Top 5 Most Valuable Cincinatti Bengals Football Cards of All Time

The Cincinnati Bengals have been playing in the NFL since 1968. In that time, they’ve had some incredible players suit up for them, with many leaving behind valuable football cards. Any Bengals fan would love to get their hands on one of these rare cards of franchise greats. Let’s count down the top 5 most expensive Bengals cards of all time.

5. 1985 Topps Bernie Kosar Rookie Card - $650+

Coming in at #5 is the rookie card of quarterback Bernie Kosar from the 1985 Topps set. Though Kosar is best known for his time leading the Cleveland Browns, he actually started his NFL career with the Bengals after getting drafted in the 1985 supplemental draft.

Kosar refused to sign with Cincinnati, instead forcing a trade to his hometown Browns. As a result, his Bengals rookie card is tough to find and valuable despite his short stint there. In good condition, it sells for north of $650.

4. 1981 Topps Cris Collinsworth Rookie Card - $700+

At #4 is longtime wide receiver Cris Collinsworth, whose 1981 Topps rookie is worth around $700 or more in top shape. Collinsworth played his entire 8-year career from 1981-1988 in Cincinnati and was one of the Bengals’ top receivers during that period.

He made the Pro Bowl three times and helped lead Cincy to its first Super Bowl in 1981. Collinsworth’s popularity as a player and now broadcaster makes his rookie issue highly sought-after.

3. 1969 Topps Greg Cook Rookie Card - $800+

This #3 spot goes to quarterback Greg Cook and his iconic 1969 Topps rookie. Cook is one of the biggest “what ifs” in Bengals history, as arm issues derailed a promising career. But as a rookie in 1969, he lit up the AFL, winning Rookie of the Year honors with over 1800 yards passing.

Unfortunately, Cook played only one more season in Cincinnati before injuries forced him out of football. His legendary rookie performance and the tragedy of his short career have made Cook a fan favorite and his 1969 Topps rookie a prize, worth over $800 today.

2. 1981 Topps Anthony Munoz Rookie Card - $1,500+

When it comes to Bengals legends, Anthony Munoz is arguably the greatest of them all. The offensive tackle played his entire Hall of Fame career from 1980-1992 in Cincinnati after being drafted #3 overall in 1980. Munoz was a dominant blocker, named to 11 straight Pro Bowls.

His 1981 Topps rookie card showcases Munoz in a Bengals uniform. It’s his only recognized true rookie card and a must-own for diehard Cincy fans. Expect to pay $1,500 or more for a clean copy of Munoz’s iconic rookie.

1. 1965 Topps Paul Brown Coaches Card - $2,500+

Topping the list as the most valuable Bengals card is this gem featuring team founder Paul Brown. The Bengals franchise is synonymous with Brown, who founded and coached the Cleveland Browns before starting up Cincinnati. So it’s only fitting that his vintage 1965 Topps coaches card sits atop this list.

Despite not picturing Brown with the Bengals, this card came out just three years before their inaugural season, making it essentially a Bengals item. With Brown’s storied history and significance to the franchise, demand for this card is always high. Prices routinely hit $2,500 or more, making it theBengals’ most prized card.

There you have it - the top 5 Bengals cards that every serious collector wants in their collection. Owning one requires having deep pockets - but for diehard fans, these rare pieces of Cincy history are priceless. From franchise greats like Munoz and Brown to wonderful talents like Greg Cook whose careers ended too soon, these cards represent the best of Bengals past and present.