The Los Angeles Chargers have a long and storied history dating back to their inaugural 1960 season as the Los Angeles Chargers of the American Football League. Over the decades, they've featured some of the biggest names in football on their roster, making Chargers cards highly sought-after by collectors. Let's take a look at the 5 most valuable Chargers football cards of all time.

1. 1963 Topps Lance Alworth Rookie Card 

Estimated Value: $15,000+

Without a doubt, the premier Chargers card for collectors is Lance "Bambi" Alworth's 1960 Topps rookie. Alworth was the Chargers' first round pick in 1962 and went on to become the franchise's first superstar player. He earned the nickname "Bambi" for his incredible athleticism and ability to leap over defenders effortlessly.

Alworth made 7 Pro Bowl teams and was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1978. His 1960 Topps rookie card remains in high demand among vintage football card collectors. High-grade copies (PSA 8 or above) fetch upward of $15,000 at auction. Even lower-grade copies still sell for $2,000+.

2. 1960 Topps Chargers Team Card (#111)

Estimated Value: $8,000+

The inaugural 1960 Los Angeles Chargers team card is another coveted piece of Chargers memorabilia. It depicts early franchise icons like head coach Sid Gillman, QB Jack Kemp, WR Don Norton, and RB Paul Lowe.

There are very few high-grade copies of this card available since the murky black borders chip and show wear easily. But for Chargers collectors, owning a piece of the franchise's debut Topps card is a necessity. Near-mint copies have sold for as much as $8,500 at auction. Even lower grades still command four figures.

3. 1961 Topps John Hadl Rookie Card (#21)

Estimated Value: $1,500+

The hard-nosed quarterback John Hadl led the Chargers offense in the AFL throughout the 1960s. He played 16 seasons and was named an AFL All-Star four times. Hadl's 1961 Topps rookie is considered one of the keys to building a Chargers vintage card collection.

While not quite as pricey as the Alworth rookie, Hadl's 1961 Topps card still brings a premium for high-grade copies. PSA 8s can sell for $1,500 or more. Even raw copies in EX to EX-MT condition typically auction for $400 and up. Hadl's rookie is a must for vintage AFL collectors.

4. 1965 Topps Lance Alworth (#50)

Estimated Value: $600+

After his '60 rookie, Alworth's 1965 Topps card is his second most valuable football card. This card shows Alworth in mid-flight leaping for one of his signature grabs and is an iconic card in the hobby. It comes from Alworth's heyday period when he was named First Team All-Pro from 1963-1967.

While not completely scarce, the '65 Alworth is very condition sensitive. Low grade and raw copies can be found for around $100. But very few PSA 8+ copies have been uncovered. High-end examples have sold for north of $600 at auction.

5. 2000 Playoff Contenders Tomlinson Rookie Ticket Autograph (#144)

Estimated Value: $400+

Jumping ahead decades, LaDainian Tomlinson's autographed rookie card makes the list for modern Chargers cards. LT was the face of the Chargers during the 2000s, breaking multiple franchise rushing records. His Contenders Rookie Ticket autographed rookie is his top collectible card.

Numbered to 750 copies, Tomlinson's Playoff Contenders rookie auto can sell for over $400 if graded Gem Mint. Even raw copies with solid centering and intact autographs auction in the $150-$250 range. It's the top Chargers card from the modern era.

Other Notable Early Chargers Cards

Beyond the big 5 cards above, there are several other notable early Chargers cards that any diehard Bolts collector should know about:

• 1963 Topps Keith Lincoln (#376) - The "Moose of the West" was one of the AFL's best fullbacks. His '63 Topps card can sell for $200+ in top condition.
• 1964 Topps John Hadl (#123) - Hadl's second-year card has awesome early 60s football card design. Near mint copies can auction for $100+.
• 1965 Topps Paul Lowe (#140) - The hard-running Chargers halfback was the AFL MVP in 1965. His '65 Topps card books for around $50+.
• 1968 Topps Speedy Duncan (#340) - The Chargers cornerback made 7 AFL All-Star games. His final Chargers card brings $75+ in high grade.
• 1969 Topps Dickie Post (#26) - The linebacker's final card as a Charger also has awesome 1960s design. It's a $50+ card in top condition.

Key San Diego Chargers Cards from the 1970s and 1980s

After the AFL-NFL merger, the Chargers continued to have highly collected cards:

• 1978 Topps Dan Fouts (#400) - The Hall of Fame quarterback's second-year card can top $125+ for PSA 8s.
• 1979 Topps Kellen Winslow Rookie Card (#81) - The revolutionary tight end's rookie issues for over $100 in mint condition.
• 1981 Topps John Jefferson (#216) - Jefferson's 1981 Topps card from his record-breaking "Air Coryell" days can fetch $50+.
• 1981 Topps Charlie Joiner (#214) - Joiner was Fouts top target during the high-flying 1980s offense. His '81 card approaches $50 in PSA 8 grade.
• 1986 Topps Jerry Mumphrey (#359) - Mumphrey's 1986 card from his peak 1,000+ yard season books for $40+ in NM/MT shape.

Wrapping Up the Most Valuable Chargers Football Cards

And there you have it - a rundown of the 5 most valuable Chargers cards ever produced, plus many other notable Bolts to look for. The Chargers have a long, decorated history that makes their vintage cards must-own pieces for AFL collectors. Cards of Hall of Famers like Alworth, Hadl, Fouts, and Winslow are always in high demand.

Whether you're just starting a Chargers collection or looking to add some key pieces, focus on finding these star player rookie cards and popular HOFer cards from the 60s/70s in the best condition possible. Building a collection around these iconic Chargers cards is a great way to capture the franchise's history.