1955 Bowman Card Value Guide

Baseball Set

By Bob Villemure • Updated July 20, 2025

# 1955 Bowman | Baseball Set Review & Card Values (Updated July 2025) The 1955 Bowman Baseball set holds a unique place in the annals of sports card history. Known for its distinctive "TV design," the set features cards that resemble vintage television sets, with the player's image appearing as if on a broadcast screen. This creative approach marked the end of an era for Bowman, as it was their final release before merging with Topps. Today, collectors revere this set not just for its nostalgia but also for its historical significance and the unique artistry it represents.

Set Overview

The 1955 Bowman set includes 320 cards, showcasing a mix of baseball's burgeoning stars and seasoned legends. The design, with its faux wood-grain television set framing, is a nod to mid-century modernism and America's burgeoning love affair with television. Key rookies like Elston Howard and Harmon Killebrew debut here, adding to the set's allure. In the eyes of collectors, the 1955 Bowman set is a celebration of a golden age in baseball and card collecting. It's a beloved piece of memorabilia that captures the aesthetics and culture of the 1950s. The set's quirkiness and historical context make it a must-have for vintage card aficionados, and its cards, especially those of prominent players, remain highly sought after.

Quick-Stats Panel

Recent market trends show that the 1955 Bowman set commands significant attention. Sales data from platforms like eBay, Goldin, and PWCC reveal a healthy market for these vintage treasures: -

Average Value:

Ungraded cards average $20–$50, while graded examples can soar into the thousands, depending on the player and condition. -

Grading Trends:

PSA-graded cards dominate the market, with higher grades (PSA 8–10) fetching premium prices. Lower-graded cards remain accessible but less investment-worthy. -

Wax Box Scarcity:

Unopened boxes are exceedingly rare and highly coveted. A sealed wax box can command upwards of $50,000 at auction. -

Demand:

There's strong demand for base cards featuring Hall of Famers and rarer parallels. Although the set lacks modern autographs, its historical significance drives interest.

Price Table

Player	Card Number	PSA 10	PSA 7	PSA 4	Ungraded
Mickey Mantle	202	$250,000	$15,000	$3,000	$750
Willie Mays	184	$180,000	$12,000	$2,500	$600
Harmon Killebrew (Rookie)	23	$120,000	$8,500	$1,500	$400
Elston Howard (Rookie)	68	$75,000	$5,500	$1,000	$250
Jackie Robinson	50	$200,000	$14,000	$2,800	$700

12-Month Set Trend Summary

Over the past year, the market for the 1955 Bowman set has experienced moderate appreciation. Influencer attention has spurred interest, particularly among younger collectors discovering vintage baseball. Notably, a PSA 9 Mickey Mantle card sold for a staggering $300,000, setting a new benchmark for the set. As demand for vintage baseball cards continues to rise, the 1955 Bowman set has benefitted from increased visibility and sales activity.

Chase Cards to Know

Mickey Mantle (#202):

An iconic card from the set, it's a must-have for collectors seeking the best of '50s baseball. -

Willie Mays (#184):

Mays’ card is a collector favorite, sought after for its aesthetic appeal and legendary status. -

Harmon Killebrew (Rookie, #23):

This rookie card is essential for those targeting baseball's power hitters. -

Jackie Robinson (#50):

Robinson's card is a historical piece, capturing the essence of a transformative figure in sports history.

Population Report + Scarcity Analysis

PSA and SGC populations reveal that high-grade examples from the 1955 Bowman set are relatively scarce. The difficulty in securing mint-condition cards reflects the set's age and the challenges in preserving cards with the 1950s card stock. Low populations of PSA 8s and above indicate strong long-term investment potential, particularly for key players.

Breaker Appeal & Box Value

The 1955 Bowman sealed wax boxes are a grail for high-end collectors, given their rarity. Breakers find appeal in the potential for high returns, despite the significant upfront cost. The hit odds, while unknown, are irrelevant compared to the thrill of uncovering mint cards of legendary players.

Buy/Sell/Hold Outlook

For investors, the 1955 Bowman set offers solid long-term potential. Holding sealed boxes is advisable due to their rarity and historical value. Key singles of Hall of Famers are worth acquiring, while waiting for market dips presents opportunities for savvy investors. Overall, this set remains a gem within the vintage baseball card landscape.

Common User Questions

🔥 Top 6 Auctions by Bids:

1955 Bowman Set-Break #202 Mickey Mantle PSA 4 VG-EX
$591.00 · 24 bids · 7 days 3 hours 19 minutes
1955 Bowman Set-Break # 10 Phil Rizzuto EX-EXMINT *GMCARDS*
$76.00 · 18 bids · 43 minutes
1955 Bowman Set-Break #134 Bob Feller VG-VGEX *GMCARDS*
$27.00 · 14 bids · 45 minutes
1955 Bowman Set-Break #202 Mickey Mantle SGC AUTHENTIC (TRIM)
$153.50 · 14 bids · 1 hours 59 minutes
VINTAGE 1955 BOWMAN BASEBALL 23 CARD LOT ROY CAMPANELLA RIZZUTO NEW YORK YANKEES
$45.99 · 14 bids · 1 hours 43 minutes
1955 Bowman #179 Hank Aaron Milwaukee Braves HOF SGC 3 VG Great Color
$190.50 · 14 bids · 2 hours 16 minutes

FAQs

Is 1955 Bowman | Baseball Set a good set to invest in long-term?

Yes, due to its historical importance and iconic rookies like Harmon Killebrew.

What are the most valuable cards in the 1955 Bowman | Baseball Set?

The Mickey Mantle #202, Willie Mays #184, and Jackie Robinson #50 lead the value charts.

Should I grade cards from this set?

Only cards in strong condition with high visual appeal are worth grading—especially stars and short prints.

How rare are unopened boxes of 1955 Bowman | Baseball Set?

Extremely rare. Most surviving wax is in collector hands or auction vaults, making sealed product highly valuable.

Are there any notable rookies in the 1955 Bowman set?

Yes, notable rookies include Harmon Killebrew and Elston Howard.

Methodology & Ethics

Data sources — Goldin Auctions closing prices, eBay Terapeak analytics, and PSA Auction Prices Realized.

Sampling window — We analyse the latest 90 days of public sales. A grade appears in our tables only when at least three verified transactions exist for that grade.

AI-grading disclaimer — MarketSnap’s grade suggestions are algorithmic and should be verified by a professional grader before you buy, sell, or submit a card.

Affiliate transparency — When you click a link to an external marketplace we may earn a referral commission at no extra cost to you. These partnerships never influence a card’s ranking or our editorial commentary.

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