Top 5 Most Valuable Minnesota Twins Baseball Cards of All Time
The Minnesota Twins have been playing Major League Baseball since 1961. Originally the Washington Senators, the team moved to the Twin Cities in Minnesota and became the Twins. The team has seen its share of great players over the decades, and many of those legendary players have valuable baseball cards coveted by collectors.
Let’s count down the top 5 most expensive and sought-after Minnesota Twins baseball cards of all-time.
#5 - 1965 Topps Harmon Killebrew
“Killer” Harmon Killebrew was the powerful slugger who anchored the Twins lineup in the 1960s and early 1970s. His 1965 Topps baseball card depicts the muscular masher following through on his picture-perfect power swing. This popular card can sell for around $350-$500 or more in top condition.
A key card for any Twins or Killebrew collection, this vintage beauty features the Hall of Famer ready to mash another of his 573 career home runs out of the park. The clean design and crisp photography make this a must-own card for Twins collectors.
#4 - 1993 SP Derek Jeter RC #279
Wait a minute – Derek Jeter on a list of Twins collectibles? It’s true! Before he was the iconic New York Yankees shortstop, Jeter was drafted by the Twins in 1992. This infamous Jeter rookie card shows him ready to field a grounder as a minor league prospect. Believe it or not, he was the Twins’ #1 draft pick in ’92 before the team spectacularly blundered.
After deciding Jeter lacked the power they wanted, Minnesota traded the prospect to the Yankees for pitcher Jerry Nielsen who never made the majors. Ouch… Adding insult to injury, this sharp-looking Jeter rookie now sells for anywhere from $1,000 to $10,000+ in top condition. The card front also features the iconic SP foil logo that 90s collectors love.
#3 - 2012 Bowman Chrome Byron Buxton Auto RC #BCP54
Byron Buxton has been one of the highest-rated prospects in baseball throughout his career. The Twins made him the #2 overall pick in 2012, and his autographed rookie card from that year is hugely popular. This shiny “chrome” card features the blue-chipper’s on-card signature and the Bowman Chrome logo - a combo collectors covet.
With Bux still a star player for Minnesota today, his signed rookie commands $350-$600+ on the secondary market. The card displays him make a leaping grab in the outfield, hinting at the athleticism that made him such a coveted prospect. This is a modern classic for Twins fans.
#2 - 1993 Upper Deck SP #279 Kirby Puckett
Kirby Puckett was the heart and soul of the Minnesota Twins during his Hall of Fame playing career. This iconic card captures Puckett flashing his infectious smile after smacking a hit in the Metrodome. Puckett led the Twins to World Series titles in 1987 and 1991 with clutch hitting and stellar defense in center field.
The mythical home run Puckett hit to win Game 6 of the 1991 World Series cemented his spot in Twins lore forever. The 1993 Upper Deck SP pays perfect tribute to the Minnesota legend. Only 240 copies were produced, so the card is very scarce in top shape. Prices routinely hit $1,500+ when this card trades hands.
#1 - 1961 Topps #103 Harmon Killebrew RC
Sitting atop the list is the true Holy Grail for Twins collectors - Harmon Killebrew’s 1961 Topps rookie card. This vintage beauty depicts Harmon cocking his bat as he readies his smooth home run swing. The very first mainstream rookie card for the Twins legend has tremendous historical significance.
Killebrew would go on to clout 573 home runs over his career, many coming at the upper deck friendly Met in Bloomington. The 1961 Topps rookie is his key card and a foundational piece for any Twins or vintage collection. Expect to pay $3,000 or more for copies in great shape.
And there you have it – five Twins baseball card classics that every serious collector should know. The cards on this list not only have financial value but historical importance as well. They depict some of the greatest players to ever suit up for the Minnesota ball club.
Owning one of these prized cards allows you to hold an important piece of Minnesota Twins history in your hands. However, they don’t come cheap! If your budget allows, adding one of these gems is a wise investment that should only gain value over time.