Based in Shelby Town, Michigan, Triple SSS Sports Cards is a premier online destination for vintage sports card enthusiasts. Founded by Mike and Mark Skerbe, the company has established itself as a trusted name in the industry with over 30 years of expertise. Specializing in appraisals and acquisitions of pre-1970 non-sports trading cards,
1954 Bowman Mickey Mantle baseball card – photo credit: cc0
Triple SSS Sports Cards offers collectors an extensive inventory of professionally graded cards. Actively engaging in major sports card shows and private transactions, the company has built a reputation for quality and service, making it a go-to source for card traders nationwide.
Baseball card collecting dates back over two centuries, with the Brooklyn Atlantics owning the oldest known card. The hobby gained significant momentum in the early 1900s when tobacco companies included cards in cigarette packs as promotional items. Today, the baseball card industry is a multi-billion-dollar market, with some cards commanding extraordinary prices at auctions.
Babe Ruth, the legendary player for the Boston Red Sox, New York Yankees, and Boston Braves, has several highly valuable cards. A 1914 Baltimore News Babe Ruth rookie card sold for $7.2 million at Robert Edward Auctions in 2023. That same year, a 1916 M101-4 Sporting News Babe Ruth Rookie Card sold for $2.4 million. Additionally, Memory Lane Auctions sold his 1933 Goudey card for a record $4.6 million in July 2021.
photo credit: CC0
Honus Wagner, a Pittsburgh Pirates legend, is known for his iconic T206 card, which was produced by the American Tobacco Company. In 2022, one card sold for $7.25 million in a private auction due to its rarity. Wagner famously demanded the company halt production because of his opposition to tobacco, making the card one of the rarest in existence. Even damaged T206 cards often sell for over $1 million.
Mickey Mantle’s 1952 Topps baseball card holds the industry record at $12.6 million. It represents the most significant post-war card in the collector’s world. Its value stems from its production during Topps’ debut year and its status as a high-number card (311-407). High-number cards had limited print runs, and many unsold units were destroyed or disposed of, increasing scarcity. Another high-valued Mickey Mantle card was the 1951 Bowman Rookie, which sold for $3.19 million in 2022.
A New York Highlanders pitcher, Joe Doyle, also features on high-value notable baseball cards. His 1910 T206 White Border card gained fame due to a printing error. The card incorrectly lists Doyle’s team as “N.Y. Natl.” (i.e., playing for the National League) instead of “N.Y. Amer” (American League), confusing him with Larry Doyle, a National League player. Another piece of him, a 1910 T206 Joe Doyle card, sold for $1.32 million at Robert Edward Auctions in 2023.
Ty Cobb’s “Bat Off Shoulder” baseball card recently sold for $870,000 at a Heritage auction. This sale continues the trend of his T206 cards, which have sold highly but fell short of a record sale of $876,000 in 2020. The card is in excellent condition and well-preserved for its age. Another card, the Cracker Jack, valued at $504,000, derives its value from its mint state.
Meanwhile, Roberto Clemente’s 1955 Topps rookie card attracted about $1 million in a 2022 sales. Several factors drive its value: Clemente’s exceptional baseball career, his tragic death during a humanitarian mission solidifying his iconic status, and a unique design featuring his young self in a classic batting pose.
Reggie Jackson’s 1969 Topps card exceeded $1 million at Heritage Auctions in 2021. Jackson’s October playoff heroics earned him the nickname “Mr. October,” and his charismatic personality enhanced the card’s market value. The card’s preservation in mint condition, plus its association with the celebrated 1969 Topps set, drives collector interest. Print variations featuring white and yellow lettering add to its allure.
Willie Mays’ 1952 Topps card (#261) is another gem. This card, featuring Mays in his early career phase, commands up to $750,000 in pristine condition at auctions. Its value derives from its historical significance and the recognition of Mays’ impressive baseball legacy.
