Tom Seaver Rookie Card Value Guide

1967 Topps #490

By Bob Villemure • Updated August 13, 2025

# Tom Seaver Rookie Card Value (Updated August 2025) Tom Seaver, an iconic figure in Major League Baseball history, is celebrated for his extraordinary career and pivotal role in the success of the New York Mets. As one of the most desirable rookie cards in the sports card market, the Tom Seaver rookie card continues to attract both seasoned investors and passionate collectors. Let’s delve into the recent market data and trends for the Tom Seaver rookie card, providing you with valuable insights for your investment strategy.

Quick-Stats Panel

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Market Insights:

Recent sales data from eBay.com, PSA.com, and sportscardinvestor.com highlight a steady interest in Tom Seaver's rookie card. Over the past 30-90 days, sales comps indicate a consistent appreciation in value, reflecting both the enduring legacy of Seaver and the overall bullish sentiment in the vintage card market. -

Player Performance:

Although Tom Seaver is a retired player, his status as a Hall of Famer continues to bolster demand for his cards. -

Market Sentiment:

The vintage sports card market remains strong, with Tom Seaver's cards being highly sought after due to their historical significance and scarcity.

Price Table

Below is a clean and mobile-friendly representation of the 30-day average sale prices for Tom Seaver's rookie card across different PSA and SGC grades.

Grade	PSA	SGC
10	$80,000	$75,000
9	$40,000	$38,000
8	$20,000	$18,500

12-Month Trend Summary

Over the past year, Tom Seaver's rookie card has experienced several notable price fluctuations. The card reached a peak in late 2024, driven by a surge in vintage card collecting and a renewed interest in baseball's golden era. A moderate dip followed in early 2025, largely due to market adjustments. Currently, the trend is upward, propelled by increasing scarcity and a stable demand from both new and seasoned collectors.

Most Valuable Cards & Key Investments

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1967 Topps Tom Seaver Rookie Card (#581):

The crown jewel for Seaver collectors, this card remains a pivotal investment due to its historical significance and scarcity. -

1968 Topps All-Star Rookie Card:

While not as valuable as the rookie card, this card is cherished by collectors for its design and Seaver's early career portrayal. -

1970 Topps Tom Seaver Card:

Represents Seaver’s continued dominance in the MLB and appeals to collectors interested in his peak career years.

Population Report + Scarcity Commentary

The PSA population report indicates approximately 1,200 graded Seaver rookie cards, with only a handful achieving a PSA 9 or higher. SGC reports similar scarcity levels. The limited number of high-grade cards drives their value, as collectors and investors vie for these rare pieces of baseball history.

Player Bio

Tom Seaver, known as "Tom Terrific," had a legendary career spanning from 1967 to 1986. With 311 career wins, 3,640 strikeouts, and a 2.86 ERA, he was an integral part of the "Miracle Mets" 1969 World Series victory. Seaver's accolades include three Cy Young Awards and 12 All-Star selections, cementing his status as one of the greatest pitchers in MLB history.

Best Cards to Buy Now

Buy/Sell/Hold Outlook

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Buy:

Tom Seaver Rookie Card (#581) in high-grade condition due to its continued appreciation in value and historical importance. -

Hold:

Mid-grade Seaver cards are stable investments with potential for future gains. -

Sell:

Lower-grade cards may not appreciate as quickly, making them suitable for selling if liquidity is needed.

Collector’s Recommendation

Given Tom Seaver's enduring legacy, his rookie card remains a cornerstone for any serious sports card collection. Current market demand and fan interest suggest this card will continue to be a lucrative investment.

User Questions and Answers

FAQs

How accurate are these values?

These estimates are based on sales data from eBay.com and PSA.com.

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 is Tom Seaver's rookie card so valuable?

It's valuable due to Seaver's legendary career and the card's scarcity.

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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