The Dugout│Top 8 Pete Rose Baseball Card Picks For 2023
From the 1963 Topps Rookie Stars to the 1987 Topps Finest Refractor, Pete Rose baseball cards have increased in value over time, making for potentially high returns on investment.
Updated Mar 24, 2023
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Pete Rose is a former professional baseball player who played for 24 seasons in the Major Leagues. Born in Cincinnati, Ohio in 1941, Rose was signed by the Cincinnati Reds at the age of 18, where he soon established himself as a top player.
Despite the controversy surrounding his gambling issues and his permanent ineligibility from baseball, Rose's cards remain in demand and can command high prices, particularly graded examples.
He was noted for his all-around ability and aggressive base-running style, earning him the nickname "Charlie Hustle." During his career, Rose broke several records and won numerous accolades, including Rookie of the Year, three batting titles, and an MVP award.
He was an integral part of the Reds' "Big Red Machine" teams that won five division titles, four NL pennants, and two World Series championships. In addition to his on-field success, Rose's baseball cards have proven to be a good investment over the years, increasing in value throughout the 1970s and 1980s.
Who is Pete Rose?
Who is Pete Rose?
Pete Rose AKA Charlie Hustle made a name for himself through his stellar career as a professional baseball player and Major League Baseball manager from 1963 to 1986.
Rose played primarily for the Cincinnati Reds and was part of the celebrated "Big Red Machine" of the 1970s. He holds several all-time MLB records, including the most hits, games played, at-bats, singles, and outs.
Rose was a switch hitter and won numerous awards, such as three World Series titles, three batting titles, one Most Valuable Player Award, two Gold Gloves, and the Rookie of the Year Award, as well as 17 All-Star appearances in five different positions.
Unfortunately, Rose was made permanently ineligible from baseball for allegedly betting on baseball games, including those of the team he was managing. His reinstatement and consequent election to the Hall of Fame still remain controversial topics in baseball.
Most valuable Pete Rose baseball cards to invest in
Most valuable Pete Rose baseball cards to invest in
Pete Rose is a baseball player with an extensive career spanning multiple baseball card sets. Investing in Pete Rose cards can be a great option for those looking to add historical value to their collections.
Prices range from a few dollars to over $700,000, with a few cards like the 1976 Topps #240, the 1965 Topps #207, the 1980 Topps #540, and the 1963 Topps Rookie Stars being some of the most expensive on the market.
Each card holds unique significance and visual appeal, making them a valuable addition to any collectible portfolio. Take a look at some the best Pete Rose baseball cards to invest in.
1. 1982 Fleer Pete Rose #256
- Price Range: $1 to $500
- Highest Sale Price: $651
- PSA 10 Supply: 43
- Brand: Fleer
A PSA 10 1982 Fleer #256 Pete Rose Phillies sold for $651 on February 2022.
Source: psacard.com
Collectors cherish the 1982 Fleer #256 Pete Rose baseball card for its clean design and unique features. It features a clean headshot of Rose against a blue sky backdrop, framed by a red border with a centered red button for important player information.
Centering is a potential issue, making perfect prints some of the most valuable within the 1982 Fleer set. The visually striking and historically significant 1982 Fleer #256 Pete Rose is a valuable investment for any collector.
2. 1976 Topps Pete Rose #240
- Price Range: $5 to $9,000
- Highest Sale Price: $3,960 (PSA 9)
- PSA 9 Supply: 135
- Brand: Topps
The 1976 Topps Pete Rose #240 baseball card features Rose as the Cincinnati Reds captain.
Source: oldsportscards.com
The 1976 Topps Pete Rose #240 card is valuable due to Rose in his prime being the "heart of the Big Red Machine," leading the Cincinnati Reds to World Series victories.
This card portrays Rose's intense and passionate attitude toward the game, making it all the more appealing to collectors. Additionally, the card displays Rose's National League All-Star fame, boosting its value. Investing in this card can be a smart decision for collectors and investors as its rarity and high demand ensure its long-term value.
Overall, the 1976 Topps #240 Pete Rose baseball card is a valuable and iconic piece of baseball history.
3. 1980 Topps Pete Rose #540
- Price Range: $3 to $1,675
- Highest Sale Price: $7,600
- PSA 10 Supply: 91
- Brand: Topps
PSA 10 1980 Topps Pete Rose Philadelphia Phillies cards fetch up to $7,600.
Source: psacard.com
The 1980 Topps Pete Rose #540 card commemorates the Phillies' third World Series victory and Rose's major role in the team's success. Rose is seen in a close-up wearing his Phillies gear and has his signature at the bottom left, making it an iconic item for collectors.
The card's inclusion in the more valuable Topps Burger King set adds to its financial and historical value.
4. 1975 Topps Pete Rose #320
- Price Range: $14 to $10,000
- Highest Sale Price: $10,110
- PSA 10 Supply: 23
- Brand: Topps
A PSA 10 1975 Topps #320 Pete Rose Cincinnati Reds card sold for $10,110 on August 2021.
Source: psacard.com
Collectors covet the 1975 Topps Pete Rose #320 baseball card due to its historical significance, striking design, and varying rarity. This card captures a pivotal moment in Rose’s career, having a standout year and winning his first of two back-to-back World Series wins with The Reds.
The bold color scheme and autographed photo make the card visually impressive, while the National League All-Star designation adds to its value. Despite potential problems with border chipping and printing, the varying price points for high-quality cards make it a worthwhile investment for serious collectors looking for historic sports memorabilia.
5. 1969 Topps Pete Rose #120
- Price Range: $25 to $8,400
- Highest Sale Price: $14,514
- PSA 10 Supply: 5
- Brand: Topps
The 1969 Topps Pete Rose #120 PSA 10 is one of the highest-selling Rose cards at over $14,000.
Source: psacard.com
The 1969 Topps Pete Rose baseball card holds significant value among collectors, despite the set's major issues with chipping and centering as well as print defects.
Though not one of Rose's most valuable cards compared to others from the 1960s, it’s a vital collectible for Rose fans. The white background of the card makes it challenging to find in good condition, which further enhances its value.
Additionally, Rose was not part of the 1969 "White Letter" misprint phenomenon that added value to the affected cards since they were scarcer—collectors who wanted a card from that year without the misprint turned to this card.
This card is a rare and essential piece of baseball history, making it a valuable investment.
6. 1965 Topps Pete Rose #207
- Price Range: $26 to $4,500
- Highest Sale Price: $15,101 (PSA 9)
- PSA 9 Supply: 65
- Brand: Topps
The 1965 Topps flagship set included the Pete Rose #207 card which recently sold for $15,101 in July 2022.
Source: psacard.com
The 1965 Topps Pete Rose #207 baseball card is highly valuable for several reasons. First, it’s Rose's third-year card and the only appearance in a Topps set that year, making it exceptionally rare. Second, Rose is a legendary player who holds a significant place in baseball history, adding to the card's allure and desirability.
Lastly, even ungraded versions of this card can command prices of $100 or more at auction, demonstrating its significant value on the market. Investing in the 1965 Topps Pete Rose baseball card can be a lucrative and enjoyable way to invest in baseball memorabilia.
7. 1964 Topps Pete Rose All-Star Rookie #125
- Price Range: $152 to $25,000
- Highest Sale Price: $63,872
- PSA 9 Supply: 35
- Brand: Topps All-Star Rookie
A 1964 Topps Pete Rose All-Star Rookie card recently changed hands for over $63,000 in May 2022.
Source: psacard.com
The 1964 Topps Pete Rose #125 rookie card represents a historically significant piece of sports memorabilia. As a second-year card, it features the highly coveted All-Star Rookie Cup in recognition of Rose's outstanding Rookie of the Year season. Not only does it hold great aesthetic appeal, but it also carries value as a coveted collectible.
For those with a limited budget, the 1964 Topps Pete Rose card in mint condition presents a worthwhile investment opportunity. Its popularity among fans and historical significance means it’ll potential appreciate in value. As such, this rookie card is appealing to those interested in building a diverse collection of sports cards.
8. 1963 Topps Rookie Stars Pedro Gonzalez/Ken McMullen/Pete Rose/Al Weis #537
- Price Range: $675 to $110,000
- Highest Sale Price: $717,000
- PSA 10 Supply: 1
- Brand: Topps
The highest sale price of the 1963 Topps Rookie Stars featuring Pedro Gonzales, Pete Rose, Ken McMullen, and Al Weis is $717,000.
Source: psacard.com
The 1963 Rookie Stars baseball card featuring Pete Rose is a valuable and sought-after card for several reasons.
For starters, it’s the only recognized rookie card of baseball's all-time Hit King Pete Rose. Additionally, the colorful set also includes a great rookie card of Pittsburgh slugger Willie Stargell, another thing that makes it sought-after by collectors.
The card happens to also be one of Topps's most expensive baseball cards ever. Rose's career achievements—his record-breaking 4,256 hits and 17 All-Star appearances—have solidified his place in baseball history. Additionally, the card's blue border along the top is notorious for chipping, making high-quality versions of the card even rarer.
Despite the controversies surrounding Rose's career, his on-field accomplishments make this card a potentially worthwhile investment for any serious collector or baseball fan looking to put their money where their mouth is.
Are Pete Rose baseball cards a good investment?
Are Pete Rose baseball cards a good investment?
Pete Rose's baseball cards have been a solid investment for many collectors over the years, especially during the 1970s and 1980s when his star power was at its peak.
Despite the controversy surrounding his gambling issues and his permanent ineligibility from baseball, Rose's cards remain in demand and can command high prices, particularly graded examples.
Rose's impressive achievements like his all-time hits record, three National League batting titles, and two MVP awards have kept him in the hearts of fans and collectors. Unlike players who fell from grace due to performance-enhancing drug scandals, Rose's vintage cards remain valuable collectibles with a fascinating history.