Rookie Cards have been a favorite of sports fans and collectors alike for decades. Over the years, some of the most valuable Rookie Cards have been sold for staggering amounts of money. In fact, the most expensive Rookie Card ever sold was for New York Yankees player, Mickey Mantle.

Mantle’s iconic 1952 Topps Rookie Card was sold at auction in 2018 for a record-breaking $2.88 million. The card features a young Mantle posing with his bat over his left shoulder, and has been graded a near-perfect 9.6 out of 10 by professional grading service PSA.

The value of this card can be attributed to a number of factors, including its historical significance and rarity. The Topps baseball card company was just starting out in 1952 and only produced a limited number of Mantle’s Rookie Cards, making them one of the most sought-after sports memorabilia items in the world. Additionally, Mantle’s status as one of the greatest baseball players of all time adds to the card’s value.

Interestingly, the record-breaking sale of this Rookie Card wasn’t the first time it had set a new benchmark. In 2016, another copy of the same card sold for $1.13 million, a price that was nearly double the previous record for a Mantle Rookie Card.

While the value of Mickey Mantle’s 1952 Topps Rookie Card is undoubtedly impressive, it is just one example of the ever-evolving Rookie Card market. As more athletes emerge as stars in their respective sports, their Rookie Cards will continue to increase in value, with some even breaking the records set by iconic cards like the 1952 Mantle.

For collectors, owning a piece of sports history like a Rookie Card can be a thrilling and rewarding experience. And with prices reaching new heights every year, it’s clear that the market for these items shows no signs of slowing down.