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The Antiques Roadshow is famous for surprising people with the unexpected value of their cherished possessions, ranging from heirlooms and paintings to comic books. In one unforgettable episode, a woman brought in a collection of classic baseball cards and was left speechless when she learned their true worth.
Here’s the story of her incredible discovery and the staggering valuation of the cards.
During a visit to Green Bay, Antiques Roadshow expert Grant Zahajko welcomed a guest who brought a collection of baseball cards from the 1950s. Zahajko, clearly delighted, commented, “I love it when mom doesn’t throw away my baseball cards.”
The woman explained that her husband had owned the cards since childhood. “He was lucky,” she said, noting that most of his friends had either taped their cards to their walls or had them thrown out by their mothers. “Maude didn’t throw them away,” she added, referring to her mother-in-law. “She put them in a grocery bag, and we ended up storing them in our attic.”
As fate would have it, the cards narrowly escaped disaster. The woman recalled that a month after she had taken the cards out of the attic to organize them, a tornado struck their home, destroying the attic and everything in it. Miraculously, the baseball cards had been spared.
“I got them all sorted, and my husband didn’t even know we still had them,” she said.
When the woman unveiled her collection, Zahajko was visibly impressed, singling out three standout cards:
1952 Topps Jackie Robinson Card
Zahajko described this card as the best-preserved of the three, giving it a 6 out of 10 condition rating. He estimated its value at $2,000 to $4,000.
1954 Ted Williams Card (Wilson Franks)
Despite some staining on the back, this card was also appraised between $2,000 and $4,000.
1952 Topps Mickey Mantle Rookie Card
While in the poorest condition of the three, the rarity and iconic status of this card made it the highlight of the collection. Zahajko explained that bidding for such a card typically starts at $5,000, with its estimated value ranging between $30,000 and $40,000. “That’s a must-have for any collector of Mickey Mantle cards,” he said.
Hearing this, the woman was visibly overwhelmed. “You’re kidding!” she exclaimed. “Seriously! Oh my God. He’s [my husband] going to be so happy with that.”
This Antiques Roadshow segment is a perfect example of the hidden treasures people unknowingly possess. What are your thoughts on the incredible value of these baseball cards? Share your opinions in the comments below!
