🏆 Top 10 Most Valuable PSA Graded Sports Cards Ever Sold
In the world of sports collectibles, PSA graded trading cards are the gold standard. Whether you’re a die-hard collector or a curious investor, understanding which cards hold the most value can help shape your strategy and ignite your passion for collecting.
Below is a definitive list of the Top 10 highest-selling PSA graded cards of all time, including legends from baseball, basketball, football, and more.
1. 1952 Topps Mickey Mantle #311 – PSA 9
đź’° Sold For: $12.6 Million (2022)
Often referred to as the holy grail of modern baseball cards, this Mantle rookie card is not even a PSA 10 — but its iconic status and scarcity at high grades made it the most expensive sports card ever sold.
2. 1909 T206 Honus Wagner – PSA 3
đź’° Sold For: $7.25 Million (2022)
The legendary Honus Wagner T206 card is revered as the rarest and most desirable in the hobby. With only about 50 known to exist, even a PSA 3 fetched over $7M. It’s a symbol of baseball card royalty.
3. 2003-04 Upper Deck Exquisite LeBron James RPA – PSA 9/BGS 9
đź’° Sold For: $5.2 Million
LeBron’s rookie patch autograph (RPA) cards are some of the most valuable modern basketball cards. This one featured a limited run, game-used jersey patch, and bold on-card autograph — a dream for collectors.
4. 2009 Bowman Chrome Mike Trout Auto Superfractor – PSA 10
đź’° Sold For: $3.93 Million (2020)
Nicknamed “The Millville Meteor,” Mike Trout's 1/1 Superfractor rookie card broke records as the highest-selling modern baseball card at the time. A PSA 10 on a card this rare makes it nearly untouchable.
5. 1997-98 Metal Universe Precious Metal Gems Green Michael Jordan – PSA Authentic
đź’° Sold For: $915,000+
One of the rarest MJ cards ever made — limited to just 10 copies. This PMG Green edition is a grail among basketball collectors and commands jaw-dropping prices even without a high PSA score.
6. 1986 Fleer Michael Jordan Rookie Card – PSA 10
đź’° Sold For: $738,000+ (2021)
Arguably the most iconic basketball rookie card of all time. With fewer than 320 PSA 10s in existence, demand for pristine versions continues to surge as new generations discover Jordan’s greatness.
7. 1933 Goudey Babe Ruth #53 – PSA 9
đź’° Sold For: $4.2 Million (Private Sale)
One of several Goudey Ruth cards from 1933, this PSA 9 edition fetched a fortune due to its high grade and the player’s immortal status in baseball history.
8. 2017 National Treasures Patrick Mahomes RPA – PSA 10/BGS 9.5
đź’° Sold For: $4.3 Million
With Mahomes redefining what’s possible at quarterback, his rookie patch auto cards are soaring. This ultra-rare National Treasures card has set the standard for modern football card value.
9. 2000 Playoff Contenders Tom Brady Auto Rookie Ticket – PSA 10
đź’° Sold For: $2.25 Million
The GOAT's most coveted rookie card, signed and graded PSA 10, is a must-have for high-end NFL collectors. Scarce supply and sustained demand keep pushing it higher.
10. 1979 O-Pee-Chee Wayne Gretzky Rookie Card – PSA 10
đź’° Sold For: $3.75 Million
This is the only PSA 10 of Gretzky’s O-Pee-Chee rookie known to exist. It broke hockey records and solidified itself as the single greatest hockey card in existence.
🤔 Why Are PSA Graded Cards So Valuable?
PSA (Professional Sports Authenticator) is the leading grading service in the hobby. Their trusted system verifies authenticity and assigns a 1–10 condition grade that directly impacts the card’s resale value. High-grade cards (especially PSA 10s) are scarce, highly liquid, and often appreciate over time.
Factors that affect value:
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Player legacy (GOATs like Jordan, Brady, Mantle)
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Rarity (limited print runs, serial numbers, 1-of-1s)
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Condition (PSA 9–10 are investment-grade)
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Autograph & patch features
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Cultural or historical significance
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