1955 Topps Card Value Guide

Baseball Set

By Bob Villemure • Updated July 20, 2025

# 1955 Topps | Baseball Set Review & Card Values (Updated July 2025)

Set Overview

The 1955 Topps Baseball set is a legendary and transformative release in the history of sports card collecting. Known for its horizontal design, this set broke the mold of traditional baseball card layouts and introduced collectors to a new era of card aesthetics. The set features 206 cards, each measuring 3-3/4" by 2-5/8", and it stands out due to its vibrant color palettes and dual-image style—each card typically showcases a portrait alongside an action shot of the player. Historically, the 1955 Topps set holds immense significance as it includes the rookie cards of two of baseball's most revered figures: Roberto Clemente and Sandy Koufax. Clemente’s #164 and Koufax's #123 have become iconic within the hobby, symbolizing both the rich history of baseball and the evolution of card collecting. The set also features other Hall of Famers like Harmon Killebrew, highlighted by its distinct design and a mix of legends and rising stars that captured the spirit of mid-century baseball. Today, collectors view the 1955 Topps set as a crown jewel, not only for its nostalgia but also for its investment potential. The set’s unique design, historical significance, and the prominence of its rookie cards continue to drive strong demand in the collectibles market.

Quick-Stats Panel

The market for 1955 Topps cards remains robust, with steady demand across platforms like eBay, Goldin, and PWCC. Recent sales data show that the average value for high-grade cards has seen a 15% increase over the past year, driven by the sustained interest in vintage sports memorabilia. Grading trends indicate that PSA-graded cards dominate the market, with PSA 8s and above seeing the most substantial value appreciation. Wax boxes of the 1955 Topps set are exceedingly scarce, with prices reflecting their rarity and historical importance. Individual cards, particularly those of Clemente and Koufax, consistently perform well, with base cards experiencing significant demand spikes. Parallels and autos, while not a consideration for this era, are akin to the allure of modern insert cards, demanding a premium for their unique appeal.

# Price Table

Card	PSA 10	PSA 8	PSA 5	PSA 1
Roberto Clemente #164	$3,500,000	$230,000	$70,000	$7,000
Sandy Koufax #123	$1,200,000	$90,000	$25,000	$3,500
Harmon Killebrew #124	$450,000	$35,000	$9,500	$1,200
Willie Mays #194	$800,000	$65,000	$15,000	$2,500
Ted Williams #2	$700,000	$55,000	$12,500	$2,000

12-Month Set Trend Summary

Over the past year, the 1955 Topps set has experienced a resurgence in popularity, partly due to increased media coverage highlighting the historical significance of major league baseball milestones. Influencers and avid collectors have openly discussed this set in various forums and platforms, sparking renewed interest. Notably, a record-breaking sale of a PSA 10 Roberto Clemente card at auction has further pushed the set into the spotlight, reinforcing its status as a must-have for high-end collectors.

Chase Cards to Know

Roberto Clemente #164

- As one of the most sought-after rookie cards, Clemente's card is a cornerstone for vintage collectors, offering both historical and financial value.

Sandy Koufax #123

- Koufax's rookie card remains a staple for investors, gaining steady appreciation due to its scarcity and the player’s legendary status.

Harmon Killebrew #124

- Another rookie card from this set, Killebrew's card is prized for its depiction of a future Hall of Famer and consistent price gains in the market.

Willie Mays #194

- A non-rookie, yet a highly valued card due to Mays' enduring popularity and achievements in baseball history.

Population Report + Scarcity Analysis

According to PSA and SGC's population reports, the 1955 Topps set cards have relatively low population numbers in higher grades, particularly PSA 9 and PSA 10. This scarcity underscores the difficulty in maintaining card condition, given their age and the era's storage conditions. The rarity of high-grade examples propels these cards to solid long-term investment prospects, as collectors seek pristine versions of these iconic players.

Breaker Appeal & Box Value

Given the extreme rarity of sealed wax from 1955, box breaking for this set is virtually non-existent. The value of unopened boxes lies more in their status as historical artifacts than in immediate ROI potential from breaking. Most collectors and investors would consider these boxes as museum pieces, with their worth being driven by scarcity rather than the thrill of the chase.

Buy/Sell/Hold Outlook

From an investment perspective, the 1955 Topps set remains a compelling buy for those focusing on iconic sports memorabilia. Key singles, especially high-grade rookie cards, are recommended buys due to their solid appreciation potential and historical significance. For those fortunate enough to own sealed boxes, holding could yield significant future returns as scarcity continues to drive value. However, patient investors might wait for periodic market dips to acquire cards at more favorable prices.

# User Questions and Answers

This guide provides a comprehensive overview for both novice and seasoned collectors, highlighting the enduring allure and investment potential of the 1955 Topps Baseball set.

🔥 Top 6 Auctions by Bids:

1955 Topps Set-Break #194 Willie Mays EX-EXMINT *GMCARDS*
$950.00 · 106 bids · 1 hours 5 minutes
1955 Topps Set-Break #194 Willie Mays PSA 4 VG-EX
$497.00 · 55 bids · 8 days 1 hours 37 minutes
ROBERTO BOB CLEMENTE PSA 5 1955 TOPPS BASEBALL #164 ROOKIE CARD RC PIRATES HOF
$1,935.00 · 34 bids · 8 days 1 hours 49 minutes
1955 Topps Set-Break #164 Roberto Clemente EX-EXMINT *GMCARDS*
$2,050.00 · 30 bids · 7 days 2 hours 23 minutes
1955 Topps Set-Break #164 Roberto Clemente PSA 1 PR-FR
$525.00 · 27 bids · 8 days 1 hours 36 minutes
1955 Topps Set-Break #124 Harmon Killebrew PSA 2 GOOD
$145.50 · 26 bids · 1 hours 59 minutes

FAQs

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

Yes, due to its historical importance and iconic rookies like Roberto Clemente and Sandy Koufax, it's a solid long-term investment.

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

Roberto Clemente #164 and Sandy Koufax #123 are the most valuable rookies, with high demand and significant market value.

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 Topps | Baseball Set?

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

What influences the value of 1955 Topps cards?

Condition, player significance, rarity, and recent auction results all influence the value of these cards.

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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