The Chicago Bears are one of the most iconic franchises in NFL history. Founded in 1920 as the Decatur Staleys before moving to Chicago in 1921, the Bears have won 9 NFL championships and 1 Super Bowl. With such a long and storied history, it's no surprise that Bears cards are highly sought after in the collecting world. Let's countdown the 5 most valuable Chicago Bears football cards of all time.

1. Walter Payton Rookie Card

Topping our list is none other than Sweetness himself, Walter Payton. Arguably the greatest player in Bears history, Payton's 1976 Topps #148 rookie card commands thousands of dollars in top condition. Centered examples graded PSA 10 have sold for an incredible $15,000 to $20,000+.

Payton's 1976 Topps rookie is his only mainstream football card from his playing days. It was produced during the heart of the 1970s card boom when overproduction and poor quality control resulted in few mint cards. However, even low-grade copies in excess of $1,000+.

Walter Payton rookie cards are the holy grail for Bears collectors. They capture the debut of the legendary running back who held the NFL all-time rushing record for nearly two decades. This card is sure to remain one of the most coveted football cards ever.

2. Jim McMahon 1984 Topps USFL Rookie Card

Coming in at #2 is Jim McMahon's rookie card from 1984 Topps. This USFL issue features the former BYU star during his stint with the Chicago Blitz before joining the Bears. McMahon's 1984 Topps rookie is very condition sensitive, with PSA 10s worth upwards of $4,000.

As the Bears flamboyant quarterback during their famed 1985 championship season, McMahon remains a fan favorite. His Topps USFL rookie card pictures him in Chicago Blitz colors and logos. It's the only mainstream football card of the "Punky QB" from his pre-NFL days.

McMahon's rebellious persona and stellar early career with the Bears have made this one of the top cards from 1984 Topps. Bears fans and 80s football collectors are willing to pay big money for high-grade versions.

3. William "The Refrigerator" Perry 1984 Topps Rookie Card

Coming in at #3 is rookie sensation William "The Refrigerator" Perry. The Fridge took the NFL by storm in 1985, capturing headlines for his massive size and unexpected athleticism. As a result, Perry's 1984 Topps rookie card skyrocketed in value.

Top graded PSA 10 copies of Perry's 1984 Topps rookie have traded for $2,500+. The card pictures a slim rookie Perry in his #72 Bears jersey. Little did fans yet realize the havoc he would soon wreak on opposing defenses.

Along with Payton and McMahon, The Fridge helps form a trifecta of elite Bears rookie cards from the mid-1980s. He remains beloved in Chicago sports lore for his larger-than-life persona and contributions towards the Bears only Super Bowl season.

4. Dick Butkus 1965 Topps Rookie Card

At #4 is the rookie card of ferocious Bears linebacker Dick Butkus. Butkus is considered one of the most intimidating defenders of all time. His 1965 Topps rookie appropriately pictures him ready to pounce in his #51 jersey.

High-end PSA 8 copies of Butkus' 1965 Topps rookie have traded for $1,500+. PSA 10s would easily fetch 10x that amount, but are virtually impossible to find due to poor print quality in the 1960s.

Along with Walter Payton, Butkus is in the discussion for greatest Bear ever. His rookie card remains sought after by vintage collectors over 50 years after he entered the league. It's the key Bears card from the 1960s.

5. Sid Luckman 1948 Leaf

Rounding out the top 5 is a true vintage classic - Sid Luckman's 1948 Leaf card. Luckman was the Bears quarterback during the 1940s and led them to 4 NFL championships. His 1948 Leaf card is coveted by both Bears and vintage collectors.

No PSA 10 examples of Luckman's 1948 Leaf card are known to exist. However, PSA 8 copies have sold for nearly $2,000 in recent years. The striking red and yellow design makes this one of the most recognizable cards of its era.

Luckman remains the greatest passing quarterback in Bears history, holding most of the franchise records nearly 70 years after his retirement. This iconic 1940s card pictures him during the tail end of his Hall of Fame career.

Summary

Bears cards have always been popular with Chicago sports fans and football card collectors alike. Walter Payton, Jim McMahon, William Perry, Dick Butkus, and Sid Luckman are franchsie icons whose rookie/vintage cards command big money in today's market. Graded copies in high grade and mint condition sell for thousands of dollars apiece. These top 5 legendary players epitomize the great history of the Chicago Bears through their coveted cardboard keepsakes.