1962 Topps Card Value Guide
Baseball Set
By Bob Villemure • Updated July 20, 2025
# 1962 Topps | Baseball Set Review & Card Values (Updated July 2025)
Set Overview
The 1962 Topps Baseball set is a cornerstone of baseball card collecting, renowned for its distinctive woodgrain borders and the challenges it presents to collectors due to its fragility. This 598-card set features a unique design that mimics wooden television frames of the era, making it instantly recognizable. Collectors often find the set difficult to grade, as the borders are prone to chipping, which significantly affects the condition and value of the cards.
Historically, the 1962 Topps set is significant for several reasons. It captures an era in baseball when the sport was experiencing a blend of emerging talent and legendary performances. The set includes key rookie cards such as Lou Brock and Gaylord Perry, alongside established stars like Mickey Mantle and Willie Mays. Today, the 1962 Topps set holds a special place in the hearts of collectors, both for its aesthetic appeal and its challenging condition considerations.
Quick-Stats Panel
Recent market insights reveal a strong demand for high-grade examples of the 1962 Topps set. Sales comps from eBay, Goldin, and PWCC show that while lower-grade cards are more accessible, premium prices are achieved for cards in
PSA 8 and above. The average value for a
PSA 7 Mickey Mantle card, for instance, hovers around $7,500, while a
PSA 9 can exceed $25,000.
Grading trends indicate a scarcity of mint-condition cards due to the set's delicate design. Wax box scarcity is another factor driving demand, as unopened boxes are virtually nonexistent in the market, leading to high premiums for any sealed product.
# Price Table
Card |
PSA 9 |
PSA 8 |
PSA 7 |
PSA 1 |
Mickey Mantle #200 |
$25,000 |
$8,500 |
$7,500 |
$500 |
Willie Mays #300 |
$15,000 |
$6,000 |
$4,500 |
$300 |
Lou Brock RC #387 |
$12,000 |
$5,000 |
$3,000 |
$250 |
Gaylord Perry RC #199 |
$10,000 |
$4,500 |
$3,500 |
$200 |
Sandy Koufax #5 |
$9,000 |
$3,500 |
$2,500 |
$150 |
12-Month Set Trend Summary
Over the past year, the 1962 Topps Baseball set has experienced a steady increase in collector interest, driven partly by a resurgence in vintage card collecting. Influencer attention on platforms such as Instagram and YouTube has spotlighted iconic cards from the set, while high-profile sales, including a
PSA 9 Mickey Mantle reaching over $25,000 at auction, have fueled demand. The set's value is buoyed by both its historical significance and the rarity of well-preserved examples.
Chase Cards to Know
Mickey Mantle #200:
Perhaps the most sought-after card in the set, Mantle's card commands top dollar, especially in high grades.
Willie Mays #300:
Another legendary figure, Mays' card is a prime target for collectors seeking Hall of Fame talent.
Lou Brock RC #387:
As one of the set's key rookies, Brock's card is a cornerstone for those focusing on rookie collections.
Gaylord Perry RC #199:
A celebrated rookie card, Perry's debut is highly coveted.
Sandy Koufax #5:
Known for his dominance on the mound, Koufax's card is a must-have for pitching aficionados.
Population Report + Scarcity Analysis
PSA and SGC population reports indicate that high-grade examples of top cards from the 1962 Topps set are exceedingly rare. For instance, there are fewer than 100
PSA 9 Mickey Mantle cards in existence. This scarcity, combined with the set's grading difficulty due to the woodgrain borders, enhances its long-term investment potential. Collectors and investors should note the significant value appreciation for cards in top condition.
Breaker Appeal & Box Value
The appeal of breaking sealed wax from the 1962 Topps set is immense, given the rarity of finding unopened boxes. With virtually no wax boxes available on the open market, any box that surfaces is met with fervent demand and can fetch six-figure sums. Hobby enthusiasts and breakers find the prospect of pulling high-grade cards enticing, though the hit odds are low due to the set's age and condition issues.
Buy/Sell/Hold Outlook
From an investment perspective, the 1962 Topps Baseball set presents various opportunities. Sealed boxes, if found, should be held due to their rarity and escalating value. Key singles, especially of Hall of Famers, are strong buys, provided they are in good condition or can be acquired at fair market prices. However, potential investors should be cautious of market dips and seek to purchase during periods of lower demand.
In summary, the 1962 Topps set remains a staple for vintage collectors and investors, offering a blend of historical significance and scarcity that makes it a compelling addition to any collection.
🔥 Top 6 Auctions by Bids:
FAQs
Is 1962 Topps | Baseball Set a good set to invest in long-term?
Yes, due to its historical importance and iconic rookies like Lou Brock and Gaylord Perry, along with the challenge of finding high-grade examples.
What are the most valuable cards in the 1962 Topps | Baseball Set?
The Mickey Mantle #200, Willie Mays #300, and Lou Brock RC #387 are among the top value cards in the set.
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 1962 Topps | Baseball Set?
Extremely rare. Most surviving wax is in collector hands or auction vaults, making sealed product highly valuable.
What is the significance of the woodgrain borders in the 1962 Topps set?
The woodgrain borders are a distinctive design feature that adds aesthetic appeal but also increases the difficulty of finding high-grade cards due to chipping.
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.
Copyright © 2018–2025 MarketSnap. All rights reserved.
📈 Generate instant AI grade & comps