Top 10 Most Iconic Sports Cards in the World

[yrozmaryn]

Curious what people think are the Top 10 (in order) more iconic & recognizable sports cards in the world. Obviously people will feel differently based on the era but i'm gonna give it a whirl.

1) 1952 Topps Mickey Mantle
2) 1986 Fleer Michael Jordan
3) 1989 Upper Deck Ken Griffey Jr
4) 1909-11 T206 Honus Wagner
5) 1968 Topps Nolan Ryan
6) 1979 OPC Wayne Gretzky
7) 1933 Goudey Babe Ruth
8) 2003 LeBron James Exquisite RPA
9) 1993 Derek Jeter SP
10) 1980 Magic/Bird

Honorable Mentions: 1963 Topps Pete Rose, 1985 Topps Mark McGwire, 1996 Topps Chrome Kobe Chrome.

[Kio80]

I might be in the minority but I think the 2003 Lebron Topps chrome #111 may be more “iconic” than the Lebron exquisite RPA


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[LC2nine10]

I might be in the minority but I think the 2003 Lebron Topps chrome #111 may be more “iconic” than the Lebron exquisite RPA


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I think i agree.
I dont think the avg. Random pubic has a real sense of the prestige of exquisite, while the chrome is "abundant". Like the jordan kinda. Sometimes thigs are too rare to really grab the publics attention.

[gowizards0]

2019 Zion Prizm

[asujbl]

Usually I would agree that most valuable doesn't mean most iconic...

Jordan Fleer is more iconic than the Star
Griffey UD is more iconic than Topps Tiffany or Fleer Glossy

I do thought think LeBron Exquisite is well known enough that it is more iconic than the Topps Chrome.

I can see both sides though since one of those 99.99999% of people will never own.

[bjho852]

How about 1997-98 UD Game Jersey autograph card of Michael Jordan (/23)?

[LC2nine10]

^true that.


Id add that tiger woods card, for a none big 4 sports card it is/was insane.

[Kio80]

Usually I would agree that most valuable doesn't mean most iconic...

Jordan Fleer is more iconic than the Star
Griffey UD is more iconic than Topps Tiffany or Fleer Glossy

I do thought think LeBron Exquisite is well known enough that it is more iconic than the Topps Chrome.

I can see both sides though since one of those 99.99999% of people will never own.



According to that logic, does that mean the Jordan PMG is more iconic than the Jordan Fleer?



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[asujbl]

According to that logic, does that mean the Jordan PMG is more iconic than the Jordan Fleer?



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This makes no sense.

I clearly wasn't implying anything like that

[MJGOAT23]

Curious what people think are the Top 10 (in order) more iconic & recognizable sports cards in the world. Obviously people will feel differently based on the era but i'm gonna give it a whirl.

1) 1952 Topps Mickey Mantle
2) 1986 Fleer Michael Jordan
3) 1989 Upper Deck Ken Griffey Jr
4) 1909-11 T206 Honus Wagner
5) 1968 Topps Nolan Ryan
6) 1979 OPC Wayne Gretzky
7) 1933 Goudey Babe Ruth
8) 2003 LeBron James Exquisite RPA
9) 1993 Derek Jeter SP
10) 1980 Magic/Bird

Honorable Mentions: 1963 Topps Pete Rose, 1985 Topps Mark McGwire, 1996 Topps Chrome Kobe Chrome.

Interesting that football is the most popular sport to watch yet not a single FB player on this list. Not even a Brady issue. I think the list is pretty good and accurate though.

[Deadshot]

Usually I would agree that most valuable doesn't mean most iconic...

Jordan Fleer is more iconic than the Star
Griffey UD is more iconic than Topps Tiffany or Fleer Glossy

I do thought think LeBron Exquisite is well known enough that it is more iconic than the Topps Chrome.

I can see both sides though since one of those 99.99999% of people will never own.

Agree with the bolded part specifically. Exquisite has always been a big deal. The Chrome rookie is really just gaining major momentum.

[Kio80]

This makes no sense.

I clearly wasn't implying anything like that



All I am saying is, if you think the Lebron exquisite is more iconic than the Topps chrome, then the Jordan PMG is definitely up for debate as to whether or not it is more iconic than the Jordan fleer

It also makes a difference whether if the cards are more iconic to the general public, or to collectors only, if it’s the later, then I agree that you are probably right.

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[yrozmaryn]

Thanks, I was gonna put either the 1978 Walter Payton, 1986 Jerry Rice, or 2000 Brady Contenders on there but I just dont see it overtaking some of the others.

[asujbl]

All I am saying is, if you think the Lebron exquisite is more iconic than the Topps chrome, then the Jordan PMG is definitely up for debate as to whether or not it is more iconic than the Jordan fleer


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Completely disagree.

There are tons of collectors (myself included) that have no clue what a Jordan PMG even is.

There are very few collectors, even if they don't collect Basketball, that don't know what the LeBron Exquisite RPA is

The LeBron Exquisite transcends sports... like the Jordan Fleer does.

Jordan PMG does it (at least not to the same level)

[yrozmaryn]

All I am saying is, if you think the Lebron exquisite is more iconic than the Topps chrome, then the Jordan PMG is definitely up for debate as to whether or not it is more iconic than the Jordan fleer


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I respectfully disagree.
I think the LeBron exquisite (regardless of the value compared to TC) was a revolutionary product that became the style for future top rookie cards (patch/auto rc numbered to 99)

The PMG is a unique one-off and super incredible but overall possibly less recognizable or iconic.

[miscus555]

the cards that pop in my head quickly without thinking

1-1986 Jordan
2- 1985 Mcgwire
3-1952 Mantle
4-Honus Wagner
5-1979 Gretzky
6-1986 Donruss Canseco
7-1981 montana
8-1989 griffey UD
9-barry sanders score rookie
10-

i can't do the last one. I was thinking of what card pops in my head visually like i know exactly what it looks like if someone said 1986 Canseco rookie to me.

The griffey, canseco, and mcgwire represent the baseball card boom and its hard to deny their image in your head lol
scary thought

[pskell02]

Wagner has to be first. The average Joe that never has collected cards has probably heard the story of the Wagner. Much more so than even those that know about the '52 Mantle. To me the Wagner is the most recognizable and iconic card of all of them.

[pennywise]

There are tons of collectors (myself included) that have no clue what a Jordan PMG even is.

There are very few collectors, even if they don't collect Basketball, that don't know what the LeBron Exquisite RPA is

The LeBron Exquisite transcends sports... like the Jordan Fleer does.

Yourself included? So you have no clue what a Jordan PMG is?:confused:

I have to disagree about the Exquisite being more "iconic" than his Chrome RC. I think the Chrome is more iconic/recognizable by default, due to mass exposure and the chase-factor that the average Joe collector experienced when breaking the product on release.

And circling back to the PMG, I'd argue that the Jordan PMG is even more iconic/recognizable than the LeBron RPA, at least in my age group (30yo+) and the fringe collectors I know that I could have this conversation with. If you're younger than 30, you might be inclined to think the RPA is the more iconic/recognizable card of the two. And you wouldn't be wrong because everybody has their own definition of "iconic" and everyone's take is subjective. We can't measure iconicism.

There are obviously exceptions to the age thing, because not every collector of the same age collected at the same time.

[ShaneFalco]

^true that.


Id add that tiger woods card, for a none big 4 sports card it is/was insane.

2001 Upper Deck Golf Tiger Woods rookie card is ICONIC and should be included in this list. I still have a couple dozen of these ready to go for PSA.
https://media.giphy.com/media/62av886tdCVYk/giphy.gif

[TraderJake]

Maybe 1996-97 Kobe Topps Chrome? Even at the time it was impossible to find wax and this card has basically been iconic ever since it was printed. The Lebron Chrome has exploded lately but was somewhat overshadowed at the time by UD autograph issues.

[asujbl]

Yourself included? So you have no clue what a Jordan PMG is?:confused:

I have to disagree about the Exquisite being more "iconic" than his Chrome RC. I think the Chrome is more iconic/recognizable by default, due to mass exposure and the chase-factor that the average Joe collector experienced when breaking the product on release.

And circling back to the PMG, I'd argue that the Jordan PMG is even more iconic/recognizable than the LeBron RPA, at least in my age group (30yo+) and the fringe collectors I know that I could have this conversation with. If you're younger than 30, you might be inclined to think the RPA is the more iconic/recognizable card of the two. And you wouldn't be wrong because everybody has their own definition of "iconic" and everyone's take is subjective. We can't measure iconicism.

There are obviously exceptions to the age thing, because not every collector of the same age collected at the same time.

I'm definitely not younger than 30

And I completely disagree that if you started discussing the LeBron EXQ and the Jordan PMG with a guy that only collects Baseball? or only collects Hockey? He'll know exactly what the Exquisite RPA is

I don't think that's the case with the PMG

[yrozmaryn]

Agreed in Tiger 2001 SP Authentic Auto Rc. I had considered it as well, would be in top 15. Pujols Chrome 01’ and Frank Thomas 90’ Leaf were also considerations

[yrozmaryn]

Mattingly 84’ donruss as well

[codered]

I respectfully disagree.
I think the LeBron exquisite (regardless of the value compared to TC) was a revolutionary product that became the style for future top rookie cards (patch/auto rc numbered to 99)

The PMG is a unique one-off and super incredible but overall possibly less recognizable or iconic.

^^^^this!!!

Add in the fact that it’s the signature card of the first release of the most iconic high end brand in sports card history it easily trumps his chrome rookie. I’d argue the Kobe Chrome is more iconic than the lebron for the same reason (iconic 1st release, signature card).

[Willikn]

1981 Montana.

If you were in the hobby around 1990-91 anyway.

[Bob Ross]

2001 Upper Deck Golf Tiger Woods rookie card is ICONIC and should be included in this list. I still have a couple dozen of these ready to go for PSA.
https://media.giphy.com/media/62av886tdCVYk/giphy.gif

Just to nitpick, to me the problem with the Tiger is that it was his Upper Deck/mass produced sports card rookie, not a true RC per se. I completely agree with you on it's legacy as it's one of my all time favorite cards and one day may be in the top 10. The hype around it back then was insane.

Agreed in Tiger 2001 SP Authentic Auto Rc. I had considered it as well, would be in top 15. Pujols Chrome 01’ and Frank Thomas 90’ Leaf were also considerations

Now the SP Authentic Auto... that card is legendary to me. Top 15 no doubt.

[kevbojones]

In No Particular Order

1952 Topps Mantle
1986 Fleer Jordan
1958 Topps Jim Brown
T206 Honus Wagner
1948 Leaf Jackie Robinson
1935 National Chicle Knute Rockne
1989 Upper Deck Ken Griffey Jr.
T206 Eddie Plank
2011 Topps Update Mike Trout
1976 Topps Walter Payton

[pennywise]

I'm definitely not younger than 30

And I completely disagree that if you started discussing the LeBron EXQ and the Jordan PMG with a guy that only collects Baseball? or only collects Hockey? He'll know exactly what the Exquisite RPA is

I don't think that's the case with the PMG

I was using "you" in general if that wasn't clear. "If you're younger than 30..." but I digress...

It's all speculation, isn't it? I mean neither one of us can say with certainty what somebody else would be more likely to recognize. And again, age plays a factor in the response that you'd get. I do think you're underestimating the weight of the Jordan PMG though. There are a lot of non-collectors that know about the card from the press that it's received through huge sales, red and green. I remember my girlfriend showing me an article about that guy that pulled and sold a Jordan PMG a few years back. I guarantee you she has no idea what a LeBron RPA is.

[yrozmaryn]

In No Particular Order

1952 Topps Mantle
1986 Fleer Jordan
1958 Topps Jim Brown
T206 Honus Wagner
1948 Leaf Jackie Robinson
1935 National Chicle Knute Rockne
1989 Upper Deck Ken Griffey Jr.
T206 Eddie Plank
2011 Topps Update Mike Trout
1976 Topps Walter Payton

Totally forgot about Trout, the 2011 Topps Update is a good one but not the "changed the game" type card.
So many football cards listed lol. Certainly an argument to be made. Also Wilt, Kareem, and Russell rookies but still not as iconic as the other list.

The way I view "changed the game" type cards are below:
89' Upper Deck Griffey was Upper Deck release year, first card, and the photo of Kid Grif

93' Jeter SP was first high-quality modern card.

96' Kobe really set off Chrome and the refractor market (obv Finest had refractors first but this card took it to a new level)

01' Bowman Chrome Pujols was the first auto bowman chrome on card year and a legendary player.

03' Exquisite LeBron (on card auto/patch to 99)

I know the Jordan PMG is legendary but i'd argue that if we want to talk about premium inserts the 92' Beam Team should be in the discussion. I dont remember high end inserts before that set.

[gomiamigo]

52 Mantle
Honus
86 Jordan
Goudey Ruth
Gretzky

Montana
Griffey UD
Jeter 93 SP
Bird/Magic/Erving
96 Kobe or 2011 Trout

[techtre2003]

How about the '89 Fleer Bill Ripken?

[yrozmaryn]

Ha true, that Billy Ripken card is extremely well known
I really want to add the 90 Leaf Frank Thomas on there but its not quite there.
I put a post in a diff thread trying to buy PSA 10s for $140 with no bites.
That card is so incredibly underrated with Frank Thomas arguably being the best player in baseball for a large portion of the 1990s (2 MVPs and finished 2nd one year) and Leaf being the 2nd biggest product of that time period behind 89 upper deck.

[pcptrade]

According to that logic, does that mean the Jordan PMG is more iconic than the Jordan Fleer?



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All I am saying is, if you think the Lebron exquisite is more iconic than the Topps chrome, then the Jordan PMG is definitely up for debate as to whether or not it is more iconic than the Jordan fleer

It also makes a difference whether if the cards are more iconic to the general public, or to collectors only, if it’s the later, then I agree that you are probably right.

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Completely disagree.

There are tons of collectors (myself included) that have no clue what a Jordan PMG even is.

There are very few collectors, even if they don't collect Basketball, that don't know what the LeBron Exquisite RPA is

The LeBron Exquisite transcends sports... like the Jordan Fleer does.

Jordan PMG does it (at least not to the same level)

I respectfully disagree.
I think the LeBron exquisite (regardless of the value compared to TC) was a revolutionary product that became the style for future top rookie cards (patch/auto rc numbered to 99)

The PMG is a unique one-off and super incredible but overall possibly less recognizable or iconic.

Yourself included? So you have no clue what a Jordan PMG is?:confused:

I have to disagree about the Exquisite being more "iconic" than his Chrome RC. I think the Chrome is more iconic/recognizable by default, due to mass exposure and the chase-factor that the average Joe collector experienced when breaking the product on release.

And circling back to the PMG, I'd argue that the Jordan PMG is even more iconic/recognizable than the LeBron RPA, at least in my age group (30yo+) and the fringe collectors I know that I could have this conversation with. If you're younger than 30, you might be inclined to think the RPA is the more iconic/recognizable card of the two. And you wouldn't be wrong because everybody has their own definition of "iconic" and everyone's take is subjective. We can't measure iconicism.

There are obviously exceptions to the age thing, because not every collector of the same age collected at the same time.

I'm definitely not younger than 30

And I completely disagree that if you started discussing the LeBron EXQ and the Jordan PMG with a guy that only collects Baseball? or only collects Hockey? He'll know exactly what the Exquisite RPA is

I don't think that's the case with the PMG

^^^^this!!!

Add in the fact that it’s the signature card of the first release of the most iconic high end brand in sports card history it easily trumps his chrome rookie. I’d argue the Kobe Chrome is more iconic than the lebron for the same reason (iconic 1st release, signature card).

I was using "you" in general if that wasn't clear. "If you're younger than 30..." but I digress...

It's all speculation, isn't it? I mean neither one of us can say with certainty what somebody else would be more likely to recognize. And again, age plays a factor in the response that you'd get. I do think you're underestimating the weight of the Jordan PMG though. There are a lot of non-collectors that know about the card from the press that it's received through huge sales, red and green. I remember my girlfriend showing me an article about that guy that pulled and sold a Jordan PMG a few years back. I guarantee you she has no idea what a LeBron RPA is.


I will share my opinion. 1997 PMG is similar to 2012 Panini Silver Prizms. 1997-98 was the first year of Precious Metal Gems cards similar to 2012 being the first year of Silver Prizm cards. I own Jordan PMG Red and consider PMG's as iconic and way ahead of its time similar to 1997 Jambalaya. Whether one considers it as Iconic or not is subjective and a matter of debate. I do not consider Lebron's exquisite RPA as iconic even though I own one. Most people including myself would would agree that Lebron's 2003 TC is iconic.

[the mesiah]

Any list should be null and void if no rookie Namath included ,


https://dyn1.heritagestatic.com/lf?set=path%5B1%2F7%2F1%2F4%2F3%2F17143224%5D%2Csizedata%5B850x600%5D&call=url%5Bfile%3Aproduct.chain%5D

[hermanotarjeta]

I might be in the minority but I think the 2003 Lebron Topps chrome #111 may be more “iconic” than the Lebron exquisite RPA


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Kobe chrome is more iconic than Lebron chrome.

Are you suggesting Kobe chrome is more iconic than Lebron exquisite?!?!?

[miscus555]

Mattingly 84’ donruss as well


yes! its a classic

[Spicoli]

Ha true, that Billy Ripken card is extremely well known
I really want to add the 90 Leaf Frank Thomas on there but its not quite there.
I put a post in a diff thread trying to buy PSA 10s for $140 with no bites.
That card is so incredibly underrated with Frank Thomas arguably being the best player in baseball for a large portion of the 1990s (2 MVPs and finished 2nd one year) and Leaf being the 2nd biggest product of that time period behind 89 upper deck.

With three MVP's in the '90's before 1994 and the one given to Pendleton in 1991 should have been his, there is no doubt Bonds was the player of the 1990's. Then there are the Gold Gloves. 8 for Bonds in the 90's. Stolen Bases.

The Hurt had a nice career, but no one outside CHI thinks he eclipsed Bonds.

[yrozmaryn]

Agree Bonds was the best player in the 90s. Ill go Big Hurt #2 and Griffey #3

I think I might put Kobe Chrome Refractor in the top 10 actually. Maybe even top 5. It completely changed the way cards are nowadays in the hobby. I've been in cards for 30 years and I can never remember something catching fire the way Kobe Chrome Refractor did in Kobe's 2nd season. Cant say the same about almost all the others.

[slum22]

Usually I would agree that most valuable doesn't mean most iconic...

Jordan Fleer is more iconic than the Star
Griffey UD is more iconic than Topps Tiffany or Fleer Glossy

I do thought think LeBron Exquisite is well known enough that it is more iconic than the Topps Chrome.

I can see both sides though since one of those 99.99999% of people will never own.

If we are defining iconic as pertaining to the general population, I don't see it with the Lebron Exquisite. I may be in the minority, especially in this forum, but I still would actually have a hard time recognizing the Lebron Exquisite RPA even if you showed me a picture of it. And I am a relatively hard core basketball collector. Maybe, it's because I have never had the intention to buy the Exquisite, but I would vote for the Topps Chrome over the Exquisite for "iconic status". When I got back into collecting in 2012 and researched Lebron RC's, the Topps Chrome was already considered to be the base rookie card to own. I think there is a near zero chance that my wife or someone who doesn't collect would look at a picture of the Lebron Exquisite and say "oh yeah, that's the Lebron RPA everyone is talking about". I could tell her it's the Lebron RPA and she would ask "what's an RPA?". Even narrowing to guys who collect other sports and not really big into basketball I would wager they would recognize the Topps Chrome before the Exquisite.

[drobfan8]

If you put a LeBron Chrome refractor in a shop window next to an Exquisite RPA of the man, I think people will pick the RPA as the RC to have if they got the choice.

The LeBron Chrome Ref was not even iconic for a long time. You could get the base version for how much only a few years ago?

[This is]

Tiger Woods SI Kids card is more 'iconic' than any of his Upper Deck stuff. That card had people raiding libraries back in the late 1990's.

[jcmel323]

A die hard collector would say lebron exquisite.
A once a month collector will say LBJ topps chrome.

But the problem is that no one would put lebron TC over Kobe TC

So the question would be: In the hobby, do we have more die hard collectors or once a month collectors?

I would take Kobe TC

[regularp]

No order but these would be my top ten:

1.) T-206 Honus Wagner
2.) 1952 Topps Mickey Mantle
3.) 1979-80 OPC Wayne Gretzky
4.) 1986 Topps Jerry Rice
5.) 1986-87 Fleer Michael Jordan
6.) 1989 Upper Deck Ken Griffey Jr.
7.) 1993 SP Foil Derek Jeter
8.) 1996-97 Topps Chrome Kobe Bryant (I would count the Refractor with it)
9.) 2003-04 Exquisite RPA LeBron James
10.) 2011 Topps Update Mike Trout

Honorable mention: 1961-62 Fleer Wilt Chamberlain, 2000 Playoff Contenders Tom Brady and 2001 Bowman Chrome Albert Pujols.

[drobfan8]

No order but these would be my top ten:

1.) T-206 Honus Wagner
2.) 1952 Topps Mickey Mantle
3.) 1979-80 OPC Wayne Gretzky
4.) 1986 Topps Jerry Rice
5.) 1986-87 Fleer Michael Jordan
6.) 1989 Upper Deck Ken Griffey Jr.
7.) 1993 SP Foil Derek Jeter
8.) 1996-97 Topps Chrome Kobe Bryant (I would count the Refractor with it)
9.) 2003-04 Exquisite RPA LeBron James
10.) 2011 Topps Update Mike Trout

Honorable mention: 1961-62 Fleer Wilt Chamberlain, 2000 Playoff Contenders Tom Brady and 2001 Bowman Chrome Albert Pujols.

Are any of these affordable? As in, which one is the cheapest out of the bunch?.:cool:

[Raj3sh]

Curious what people think are the Top 10 (in order) more iconic & recognizable sports cards in the world. Obviously people will feel differently based on the era but i'm gonna give it a whirl.

1) 1952 Topps Mickey Mantle
2) 1986 Fleer Michael Jordan
3) 1989 Upper Deck Ken Griffey Jr
4) 1909-11 T206 Honus Wagner
5) 1968 Topps Nolan Ryan
6) 1979 OPC Wayne Gretzky
7) 1933 Goudey Babe Ruth
8) 2003 LeBron James Exquisite RPA
9) 1993 Derek Jeter SP
10) 1980 Magic/Bird

Honorable Mentions: 1963 Topps Pete Rose, 1985 Topps Mark McGwire, 1996 Topps Chrome Kobe Chrome.

iconic american sports cards in America*

[ninjacookies]

Not a single mention of the 89 Hoops Robinson.


Straight up disrespectful.


That card is far more iconic than the LBJ Exquisite RPA. It bridges generations and was basically the basketball equivalent of the 89 Griffey UD, even if it does cost peanuts.

[hairyangryfella]

Could not care less about the vast majority of the cards listed in the OP.
As a collector hardly interested in other sports the only cards I'm even particularly familiar with are 1952 Mantle, the Gretzky and Griffey Jr ones. I'm aware of Jim Brown's RC but it's not a biggie to me, same with a Rice or Payton.

I'd be interested to know what people think of for basketball.

For me:
Jordan Fleer RC
Bird/Magic Topps RC
Jordan PMG
Mikan RC
Wilt RC
Russell RC
Kobe Chrome RC
Shaq UD RC
Robinson Hoops RC
And then I'm torn - Luka/Zion Prizm or something Lebron? Most people know his Exquisite but it was generally out of price range and not too well thought of. Maybe his Ultimate? The one most people probably wanted (was most realistic) and also nice looking.

[WillC]

hairyangryfella, good suggestions. Maybe Lew Alcindor RC or Pete Maravich RC.

[Saraste]

I know it is not top 10, but I'm surprised nobody has mentioned the 1982 Topps Traded Ripken.

[aether]

I would have to say the first MJ Jersey card and its auto version have to be in the top 10. Those cards transcended and changed the hobby forever

[CoorsBeerWolf]

1.) Honus Wagner
2.) 52 Mantle
3.) 89 UD Griffey
4.) 86 Fleer MJ
5.) 54 Hank Aaron
6.) 68 Nolan Ryan
7.) 03 Chrome James
8.) 11 Trout Update
9.) 51 Bowman Mays
10.) 56 Mantle

[rats60]

1 t206 Honus Wagner
2 t206 Eddie Plank
3 1933 Goudey Nap Lajoie
4 1952 Topps Mickey Mantle
5 Baltimore News Babe Ruth
6 M101-4/5 Babe Ruth
7 t206 Ty Cobb/ Cobb back
8 t206 Joe Doyle error
9 1986 Fleer Michael Jordan
10 2003 Exquisite RPA LeBron James

[gomiamigo]

Basketball only:
MJ
Wilt
Russell
Erving
Bird/Magic

Maravich
Lebron chrome
Kobe chrome
Admiral
Durant chrome

[Waxingeloquence]

People here are criminally underrating Kobe's Chrome Refractor rookie. Only reason I can come up with is that most of y'all are older (40+). The Kobe chrome refractor is just behind MJ's fleer in terms of being ICONIC. I won't weigh in on baseball cards because I really don't know enough, but for those lists with MJ fleer and some other basketball card on the list instead of the Kobe chrome refractor... I can't agree. Feel free to change my mind tho. That Topps chrome set in it of itself is iconic as hell with or without the Kobe.

Kobe has become super underrated from the second the man retired, people were in such a hurry to pass the torch onto Lebron that Kobe is getting looked over so often now it's kind of hilarious. This sentiment has less to do with this thread topic and more to do with people overlooking Kobe in the hobby these days.

[rats60]

People here are criminally underrating Kobe's Chrome Refractor rookie. Only reason I can come up with is that most of y'all are older (40+). The Kobe chrome refractor is just behind MJ's fleer in terms of being ICONIC. I won't weigh in on baseball cards because I really don't know enough, but for those lists with MJ fleer and some other basketball card on the list instead of the Kobe chrome refractor... I can't agree. Feel free to change my mind tho. That Topps chrome set in it of itself is iconic as hell with or without the Kobe.

Kobe has become super underrated from the second the man retired, people were in such a hurry to pass the torch onto Lebron that Kobe is getting looked over so often now it's kind of hilarious. This sentiment has less to do with this thread topic and more to do with people overlooking Kobe in the hobby these days.

It is not more iconic than the Exquisite LeBron RPA. On a basketball only list it would be #3 in my opinion.

[Onepocketj]

For me, talking about Tiger's cards, I think the Champions of Golf Master's Collection is the most widely known. I used to see that thing everywhere. I knew about that one long before any of the others.

[Waxingeloquence]

It is not more iconic than the Exquisite LeBron RPA. On a basketball only list it would be #3 in my opinion.

It is 100% more iconic than the Lebron RPA. How do we go about proving our cases here other then just saying "I think i'm right"?. Is the Lebron RPA more valuable, 100% yes. But I still think the Kobe chrome ref is more iconic, It's just been around longer. One of the main reasons these sets are iconic is that they are still desirable after being around for so long. The RPA and the Kobe are both younger additions to this list but I believe the Kobe is more iconic.

This thread would have also been a lot more fun if the question was most iconic basketball cards.. instead we have a list with mostly baseball cards from t206 and some others baseball cards sprinkled in for good measure.

[KhalDrogo]

Really hard list to make. Top three is pretty obvious to me.

1. T206 Wagner
2. 52 Topps Mantle
3. 86 Fleer Jordan

Then four game changers in the hobby.

4. 89 UD Griffey - ushered in a new era of trading cards
5. 03 Exquisite LeBron - the set that changed everything
6. 96 SIFK Woods - every kid in the mid 90s had an SIFK subscription; every parent went looking for this card
7. 96 TC Kobe - birth of the Chrome era

Rounding out the top 10.

8. 54 Topps Aaron - have to have this or the 48 Leaf Robinson on the list
9. 11 Update Trout - the rebirth of the base rookie card
10. 00 Contenders Brady - will climb as the years pass

Other considerations: 98 SP Manning, 48 Leaf Robinson, 03 TC LeBron, 93 SP Jeter, T206 Ty Cobb back, 33 Goudey Ruth (as a group).

[Drdduet]

Where is the 2000 Contenders Tom Brady? Or the 1998 Contenders Manning? Those cards changed the football card hobby forever.

[hairyangryfella]

1 t206 Honus Wagner
2 t206 Eddie Plank who??
3 1933 Goudey Nap Lajoie who??
4 1952 Topps Mickey Mantle
5 Baltimore News Babe Ruth
6 M101-4/5 Babe Ruth
7 t206 Ty Cobb/ Cobb back
8 t206 Joe Doyle error who??
9 1986 Fleer Michael Jordan
10 2003 Exquisite RPA LeBron James

You're clearly a baseball fan because to be iconic people actually have to not only have a clue who the hell you're talking about, but also be aware of the card.

[jeff152380]

I think there are 3 list here. Modern/Vintage and Super High End

This list is the reality iconic cards that people have actually had a chance to own and trade away...
1. Michael Jordan 1986 Fleer Rc
2. Ken Griffey Jr 1989 Upper Deck Rc
3. Wayne Gretzky 1979 Topps/OPC Rc
4. Joe Montana 1981 Topps RC
5. Rickey Henderson 1980 Topps Rc
6. Bird Magic 1980 Topps RC
7. Derek Jeter 1993 Sp Rc
8. Kobe Bryant 1996 Topps Chrome Rc
9. Lebron James 2003 Topps Chrome Rc
10. Walter Payton 1976 Topps Rc

This list is Vintage 1975 and down that a good amount of the hobby could buy-sell-trade.... Baseball takes all the top spots in my opinion as these cards are more iconic to the hobby then any others from other sports.
1. Babe Ruth 1933 Goudey
2. Ty Cobb any t206
3. Lou Gehrig 1933 Goudey
4. Hank Aaron 1954 Topps Rc
5. Mickey Mantle 1951 Bowman
6. Roberto Clemente 1955 Topps
7. Sandy Koufax 1955 Topps
8. Nolan Ryan 1968 Topps
9. Mickey Mantle 1953 Topps
10. Pete Rose 1963 Topps

This list the is dream iconic cards
1. Honus Wagner 1909 T206
2. Mickey Mante 1952 Topps
3. Lebron James 2003-04 Exquisite RPA
4. Tom Brady 2000 Contenders Championship Ticket Auto
5. Michael Jordan 1997-98 Metal Green PMG
6. Lebron James 2003-04 Ud Ultimate Rc Auto
Others 20k+ High End Super Star Logoman/ 1/1's High Grade Vintage...Etc

[yrozmaryn]

Really hard list to make. Top three is pretty obvious to me.

1. T206 Wagner
2. 52 Topps Mantle
3. 86 Fleer Jordan

Then four game changers in the hobby.

4. 89 UD Griffey - ushered in a new era of trading cards
5. 03 Exquisite LeBron - the set that changed everything
6. 96 SIFK Woods - every kid in the mid 90s had an SIFK subscription; every parent went looking for this card
7. 96 TC Kobe - birth of the Chrome era

Rounding out the top 10.

8. 54 Topps Aaron - have to have this or the 48 Leaf Robinson on the list
9. 11 Update Trout - the rebirth of the base rookie card
10. 00 Contenders Brady - will climb as the years pass

Other considerations: 98 SP Manning, 48 Leaf Robinson, 03 TC LeBron, 93 SP Jeter, T206 Ty Cobb back, 33 Goudey Ruth (as a group).

I would def have the 98' Contenders Manning Auto over the SP. I think it was the first real base card short print auto rookie in any sport, no? Also the first year of Contenders football which has passed every test of time.

The rest seem right.

I agree with the Kobe Chrome Refractor. I got ripped off for $40 for a Kobe Chrome base rc in early 97' and I was devastated. The refractor card to the hobby was like jordan to the game of basketball. It was bigger than the game.

[ninjacookies]

WOr the 1998 Contenders Manning?

Good nomination. I'd put it over the Brady contenders by a hare....because it really started the SP authentic trend and Brady's SP Authentic almost had the same popularity as his Contenders.

The Vince Carter SP Auth rc did it for basketball too.

Iconic means cards that are recognizable to people across a broad spectrum including different sports interests and ages. If you were to take a survey of 100 random clectors (retired and current), which cards would they instantly recognize?

I'd say it's an extremely short list...but most of us chiming in this thread don't have the same frame of reference because we've been actively clecting til the present day.


I'd say the list is exceptionally short, and most of the cards on it are several decades old.

[rats60]

You're clearly a baseball fan because to be iconic people actually have to not only have a clue who the hell you're talking about, but also be aware of the card.

The title of the thread is iconic cards, not people. It is so sad that people don't know the history of the hobby. The hobby might not exist if not for the first 3 on the list. The Doyle was the most famous discovery of the last 50 years in the hobby, a new card in the hobby's most popular set. SMR values Plank 850k, Lajoie 200k, Doyle 550k.

[gmoney328]

Mattingly 84’ donruss as well

Agreed. This should be in the top 20 at least.

[This is]

Really hard list to make. Top three is pretty obvious to me.

1. T206 Wagner
2. 52 Topps Mantle
3. 86 Fleer Jordan

Then four game changers in the hobby.

4. 89 UD Griffey - ushered in a new era of trading cards
5. 03 Exquisite LeBron - the set that changed everything
6. 96 SIFK Woods - every kid in the mid 90s had an SIFK subscription; every parent went looking for this card
7. 96 TC Kobe - birth of the Chrome era

Rounding out the top 10.

8. 54 Topps Aaron - have to have this or the 48 Leaf Robinson on the list
9. 11 Update Trout - the rebirth of the base rookie card
10. 00 Contenders Brady - will climb as the years pass

Other considerations: 98 SP Manning, 48 Leaf Robinson, 03 TC LeBron, 93 SP Jeter, T206 Ty Cobb back, 33 Goudey Ruth (as a group).


This is a good list. Only one I think is too high is the Kobe. I would put Bird-Dr.J-Magic card in there at #10 and bump the others up.

[RogerGodahell]

Where is the 2000 Contenders Tom Brady? Or the 1998 Contenders Manning? Those cards changed the football card hobby forever.

I would def have the 98' Contenders Manning Auto over the SP. I think it was the first real base card short print auto rookie in any sport, no? Also the first year of Contenders football which has passed every test of time.

The rest seem right.

I agree with the Kobe Chrome Refractor. I got ripped off for $40 for a Kobe Chrome base rc in early 97' and I was devastated. The refractor card to the hobby was like jordan to the game of basketball. It was bigger than the game.

Good nomination. I'd put it over the Brady contenders by a hare....because it really started the SP authentic trend and Brady's SP Authentic almost had the same popularity as his Contenders.

The Vince Carter SP Auth rc did it for basketball too.

Iconic means cards that are recognizable to people across a broad spectrum including different sports interests and ages. If you were to take a survey of 100 random clectors (retired and current), which cards would they instantly recognize?

I'd say it's an extremely short list...but most of us chiming in this thread don't have the same frame of reference because we've been actively clecting til the present day.


I'd say the list is exceptionally short, and most of the cards on it are several decades old.

Originally the SP Authentic was more popular of the 2 between it and Contenders for a long time. That didn't change until just 3-4 years ago. People realized just how rare those first year TB autos were. In fact it's his only rookie auto in pro uniform.

Im still haunted to this day that i couldn't pick up the Championship Ticket several years ago before they exploded into LeBron Exquisite territory. I was talking to someone and was trying to get it. But the guy wouldn't sell it to me through paypal on ebay. He wanted to do a deal in person only. He wasn't a big collector and just happened to have that card. BGS 9 which is super hard to find. I think there's only 5 or 6. They're so condition sensitive there are no 9.5's or PSA 10's. Anyway... he did end up selling it to someone in person like a week later. I was pretty bummed out.

[ninjacookies]

Originally the SP Authentic was more popular of the 2 between it and Contenders for a long time. That didn't change until just 3-4 years ago. People realized just how rare those first year TB autos were. In fact it's his only rookie auto in pro uniform.

Im still haunted to this day that i couldn't pick up the Championship Ticket several years ago before they exploded into LeBron Exquisite territory. I was talking to someone and was trying to get it. But the guy wouldn't sell it to me through paypal on ebay. He wanted to do a deal in person only. He wasn't a big collector and just happened to have that card. BGS 9 which is super hard to find. I think there's only 5 or 6. They're so condition sensitive there are no 9.5's or PSA 10's. Anyway... he did end up selling it to someone in person like a week later. I was pretty bummed out.

I know the feels. Everyone wanted the SP Auth (Jamal Lewis and Akili Smith from that set were FIRE that year) and very few even took serious note of the Contenders until like 6-7 years ago.


Kicked myself multiple times for selling the pack pulled SP back in the day for $800 and the thought of picking up a base Brady Contenders au crossed my mind...just got sidetracked with a lot of other investments at the time.


Brady is clearly the better player and monetary piece of cardboard, but the Manning Future Watch ticket will forever be that card that really sparked my childhood memories. Seeing that picture plastered all over Beckett and Tuff Stuff...you couldn't get away from that blue foil.

[MOONBASE1]

Ali,Woods.

[yrozmaryn]

I know the feels. Everyone wanted the SP Auth (Jamal Lewis and Akili Smith from that set were FIRE that year) and very few even took serious note of the Contenders until like 6-7 years ago.


Kicked myself multiple times for selling the pack pulled SP back in the day for $800 and the thought of picking up a base Brady Contenders au crossed my mind...just got sidetracked with a lot of other investments at the time.


Brady is clearly the better player and monetary piece of cardboard, but the Manning Future Watch ticket will forever be that card that really sparked my childhood memories. Seeing that picture plastered all over Beckett and Tuff Stuff...you couldn't get away from that blue foil.

esp the die cut

[ninjacookies]

esp the die cut

My white whale as a youngin. Was always out of my price range though. Beautiful effin card.

[PelicanFly]

https://www.oldsportscards.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/1985-Topps-401-Mark-McGwire-Rookie-Card.jpg

Show some 'spect

[hairyangryfella]

The title of the thread is iconic cards, not people. It is so sad that people don't know the history of the hobby. The hobby might not exist if not for the first 3 on the list. The Doyle was the most famous discovery of the last 50 years in the hobby, a new card in the hobby's most popular set. SMR values Plank 850k, Lajoie 200k, Doyle 550k.

Cool story. Iconic cards? Would anybody even in this thread other than you have any idea what those cards were or looked like?
An iconic card is something everyone knows/wants.
Everyone knows an 86-87 Jordan. Nobody knows a 1930s card of some random dude, no matter their impact on their sport.


I'd also like to add that the T206 Wagner is more of an 'infamous' card rather than iconic - people probably only know of it due to the trimming scandal, not the card itself.

[15ncounting]

no one mentioned the 1990 Score Bo Jackson! If you were collecting at the time you had to of wanted one.

[yrozmaryn]

Originally the SP Authentic was more popular of the 2 between it and Contenders for a long time. That didn't change until just 3-4 years ago. People realized just how rare those first year TB autos were. In fact it's his only rookie auto in pro uniform.

Im still haunted to this day that i couldn't pick up the Championship Ticket several years ago before they exploded into LeBron Exquisite territory. I was talking to someone and was trying to get it. But the guy wouldn't sell it to me through paypal on ebay. He wanted to do a deal in person only. He wasn't a big collector and just happened to have that card. BGS 9 which is super hard to find. I think there's only 5 or 6. They're so condition sensitive there are no 9.5's or PSA 10's. Anyway... he did end up selling it to someone in person like a week later. I was pretty bummed out.

I sold 2 tom brady contenders championship ticket auto rcs for $1500 and 1800 each in 2003 at a card show when i was in college.
No way I would have held to modern day but still agonizing

[rats60]

Cool story. Iconic cards? Would anybody even in this thread other than you have any idea what those cards were or looked like?
An iconic card is something everyone knows/wants.
Everyone knows an 86-87 Jordan. Nobody knows a 1930s card of some random dude, no matter their impact on their sport.


I'd also like to add that the T206 Wagner is more of an 'infamous' card rather than iconic - people probably only know of it due to the trimming scandal, not the card itself.

On a vintage board, everyone would know those cards and some would have no idea about the Jordan or LeBron. There is no card other than the Wagner that would be iconic based on your definition. There is a thread right now on net54 about the 09 BC Trout /5 at Golden and most don't have a clue what it is or why it is at 200k.

Iconic is what the majority of the hobby sees as iconic. Being on a board where many choose to not educate themselves about the hobby and choose to be ignorant is sad and doesn't change those cards status. I no longer collect modern, but I still try to be informed. I posted my list based on many years in the hobby and traveling all over the USA to shows interacting with dealers and collectors.

[yrozmaryn]

On a vintage board, everyone would know those cards and some would have no idea about the Jordan or LeBron. There is no card other than the Wagner that would be iconic based on your definition. There is a thread right now on net54 about the 09 BC Trout /5 at Golden and most don't have a clue what it is or why it is at 200k.

Iconic is what the majority of the hobby sees as iconic. Being on a board where many choose to not educate themselves about the hobby and choose to be ignorant is sad and doesn't change those cards status. I no longer collect modern, but I still try to be informed. I posted my list based on many years in the hobby and traveling all over the USA to shows interacting with dealers and collectors.

I think Rats brings up some good points here. It's easy to get caught up in the modern card market but there is incredible demand from a large population who love much older vintage. Just looking at Robert Edwards Auctions we can see some of the market. It's similar to when we think the 4 major sports in the US are baseball, basketball, football, and hockey and then we see the viewership and attendance for Nascar.

[This is]

no one mentioned the 1990 Score Bo Jackson! If you were collecting at the time you had to of wanted one.

Or the F.F. Bill Ripken

[jeff152380]

I also think there could be a post not most iconic but biggest game changer cards for the more current market.
1. Albert Pujols 2001 Bowman Chrome Rc Auto (Started the whole BC auto craze)
2. Babe Ruth 1999 Upper Deck Game Used Bat ( Started the Vintage game used craze)
3. Ken Griffey Jr 1993 Topps Finest Refractor (Started Refractor Craze)
4. Mike Trout 2011 Topps Update (Started Update Rc Craze)
5. Vince Carter 1998-99 Sp Authentic Rc (first Serial #ed Rc to blow up)
6. Mickey Mantle 1991 Score Autographs (First Legit auto inserted in packs)
7. Lebron James 2003-04 Exquisite RPA (First very high end base Rc)
8. Stephen Curry 2009-10 National Treasures RPA (Started the NT RPA Craze)
9. Billy Ripken 1989 Fleer F Face Error (Created a marked for Errors)
10. The First card PSA Graded.. Not sure who this is, but its shaped our market to what it is now with grading.

[jeff152380]

double posted for some reason

[Willikn]

I'd also like to add that the T206 Wagner is more of an 'infamous' card rather than iconic - people probably only know of it due to the trimming scandal, not the card itself.

Que?

The T206 has been legit famous forever. On the cover of price guides constantly back in the 80's.

When I was a kid, the running rumor was that Wagner himself had the card pulled because he didn't want to endorse tobacco products. That was a lark, proven by the image of Honus on his 48 Leaf stuffing a wad of chew into his mouth.

Serious front page news when Gretzky bought the trimmed copy and back then, no one knew of any scandals.

Has to be top 3. I don't think another T206 should crack the top ten though and I knew all about the Plank card when I was a kid.

[Onepocketj]

On a vintage board, everyone would know those cards and some would have no idea about the Jordan or LeBron. There is no card other than the Wagner that would be iconic based on your definition. There is a thread right now on net54 about the 09 BC Trout /5 at Golden and most don't have a clue what it is or why it is at 200k.

Iconic is what the majority of the hobby sees as iconic. Being on a board where many choose to not educate themselves about the hobby and choose to be ignorant is sad and doesn't change those cards status. I no longer collect modern, but I still try to be informed. I posted my list based on many years in the hobby and traveling all over the USA to shows interacting with dealers and collectors.

I think you two are arguing to different things.

If you are using the term iconic to mean something that is symbolic of something else, that's one way to form your list.

If you are using the term to mean something everyone knows/wants, that's another way.

Either way, I think the top three remain Honus, Jordan and Mantle.

[Willikn]

On a vintage board, everyone would know those cards and some would have no idea about the Jordan or LeBron.

The LeBron part I get. A vintage collector would know the name for sure, but probably could be perplexed by the volume of "true" rookie cards. Never mind picking out the "iconic" one(s). Apply the same to Brady.

I'd find it hard to believe than any well versed collector doesn't know the Jordan RC. I've never watched a game of hockey in my life and I don't know what makes Wayne Gretzky the best, but I damn sure know his RC card. I bet any serious collector does too. The Jordan RC is the same.

[jp1216]

Or the F.F. Bill Ripken

Iconic indeed! Long live the FF!

[Kelper7]

I think there are 3 list here. Modern/Vintage and Super High End

This list is the reality iconic cards that people have actually had a chance to own and trade away...
1. Michael Jordan 1986 Fleer Rc
2. Ken Griffey Jr 1989 Upper Deck Rc
3. Wayne Gretzky 1979 Topps/OPC Rc
4. Joe Montana 1981 Topps RC
5. Rickey Henderson 1980 Topps Rc
6. Bird Magic 1980 Topps RC
7. Derek Jeter 1993 Sp Rc
8. Kobe Bryant 1996 Topps Chrome Rc
9. Lebron James 2003 Topps Chrome Rc
10. Walter Payton 1976 Topps Rc

This list is Vintage 1975 and down that a good amount of the hobby could buy-sell-trade.... Baseball takes all the top spots in my opinion as these cards are more iconic to the hobby then any others from other sports.
1. Babe Ruth 1933 Goudey
2. Ty Cobb any t206
3. Lou Gehrig 1933 Goudey
4. Hank Aaron 1954 Topps Rc
5. Mickey Mantle 1951 Bowman
6. Roberto Clemente 1955 Topps
7. Sandy Koufax 1955 Topps
8. Nolan Ryan 1968 Topps
9. Mickey Mantle 1953 Topps
10. Pete Rose 1963 Topps

This list the is dream iconic cards
1. Honus Wagner 1909 T206
2. Mickey Mante 1952 Topps
3. Lebron James 2003-04 Exquisite RPA
4. Tom Brady 2000 Contenders Championship Ticket Auto
5. Michael Jordan 1997-98 Metal Green PMG
6. Lebron James 2003-04 Ud Ultimate Rc Auto
Others 20k+ High End Super Star Logoman/ 1/1's High Grade Vintage...Etc


Agree with this approach. Also in the running for iconic in nature would be the Bo Jackson Score, MJ first Skybox card, and the Ripken FACE error.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalkhttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200510/789fe6f9c43a0ab9e9a92bcaa2abdeb8.jpg
https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200510/0251caf1eebf86abcce59532701ed537.jpg
https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200510/f6130b639d8fd320e07b89aeff607372.jpg

[rats60]

I also think there could be a post not most iconic but biggest game changer cards for the more current market.
1. Albert Pujols 2001 Bowman Chrome Rc Auto (Started the whole BC auto craze)
2. Babe Ruth 1999 Upper Deck Game Used Bat ( Started the Vintage game used craze)
3. Ken Griffey Jr 1993 Topps Finest Refractor (Started Refractor Craze)
4. Mike Trout 2011 Topps Update (Started Update Rc Craze)
5. Vince Carter 1998-99 Sp Authentic Rc (first Serial #ed Rc to blow up)
6. Mickey Mantle 1991 Score Autographs (First Legit auto inserted in packs)
7. Lebron James 2003-04 Exquisite RPA (First very high end base Rc)
8. Stephen Curry 2009-10 National Treasures RPA (Started the NT RPA Craze)
9. Billy Ripken 1989 Fleer F Face Error (Created a marked for Errors)
10. The First card PSA Graded.. Not sure who this is, but its shaped our market to what it is now with grading.

This is an interesting list by using different segments of the hobby although it is pretty much ignoring vintage and prewar cards.

#6 is the 1990 Upper Deck Reggie Jackson Auto. It was the first legit auto issued in packs and was a game changer. That Mantle really wasn’t much at the time, it became a card after Mantle died.

#8 is just a repeat of #7 high end rpas. Make this the 1986 Fleer Jordan, the first basketball card people cared about.

#10 is the Gretzky owned t206 Honus Wagner the first card graded by PSA.

One category missing would be the 1992 Upper Deck Shaq redemption. The first redemption card.

[LCM1223]

I feel the best way to decide these lists is by thinking about which card 9 out of 10 Schmoe’s off the street could identify, if you were to ask them to “name a sports/trading card”

It’s not far fetched to assume that all 9 would say “that small yellow Wagner card from the early 1900s that Wayne Gretzky owned”

The t206 Wagner should top this list no matter what sport you enjoy/follow/collect that could draw your biases

That’s the only one that transcends our small demographic, almost 100% of the time

[tpeichel34]

I know it is not top 10, but I'm surprised nobody has mentioned the 1982 Topps Traded Ripken.

I was waiting for someone to bring this up, one of the first cards to pop into my head. Should be in the Top 10.