Top 10 Most Valuable Steelers Football Cards of All Time

The Pittsburgh Steelers are one of the most successful and popular franchises in NFL history. Founded in 1933, the Steelers have won a record six Super Bowl titles. With such a long and storied history, Steelers football cards are highly sought after by collectors looking to own a piece of the team's legacy.

Determining the most valuable Steelers cards is no easy task. Factors like rarity, condition, player popularity and on-field performance all affect a card's value. But some stand out as truly special for their significance in Steelers and NFL history. Here are the 10 most expensive Steelers football cards of all time based on actual sales:

1. 2000 Playoff Contenders Tom Brady Rookie Card #144 - $75,000+

Yes, Tom Brady is arguably the greatest quarterback ever, but not for the Steelers! However, his rookie card from 2000 Playoff Contenders is extremely scarce and valuable. Graded mint copies have sold for over $75,000 because it's Brady's only officially licensed NFL rookie card. He was drafted by the Patriots in 2000 but as a little-known sixth round pick, most card companies didn't produce cards of him. That makes this one extra special.

2. 1948 Leaf Sid Luckman Rookie Card #36 - $20,000+

Hall of Fame quarterback Sid Luckman only played briefly for the Steelers from 1939-1940 before being traded to the Bears, where he excelled. But his 1948 Leaf rookie is highly coveted from his early Pittsburgh days. This vintage card is fragile and rarely found in top condition. High-grade copies have exceeded $20,000 at auction. As one of the earliest Steelers cards, it holds a special place in franchise history.

3. 2000 Playoff Contenders Tom Brady Autographed Rookie Card #144 - $20,000

Only adding to the extreme rarity of Brady's rookie Contenders card is finding one hand signed by Tom Terrific himself. It's like a golden ticket for die-hard Steelers fans and Brady collectors. A PSA/DNA certified mint auto commands over $20,000 easily. Even signed versions in lesser condition push the five figure mark.

4. 1951 Bowman Bob Gain Rookie Card #109 - $8,500

The vintage 1951 Bowman football set marks an important milestone in the hobby, being one of the first major releases after World War II. Bob Gain played defensive end for the Steelers from 1950-1955 and was a Pro Bowler in 1952. His rookie is coveted in top condition and high-end copies have exceeded $8,500 at public auction. Key rookies are always desirable.

5. 2000 Playoff Momentum Ben Roethlisberger Autographed Rookie Card #157 - $5,500

As Big Ben enters the twilight of his career, interest in his rookie cards has soared. The gold standard is his Playoff Momentum autographed rookie. Limited to only 100 copies, it features Roethlisberger's first certified on-card auto as a pro. Graded mint specimens have commanded over $5,500. As a two-time Super Bowl winning QB, Roethlisberger's signed rookies remain hot.

6. 1952 Bowman Large Jim Finks Rookie Card #1 - $3,500

The oversized 1952 Bowman Large set included stunning hand-painted artwork on bigger stock. Steelers legendary QB Jim Finks is card #1 in the set. The Hall of Famer only had a short stint in Pittsburgh from 1949-1950 before his playing career ended. But as the top card in the set, his rookie is treasured by collectors. Grades of EX/NM or better push $3,500.

7. 1951 Bowman Dan Towler Rookie Card #6 - $3,000

"The Iron Horse" Dan Towler was a wrecking ball at running back for the Steelers in the 1950s. His power running style made him a fan favorite. Towler's 1951 Bowman rookie highlights his days as an emerging star in Pittsburgh. Clean copies of this boldly-colored card can hit $3,000 in peak condition.

8. 1985 Topps Jerry Rice Rookie Card #161 - $3,000

Like the Tom Brady card atop this list, Jerry Rice is obviously best known as a 49er. But he was drafted by Pittsburgh in 1985 before being traded away. Rice's iconic Topps rookie card remains popular with Steelers collectors who fantasize about what could have been. Near-mint copies still approach $3,000. Had he remained in Pittsburgh, this card would probably be #1.

9. 1951 Bowman Jack Butler Rookie Card #20 - $2,500

Jack Butler patrolled the secondary for 10 brilliant seasons with the Steelers from 1951-1959. His rookie card came out right as his career was taking off. The four-time First Team All-Pro's football legacy lives on through this vintage collectible. Expect to pay upwards of $2,500 for flawless copies.

10. 1976 Topps Franco Harris Card #310 - $1,500

The "Immaculate Reception" is one of the most iconic plays in NFL history. So Franco Harris' 1976 Topps card picturing the moment is treasured by Steelers collectors. Near-mint copies still trade around the $1,500 mark. Reliving that miraculous scoring play never gets old for Pittsburgh fans.

And there you have it - the 10 most valuable Steelers football cards of all time based on actual sales figures. Rookies and autographs of Steel City greats are always in high demand. Early vintage HOFers like Sid Luckman also carry a premium. Iconic cards that capture memorable moments are greatly desired as well. While prices fluctuate over time, these legendary cards will always represent the pinnacle for die-hard Steelers fans and football card collectors alike.