A Deep Dive: Johnny Bench's Top 5 Most Expensive Baseball Cards

By Eliud Alano July 05, 2024 18:08

Johnny Bench was one of the best Baseball-Players ever, and his baseball cards remain popular to collectors. We will break down the top 5 most expensive Johnny Bench baseball cards in excess of five figures a piece and uncover some amazing information about each one.

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1. 1968 Topps Johnny Bench (Rookie)

The 1968 Topps rookie card of Johnny Bench is a real gem for collectors. Bench's famous rookie card (first of the others) comes from another big seller in history and is very sought after due to its rarity and historical relevance. Arguably the greatest rookie catcher of all time, an example in mint condition would sell for $2500 or more. This equally compelling - two-time MVP and 14-time All-Star makes yet another must-own rookie for the vintage HOFer collector. With an estimated PSA 10 Gem Mint value of $4,500 the card is desirable and a valuable addition for any collector.

2. Johnny Bench Baseball Cards of 1972 Topps

Johnny Bench was again the N.L. MVP and his card fetches real dough in 1972. In a great stretch with 40 dingers and outstanding numbers (56% caught stealing) this only makes the card all that more intriguing. The outrageous font and the bright colors that are typical of what is likely one of most adored baseball card sets in history, 1972 Topps just add to as well. An impeccable grade of this card at $4700 worth proves it not only carries Bench's standout season, but also part due to the collector-popularity for his second-year 1969 cards.

3. 1969 OPC #95 Joe Bench--Front or Centered Signed by Right Column-Graded with PSA 9

Most Expensive Johnny Bench Card - 1969 O-Pee-Chee #95 PSA 9 This card is a gem in the collecting community and worth around $1800. The rarity, and quality of the card is what makes it worth so much (flawless condition) it's a gem to covet for both enthusiasts and more serious collectors alike.

4. 1973 Topps Johnny Bench #380

An action shot of Bench making a catch mid-game graces the 1973 Topps Johnny Bench #380, enhancing its visual appeal. This is a card that you are likely to see off-centered with any grade, but one so rare in high quality. A near-mint #380 counts for over $2200, and you won't find a Bench collection that isn't made better with an elite example.

5. From the 1976 Topps Johnny Bench Baseball Card

Johnny Bench Baseball Cards: The 1976 Topps Johnny Bench card is proof positive of the kind of leadership as a catcher with the "Great Eight" that powered those Big Red Machine teams in back-to-back World Series Championships. Many have considered the 1976 Reds (featuring Bench) to be one of the best teams in MLB history. This card is a memento from that era and for this reason alone it garners quite the price tag with collectors due to its historical significance when tied into, of course, the never-aging Yankee team. A graded 1976 Topps Johnny Bench card in good condition can be worth a great deal, contributing to the story of baseball.

How To Purchase

These five Johnny Bench baseball cards are like the great shining light over the hill for loyal Cincinnati Reds fans and collectors, that most elusive treasure certainly waiting at the end of this sweet chase. Collecting a full set of these high-grade cards, however, requires lots of patience and an understanding of the historical value along with rarity. The vast majority of these coveted cards can be found via auction houses, attending sports card conventions, or trusted online dealers. But make no mistake, due diligence and consideration of the card's condition are essential when trying to obtain one of these high-end collectibles.
Finally, Johnny Bench's baseball cards are a representation of one of the great careers in sports history. For the fans and collectors, owning these pieces of history has become a cherished tradition for those who seek to keep alive that baseball-mad season in 1961 filled with unforgettable memories that are forever frozen on cardboard.