Most iconic card from each generation

[dashcol]

I figured this would be a fun discussion to be had.

What is the most iconic card from every decade? I thought it would be interesting to see what the consensus would be for each decade listed below what the most iconic card card would be. These aren’t necessarily your favorite card, but just what card would be the card most known and most epitomizing card if that decade. I figure some would be easy and others would be a little more challenging.

Couple of rules:
1) must be of a player that made it to the majors already.
2) no 1/1 or severely limited production
3) no custom cards
4) baseball only no other sports, no non sports.

Here are the decades:

pre 1910

1909 T206 Honus Wagner

1910-1919

1914 Cracker Jack Joe Jackson

1920-1929

1921 American Caramel Babe Ruth

1930-1939

1933 Goudey #53 Babe Ruth

1940-1949

1948 Leaf #79 Jackie Robinson

1950-1959

1952 Topps #311 Mickey Mantle

1960-1969

1968 Topps #177 Jerry Koosman RC

1970-1979

1980-1989

1989 UpperDeck #1 Ken Griffey Jr RC

1990-1999

1997 UpperDeck Game Jersey Ken Griffey JR.
(Honorable mention to the 1996 Ultra Ripken GU dirt card)

2000-2009

2001 Bowman Chrome #340 Albert Pujols Auto

2010-2019

2011 Topps Update #US175 Mike Trout RC

[hermanotarjeta]

I think the 2001 bowman chrome pujols auto is more iconic than the trout.

[CCSportsCards]

89 Griffey
2011 trout

[Jedi1823]

For the sixties, I'd say 1968 Topps Nolan Ryan/Koosman.

Seventies is tough, you've got the 71 Munson, Molitor and Trammel rookie, Eddie Murray rookie, and the Brett rookie.

[Ferg1945]

T206 Honus Wagner... but it has dates listed as 1909-1911

[TheWrightStuff]

T206 Honus Wagner

1950-1959- 1952 Topps Mickey Mantle

1960-1969 - 1968 Topps Nolan Ryan RC

1970-1979

1980-1989 -1989 UD Griffey RC

1990-1999 - 1993 SP Derek Jeter

2000-2009 -- 2001 Bowman Chrome Albert Pujols Auto

2010-2019 - 2011 Topps Update Mike Trout

[bobthewondercat]

Here are the decades:



pre 1910
T206 wagner



1910-1919
1918 sporting news Ruth / turkey red Cobb?



1920-1929
Diamond stars? Cracker Jack?



1930-1939
33goudey Gehrig



1940-1949
48leaf Jackie



1950-1959



1952 Topps #311 Mickey Mantle



1960-1969
63t Pete Rose



1970-1979
76tt Oscar gamble



1980-1989
89f Rick face



1990-1999
94sp arod



2000-2009

01bc pujols


2010-2019
11tu trout

[houdini]

pre 1909 T206 Honus Wagner

10s 1914 Cracker Jack Joe Jackson

20s 1921 American Caramel Babe Ruth

30s 1933 Goudey Babe Ruth

40s 1948 Leaf Jackie Robinson

50s 1952 Topps Mickey Mantle

60s 1968 Topps Nolan Ryan

70s 1975 Topps George Brett

80s 1989 Upper Deck Ken Griffey Jr

90s 1990 Score Bo Jackson

00s 2009 BDPP Mike Trout

10s 2013 BD Kris Bryant auto (could be Ohtani or Judge or Betts or...)

[66_Fiat]

10's - '16 Sporting News Ruth
20's - ???
30's - '39 Play Ball Ted Williams
40's - '48 Leaf Jackie Robinson
60's - '68 Topps Ryan or '63 Topps Pete Rose
70's - '75 Brett
80's - '80 Topps Henderson, '82 Topps Ripken, '83 Topps Gwynn, '89 Fleer Ripken FF, or '89 UD Griffey
90's - 90 Topps Thomas NNOF, '93 SP Jeter, '94 UD Griffey/Mantle auto
00's - '01 BC Pujols auto
10's - '11 Update Trout

[Archangel1775]

1990-1999= 1989 Upper Deck #1

[Neal]

pre 1910 - T206 Wagner

1910-1919 - 1915 CJ Shoeless Joe

1920-1929 - 1921 Caramel Ruth

1930-1939 - 1933 Goudey Ruth (red or yellow)

1940-1949 - 1941 Play Ball Dimaggio

1950-1959 - 1952 Topps Mickey Mantle

1960-1969 - 1963 Rose RC

1970-1979 - 1975 Brett/1973 Schmidt

1980-1989 - 1989 UD Griffey

1990-1999 - 1993 Finest Griffey

2000-2009 - 2001 Pujols

2010-2019 - Update Trout

[dodgerfanjohn]

pre 1909 T206 Honus Wagner

10s 1914 Cracker Jack Joe Jackson

20s 1921 American Caramel Babe Ruth

30s 1933 Goudey Babe Ruth

40s 1948 Leaf Jackie Robinson

50s 1952 Topps Mickey Mantle

60s 1968 Topps Nolan Ryan

70s 1975 Topps George Brett

80s 1989 Upper Deck Ken Griffey Jr

90s 1990 Score Bo Jackson

00s 2009 BDPP Mike Trout

10s 2013 BD Kris Bryant auto (could be Ohtani or Judge or Betts or...)

This is close, but I think 93 Jeter SP for the 90’s

[Hail2TheVictors]

2010's is the Mike Trout update RC, without a doubt.

[66_Fiat]

1990-1999= 1989 Upper Deck #1

Card is so epic, it spans two decades!

[marl1220]

I think that the 1980-89 could be the 1984 Donruss Mattingly. I know that the 89 UD Griffey brought more money, but the Mattingly started a new wave of collecting interest.

[base set]

At the time, 71 Munson would be a key card for this. A revolutionary card, one could say, the best card since a certain PeeWee Reese card. But since it’s not his Rookie$$$, most people could care less about it. Only Rookie$$$ card$$$ count for anything.

[rats60]

pre 1910
t206 Honus Wagner

1910-1919
1914 Baltimore News Babe Ruth

1920-1929
1925 Exhibit Lou Gehrig

1930-1939
1933 Goudey Naploean Lajoie

1940-1949
1949 Leaf Satchel Paige

1950-1959
1952 Topps #311 Mickey Mantle

1960-1969
1963 Topps Pete Rose

1970-1979
1973 Topps Mike Schmidt

1980-1989
1989 Upper Deck Ken Griffey Jr

1990-1999
1993 SP Derek Jeter

2000-2009
2001 Bowman Chrome Draft Albert Pujols Auto

2010-2019
TBD

[rats60]

T206 Honus Wagner... but it has dates listed as 1909-1911

The set was issued in 3 series from 1909-1911, but the Wagner was in the 1st series issued between February and May of 1909.

[Cubsfanp]

Pujols 2001 Chrome is what started it all. Trout is a big card that sells for lots of money, but nothing should be ahead of the Pujols in the 2000-2009 era.

[dashcol]

The set was issued in 3 series from 1909-1911, but the Wagner was in the 1st series issued between February and May of 1909.

Look at the big brain on Brad! Looks like 1909 is the year to go with for this.

Pujols 2001 Chrome is what started it all. Trout is a big card that sells for lots of money, but nothing should be ahead of the Pujols in the 2000-2009 era.

Many people have corrected me on this. How could I have forgotten that the only reason BC Autos are really as big as they are is because of the Pujols.

[dashcol]

pre 1909 T206 Honus Wagner

10s 1914 Cracker Jack Joe Jackson

20s 1921 American Caramel Babe Ruth

30s 1933 Goudey Babe Ruth

40s 1948 Leaf Jackie Robinson

50s 1952 Topps Mickey Mantle

60s 1968 Topps Nolan Ryan

70s 1975 Topps George Brett

80s 1989 Upper Deck Ken Griffey Jr

90s 1990 Score Bo Jackson

00s 2009 BDPP Mike Trout

10s 2013 BD Kris Bryant auto (could be Ohtani or Judge or Betts or...)


I agree with you for the 1960s and before, not sure about Brett being the most iconic 70s card but it is in the running to say so.

I am surprised how different we are when it comes to the modern.

What makes you think the 1990 abo is more iconic than the 93 SP Jeter or 91 Deserr Storm Chipper? Am I missing something about the Bo card?

IMO no way the 2011 Update Trout is beat out by anything. I still think Ohtani and Judge will end up fizzling out as the years go on, but the Trout RC will end up becoming the next 52 Mantle.

[66_Fiat]

What makes you think the 1990 Bo is more iconic than the 93 SP Jeter or 91 Desert Storm Chipper? Am I missing something about the Bo card?

I almost listed the Bo card myself. If it would have been an SP inserted in packs like the 91 UD Jordan, then I would have considered it. However, it came with every Score set. Definitely iconic, but would be moreso if rarer.

Also, good add on the Chipper. I completely forgot about that one.

[hermanotarjeta]

We should have a pre-1900 category as well - 1888 Goodwin champions cap anson.

[hermanotarjeta]

Also, technically speaking given the rules of your poll, jeter hadn’t played in the majors yet when his sp came out, so I must give the nod to the sp arod.

I will also give a vote to George Brett, but honorably mention 73 Clemente.

[mfw13]

Boring list....the "iconic" card of pretty much every post-WWII decade is simply the RC of the decade's best rookie.

You want to make it interesting.....how about the most iconic card from each decade that is NOT a rookie card.

Fifities - 1953 Topps Jackie Robinson
Sixties - 1968 Topps 3D Roberto Clemente
Seventies - 1976 Topps Johnny Bench
Eighties - 1987 Topps Jose Canseco

[smapdi]

I can't believe I'm saying this, but this list looks good so far. I might suggest a card for the 30s than another Ruth, like 38 Goudey Heads-Up Joe DiMaggio. The cartoony artwork fits the era, and Joe D is woefully underrepresented on cards during his career.

And a suggestion for the 1970s would be the 1975 Brett RC. I'd prefer a Schmidt but his RC is blah to look at. Although, personally, the 1975 Schmidt is one of my most favorite cards ever and I'd consider it iconic but few others would. Or else a 1972 Topps Steve Carlton High Number. The design, the "TRADED" stamp, the preeminence of the player all work. Or 1977 Topps Reggie Jackson. He was so huge at the time, and the airbrushed Yankees card is a complete insult to Baltimore.

Also, adding a 19th Century slot, with Cap Anson's 1887 A&G in it.

[no10pin]

Boring list....the "iconic" card of pretty much every post-WWII decade is simply the RC of the decade's best rookie.

You want to make it interesting.....how about the most iconic card from each decade that is NOT a rookie card.

Fifities - 1953 Topps Jackie Robinson
Sixties - 1968 Topps 3D Roberto Clemente
Seventies - 1976 Topps Johnny Bench
Eighties - 1987 Topps Jose Canseco

You put the '76 Bench over the '71 Munson for non-rookie cards?

Also, as has been pointed out many many times, the '52 Mantle isn't technically a rookie card.

[GreatAlbert]

List looks good to me. Brett for the 70s. Wasn’t alive then, but from what I’ve learned in history classes and life, the colors of the set do the disco decade well.

[rats60]

I can't believe I'm saying this, but this list looks good so far. I might suggest a card for the 30s than another Ruth, like 38 Goudey Heads-Up Joe DiMaggio. The cartoony artwork fits the era, and Joe D is woefully underrepresented on cards during his career.

And a suggestion for the 1970s would be the 1975 Brett RC. I'd prefer a Schmidt but his RC is blah to look at. Although, personally, the 1975 Schmidt is one of my most favorite cards ever and I'd consider it iconic but few others would. Or else a 1972 Topps Steve Carlton High Number. The design, the "TRADED" stamp, the preeminence of the player all work. Or 1977 Topps Reggie Jackson. He was so huge at the time, and the airbrushed Yankees card is a complete insult to Baltimore.

Also, adding a 19th Century slot, with Cap Anson's 1887 A&G in it.

Couldn't disagree more. There is only one choice for the 30s, the 1933 Goudey Lajoie. It is the key card to the 1933 Goudey set being short printed and only sent to collectors when they complained about number 106 missing. It is one of the top 3 cards in the hobby, along with the t206 Wagner and Plank. It sold for thousands of dollars in the 1970s and a PSA 2 sold for 33k last year.

[dashcol]

We should have a pre-1900 category as well - 1888 Goodwin champions cap anson.

Also, technically speaking given the rules of your poll, jeter hadn’t played in the majors yet when his sp came out, so I must give the nod to the sp arod.

I will also give a vote to George Brett, but honorably mention 73 Clemente.

Good call on the pre 1900 being a category. I will make 1900-1909 and pre 1900 to split them out.

What I meant in the rules was that it needs to be a guy who has played in the majors at some point. Really what I wanted to eliminate was those adding BC prospect cards as the iconic cards. Didn’t want a Vlad JR card to try to weasel it’s way up there when he hasn’t earned it yet.

[dashcol]

Boring list....the "iconic" card of pretty much every post-WWII decade is simply the RC of the decade's best rookie.

You want to make it interesting.....how about the most iconic card from each decade that is NOT a rookie card.

Fifities - 1953 Topps Jackie Robinson
Sixties - 1968 Topps 3D Roberto Clemente
Seventies - 1976 Topps Johnny Bench
Eighties - 1987 Topps Jose Canseco

I do not consider RCs boring, but I can see your point. An argument can be made for many RCs on the list for why it is iconic:

2001 BC Pujols is really the card that brought prospecting into mainstream collecting and launched BC into what it is today.

1989 UD Griffey was the first card of the first UD set, which again revolutionized the hobby and brought a high end into the mix.

2011 Update Trout really revamped the RC and breathed new life into the RC side of collecting.

[dashcol]

Couldn't disagree more. There is only one choice for the 30s, the 1933 Goudey Lajoie. It is the key card to the 1933 Goudey set being short printed and only sent to collectors when they complained about number 106 missing. It is one of the top 3 cards in the hobby, along with the t206 Wagner and Plank. It sold for thousands of dollars in the 1970s and a PSA 2 sold for 33k last year.

Wow, can’t believe I forgot about the Lajoie! That is definitely the hardest card of the set, but does it make it iconic?

How many non vintage clectors would even recognize the Lajoie card for what it is and how rare it is to find? I think this card is a great example of the card being more expensive and more rare but not more iconic. How many clectors both of modern and vintage would not recognize the 33 Goudey Ruth?

[marl1220]

1900-10
T-206 Wagner

1911-19
"15 Cracker Jack Joe Jackson

1920-29
----------

1930-39
'39 Play Ball Ted Williams

1940-49
'48 Leaf Jackie Robinson

1950-59
'52 Topps Mantle

1960-69
'69 White letters Topps Mantle

1970-79
'75 Topps Brett

1980-89
'84 Donruss Mattingly (I know I'll get killed on this one)

1990-99
'93 SP Jeter

2000-2009
'09 Bowman Trout Auto

[unclemonkey]

Funny... I was thinking of the same thing.

Keep it coming.

I had it in my mind to construct a wish list portfolio of about 50 for each sport (max 250), with hopes of collecting them all...

I would think 1990 Topps #414 Frank Thomas NNOF justifies a spot.

[rats60]

Wow, can’t believe I forgot about the Lajoie! That is definitely the hardest card of the set, but does it make it iconic?

How many non vintage clectors would even recognize the Lajoie card for what it is and how rare it is to find? I think this card is a great example of the card being more expensive and more rare but not more iconic. How many clectors both of modern and vintage would not recognize the 33 Goudey Ruth?

I don't know. I guess many modern collectors wouldn't know any of the vintage cards on your list except maybe the Wagner and Mantle. If you put up pictures of the 4 Ruth Goudeys, do you really think many collectors would know which is #53, #144, #149 or #181 without looking it up? Or better yet, don't give them the number and show them a picture and ask what card number that card has.

Any prewar collector would instantly know the Lajoie and the story behind the card. For many years it was the 2nd most expensive card in the hobby. Anytime it appears at auction, it is going to be one of the highlighted lots. In the last Goodwin auction, it was lot #2, behind only a singled signed Christy Mathewson ball, ahead of a Ruth RC. If that isn't iconic, then I don't know what is.

Do you really think most collectors even know what the American Carmel Ruth looks like? Or how many versions of the card there is? On the other hand the Gehrig Exhibit has been one of the hottest cards in the hobby the last few years. If you are going to pick Ruth cards, why not pick one of his "rookie" cards instead of cards from later in his career?

[TimmyWeiss]

A question in relation to the 09 Trout. I was out of the hobby game between 05-13.

Was this a card that was hunted back in 09 or later when he broke?

If later, I would say that it would a case against the card and push the Pujos.

A lot of these iconic cards felt iconic when they were in packs. I know Griffey, Jeter, Mattingly, and Brett were just huge cards when were released.

[speedyjg13]

A question in relation to the 09 Trout. I was out of the hobby game between 05-13.

Was this a card that was hunted back in 09 or later when he broke?

If later, I would say that it would a case against the card and push the Pujos.

A lot of these iconic cards felt iconic when they were in packs. I know Griffey, Jeter, Mattingly, and Brett were just huge cards when were released.

The 09 Trout was hunted during and after his 2012 season. At time of release, the base autos were selling for no more than $10.00 delivered.

The 2001 BC Pujols auto is definetly the main card from 2000-2010

[dashcol]

I don't know. I guess many modern collectors wouldn't know any of the vintage cards on your list except maybe the Wagner and Mantle. If you put up pictures of the 4 Ruth Goudeys, do you really think many collectors would know which is #53, #144, #149 or #181 without looking it up? Or better yet, don't give them the number and show them a picture and ask what card number that card has.

Any prewar collector would instantly know the Lajoie and the story behind the card. For many years it was the 2nd most expensive card in the hobby. Anytime it appears at auction, it is going to be one of the highlighted lots. In the last Goodwin auction, it was lot #2, behind only a singled signed Christy Mathewson ball, ahead of a Ruth RC. If that isn't iconic, then I don't know what is.

Do you really think most collectors even know what the American Carmel Ruth looks like? Or how many versions of the card there is? On the other hand the Gehrig Exhibit has been one of the hottest cards in the hobby the last few years. If you are going to pick Ruth cards, why not pick one of his "rookie" cards instead of cards from later in his career?


All very valid points. I don’t know if I could give you the numbers to any other Ruth other than #53. So that is valid, but collectors would be able to at least recognize the card. At least a large amount would I guess, as for the Lajoie, I don’t know how many non vintage collectors would recognize the card. It goes for that much at auction because those auctions are geared towards the high end vintage collector, not the average collector. I do think it is an important card, but not sure if it is THE iconic card from the decade. This is a list for the consensus for what card, not just my opinion, so if enough people weigh in to say Lajoie over Ruth, then I will gladly change it.

[Cubsfanp]

Also...the OP makes no mention of just being about baseball cards. I know it is the baseball section, but just throwing it out there.

The Jordan RC for the 80's would be the only card i would swap, if all sports were in discussion though...and i could even make a case for a pokemon card for the 90's if we were expanding to non sport.

[dashcol]

Also...the OP makes no mention of just being about baseball cards. I know it is the baseball section, but just throwing it out there.

The Jordan RC for the 80's would be the only card i would swap, if all sports were in discussion though...and i could even make a case for a pokemon card for the 90's if we were expanding to non sport.

Yeah, sorry was really just talking Baseball.

[superdan49]

1940-49
'48 Leaf Jackie Robinson


I consider the '48 Leaf #3 Babe Ruth more iconic than the Robinson. (The '48 Leaf has them beat in monetary value, but Jackie's '52-'56 Topps cards are much more 'iconic'.) Also in the running for this decade is the '41 Play Ball #71 Joe DiMaggio.

[titletowncards]

'71 Munson is the iconic card of the 1970's. The photo is awesome, black borders make high grades difficult and expensive. And he's a Yankee.

[REGGIE206]

50-59: 52 Topps Mantle

60-69: 68 Topps Nolan Ryan RC

70-79: 75 Topps George Brett RC

80-89: 89 UD Griffey RC

90-99: 93 SP Jeter RC

00-09: 01 BC Pujols RC

10-?: 11 Topps Update Trout RC

[Rorschach]

There are so many more iconic 80s cards in comparison to all of the other decades.

I agree with the other poster that we should have a non-RC category too.

[speedyjg13]

50-59: 52 Topps Mantle

60-69: 68 Topps Nolan Ryan RC

70-79: 75 Topps George Brett RC

80-89: 89 UD Griffey RC

90-99: 93 SP Jeter RC

00-09: 01 BC Pujols RC

10-?: 11 Topps Update Trout RC


This right here

[crohrer]

For the 90’s would the Jeter SP be that iconic if it wasn’t for the grading aspect of the hobby? High grades on a Super condition sensitive set makes it sought after.

The 1990 Score Bo Jackson is an iconic card! If you were collecting in 1990 that was the card to have. In 1993 Jeter SP’s were nothing special. Heck I think the 1992 Topps Brien Taylor was more iconic to that decade.

[dashcol]

I consider the '48 Leaf #3 Babe Ruth more iconic than the Robinson. (The '48 Leaf has them beat in monetary value, but Jackie's '52-'56 Topps cards are much more 'iconic'.) Also in the running for this decade is the '41 Play Ball #71 Joe DiMaggio.

I do love the ‘41 playball set! The Jackie RC is so more iconic IMHO based on what it means in both baseball and in real world events. That card will always be iconic just based on what Jackie did for the nation not just baseball. I think that would make it more iconic than the ‘41 playball set.

If the majority say to replace it then replace it I will!

[Archangel1775]

I think that the 1980-89 could be the 1984 Donruss Mattingly. I know that the 89 UD Griffey brought more money, but the Mattingly started a new wave of collecting interest.

That's why the 89 UD Griffey should fall into the 90's. The Mattingly was THE card in the hobby during the boom. The Girffey has the same impact. Matter in fact, the Mattingly and McGwire should be the top 2.

[dashcol]

There are so many more iconic 80s cards in comparison to all of the other decades.

I agree with the other poster that we should have a non-RC category too.

Choosing the 89 Griffey I don’t think is about it being his RC, it is about being the start of UD, and that set changing the hobby for ever. It is what set New standards in all cards. I want the list to really be the cards from each decade the both epitomized the decade, and has done something to change the hobby or set the stage for something else to happen. That won’t always be possible for all generations, but IMO it is possible for everything 1980 on.

[dashcol]

For the 90’s would the Jeter SP be that iconic if it wasn’t for the grading aspect of the hobby? High grades on a Super condition sensitive set makes it sought after.

The 1990 Score Bo Jackson is an iconic card! If you were collecting in 1990 that was the card to have. In 1993 Jeter SP’s were nothing special. Heck I think the 1992 Topps Brien Taylor was more iconic to that decade.

I chose the 1997 Ken Griffey jersey as the first game used card inserted into packs. To me that is iconic, but it seems more people are leaning towards the 1990 Score Bo, so I may be leaning that way.

[Archangel1775]

2011 Topps Update Mike Trout
2001 Bowman Chrome Albert Pujols
1989 Upper Deck Ken Girffey Jr.(1990 Leaf Frank Thomas a close second)
1984 Donruss Don Mattingly(85 Topps McGwire a close second)
1975 Topps George Brett
1963 Topps Pete Rose(68 Ryan a close second)
1952 Topps Mickey Mantle

[TheLastDude]

70s George Brett RC
80s Billy Ripken "F Face"
90s Score Bo Jackson