20 Collectible Trading Cards That Could Make You Rich
Some trading cards are worth a fortune; if you have one, you might be sitting on a goldmine.
- Chris Graciano
- 4 min read
Due to the exorbitant pricing of rare and sought-after cards, trading cards have emerged as one of the most popular alternative investments. Certain collectibles, whether from sports, Pokémon, or Magic: The Gathering, may transform a simple pastime into a profitable endeavor. If you’re fortunate enough to hold a trading card, these 20 cards have the potential to make you wealthy.
1. Topps Mickey Mantle #311
American Tobacco Company on Wikimedia Commons
The holy grail of baseball cards, this Mantle rookie is a collector’s dream. High-grade versions have sold for over $12 million at auction.
2. 1996 Pokémon 1st Edition Charizard (Holo) #4
Giorgio Trovato on Unsplash
A must-have for Pokémon fans, this fiery dragon remains one of the most iconic cards in the game. Pristine copies have crossed the $400,000 mark.
3. 1909-1911 T206 Honus Wagner
Wikimedia Commons
This legendary baseball card is the rarest of the rare, with only a handful known to exist. One sold for $7.25 million, cementing its status as a collector’s treasure.
4. 1993 Magic: The Gathering Black Lotus (Alpha)
Sebastian Rittau on Wikimedia Commons
The most powerful card in Magic’s history, the Alpha Black Lotus is highly coveted. Mint-condition copies have sold for over $500,000.
5. 1986 Fleer Michael Jordan Rookie #57
D. Myles Cullen on Wikimedia Commons
This card, which showcases the beginning of Jordan’s legendary career, is a must-have for basketball enthusiasts. High-grade versions fetch six figures, with some surpassing $700,000.
6. 1979 O-Pee-Chee Wayne Gretzky Rookie #18
Orlandkurtenbach on Wikimedia Commons
The greatest hockey player’s most sought-after card, a gem-mint copy sold for $3.75 million. O-Pee-Chee’s lower print quality makes finding a pristine one incredibly tough.
7. 2000 Playoff Contenders Tom Brady Rookie Auto #144
Denis Laflamme on Wikimedia Commons
Brady’s rise to GOAT status has sent this rookie autograph card skyrocketing. One in mint condition sold for over three million dollars.
8. 1951 Bowman Willie Mays #305
Bowman on Wikimedia Commons
This rookie card of the Say Hey Kid is a baseball classic. Top-graded copies routinely sell for over $600,000.
9. 2018 Panini National Treasures Luka Dončić RPA #127
Erik Drost on Wikimedia Commons
Modern basketball’s most valuable rookie patch autograph, this Luka Dončić card is a game-changer. One sold for over 4.6 million dollars, proving the demand for rising stars.
10. 2003 Exquisite Collection LeBron James RPA #78
Keith Allison on Wikimedia Commons
This ultra-premium LeBron rookie card set the bar for high-end basketball cards. A gem-mint copy once sold for 5.2 million dollars.
11. 1980 Topps Larry Bird / Magic Johnson Rookie #6
Tom Harkin on Wikimedia Commons
A single card featuring both Bird and Magic in their rookie season? It’s a basketball fan’s dream. High-grade versions have hit $800,000, fueled by these legends’ legacies.
12. 1997 Metal Universe Precious Metal Gems Green Michael Jordan
Pete Souza on Wikimedia Commons
One of the most visually striking Jordan cards ever made. Only 10 exist, and one sold for over two million dollars.
13. 2016 Panini Prizm Gold Prizms Patrick Mahomes Rookie #269
Adam Schultz on Wikimedia Commons
With Mahomes cementing his place in NFL history, this rare gold parallel has soared in value. One sold for over $500,000.
14. 1933 Goudey Babe Ruth #53
Goudey on Wikimedia Commons
One of the most famous Babe Ruth cards, this vintage beauty holds legendary status. A high-grade version surpassed four million dollars at auction.
15. 1999 Pokémon Illustrator Pikachu
広瀬川 on Wikimedia Commons
Dubbed the rarest Pokémon card, this exclusive promo has sold for over six million dollars. Only a handful exist, awarded through a Japanese contest.
16. 2009 Bowman Chrome Mike Trout Autograph Rookie #BDPP89
D. Benjamin Miller on Wikimedia Commons
Trout’s best rookie card features his autograph, making it a prized possession. One sold for 3.9 million dollars, shattering modern baseball records.
17. 2017 National Treasures Patrick Mahomes RPA #161
U.S. Air National Guard Master Sgt. Michael Crane on Wikimedia Commons
A premium rookie card of the NFL’s biggest star, featuring an autograph and jersey patch. It’s sold for over 4.3 million dollars, making it one of football’s most expensive cards.
18. 1985 Garbage Pail Kids Nasty Nick #1a
2H Media on Unsplash
Not all valuable cards come from sports or Pokémon—Garbage Pail Kids’ first card is a nostalgic goldmine. High-grade copies sell for thousands.
19. 2000 Pokémon Neo Genesis 1st Edition Lugia (Holo) #9
Thimo Pedersen on Unsplash
The “Pokémon Charizard” of its generation, Lugia’s first edition is rare and valuable. Pristine copies fetch over $150,000.
20. 2013 Giannis Antetokounmpo Prizm Silver Rookie #290
1st Lt. Joseph Trovato on Wikimedia Commons
As Giannis’ career skyrockets, so does his premier rookie card. A top-graded copy has surpassed $1,000,000.