Joe DiMaggio 1939 Play Ball Card Value Guide

#26

By • Updated September 24, 2025

Quick-Stats Panel

The 1939 Play Ball #26 Joe DiMaggio card remains a highly sought-after collectible, with recent sales indicating strong demand: -

Recent Sales:

In the past 30 days, several graded versions have sold, reflecting a robust bidder pool for well-preserved examples. -

Price Range:

Prices vary significantly based on condition, with lower-grade cards starting around $400 and higher-grade examples reaching up to $8,000. -

Market Sentiment:

Collectors continue to value this card for its historical significance and DiMaggio's iconic status.

Price Table

Below is a table summarizing the 30-day average sale prices for the 1939 Play Ball #26 Joe DiMaggio card across various PSA and SGC grades:
GradeAverage Sale PriceSource
PSA 10
PSA 9$102,000(psacard.com)
PSA 8$3,600(psacard.com)
PSA 7$3,300(psacard.com)
PSA 6$1,082(psacard.com)
PSA 5
PSA 4$2,510(psacard.com)
PSA 3$2,299(psacard.com)
PSA 2
PSA 1$390(psacard.com)
SGC 10
SGC 9$67,200(getcardbase.com)
SGC 8$23,500(getcardbase.com)
SGC 7$6,800(getcardbase.com)
SGC 6$1,013(getcardbase.com)
SGC 5
SGC 4
SGC 3
SGC 2
SGC 1

12-Month Trend Summary

Over the past year, the 1939 Play Ball #26 Joe DiMaggio card has exhibited a stable to slightly appreciating trend: -

Highs and Lows:

The highest recorded sale was a PSA 9 graded card fetching $102,000 on October 26, 2023. The lowest was a PSA 5 graded card sold for $9.99 on February 18, 2024. -

Average Price:

The average sale price over the past year was approximately $2,610.13, based on 69 sales. -

Market Stability:

The card's value has remained relatively consistent, with fluctuations primarily influenced by the card's condition and rarity.

Most Valuable Cards & Key Investments

Notable examples of the 1939 Play Ball #26 Joe DiMaggio card include:

PSA 9 Graded Card:

Sold for $102,000 on October 26, 2023. This sale underscores the premium placed on high-grade examples.

PSA 8 Graded Card:

Sold for $3,600, indicating strong demand even for mid-grade cards.

PSA 3 Graded Card:

Sold for $2,299, highlighting the card's appeal across various collector budgets. Investing in higher-grade cards, especially those graded PSA 8 or above, is advisable for collectors seeking significant appreciation potential.

Population Report + Scarcity Commentary

The PSA population report indicates: -

PSA 9:

13 copies exist. -

PSA 8:

2 copies exist. The scarcity of higher-grade cards contributes to their elevated value. Collectors often prioritize these rarer examples, leading to competitive bidding and higher prices.

Upcoming Competition or Player Bio

Joe DiMaggio, known as "Joltin' Joe," was a legendary center fielder for the New York Yankees from 1936 to 1951. He was a three-time American League Most Valuable Player and a 13-time All-Star. DiMaggio is perhaps best remembered for his 56-game hitting streak in 1941, a record that still stands. He was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1955. (psacard.com)

Buy / Sell / Hold Outlook

Given the card's historical significance, limited availability in higher grades, and consistent demand, the 1939 Play Ball #26 Joe DiMaggio card is a strong investment for collectors. Acquiring well-preserved examples, particularly those graded PSA 8 or higher, is recommended for potential appreciation.
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FAQs

How accurate are these values?

These estimates are based on recent sales data and PSA population reports.

What are the best brands to invest in for long-term value?

Bowman Chrome 1st autos (prospects), Topps Chrome RCs (rookies), Panini Prizm.

How do I know if my card is worth grading?

Check for centering, corners, edges, and surface quality.

What does PSA 10 mean?

PSA 10 is Gem Mint—virtually perfect.

Why do some cards have refractor or parallel versions?

Refractors and parallels are special print variations—often shinier or colored—that are produced in smaller quantities, making them more collectible and valuable.

How often should I check card prices?

Markets shift quickly, especially during player call-ups, hot streaks, or playoff runs. Checking weekly—or even daily for prospects and stars—helps you stay on top of trends.

What’s the difference between raw and graded cards?

Raw cards are ungraded, straight from packs or collections. Graded cards are authenticated and condition-rated by companies like PSA, BGS, or SGC—often commanding higher resale value.

Do rookie cards always hold the most value?

Rookie cards are typically the most sought-after, but rare inserts, autographs, or limited parallels from later years can also surpass rookie values depending on demand.

🔥 Top Auctions (Ending ≤ 24h):

No auctions ending in the next 24 hours.

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.