As one of the oldest franchises in the NFL, the Detroit Lions have a long and storied history. Naturally, Lions players have been featured on football cards for decades. Some of these cards have become extremely valuable over time, especially those featuring legendary players like Barry Sanders.

In this article, we'll countdown the top 5 most expensive Detroit Lions football cards of all time. From gems minted in the 1950s to modern rookie cards, these collectibles fetch eye-watering prices at auction. Let's jump in!

#5 - 1957 Topps Jim David - PSA 9 - $7,800

Kicking off the list is this stunning 1957 Topps card featuring Lions defensive back Jim David. The card depicts David ready to pounce in an iconic football pose.

Only one example of this vintage card has been graded PSA 9 Mint condition, which explains the lofty price tag. Vintage cards in flawless condition are tough to come by!

Though not a household name today, David enjoyed a respectable pro career from 1955-1959. A hard-hitting defensive back, he snagged 16 interceptions over his 4 seasons with Detroit.

For collectors looking to own a rare, perfect-grade card of a 1950s Lions player, the '57 Topps Jim David is a great option.

#4 - 1960 Topps Dick "Night Train" Lane - PSA 8 - $8,500

Next up is a card of Hall of Fame defensive back Dick "Night Train" Lane. After six stellar seasons with the Lions, Lane joined the Chicago Cardinals in 1960.

This is his only certified vintage card as a member of the Cardinals. Out of the necessary prerequisites for a highly valued vintage card - popularity of the player, scarcity, and condition - the Night Train checks every box.

Only three PSA 8 copies of Lane's 1960 Topps card have been uncovered. The iconic card design featuring Lane's posed action shot is simply stunning in top grade.

Hall of Famers from this era are always collectible, and Night Train Lane remains one of the NFL's most feared defensive backs of all time. This rare card of the Lion turned Cardinal legend commands top dollar.

#3 - 1935 National Chicle Gerald "Pink" Ford - PSA 7 - $9,000

The 1935 National Chicle football card set features beautiful, hand-painted artwork of players from the 1934 NFL season. This rare release came on the heels of the more common 1935 National Chicle boxed set.

Out of the 24 cards in the painted set, the sole Detroit Lions representative is offensive lineman Gerald "Pink" Ford. After a decade anchoring the line for Detroit, Ford was finishing up his playing career in 1935.

With the scarcity and significance of this Depression-era set, even lower-grade copies carry a high premium. The population of 1935 National Chicle Ford cards is microscopic - just a few dozen accounted for by grading companies.

Considering its artistry, age, and minuscule supply, it's easy to see why this Gerald Ford card commands such a lofty value.

#2 - 2021 Panini Prizm Joe Burrow Auto RC - BGS 9.5/10 - $18,000

Jumping forward nearly a century, this autographed Joe Burrow rookie card recently sold for $18,000 in flawless BGS 9.5 condition.

While Burrow never suited up for Detroit, this card's value is too great to omit. As the #1 overall pick and rookie sensation for the Cincinnati Bengals, Burrow's Prizm rookie autos are white-hot in the hobby.

Panini's Prizm football sets are always popular with collectors, but the 2020 edition featuring Burrow is especially in-demand. The Prizm brand is known for its flashy, colorful designs that pop on the secondary market.

Of course, the on-card autograph of the NFL's hottest young quarterback makes this Prizm Burrow rookie a modern classic. Considering how early he is in his career, prices for Burrow's cards should continue appreciating over time.

#1 - 1957 Topps Bart Starr RC - PSA 8 - $55,200

The NFL's first $50,000+ football card belongs to none other than Green Bay Packers legend Bart Starr. But before Starr achieved football immortality under Vince Lombardi, he played college ball at Alabama and was drafted by Detroit in 1956.

As Starr's landmark rookie card, the 1957 Topps features the quarterback in a Detroit Lions jersey rather than his familiar Packers threads. Only a handful of '57 Starr rookies have survived in top condition, allowing this card to shatter value records at auction in recent years.

Bart Starr's sole vintage card as a Detroit Lion will always carry historical significance. Naturally, Packers collectors also chase this iconic rookie card of the Hall of Fame signal caller.

For both Lions and Packers fans, the 1957 Topps Bart Starr stands as the top Detroit Lions football card of all time in terms of value and cultural cachet.

Wrapping Up Our Countdown

That does it for our countdown of the five most expensive Detroit Lions cards ever sold! From revered vintage HOFers to the next-gen Burrow, iconic Lions have been featured on some of the world's most coveted football cards.

Beyond massive individual value, these cards also reflect the history of the collecting hobby over nearly a century. Vintage gems from the pre-war era through the 1950s give way to today's flashy, autograph-patch "super cards" like the Burrow Prizm.

Which of these legendary Lions cards would you most want to have in your collection? Do you think any modern or future Lions players could crack this list someday? Let me know in the comments!