As one of baseball's oldest franchises, the Cincinnati Reds have produced some of the most iconic and sought-after baseball cards over the years. From legendary Hall of Famers like Pete Rose and Johnny Bench to modern stars like Joey Votto, high-grade Reds cards can fetch thousands of dollars at auction.

In this article, we'll countdown the top 5 most valuable Reds cards of all time. We'll look at important factors like rarity, condition, and historical significance that drive these cards' immense value in the hobby.

#5 - 1975 Topps Pete Rose

• Estimated PSA 10 Gem Mint Value: $3,000
• Key Factors: Final Season, 3,000 Hit Milestone

"Charlie Hustle" is easily the most iconic player in Reds history, and his 1975 Topps card picturing him following through on a big swing is a collector favorite. This card carries added significance as it marks Rose's last Topps card as an active player. He would retire following the 1978 season with 3,562 hits.

Rose's assault on Ty Cobb's all-time hits record gives this already scarce high-grade card extra historical importance. PSA 10 Gems are very tough to come by.

#4 - 1968 Topps Johnny Bench RC #247

• Estimated PSA 10 Gem Mint Value: $4,500
• Key Factors: Hall of Fame Catcher Rookie Card

Arguably the greatest catcher in baseball history, Johnny Bench begins his trophy case with this iconic 1968 Topps rookie card. Considered one of the best catcher rookies of all-time, it's no surprise that this sharp-cornered Gem is highly demanded.

A two-time MVP and leader of Cincinnati's legendary "Big Red Machine" teams of the 1970s, Bench was a 14-time All-Star and went on to be inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1989. This landmark rookie card is a must-own for vintage HOFer collectors.

#3 - 1969 Topps Hank Aaron #320

• Estimated PSA 10 Gem Mint Value: $5,000
• Key Factors: Key Aaron Card, High-Number Short Print

Hammerin' Hank Aaron needs no introduction, as he's one of the all-time home run kings and most important African American baseball pioneers. Aaron joined the Reds in 1965 for the final two seasons of his illustrious career.

His 1969 Topps card, featuring a great bat-on-shoulder pose, is a significant final-year card. It's also a short print in the high number series, adding to its scarcity. This card gives collectors a chance to own a PSA 10 Gem Hank Aaron for a fraction of the cost of his legendary 1954 rookie card.

#2 - 2016 Topps Chrome Corey Seager RC #98

• Estimated PSA 10 Gem Mint Value: $6,000
• Key Factors: Future NL Rookie of the Year, Short Print

Moving to modern stars, Seager's chrome rookie makes the list due to its extreme rarity and the Dodgers star's immense potential. This photo variation short print had an impossibly small print run, making PSA 10s insanely elusive.

Seager would go on to win 2016 NL Rookie of the Year, and has already been a 3-time All-Star with considerable room to improve. Reds fans won't love seeing Seager here, but there's no denying the astronomical value attached to this ultra-rare, Gem mint Seager.

#1 - 2009 Bowman Chrome Draft Mike Trout Superfractor Auto RC #BDPP89 (1/1)

• Estimated Value: $750,000+
• Key Factors: The MTG Superfractor, Generation's Best Player

And now for the Holy Grail of most valuable Reds cards, as well as the most valuable baseball card of the 21st century. We're talking about the Mike Trout Superfractor 1/1 autographed rookie, of course. The Angels took Trout 25th overall in the 2009 draft. And the Reds actually received the compensation pick for failing to sign Trout after drafting him previously!

The Superfractor is very literally the only one of its kind. It's the lone PSA 10 Gem mint example of Trout's chrome auto rookie, easily making it the most desirable card on planet Earth. With Trout being compared to Willie Mays and on pace to be among the greatest players ever, it's very possible this one-of-one including Trout's signature as an autograph could eventually be valued at over $5 million. Simply put, it's the Mona Lisa of the hobby.

Conclusion

That does it for a look at the top Reds cards that can turn any regular hobbyist into an overnight millionaire! From legends like Bench, Rose, and Aaron to modern studs Seager and "The Millville Meteor" Trout, elite condition Reds cards offer a mix of history, scarce population reports, and bright futures.

Building a valuable Reds collection requires incredible patience to source high-grade specimens of these important cards, as well as deep pockets. But for dedicated Cincinnati fans and collectors, adding any of these five cards is the ultimate treasure hunt and endgame.