Summary
The 1955 set is Topps' second full-season baseball card set. Its most distinctive feature is the horizontal design, which is used for every card in the series. Produced during the period of competition with Bowman, this set includes a small action shot next to each player’s portrait.
The backs of the cards feature biographical information,cartoon-style illustrations, and statistics. The set includes iconic players such as Roberto Clemente, Sandy Koufax, and Harmon Killebrew,with rookie cards being especially valuable. This set is a must-have for vintage collectors, and we’ve compiled a list of the most valuable cards from this collection.
The prices in this list are sourced fromSports Cards Proand may change in the future. Additionally, the ranking is based on the ungraded values of the cards.
$58.76
$19,800.00
PSA 10
$23,760.00
Duke Snider, one of the Brooklyn Dodgers’ biggest stars of the 1950s, was known for his powerful hitting and strong center field defense. The 1955 season was one of his best, as he hit 42 home runs, drove in 136 runs, and posted a .309 batting average. This card holds historical value, as it comes from the Dodgers’ final championship season in Brooklyn.
It is also the last card in the 1955 Topps baseball set. Between 1953 and 1957, Snider hit 40 or more home runs in five consecutive seasons, paving the way for his Hall of Fame induction in 1980. Due to poor centering and frequent print defects, this is one of the toughest cards in the entire set.
$77.52
$2,889.00
$17,188.62
Ernie Banks, known as “Mr. Cub,” became the iconic face of the Chicago Cubs from the 1950s onward. In 1955, despite being in just his second season, he made a significant impact with his powerful hitting at shortstop. A two-time MVP, Banks was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1977. This card, representing the early years of his career,holds high collectible value.
While Banks' 1954 Topps rookie card is his most sought-after, his 1955 Topps card is arguably his most aesthetically pleasing. What makes it stand out is the intense glare in his eyes, replacing the innocent smile from his rookie card, along with the striking red background and yellow accents.
$80.16
$25,200.00
$30,240.00
Yogi Berra, recognized as one of baseball’s greatest catchers, is a legendary player for the New York Yankees. He boasts ten World Series championships, 18 All-Star selections, and three MVP awards. In the 1955 season, Berra played a pivotal role in the Yankees' championship victory and was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1972.
His card features a simple background with Berra’s focused and calm expression. Beyond baseball, Berra became a cultural icon. Holding game records in the World Series with 75 games, 259 at-bats, and 71 hits, Berra also managed the Yankees toward the end of his playing career.
$149.54
$21,224.96
$31,762.84
One of the most powerful hitters in Major League Baseball history, Harmon Killebrew is recognized as a legendary figure of the Minnesota Twins. With 573 career home runs, he remains one of the greatest sluggers in MLB history. Killebrew was named MVP in 1969 and was selected to 11 All-Star Games.
While his 1955 Topps rookie card may not carry the same name recognition as the Roberto Clemente or Sandy Koufax rookies from the same set, it’s important to remember that Killebrew was an early member of the esteemed 500 Home Run Club. Common condition issues for this card include poor centering and print defects that can affect the bright yellow background surrounding both of Killebrew’s images.
$152.44
$40,623.56
$48,748.00
Known as “The Splendid Splinter,” Ted Williams is widely regarded as one of the greatest hitters in baseball history. He spent his entire career with the Boston Red Sox. A two-time MVP and six-time batting champion, Williams was selected to 19 All-Star Games and was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1966.
He holds the highest career on-base percentage (.482) in Major League history. In the prime of his career, Williams served as a fighter pilot in both World War II and the Korean War. Fulfilling his dream to be remembered as “the greatest hitter who ever lived,” he was also one of the first Hall of Famers to advocate for the inclusion of Negro Leagues players in Cooperstown.
$200.27
$66,000.00
$79,200.00
Widely regarded as one of the most talented and complete players in Major League Baseball history, Willie Mays—nicknamed “The Say Hey Kid”—stands among the game’s all-time great sluggers with 660 career home runs. A 24-time All-Star, Mays also earned two MVP awards and won 12 Gold Gloves during his legendary career.
He was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1979. This card captures Mays as a maturing superstar entering the prime of his career. Recognized as the greatest center fielder in MLB history, Mays spent the majority of his 22-year career with the Giants. At the time of his retirement, he ranked third all-time in home runs, trailing only Hank Aaron and Babe Ruth.
$210.00
$40,800.00
$44,697.30
Hank Aaron is considered one of the greatest and most consistent hitters in Major League Baseball history, and is a legendary figure for the Atlanta Braves. He broke Babe Ruth’s home run record with 755 career home runs and held the title of MLB’s all-time home run leader for many years.
A 25-time All-Star, Aaron won the MVP award in 1957 and was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1982. His 1955 Topps card, featuring the Milwaukee Braves logo, is highly valuable, though not as much as his rookie card. The 1955 version is often considered his best-looking card, with a dynamic batting pose, compared to the fielding shot on the 1954 version.
$377.88
$69,659.91
$77,504.16
Jackie Robinson, one of the most important figures in MLB history, made his debut with the Brooklyn Dodgers in 1947 and won the Rookie of the Year award that same year. He was selected to the All-Star game six times and won the MVP award in 1949.
Robinson was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1962 and is remembered not only for his accomplishments on the field but also for his stance against racism and his fight for social equality. This card was produced during the peak of Robinson’s career. Despite facing abuse from fans and occasionally players, he remained dignified and graceful. In 1997, Robinson’s number 42 was retired by all MLB teams.
$500.00
$228,000.13
$273,600.00
Sandy Koufax, one of the most dominant pitchers in MLB history, is known for his extraordinary career with the Los Angeles Dodgers.A seven-time All-Star and three-time Cy Young Award winner, he also captured four World Series titles. This card is his rookie card and one of the most sought-after by collectors.
Koufax retired at 30 due to arm problems, but solidified his legacy as a fearsome pitcher. While not exceedingly rare, this card remains a key one in the set. Despite some condition issues like print defects and misalignment in the light-colored background, its immense popularity keeps it in a secure position as his ultimate card.
$827.51
$949,827.73
$1,139,793.00
One of baseball’s greatest players, Roberto Clemente is renowned for his extraordinary talent, leadership, and humanitarian efforts. A 15-time All-Star, Clemente was also a four-time batting champion and won two World Series championships with the Pittsburgh Pirates. Tragically, he passed away in 1972 while delivering aid to earthquake victims in Nicaragua, and was posthumously inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1973.
His rookie card, one of the most iconic in baseball history, stands out due to its rarity and the player’s legacy. It is difficult to find in excellent condition due to typical issues like printing flaws and misalignment, but remains a key card in the 1955 Topps set and a valuable piece in vintage baseball collections.
