Most Valuable 1950s & 1960s Football Rookie Cards: Price Guide & Complete List
Discover the best and most expensive vintage 1950s & 60s (plus few extra) football rookie cards
This guide reviews the most iconic football rookie cards ranging from 1935 to 1976 and with brands such as National Chicle, Topps, and Leaf. Included is a description of the player, image of the card, and value based on condition.
1935 National Chicle Bronco Nagurski #34
Bronco Nagurski was a monster for the Chicago Bears. He played both fullback and defensive tackle. At 6'2'' and 230 lbs, he was a load to bring down. Many opposing players stated it was like trying to tackle a freight train going down hill. He would go on to win 3 NFL championships and was selected 1st team all-pro 4 times during his 9 year career. Nagurski was elected to the Hall of Fame during its inaugural year. The 1935 National Chicle set is regarding as the popular football set of all time. It features many of the games biggest names from the time frame, which none being bigger than Nagurski. This card is considered the most valuable and important football rookie card in the hobby. In addition to the star power of Nagurski, this card is also from the scare high number series of the set. PSA has graded just over 200 copies of the card.
Card Value: low grade $8,000 to $20,000, mid grade $30,000 to $60,000, high grade $75,000+
1948 Leaf Sammy Baugh #34
"Slinging" Sammy Baugh was drafted by Washington in the 1937 NFL draft and immediately revolutionized the game. He utilized the forward pass more than anyone had previously, and as a result helped make Washington a dynasty in the late 1930s-40s. He broke the season passing record during his rookie year, throwing for 1,127 yards. That was a sign of good things to come. Baugh would lead his team to 5 championships and he was selected a 1st team all-pro 7 times. His rookie card is from the colorful 1948 Leaf series.
Card Value: low grade $150 to $300, mid grade $450 to $1,500, high grade $3,000+
1957 Topps Bart Starr #119
Bart Starr was simply a winner. He helped lead the Packers to victories in the first 2 Super Bowls ever played, being named MVP in both games. He would go on to win 5 championships in his career and finished with a post-season record of 9-1. He has the second highest post-season passer rating of all time. Starr was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1967. His rookie card is from the 1957 Topps set, and is one of the key cards.
Card Value: low grade $200 to $500, mid grade $600 to $1,500, high grade $2,500+
1957 Topps Johnny Unitas #138
"Johnny U" is known as one of the best players and quarterbacks of all time. Unitas won 3 championships as well as 3 MVP awards. He was also a 5 time first team all-pro and was selected to 10 pro bowls. Unitas would finish his career with over 40,000 passing yards and 290 passing touchdowns. His rookie is also from the 1957 set, and is one of the key cards.
Card Value: low grade $150 to $300, mid grade $400 to $700, high grade $1,500+
1957 Topps Paul Hornung #151
"The Golden Boy" was an exceptional athlete who played football and basketball at Notre Dame. The Green Bay Packers drafted him and slotted him at halfback and kicker. He would be part of 4 Super Bowl winning teams during his career. He also led the league in points 3 times. Legendary coach Vince Lombardi called Hornung the greatest player he ever coached. He would be elected into the Hall of Fame in 1986. His rookie card is also from the 1957 Topps set.
Card Value: low grade $75 to $125, mid grade $175 to $600, high grade $1,200+
1958 Topps Jim Brown #62
Jim Brown is widely regarding as the best football player of all time. He played 9 seasons in professional football, and he was selected an all-pro every season he played. He also led the league is rushing in 8 out his nine seasons. Brown was also a 3 time MVP winner. He finished he career with 12,312 yards and 106 rushing touchdowns. What makes his statistics even more impressive is the fact the pro teams played only 12 games a season until 1961, when the schedule switched to 14 games. Brown's rookie card, from the 1958 Topps set, is one of the most desirable football rookies from any era. High grade examples of this cards are difficult to come by, as the set is plagued by centering and surface print issues. Centered copies carry a large premium.
Card Value: low grade $400 to $750, mid grade $850 to $2,500, high grade $4,500+
1962 Topps Mike Ditka #17
Mike Ditka is best known for his time as the Chicago Bears coach and as an analyst, but he was an exception football player as well. He was drafted by the Bears with their first round selection in 1961, and quickly changed the tight end position. He caught 75 passes during the 1964 season, which was a record which stood until 1980. Ditka played 12 seasons and finished with 427 receptions, 5,812 yards, and 43 touchdowns. His rookie card is from the 1962 Topps set. This set is extremely condition sensitive, as the black borders tend so show any card damage. This makes high grade examples extremely valuable and sought after.
Card Value: low grade $100 to $175, mid grade $225 to $600, high grade $1,500+
1965 Topps Joe Namath #122
"Broadway Joe" was the toast of New York in the 1960s and 70s. Namath was probably more popular off the field than on the field. He had charisma, style, and personality, to go along with athletic ability. He is best known for guaranteeing the Jets would beat the Colts in Super Bowl III, despite being 20 point underdogs. He would lead the Jets to a 16-7 victory and forever be remembered for this feat. Namath was also a prolific passer, as evidence of him being the first quarterback to ever pass for over 4,000 yards in a season. He would be enshrined in the Hall of Fame in 1985. His rookie, the key to the 1965 Topps "Tall Boy" set, is a short print which is valuable in any condition.
Card Value: low grade $1,000 to $1,500, mid grade $2,500 to $5,000, high grade $10,000+
1976 Topps Walter Payton #148
Walter Payton, nicknamed "Sweetness"for his running style, was one of the greatest running backs in NFL history. He was a true superstar. Payton finished his career with 16,726 rushing yards, 4,538 receiving yards, and 125 total touchdowns. At one point in his career he lead the league in rushing 5 consecutive years. He also won 2 league MVP awards. All this was done with defenses fully focusing on him, as the Bears offenses didn't have many other options the defense feared. Incredibly, he finished with over 1,000 yards rushing in 10 of his 13 seasons. His rookie card is from the 1976 Topps set and features a great close up image of Payton. While certainly not rare, the card is still highly desirable and the most sought after rookies card of the 1970s.
Card Value: low grade $100 to $150, mid grade $200 to $400, high grade $500+