Hank Aaron is a former right-fielder and one of the most accomplished stars in the history of the sport. He holds the record for the most All-Star Game selections (25), while he won the World Series in 1957 with the Atlanta Braves. Aaron remains baseball’s all-time leader in RBI (2,297) and total bases (6,856), and he’s second overall on the list of MLB home run leaders.
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He saw it all during a 23-year career at the top, with Aaron rightfully seen as a living legend in 2020. We’ve prepared a list of three of the best Hank Aaron cards in terms of price and popularity. An investment outlook also looks at the potential for future profit.
Best Hank Aaron Baseball Cards
Given the longevity of his playing career, Aaron has hundreds of collectible cards that have been released over the years. From his original RC back in ‘54, through to more recent options, here are three of the best overall.
1954 Hank Aaron Topps RC #128 (buy on eBay)
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As the only officially acknowledged rookie card of Henry Louis Aaron, the 1954 Topps should definitely be on your radar if you’re looking for his very best collectibles. Unlike later options, it lists the player by his real name, (Henry Aaron) and it also has a slightly larger card size than usual. A big profile shot sees him staring off to the left, with a bright orange background that really pops at higher grades.
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There’s a copy of his signature at the bottom, along with a black and white mini action shot of Aaron crouched over. You’ll also find a vintage Milwaukee Braves logo in the top left corner, completing the look.
It’s a set that is typified by a number of flaws, including printing dots, misaligning, poor cuts, roller marks, chips, and even staining from the packaging. Combined with the age and scarcity of high grades, it’s unsurprising to learn that a PSA 10 copy sold for $357,594 back in 2012, while even a PSA 1 will sell for a low four-figure fee. It’s a cut above anything else you’ll find, even if it is priced accordingly as his only rookie card.
1959 Hank Aaron Topps #380
If the 1954 Topps is out of your budget, you could fast forward five years to find a slightly cheaper option that is still seen as a classic card. The ‘59 Topps features a large profile image of Aaron in a circular frame, with a copy of his autograph found at the bottom.
As with the ‘54 Topps, there’s a vintage Milwaukee Braves logo, although this one is on the bottom left corner. It’s slightly strange to see his name in lowercase, but the red text contrasts well with the bright yellow background, causing the card to stand out compared to many later options.
An interesting card seen as a precursor for many later Topps sets, a copy of Aaron’s ‘59 edition is more affordable than the RC above, but it’s still valuable in its own right.
1958 Mickey Mantle & Hank Aaron Topps WS Batting Foes #418
The final card to make a list offers something different than the more traditional options listed above. This 1958 Topps card shows Aaron facing off against the legendary Mickey Mantle, and they’re noted to be ‘World Series Batting Foes’, as both men claimed the MVP award in previous years.
There’s a great shot of both players in full kit, standing side by side with their bats raised in anticipation. Their names are found at the bottom, while there’s a stadium background.
As the only card to ever feature Hank Aaron and Mickey Mantle together, it’s a critical edition in the hobby’s history. Most grading issues derive from the printing process, with defects typically found in the background behind the two stars. This leads to problems when searching for mint copies, although lower grades are reasonably inexpensive.
Checklist
- 1954 Topps RC #128
- 1955 Topps #47
- 1947 Topps #20
- 1956 Topps #31
- 1957 Topps #20
- 1958 Topps #30
- 1960 Topps #300
- 1960 Topps All-Star #566
- 1961 Topps #415
- 1962 Hank Aaron Baseball Card #320
- 1963 Hank Aaron Mays Banks Robinson Topps #3
- 1964 Topps #300
- 1964 Topps #423
- 1965 Topps #170
- 1966 Topps #500
- 1967 Topps #250
- 1969 Hank Aaron Baseball Card
- 1969 Topps Super Set Break Hank Aaron #34
- 1970 Topps #500
- 1971 Hank Aaron Baseball Card #400
- 1972 Topps #299
- 1974 Topps All-Time Homerun King #1
- 1975 Topps #1
- 1976 Topps #550
- 2018 Topps Diamonds Icon #DAHA
- 2020 Topps Transcendent HOF Hank Aaron 1954 SuperFractor Auto
- 2002 Topps Stadium Club Hank Aaron Willie Mays Auto
Hank Aaron Baseball Card Value
The value of Hank Arron’s baseball cards is set right based on his career numbers, and no foreseeable swings (up or down) are in the future.
His most valuable card is the 1954 Hank Aaron Topps rookie card as a PSA 10 will go for $350k +.
Investment Outlook
Investment Rating: Strong Buy (4.6 out of 5)
Ownership Disclosure: None
Best Hank Aaron Baseball Card: 1954 Topps Rookie Card #128
Aaron is one of the most respected former players in the game, with a legacy that stretches far beyond the baseball field. There were rumors that he passed away in 2013, but he’s still going strong as of 2020.
He recently reached the age of 86, which saw the Atlanta Technical College rename a building to ‘the Hank Aaron Academic Complex’. Aaron is a big donor to the school, and it’s one example of many in terms of his philanthropy.
The last Negro League baseball player on a major league roster when he retired, he also attempted to improve diversity in youth baseball leagues via a program called the Hank Aaron Initiative. It makes sense considering the hardships he faced, and how he paved the way for others in all walks of life.
Many of his cards have picked up in price over recent years as the oldest options get closer to their 70th year. Collectors tend to prefer vintage versions, and Aaron certainly has a range to choose from if you like the ‘50s or ‘60s cards.
From an investment perspective, they’re best served as a long-term option to be sat on for as long as possible until prices have risen accordingly. Hammerin’ Hank has many records that are sure to stay safe for now, and his cards seem to be relatively risk-free.
FAQ
Q: What is a Hank Aaron baseball card worth?
A: Depends on the year/grade… email us at value@goldcardauctions.com for a price estimated (include 2 photos at minimum)
Q: How much is a Hank Aaron special 1954-57 baseball card worth?
A: The Hank Aaron (Aaron Special 1954-57) 1974 Topps baseball card is valued between $700 to $800 at a PSA 10 grade
Q: What is the 1971 Hank Aaron braves baseball card worth?
A: The 1971 Hank Aaron Topps baseball card sold for $4,005 on 6/20/2020 PSA Grade 9