Introduction
Few names in baseball hold as much weight as Ted Williams. Known as “The Splendid Splinter,” Williams made history with his unparalleled skills and sportsmanship. He’s not just a legend on the field; in the world of baseball card collecting, Ted Williams cards hold an eminent spot.
Collecting these gems is not just about owning a piece of baseball history; it’s an investment. This article takes you through the top 15 most valuable Ted Williams baseball cards, and with each card, we travel back in time.
Ted Williams Baseball Cards: A Journey through Time
Ted Williams, who played his entire 19-year Major League Baseball career as a left fielder for the Boston Red Sox, was a 19-time All-Star and a two-time MVP.
Beyond his on-field achievements, Williams was a war hero, serving as a Marine Corps pilot during both World War II and the Korean War. The combination of his athletic prowess, personal integrity, and dedication to his country solidifies his status as an American icon.
The Legacy of Ted Williams
Given his incredible legacy, it’s no surprise that Ted Williams’ baseball cards are among the most sought-after collectibles. Their value isn’t solely determined by the condition of the card, but also by the memory of a man who represented the best of baseball and the best of America. Investing in a Ted Williams card is both a tribute to this great player and a nod to the history of baseball itself.
Without any further ado, let’s jump into the list!
Top 50 Most Valuable Baseball Rookie Cards of All Time
#15
1958 Topps Ted Williams #1
PSA 9 Value: $30,333
1958 Topps Ted Williams Baseball Card Set
The 1958 Topps Ted Williams card stands out due to its vivid yellow background, giving it a warm aura despite Williams’ more serious expression. However, collectors should note that print defects can occasionally mar this yellow backdrop. 1958 marks the final appearance of Ted Williams in a Topps baseball card set as an active player and is his third set being card #1.
1958 Topps Ted Williams Baseball Card Value
Out of the 4,206 ’58 Topps Ted Williams cards graded by PSA, none achieved the gem mint status. Remarkably, only ten cards were encased as PSA 9, and 115 were graded as near mint to mint. The rarity of higher grades for this set underscores its grading challenges.
In April 2019, a PSA 9 version fetched $30,333 at auction. Meanwhile, a PSA 8 version was sold in March 2023 for $3,803. For collectors on a budget, ungraded versions are available on platforms like eBay for roughly $80.
#14
1957 Topps Ted Williams #1
PSA 9 Value: $22,800
1957 Topps Ted Williams Baseball Card Value
In their 1957 baseball card set, Topps again highlighted Williams at the forefront. The image of Williams in mid-swing is reminiscent of his 1950 and 1951 Bowman cards. Unlike previous artwork representations, this was a full-color photo, marking Topps’ transition to this style. Being card #1 made it more susceptible to damage, further enhancing its value within the set.
PSA has graded 5,746 of Williams’ 1957 Topps cards. Only one has received the gem mint 10 grade, and it hasn’t been auctioned yet. Fifteen cards have been graded as mint 9, with Robert Edward Auctions selling one such card for $22,800 in April 2021. Cards graded as PSA 8s typically sell between $3,500 and $5,000, while PSA 7s fetch an average of $1,400.
#13
1956 Topps Ted Williams #5
PSA 9 Value: $32,400
Topps Acquired Bowman in 1956
In 1956, Topps acquired Bowman, putting an end to the so-called Bubble Gum War by eliminating its main competitor. This acquisition gave Topps exclusive rights to print player cards.
The design of the 1956 Topps Williams card mirrored its predecessor from 1955, showcasing a vibrant photo of Williams alongside a drawing, with the reverse side featuring a comic and player statistics. Both the 1955 and 1956 editions are collector favorites.
1956 Topps Ted Williams Baseball Card Value
PSA has graded 4,575 of the 1956 Topps Ted Williams cards. From these, one was rated gem mint, 17 as mint, and 248 in near mint to mint condition. A PSA 9 example was auctioned by Heritage Auctions in November 2022, fetching $32,400.
Cards graded PSA 8 generally range from $4,000 to $5,000 in value, while a PSA 7 averages around $1,200. Ungraded cards sell between $40-$200 depending on the condition.
#12
1955 Topps Ted Williams #2
PSA 9 Value: $71,532
1956 Topps Ted Williams Baseball Card Set
In 1955, Topps unveiled baseball cards with a horizontal design. They repurposed Williams’ headshot from their 1954 collection, complementing it with a distinct action image. The vivid yellow backdrop paired with the photographs creates an aesthetically pleasing card.
By this time, Topps had mastered the art of card design, offering horizontal images that showcased high-definition photography, intricate graphics, and engaging information on the back. This included player biographies, statistics, and even a comic strip, catering to the fans. What’s interesting to note is that there’s no 1955 Bowman card featuring Williams.
1956 Topps Ted Williams Baseball Card Value
While the rookie cards of Clemente, Koufax, and Killebrew might be the stars of the set, Williams’ card still ranks prominently. However, collectors often encounter issues with centering and print defects on the yellow background.
Out of the 5,654 submissions of the 1955 Ted Williams card to PSA, none clinched the gem mint status. Only eleven achieved a mint grade, and 120 were designated as near mint to mint. The grade that surfaces most frequently is PSA 4, with 1,071 cards holding this grade.
Memory Lane Auctions auctioned one of the mint PSA 9 cards in September 2022, fetching an impressive $71,532. More recently, in May 2023, they sold a PSA 8 card for $9,417.
#11
1954 Bowman Ted Williams #66
PSA 8 Value: $15,943
1954 Bowman Baseball Card Set
The 1954 Bowman card featuring Ted Williams stands out not just for its design but also for the tale behind its creation. Initially, Bowman intended to position Williams as card #66. However, due to Williams’ exclusive contract with Topps, Bowman had to replace his card with one featuring Jim Piersall. This shift made Williams’ card somewhat rarer than others in the set because of its limited print run.
While Mickey Mantle’s card remains the priciest in this collection, Williams’ card takes a close second, especially in high grades, which are hard to find due to issues like off-centering and print defects.
1954 Bowman Ted Williams Baseball Card Value
Out of the 1,338 PSA-graded 1954 Bowman cards of Williams, none received the coveted gem mint rating. A mere three cards were graded as mint, with 53 falling into the near mint-to-mint category. The grade most frequently awarded is a PSA 5, with 237 such cards identified.
In September 2022, Memory Lane auctioned a PSA 8 card for a noteworthy $15,943. Cards with a PSA 7 grade, meanwhile, often command prices around $5,000. For those seeking a more budget-friendly option, a PSA 1 version still demands around $900—a significant amount considering its grade.
What makes this card especially meaningful is its portrayal of Ted Williams in his Boston Red Sox gear, a depiction not consistently offered by Topps throughout the years. This card also holds the distinction of being Williams’ final representation in the Bowman series.
#10
1954 Topps Ted Williams #250
PSA 9 Value: $32,400
1954 Topps Ted Williams Baseball Card #250 Value
PSA has evaluated 4,009 of the 1954 Topps Ted Williams #250 cards. Among these, one achieved the gem mint grade, ten were deemed mint, and 77 were rated near mint to mint. The image, showcasing Williams smiling in his Boston Red Sox cap, is notable as Topps reused it for his cards in the 1955 and 1956 sets.
The 1954 series is particularly treasured by collectors due to the inclusion of the iconic Hank Aaron rookie card. Its vibrant hues and vertical design further elevate its appeal, making the entire 1954 Topps set highly sought after.
Interestingly, the #250 card is Ted Williams’ second in this collection. His #1 card holds a slight edge in popularity due to its premier position in the set. Nonetheless, the #250 card’s desirability was underscored when Robert Edward Auctions auctioned off a PSA 9 version in April 2021 for a striking $32,400, affirming its significance even though it’s not the #1 card.
#9
1954 Topps Ted Williams #1
PSA 9 Value: $46,111
1954 Topps Baseball Card Set
For their 1954 set, Topps made a distinctive choice to “bookend” Ted Williams by featuring him on both the first and last cards. Given Mickey Mantle’s exclusive appearance on Bowman cards that year, Williams’ 1954 Topps cards rank as some of the priciest, surpassed only by the rookie cards of Hank Aaron, Ernie Banks, and Al Kaline. The card’s design is particularly striking, showcasing a beaming Williams portrait alongside an action shot of him in the backdrop.
1954 Topps Ted Williams Baseball Card #1 Value
PSA has evaluated 4,818 of the Ted Williams card #1 from 1954. Out of these, none achieved a gem mint grade, five were graded as mint, and 73 as near mint to mint. Highlighting its worth, Goldin Auctions auctioned off a PSA 8 example in February 2023, fetching $12,600. Given its position as the first card in the set, it’s more susceptible to wear and tear, making pristine versions of this card especially rare.
#8
1952 Berk Ross Ted Williams
PSA 8 Value: $9,900
1952 Berk Ross Baseball Card Set
The 1952 Berk Ross collection features 72 cards, each measuring 2” x 3”. Produced by New York City’s Berk Ross Company, the card fronts showcase a color “hand-painted” portrayal of players with their names scripted in white.
Noteworthy cards from this set feature legends like Joe DiMaggio, Mickey Mantle, Willie Mays, Stan Musial, Jackie Robinson, Yogi Berra, and Ted Williams. The Berk Ross editions of DiMaggio and Williams are particularly sought-after since they weren’t available in the 1952 Bowman or Topps collections.
1952 Berk Ross Ted Williams Baseball Card Value
With only 262 in PSA’s population report, the ’52 Berk Ross holds the smallest population on this rundown. Of these, none received a gem mint rating; one was labeled mint, and 21 were graded near mint to mint, underscoring the grading challenges of this set.
In May 2022, a PSA 8 example was auctioned by Heritage Auctions for $9,900. For those on a tighter budget, PSA 1 versions can be found for under $100 on eBay, so it’s wise to stay alert for listings.
#7
1951 Bowman Ted Williams #165
PSA 9 Value: $61,909
1951 Bowman Baseball Card Set
The 1951 Bowman card of Ted Williams closely resembles his 1950 Bowman card, albeit with noticeable differences. Its dimensions stand at 2-1/16″ x 3-1/8″, making it slightly taller than the 1950 edition. The image zooms in further on Williams, showcasing his name within a black box at the card’s lower right. An intriguing addition is the depiction of clouds in the sky.
This card echoes the iconic imagery of its 1950 counterpart but stands out with its distinct reverse narrative and bold red font on the back, displaying players’ names. This feature is a favorite among collectors.
The set’s allure is further amplified by the inclusion of Mickey Mantle’s genuine rookie card and Willie Mays’ rookie edition. Retailing at five cents, each pack contained six cards and a piece of Bowman gum. Proudly produced in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, this set remains a collector’s gem.
1951 Bowman Ted Williams Baseball Card Value
PSA graded 2,945 of Williams ’51 Bowman card with zero grading gem mint. Sixteen, however, are mint, and 141 are near mint to mint. Memory Lan sold a PSA 9 example in May 2023 for an incredible $61,909 setting an all-time high record selling price for this card. PSA 8s sell between $3,000-$4,000 while a PSA 1 can be picked up for around $175.
#6
1950 Bowman Ted Williams #98
PSA 9 Value: $12,211
1950 Bowman Baseball Card Set
Bowman began issuing baseball cards in 1948, but it wasn’t until 1950 that Ted Williams graced their collection. The early 1950s Bowman cards are renowned for their striking imagery, and the 1950 rendition of Ted Williams is a testament to that, showcasing his signature swing in impeccable artwork.
Though these cards often face centering challenges, a notable print line running from the top of the stadium to Williams’ cap is common. Interestingly, this flaw doesn’t diminish the card’s value.
1950 Bowman Ted Williams Baseball Card Value
PSA graded 1,558 of the 1950 Bowman Ted Williams cards. Of those submitted, none are gem mint, 14 are mint, and 79 are near mint to mint condition. The most common grade is a PSA 5 with 225 reported.
The last recorded sale of a PSA 9 example was in September 2020 for $12,211. PSA 8 examples sell between $4,000-$5,000 consistently with the highest sale for one being $7,071 in March 2021.
#5
1948 Leaf Ted Williams #76
PSA 9 Value: $204,000
1948 Leaf Baseball Card Set
The 1948 Leaf baseball card of Ted Williams stands out as one of the most aesthetically pleasing cards ever produced. Showcasing Williams in a patriotic red, white, and blue palette, the card captures his 1947 Triple Crown win.
Although the set is known as the 1948-49 Leaf (due to a 1948 copyright but a 1949 release), this card remains a collector’s favorite, particularly as it’s part of the same set featuring Jackie Robinson’s rookie card.
Leaf International & Leaf Trading Cards
Interestingly, the card’s producer, Leaf International, which started in Chicago in 1940 as a gum and candy manufacturer, differs from the current Leaf Trading Cards. The former was acquired by Hershey in 1996. This vintage Leaf card retains its popularity in the market and its value only seems to grow.
1948 Leaf Ted Williams Baseball Card Value
Out of the 1,378 PSA-graded 1948 Leaf Ted Williams cards, none achieved gem mint status, but seven were rated mint, and 51 in near mint to mint. Highlighting its value, a PSA 9 version was auctioned in February 2022 for an impressive $204,000. Even the lower-graded PSA 1 cards command prices around $1,000, reflecting the card’s enduring appeal and investment potential.
#4
1941 Play Ball Ted Williams #14
PSA 9 Value: $192,000
1941 Play Ball Baseball Card Set
Ted Williams’ 1941 Play Ball card is his third mainstream appearance, bearing a resemblance to his prior year’s Play Ball card. However, this edition stands out due to its vibrant color artwork and the omission of baseball equipment from the lower border. Among pre-war cards, this remains a standout favorite for many enthusiasts.
1941 Play Ball Ted Williams Baseball Card Value
Out of the 1,218 PSA-graded 1941 Play Ball cards of Ted Williams, none achieved the gem mint status. Nine are mint, and 54 are near-mint-to-mint. In a notable sale, Heritage Auctions auctioned a PSA 9 example in October 2022 for an impressive $192,000, slightly lower than its previous sale of $205,905 in June 2021.
PSA 8 versions regularly fetch between $28,000 to $30,000, indicating the card’s allure to affluent collectors. For those on a budget, a PSA 1 version is available for approximately $500.
#3
1940 Play Ball Ted Williams #27
PSA 9 Value: $14,600+
1940 Play Ball Ted Williams Baseball Card Set
The 1940 Play Ball series is notable for featuring players’ nicknames on their card fronts. However, as it was just Williams’ sophomore year in the league, he was simply addressed as “Ted.” The card presents a striking image of a young Williams donning his Boston cap. Gum Inc. beautifully complements the front with an intriguing update about Williams on the reverse side, reflecting the 1940 era.
It mentions the Red Sox’s satisfaction with the budding star’s “home run prowess” and even prompts fans to keep the cards – advice some collectors might regret not following. These cards, representing baseball amidst World War II onset, appeal to both sports card aficionados and historical memorabilia enthusiasts.
1940 Play Ball Ted Williams Baseball Card Value
Of the 734 PSA-graded 1940 Play Ball Ted Williams cards, one is gem mint, although it hasn’t been publicly sold. Four are mint, and 27 are near-mint-to-mint. These sophomore cards of Williams are undervalued due to their scarcity and limited run. In 2017, one of the four PSA 9 examples fetched $14,600, a significant amount considering it preceded the hobby surge of 2021 catalyzed by the pandemic.
#2
1939 Goudey Ted Williams Rookie
SGC 1 Value: $3,720
1939 Goudey Premiums Baseball Card Set
The 1939 Goudey Premiums R303A collection features 48 baseball cards, each measuring 4” by 6-3/16”. Made of paper, these cards exhibit near-edge player photos complemented by a facsimile signature and have a distinct brown-toned sepia appearance on the front.
The reverse side offers “How to” instructions, like “How to Tag a Man Out,” and has the Diamond Stars Gum name. Notably, this set introduces the rookie card of Ted Williams.
Though they bear similar imagery, this set is often mistaken for the 1939 Goudey Premium R303B set. The R303A series is marginally smaller, and some cards, intended for the Canadian market, might display trimmed top and border edges.
1939 Goudey Premiums Ted Williams Rookie Card Value
SGC graded 17 of the 1939 Goudey Premiums Ted Williams rookie cards. None achieved gem mint status, with the highest grade being a single near mint 7. A single SGC 6 exists, but most lie in the SGC 2 and SGC 1 range, indicating their challenging grading conditions.
A card from this set auctioned in December 2022 fetched $3,720. Given their rarity, it’s wise to consider bidding if one surfaces for sale.
#1
1939 Play Ball Ted Williams Rookie Card #92
PSA 9 Value: $480,800
1939 Play Ball Ted Williams Rookie Baseball Card
The 1939 Play Ball Ted Williams card is a pinnacle in baseball card collecting. As his sole recognized rookie card, it tops the wish list of countless collectors, easily making it one of the most coveted baseball cards in existence.
Produced by Bowman Gum, Inc., this card heralded a new era post the tobacco card age. Its timeless appeal and impeccable design make it not just a card but a piece of art. And while its value has surged over the years, its demand remains relentless, consistently outpacing supply. Cards of such high grades are rare, making them the centerpiece for any serious collector.
1939 Play Ball Ted Williams Rookie Baseball Card Value
PSA has graded 1,247 of the 1939 Play Ball Ted Williams rookie card. Of those submitted, one managed to grade gem mint 10, which has yet to surface for auction. Twelve examples are in mint condition and 88 are near mint to mint.
Heritage Auctions sold a PSA 9 example in August 2021 for a record-setting $480,000. However, Goldin Auctions sold a PSA 8 example in March 2023 for $40,800. The iconic black-and-white image of Ted Williams stands out, universally recognized and admired within the hobby community.
Despite common issues with centering and wear, this card is highly desirable in any condition. Often dubbed the “Hope Diamond” of Ted Williams’ collection, this gem encapsulates everything a collector could dream of.
Conclusion
In the universe of baseball card collecting, few names carry the significance and value of Ted Williams. As we’ve seen, these cards aren’t just paper and ink; they’re mementos from a bygone era and testament to a legendary player. If you’re considering venturing into the world of baseball card collecting or expanding your existing collection, keeping an eye out for these iconic cards could prove profitable. Beyond investment, however, owning a piece of Ted Williams’ legacy is owning a part of baseball 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.
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