For baseball card collectors, few thrills compare to uncovering a rare gem featuring one of the game's all-time greats. This is especially true for those who root for the Oakland Athletics, a charter member of the American League with a rich history dating back to 1901.

From legends like Jimmie Foxx and Lefty Grove to more recent A's heroes such as Rickey Henderson and Mark McGwire, Oakland has fielded some of baseball's most iconic players over the past century. Naturally, collectors covet the cardboard keepsakes depicting these Athletics immortals in their primes.

Of the countless A's cards produced since the early 1900s, a handful stand out as the most sought-after and valuable for collectors. Here's a look at the top 5 priciest Oakland Athletics baseball cards of all-time - the cream of the crop for fans of the green and gold!

1. 1909-1911 T206 Eddie Collins

As one of baseball's earliest superstars, second baseman Eddie Collins starred for the Athletics during their dominant run in the 1910s. His T206 cards dating from 1909-1911 remain the Holy Grail for vintage A's collectors today.

Two factors make Collins' T206 cards so valuable:

• As a Hall of Famer and 4-time World Series champion, Collins is an all-time great.
• The T206 set is extremely popular among old-time baseball card collectors due to its gorgeous artwork and striking designs.

Of Collins' T206 cards, the one picturing him with a bat on his shoulder commands the highest prices. Mint copies of this card have sold for over $120,000 at auction. Even low-grade copies in rough shape can fetch upwards of $5,000.

2. 1948 Leaf Satchel Paige #8

One of baseball's most iconic pitchers, Satchel Paige broke into the majors late in his career with the Cleveland Indians. He joined the A's in 1965 as MLB's oldest rookie at age 59!

Paige's 1948 Leaf card pictures him during his Negro League heyday. As one of the earliest cards to feature an African American player, it carries historical significance as well as immense collector value.

High-grade copies of Paige's 1948 Leaf rookie have sold for over $75,000. Considering its rarity, even lower-grade copies in Fair or Good condition can sell for over $10,000.

3. 1954 Topps Hank Bauer #34

Hank Bauer played a pivotal role as a slugging outfielder on those great Yankees teams of the 1950s. As manager for the Athletics during their early years in Oakland, he helped build one of the best teams of the 1970s.

Bauer's 1954 Topps card features a classic pose of him swinging a bat. It remains his most valuable card from a high-grade perspective. A PSA 9 Mint copy of Bauer's '54 Topps recently sold at auction for $27,600. While lower grades fetch far less, they still trade for $1,000 or more.

4. 1968 Topps Reggie Jackson Rookie #260

"Mr. October" himself earns a spot on this list for his iconic 1968 Topps rookie. Jackson debuted with the A's in 1967 and quickly established himself as one of baseball's most feared sluggers.

Jackson's powerful stats on the back of his '68 Topps rookie - 29 home runs and 74 RBIs in his first full season - only add to its appeal. Pristine "gem mint" copies can eclipse $20,000 in today's market. Even cards graded EX-MT or VG-EX still command four- and five-figure price tags.

5. 1975 Topps George Hendrick #336

Remember, modern cards can carry serious value too! While Hendrick never achieved superstardom, he posted some strong seasons with the Athletics in the 1970s after coming up through their farm system.

The sleek 1975 Topps designs form a perfect backdrop for Hendrick's rookie card. Sharply centered copies graded PSA 10 or BGS 9.5 can sell today for over $2,500. While off-centered copies are far cheaper, they remain desirable for A's fans and 70s baseball card collectors.

Honorable Mentions

Beyond the top 5, many other vintage and modern A's cards deserve mention for their value and historical significance:

• 1948-1950 Leaf Billy Beane: The Athletics' modern architect as general manager, Beane's earliest cards as a hyped prospect command over $1,500 in top condition.
• 1957 Topps Roger Maris: Maris' second-year card features the two-time MVP and 61-homer man as an Athletics farmhand before becoming a Yankee legend.
• 1976 SSPC Joe Rudi: Part of Oakland's famed 1970s outfield, Rudi's '76 SSPC issue brings $500+ in PSA 10 condition.
• 1981 Topps Rickey Henderson: The greatest leadoff man ever, Henderson's iconic rookie is coveted by both A's and Dodgers fans.
• 1986 Donruss Jose Canseco: Canseco's Rated Rookie card remains iconic for both his prodigious power and a distinctive green tint variation.
• 1989 Upper Deck Ken Griffey Jr.: The Kid's Upper Deck rookie pictures him next to mentor Rickey Henderson during Griffey's brief stint in Oakland.

Closing Thoughts

From the deadball era to the "Bash Brothers" days, the A's boast one of baseball's most storied franchises. Their greatest players are immortalized on highly collectible cards coveted by advanced collectors and Oakland fans alike.

While prices fluctuate over time, the cards spotlighted above represent the most valuable and cherished Hall of Famers, legends, rookies and fan favorites in Athletics history. Owning any of these cards - especially in top condition - puts an Oakland collector closer to completing the ultimate A's collection.