Top 5 Most Valuable Atlanta Braves Baseball Cards of All Time

October 31, 2023
5
min read

Baseball card collecting has long been a beloved hobby for fans of America's pastime. From kids ripping open packs hoping to find their favorite players, to serious collectors investing in rare and valuable cards - baseball cards hold a special place in the hearts of fans. For those who bleed Atlanta Braves red, the cards of their legendary players are highly sought after. Let's take a look at the 5 most valuable Atlanta Braves baseball cards of all time.

1. 1954 Hank Aaron Rookie Card

Widely considered one of the greatest and most iconic rookie cards ever produced, Hank Aaron's 1954 Topps rookie is easily the most prized card in Braves history. Aaron's storied 23-year career began in Milwaukee, where the Braves were located until moving to Atlanta in 1966.

  • As the home run king before Barry Bonds, Aaron's cards carry enormous historical significance.
  • His '54 Topps rookie is scorching hot in today's market, frequently selling for $150,000 to $200,000 or more in top condition.
  • An autographed version once fetched an incredible $357,594 at auction. Talk about a grand slam!

Owning Hank Aaron's rookie card is the holy grail for Braves collectors. Its vintage appeal and association with the all-time home run leader will forever make it an extremely valuable treasure.

2. 1967 B. Denehy/T. Seaver Mets Rookies Card

Wait! This isn't a Braves card. This one has a bit of an asterisk. Seaver was drafted by the Braves in 1967 but the pick was voided and he was eventually picked up by the Mets. This is such a cool card that we're included it here anyone

  • The rookie card features Bill Denehy and Tom Seaver side by side
  • Gem mint 10 copies routinely sell between $18,000 and $25,000.

3. Chipper Jones Rookie Cards

A Braves lifer, Chipper Jones is a freshly minted Hall of Famer after playing his entire 19-year career in Atlanta. The 1999 NL MVP winner and face of the Braves dynasty in the 90s and 2000s, Chipper's rookie cards are keys for fans in Atlanta.

  • His most valuable is his 1990 Bowman rookie, valued around $200 in PSA 10 gem mint condition.
  • Other notable Chipper rookies include 1990 Topps Tiffany, 1990 Upper Deck, 1990 Leaf, and 1990 Score rookies, which each fetch $50-$100 in high grade.
  • While not as pricey as Aaron's 1954 Topps rookie, Chipper's early cards should see increases as he enters the Hall of Fame.

There's no doubt Chipper's rookie cards will only gain value over time. Savvy investors should snatch them up now.

4. Eddie Mathews Rookie Cards

Eddie Mathews was the cornerstone power-hitting third baseman for the Braves during their early years in Milwaukee and Atlanta. The Hall of Famer slugged over 500 home runs and played 17 seasons with the franchise.

  • His most sought after rookie is the 1952 Topps, valued around $800 in PSA 8 condition.
  • Mathews also has rookies in 1952 Bowman, 1952 Red Man, and 1953 Topps.
  • Much rarer than the Aaron, Seaver, and Jones rookies, Mathews' first cards command strong money due to extreme scarcity.

For collectors seeking that vintage golden-era style, Mathews' early cards are about as classic as it gets for the Braves.

5. Dale Murphy Rookie Card

Dale Murphy is the only Braves player to ever win back-to-back MVP awards, accomplishing the feat in 1982 and 1983. He won five straight Gold Gloves in the outfield and also launched 371 home runs in his career with Atlanta.

  • His key 1976 Topps rookie card has a book value around $30 in mint condition.
  • Other Murphy rookies from 1976 include cards in Topps Traded, Hostess, and Kellogg's sets.
  • Murphy's rookie cards are widely considered undervalued today. Investors see big upside potential in the coming years.

While Dan Uggla and others have briefly held the title, no player embodied Braves baseball in the 1980s like Dale Murphy. His rookie cards remain inexpensive but important pieces of franchise history.

Conclusion

From legendary Hall of Famers like Hank Aaron and Eddie Mathews to more modern fan favorites such as Chipper Jones and Dale Murphy, the baseball cards of Atlanta Braves greats are highly collectible items. The above list features the 5 most expensive and coveted cards in team history. Whether you're a serious Braves collector or simply appreciate historic baseball cards, owning one of these sought-after rookies should be high on your bucket list. Just be prepared to pay a pretty penny for high-grade copies of these iconic pieces of cardboard!