backstory Behind Musial Appearing in the Set
The backstory adds another layer of intrigue: According to a 2001 USA Today interview with Sy Berger, a significant figure at Topps, a deal was struck where Topps would donate $1,500 to a charity chosen by the Cardinals’ owner, Gussie Busch, in exchange for Musial agreeing to appear on a 1958 Topps card.
#8
1954 Red Heart Stan Musial
PSA 9 Value: $12,600
1954 Red Heart Stan Musial Baseball Card
The Red Heart set first became available in 1954 through a mail-in promotion that involved sending in labels from various flavors of Red Heart Dog Food. Remarkably, the set remained available for request from the company until the early 1970s.
Musial’s card is particularly sought-after, not just because it’s a short print, but also because it’s his sole 1954 card; he didn’t appear in either the Bowman or Topps sets that year.
1954 Red Heart Stan Musial Baseball Card Value
PSA graded 643 of Musial’s 1954 Red Heart cards. None are gem mint, but ten are mint and 73 are near mint to mint. Heritage Auctions sold a PSA 9 example for a record-breaking $12,600 in February 2023.
PSA 8s typically sell between $1,800 and $3,000, while a PSA 7 generally costs around $1,000. If you’re considering an ungraded card, expect to pay a minimum of $100.
#7
1953 Bowman Stan Musial #32
PSA 9 Value: $18,352
1953 Bowman Stan Musial Baseball Card
PSA has evaluated 2,057 copies of Stan Musial’s 1953 Bowman card, although none have achieved a gem mint status. There are 16 cards in mint condition and another 122 graded as near mint to mint. One of the mint-condition examples was auctioned by Memory Lane in June 2021, fetching $18,543.
Cards graded as PSA 8 usually range from $1,500 to $2,700 in price, and you can expect to pay around $1,000 for a PSA 7. Ungraded versions are available on eBay, with prices varying between $40 and $250 depending on their condition.
While some cards may show signs of wear, such as creases, rounded corners, and chipping, they can still serve as valuable additions to any collection, provided they’re authentic.
#6
1952 Berk Ross Stan Musial
PSA 9 Value: $9,900
1952 Berk Ross Stan Musial Baseball Card
Produced by the Berk Ross Company based in New York City, the 1952 Berk Ross set features 72 cards, each measuring 2″ x 3″. The front of each card displays a “hand-painted” color image of the player.
Stan Musial’s card captures him in his iconic 1950s St. Louis uniform, bending down to field a ground ball. The card’s reverse side highlights Musial’s accomplishment as the National League batting champion.
1952 Berk Ross Stan Musial Value
In terms of PSA grading, a mere 207 of these 1952 Berk Ross Stan Musial cards have been evaluated. None have received a gem mint grade, while two were classified as mint and 29 as near mint to mint. Heritage Auctions auctioned off a PSA 9 example in May 2022 for a cool $9,900.
Cards graded as PSA 8 tend to go for an average of $1,288, and PSA 7s usually sell for around $641. Due to their limited availability, expect to pay upwards of $100 for an ungraded specimen.
#5
1952 Red Man Tobacco Stan Musial #16
PSA 9 Value: $12,988
1952 Red Man Tobacco Stan Musial Baseball Card
The 1952 Red Man Tobacco card series was the first nationwide tobacco card set to be produced since the early 1900s. Comprising 52 cards, each measuring 3.5″ by 4″, the set has several condition issues. The colored borders are particularly delicate, and because the oversized cards were originally sealed in plastic and attached to tobacco pouches, handling often resulted in wear and creases.
Adding to the condition concerns, each card was initially issued with a ½-inch perforated tab at the bottom, which was frequently removed in a less-than-careful manner, causing additional damage. These tabs are the only place where the cards are numbered and dated.
1952 Red Man Tobacco Stan Musial Baseball Card Value
Out of 177 Stan Musial #16 cards in this set graded by PSA, none have achieved a gem mint status. Four were rated as mint and nine as near mint to mint. Due to the rarity of high-grade examples, these cards can command a premium at auctions. For instance, a PSA 9 sold for $12,988 in May 2018.
The most recent sale of a PSA 8 was in May 2023, fetching $1,714. Cards lacking the original tab can often be found on eBay for as low as $30, while those with the tab intact may cost around $75.
1952 Bowman Stan Musial #196
- Grade: PSA 9
- Auction House: Heritage Auctions
- Sale Date: November 2023
- Sale Price: $7,500
➡️ Check The Value Of The 1952 Bowman Stan Musial Baseball Card On eBay
Market Analysis: 1952 Bowman Stan Musial Card #196
- Supply: PSA has graded 1,920 of the 1952 Bowman Stan Musial cards with none grading gem mint 10, 37 mint 9, 174 NM-MT 8, and the remaining NM 7 or less.
- PSA 9 Value:
- PSA 8 Value:
🔥 The Best 1952 Bowman Baseball Cards – Highest Selling Prices
#3
1949 Bowman Stan Musial #24
PSA 9 Value: $27,631
1949 Bowman Stan Musial Baseball Card
Stan Musial’s 1949 Bowman card is notable as his second-year offering and captivates with its color, making it more visually appealing than his rookie card. However, this doesn’t translate to a higher market value. Out of 1,162 copies graded by PSA, none have achieved a gem mint status, 10 were designated as mint, and 71 fell into the near mint to mint category.
A PSA 9 example fetched $27,631 in a Memory Lane auction back in February 2022. In contrast, a PSA 8 example was sold for $2,572 in April 2023. If you’re looking at ungraded cards, their prices can range from $75 to $400, depending on the condition.
#2
1948 Bowman Stan Musial Rookie Card #36
PSA 9 Value: $69,928
1948 Bowman Stan Musial Rookie Baseball Card
The 1948 Bowman rookie card displays a young Musial in a black and white headshot, exuding a serious and focused demeanor—an unusual departure from his typically crooked smile featured on most other cards.
As one of two Stan Musial rookie cards, the 1948 Bowman #36 ranks as the second most coveted, just behind the top card on this list. Alongside Yogi Berra’s rookie card, Musial stands as one of the priciest in both the ’48 Bowman set and the broader world of baseball card collecting.
1948 Bowman Stan Musial Rookie Card Value
In terms of grading, PSA has evaluated 2,174 copies of this 1948 Bowman Stan Musial rookie card. A single example managed to earn a gem mint rating and was auctioned off by Memory Lane in May 2017 for an astounding $360,000.
Memory Lane also recently auctioned a mint condition card in May 2023, fetching $69,928. Additionally, 61 cards rated as near mint-to-mint generally trade hands for between $12,000 and $20,000.
#1
1948 Leaf Stan Musial Rookie Card #4
PSA 9 Value: $264,000
1948 Leaf Stan Musial Rookie Baseball Card
The 1948 Leaf set holds a special place in the hearts of vintage baseball card enthusiasts for a myriad of reasons. First and foremost, it’s the initial post-World War II card set to incorporate color. Additionally, the design and photography are impeccably curated to capture each player in action at their specific position—Musial, for example, is depicted in the midst of a flawless swing.
The set is further enriched by rookie cards of legendary figures like Yogi Berra, Satchel Paige, Phil Rizzuto, Warren Spahn, Jackie Robinson, Ralph Kiner, and Larry Doby. As if that wasn’t enough, the collection also features iconic names like Joe DiMaggio, Babe Ruth, Ted Williams, Bob Feller, and Honus Wagner.
1948 Leaf Stan Musial Rookie Baseball Card Value
When it comes to PSA grading, 1,204 copies of Musial’s 1948 Leaf rookie card have been assessed. None have received a gem mint grade, but three are mint and 27 are near mint to mint. The set is notoriously difficult to grade owing to prevalent print defects, centering issues, and the frequent appearance of rounded corners.
➡️ How to Find Baseball Card Values
One of the scarce PSA 9 specimens was auctioned in November 2018 for a jaw-dropping $248,000. Cards with a PSA 8 rating typically sell between $25,000 and $45,000. For those shopping on a budget, expect to shell out roughly $500 for a PSA 1 graded card or about $350 for an ungraded version.
Conclusion
In summary, the world of Stan Musial baseball cards is a rich tapestry, weaving together the storied career of a baseball legend with the nuanced grading and valuation intricacies of sports memorabilia. From his early years represented in Bowman cards to his final appearance in the 1963 Topps set, each Stan Musial baseball card serves not only as a slice of baseball history but also as a potential investment for discerning collectors.
➡️ Investing in Baseball Cards: How To
The rarity and condition of these cards, as highlighted by PSA gradings, can greatly influence their market value. Whether you’re an avid collector or someone looking to invest in sports history, a Stan Musial baseball card holds a special allure that makes it an attractive addition to any collection.
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.
