Like so much in the 1960s America, Football was going through an era of change. The dawn of the American Football League, the beginning of the Super Bowl, and the rise of legendary players brought about a unique and dynamic age for football. Coaches were getting more creative with their play, heightening the tension of the game, and fans got used to Sunday afternoons filled with football on their televisions. Collectors have driven up the value of many football cards from this era because of 1960s nostalgia, the historical significance of many specific cards, and a window into classic football of the time.
The 1960s were a time of change for the NFL. The AFL rose up during this time, creating a separate league that would finally compete in the Super Bowl in 1967. Exceptional players like Jim Brown, Johnny Unitas, and Joe Namath became superstars on the field and some of them even made a career in Hollywood thereafter. It's no wonder that their trading cards are some of the most expensive in the football card world.
In this article, we’ll delve into the top 20 most expensive football cards of the 1960s. Keep in mind that we have limited each card to one spot on the list so we can provide a broader view of the most valuable cards of the era. Remember that you can always track pricing for the cards you're seeking, set up a Watchlist, and check trending sales across dozens of online marketplaces right here on Cardbase or in the Cardbase App.
20. 1969 Topps Gale Sayers #51 - $12,426
Let’s start things off with the legendary "Kansas Comet,” Gale Sayers and his excellent 1969 Topps football card. Sayers was famous for his remarkable speed, agility, and his ability to slip past a tackle. One of the most electrifying players of the 1960s. Sayers earned the NFL Rookie of the Year during his debut, he was a five-time Pro Bowl player, and he was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1977.
This powerhouse running back for the Chicago Bears looks great on the 1969 Topps Gale Sayers #51 card’s vibrant background. In his dynamic running pose, the card gets a sense of depth, especially with the iconic Bears logo hovering down in the lower right quadrant. In June 2020, the only registered PSA Gem Mint 10 example of this card fetched a price of $12,426. Sadly, Sayers passed away just a few short months later, making this card’s record price probably one that will be broken soon as fans seek a personal connection to this football great.
19. 1962 Topps Fran Tarkenton #90 - $12,500
The 1962 Topps Fran Tarkenton #90 football card is a prized asset in football history since it’s the rookie card for the amazing Vikes quarterback. Tarkenton was a great player for the new expansion team Vikings, throwing four touchdowns in his first game. He was a classic ‘scrambler’ quarterback, ready to get himself out of a bind if he needed to do so.
Despite his efforts, he couldn’t get the Vikings enough momentum and he was traded for the New York Giants for a few years before being traded back for a bunch of players and draft picks. The Vikings realized what they had lost. Indeed, Tarkenton's illustrious career was marked by nine Pro Bowl slots, a nod as the NFL's Most Valuable Player in 1975, and leading the Vikings to three Super Bowl appearances - although they lost them all. He made the cut for the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1986.
While some of Fran Tarkenton cards from the 1970s might fetch a bit more than this one, being a rookie card still keeps its price high. A PSA 9 Mint copy of the card sold for $12,500, which is a record for this card but not for Fran Tarketon as a player. His cards remain valuable, especially for those of us who root for the Minnesota Vikings to someday actually win the Super Bowl.
18. 1966 Philadelphia John Unitas #24 - $13,132.00
Beginning in 1964, the NFL awarded the Philadelphia Gum Company the exclusive rights to produce football cards of its players from 1964 to 1967. Meanwhile, Topps was busy producing cards for the AFL and Fleer stopped sometime mid-decade. This 1966 Philadelphia John Unitas #24 card saw “Johnny” Unitas opt for the name “John” instead. By any name, this exceptional quarterback was one of the greatest players ever to wear a Baltimore Colts uniform. The John Unitas card is number 24 in the 1966 Philadelphia football card series, NFL legend revered for his leadership, precision, and unflappable demeanor in high-pressure situations. His career spanned 17 seasons with the Baltimore Colts, who retired his number 19 jersey when he left the club.
The Philadelphia Gum Company didn’t make cards for the NFL for that long, but the ones they did are spectacular. Despite Unitas’ prowess on the field, he has more than one card with an odd photo (see below), but not this one. The star signal caller looks great with the ball in hand and a blue sky behind him, looking out for the next touchdown. It’s a fitting tribute to one of the NFL’s best QBs ever.
The card that set this price record was a PSA 9 Mint graded copy and it sold in March 2019 for $13,132.00.
17. 1963 Topps Mike Ditka #62 - $14,400
Some fans probably know Mike Ditka more for his time coaching the Chicago Bears than for his impressive run as a tight end on the team. Some might even remember how the TV show Saturday Night Live used to portray him and Chicago Bears fans on their show with some silly midwestern accents. That pop culture joke can’t take away that Ditka was one of the most formidable tight ends in the history of the NFL. He was a monster on the field known for his toughness, superior blocking, and exceptional receiving skills.
Mike Ditka's 12-year career was primarily spent with the Chicago Bears, although he also had a stint with the Dallas Cowboys. Ditka was named to the Pro Bowl five times and was awarded the NFL Rookie of the Year in 1961. His victories include an NFL Championship with the Bears in 1963 and Super Bowl VI with the Cowboys. In 1988, he got inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame.
Although not his rookie year, his 1963 Topps Mike Ditka #62 card is his most valuable one. The card that set this record was graded a PSA 9 Mint and sold in January 2022 for a huge $14,400. Considering his huge following among Chicago Bears fans, this card will likely rise in value over time.
16. 1960 Topps Johnny Unitas #1 - $14,407.47
Yes, that picture is unfortunate. John Unitas was one of the era’s finest quarterbacks but we sure wish the Topps’ photographer had captured a couple of safety shots. The 1960 Topps Johnny Unitas #1 football card is a treasured piece of sporting memorabilia but it will always generate a response asking, “What was he thinking?”
By 1960, the Colts’ exceptional passer was well-loved enough to be the #1 card in the 1960 Topps football card set. He’s a mythic hero in Baltimore, being the strong arm for the Colts from 1956 to 1972. Unitas's prowess on the field was remarkable, as evidenced by his selection as the NFL's Most Valuable Player on three occasions, his decade of Pro Bowl appearances, and his leading role in winning three NFL championships for the Colts. Furthermore, his exceptional performance in Super Bowl V, where he claimed the MVP title, remains one of the highlights of his career. In 1979, Unitas was sensibly inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame.
This 1960 football card is popular with collectors, maybe because of the odd look on the star quarterback’s face. The record for the card is a sale of a PSA 9 Mint copy, which fetched a tidy $14,407.47 in December 2014.
15. 1969 Topps Joe Namath #100 - $15,111
Joe Namath is one of those names that always surfaces when we talk about classic football. Nicknamed "Broadway Joe" for his larger-than-life persona and his flair for the dramatic, Namath was the QB for the New York Jets from 1965 to 1976, leading them to many successes during that time and drawing fans from well beyond the Empire State.
For many, Namath is most famous for promising the Jets would win Super Bowl III after observers were skeptical that his AFL team was up to the level of play in their opposing NFL - only to deliver on that promise. Namath was a consistently impressive player who earned many accolades, including a handful of Pro Bowl selections, Rookie of the Year for the AFL, and AFL’s Player of the Year in 1968. He was naturally added to the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1985 and the Jets retired his #12 jersey in his honor.
The 1969 Topps Joe Namath #100 card features a great shot of the Jets’ mighty field general on a field of gold that highlights his frame well. The copy of the card that sold for this record price was rated a PSA 10 Gem Mint and it sold for $15,111 in April 2016. Namath’s cards are among the most valuable for players of the era and we just might see more of him further up the list.
14. 1963 Topps Jim Brown #14 - $15,168
The mighty Jim Brown dominated the gridiron for the Cleveland Browns (naturally) from 1957 to 1965. There were few athletes with all the tools that Jim Brown had at his disposal. His blend of speed, power, and agility allowed him to single-handedly take over the action in a game, leaving his competition grasping at air in his wake. Brown led the league in rushing yards in eight of his nine professional seasons and retired as the NFL's all-time leading rusher. He was sensibly invited to the Pro Bowl all nine times he could be. Brown was appropriately inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1971. Of course, his talents were too great to be limited to just the sports world. Brown started appearing in films and TV in the 1960s, and famously played iconic roles in The Dirty Dozen and Mars Attacks during the next 50 years of his life.
This 1963 Topps Jim Brown #14 card is a simple torso shot but you can see Brown’s determination and strength in his demeanor. While not a rookie card, it’s become a popular card for collectors and investors alike to add a little touch of class to their collection. This 1963 football card was graded a PSA 8.5 Near Mint-Mint Plus and it sold in September 2022 for a staggering $15,168. Sadly, Jim Brown passed away in May 2023 and that will probably result in a surge in value for his cards.
13. 1960 Topps Bart Starr #51 - $17,655
Bart Starr is one of the greatest signal callers in NFL history. From 1956 to 1971, he threw for the Green Bay Packers with smarts and aplomb, leading them to five NFL championships, including victories in the first two Super Bowls. He was also named the Most Valuable Player of both of those Super Bowls. Over his career, Starr garnered four Pro Bowl selections and became a favorite son in Green Bay for his accuracy and exceptional decision-making skills on the field. Starr was also inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1977.
The 1960 Topps Bart Starr #51 card is rare, especially in top-notch condition. Per the PSA database, only one copy has ever been rated a perfect PSA 10 Gem Mint. That happens to be the copy that sold in May 2019 for a record $17,655. Prices for rare historical cards like this will continue to rise. We can expect the value of this particular Bart Starr card to increase when it hits the market, especially if it remains the only perfect one around.
12. 1962 Topps Johnny Unitas #1 - $18,299
Johnny Unitas is all over this list of the most expensive cards of the 1960s because many people believed that, with him in the QB position, the Baltimore Colts were the best team to ever play the game. He certainly showed consistent excellence during his long stint with the Colts. At the time of his retirement, Unitas held records for both the number of touchdowns (290) and passing yards (40,239). We’ve enumerated his other awards and honors above; it’s a huge list.
This 1962 Topps Johnny Unitas #1 card is a prime card for the legendary quarterback. The card's design is an engaging blend of a vintage aesthetic and colorful portraiture, setting the player's portrait against a rich black border, and pairing it with an additional on-field shot showing Unitas mid-pass. It’s his most attractive card of the era.
Unitas’ enduring popularity has kept the value of his card higher than most of his colleagues of the era. This 1962 football card is among his most valuable, with a PSA 8.5 Near Mint-Mint Plus copy selling in July 2017 for a colossal $18,299. As one of the key superstars of the era, you can expect to see one more appearance of Johnny Unitas further up this list.
11. 1962 Topps Joe Perry #4 - $19,017
Joe Perry was nicknamed "The Jet" for his powerful style, exceptional speed, and elusive agility. Perry played in the NFL for 16 years as the key fullback for the San Francisco 49ers. This 1962 Topps football card actually captures him during his relatively brief stint with the powerful Baltimore Colts.
Perry's achievements list is huge. He was the first player in NFL history to rush for over 1,000 yards two seasons in a row. He led the NFL three times in rushing touchdowns, twice in rushing attempts, and once in touchdowns. He was the 1954 MVP and made it into three NFL Pro Bowls. When he retired, Perry held multiple rushing records. During this career, he scored 513 points, including 84 touchdowns, six extra points, and one field goal. Perry joined the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1969 for his many achievements.
His 1962 Topps Joe Perry #4 card is popular because it was part of a series that beautifully celebrated players. With a dynamic on-field shot in black and white, coupled with a strong color posed shot, this design is one of the finest Topps produced during the 1960s. In September 2022, a PSA 9 Mint copy of this card fetched an impressive $19,017.
10. 1961 Topps Jimmy (Jim) Brown #71- $20,400
Jim Brown's unprecedented career in both football and the media has already been highlighted on this list so let’s talk about this terrific-looking card. Released just a few years into his career, his 1961 Topps Jim Brown #71 card called him “Jimmy” Brown but make no mistake, this is the same star fullback known for his raw power, agility, and an uncanny knack to shake off a tackle.
The 1961 football card itself is another example of 1960s trading cards, with a simple posed color image over a plain background. The contrast of the blue sky against Brown’s frame gives it a pleasant pop that surely adds to its appeal. Jim Brown’s cards have continued to rise in value over the years and his sad loss in May 2023 will likely result in a further increase in how much people will pay for his trading cards.
The record value recorded here was for a PSA 9 Mint copy sold in October 2021. According to the PSA database, there’s a single PSA 10 Gem Mint graded copy out there somewhere. One day, we see this record for the card being broken big-time if that investor sells their perfect copy of this classic piece of memorabilia.
9. 1966 Philadelphia Jim Brown #41 - $22,512
Yes, another Jim Brown card and it’s not the last one we’ll review. In this case, the Philadelphia Gum Company issued this 1966 football card during their brief licensing deal with the NFL. While their designs were pretty simple, just a good color pose and a band of info up top, they got the job done and they’re easily recognizable for their consistency.
The monolithic fullback looks tough due to both the firm resolve on his face and the way the 1966 Philadelphia Jim Brown #41 card frames his uniformed torso to exceed the boundaries of the borders. This card definitely captures the feel of the times and the moment when that photo was snapped. The record price was set when a PSA 9 Mint copy was sold in June 2022. Per PSA’s database, this is the best quality copy that they’ve graded. Like most of Jim Brown’s cards, it’s due to increase further in value over time, especially if a higher-quality version shows up.
8. 1966 Topps Joe Namath #96 - $23,562
As above, Joe Namath’s an iconic player not just from the 1960s, but for football as a sport. Namath’s skills as the Jet’s barker for more than a decade got him many accolades as we recounted before, but his larger than life persona extended beyond the gridiron space. Like his fellow 1960s superstar Jim Brown, Joe Namath also heard and answered the call of Hollywood. Although he had a one-season talk show that didn’t go much of anywhere, he continued to act in films and on television for years, including many that overlapped his career in the NFL. While he doesn’t have any classic roles like Jim Brown, he’s been a presence in media for decades, mostly playing himself.
This 1966 Topps Joe Namath #96 card captures Namath in the early days of his career, when he was putting up passing numbers that would set records across the league. This particular 1966 Topps football card's value is higher because it’s in pristine condition with a PSA 10 Gem Mint grade. It sold for a massive $23,562 in January 2016. This also isn’t the last appearance on the list for this legendary QB.
7. 1961 Fleer Jim Brown #11 - $27,457
Jim Brown is back and this time it’s to add the only Fleer card on the list: the 1961 Fleer Jim Brown #11. While the popular card publisher printed only a small portion of the football cards available in the 1960s, they did manage to release this good-looking Jim Brown card from 1961 before they quit. This is the only Jim Brown card on the list that shows him in his white jersey as a contrast. Between that and the fact that the Fleer collection is more limited for this time period, this 1960s football card ended up being his most expensive card of the era. Clearly, the simple Fleer design worked out pretty well because the Topps cards started to take on this format by the end of the decade, as you can see from the 1969 football cards on the list.
This record price was set with the sale of a PSA 9 Mint copy for $27,457 in September 2022. This is one of his most valuable cards but that will likely change as people scramble to get a Jim Brown card of note into their collection. RIP Jim Brown!
6. 1962 Topps Lou Groza #32 - $27,457
Another great 1962 Topps football card and another legendary player. Lou Groza was particularly well-known for both his longevity and versatility. While playing for the Cleveland Browns, he took on the roles of both an offensive tackle and placekicker. For fourteen seasons between 1946 and 1959, Lou Groza was a vital part of the team’s success. He quit the game at that time but couldn’t help but come back to the Browns in 1961. From then on, he was their key placekicker until he truly retired in 1967.
Nicknamed “The Toe” for his ability, Groza led the NFL in various aspects of kicking through much of his career, including field goals made and attempted, extra point attempts, and extra points made. This made him a lead scorer on the team, too. In the 1950 NFL League Championship game, he kicked a field goal with just 30 seconds remaining, securing a victory for the Browns over the Los Angeles Rams. He made nine NFL Pro Bowl appearances and four selections to the NFL All-Pro First Teams. His career stats are stellar, too: 1,608 total points, achieved through 810 extra points, 264 field goals, and one touchdown across 268 games. In 1974, he was honored with entry into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1974.The Browns also retired his #76 jersey to acknowledge his huge contributions to the team.
While not all of his cards are worth a lot of money, this excellent 1962 Topps Lou Groza #32 card with the split focus photos set his record. A PSA 9 Mint copy sold for $27,457 in January 2023. Maybe we’ll see more of his cards rise in value as a result of this milestone price.
5. 1963 Topps Johnny Unitas #1 - $27,799
Another #1 Johnny Unitas card from Topps, another unfortunate photo. This 1963 Topps Johnny Unitas #1 isn’t as creepy as the 1960 card further up our list, but it’s disappointing that Topps both captured another unflattering photo of the Baltimore Colts great and dropped the wonderful 1962 format. The 1963 edition of their cards seems similar to rival Philadelphia Gum Company’s cards that would become popular later in the 1960s when they’d take over the NFL card license. Regardless, the talent of Unitas can’t be overwhelmed by an imperfect card. Baltimore Colts fans know he’s the real deal however Topps might convey him at times.
This 1963 football card is Johnny Unitas’ most expensive of the era, with a PSA 9 Mint copy of the card selling in April 2017 for an impressive $27,799. He’s still enormously popular among fans of 1960s football and his cards remain a good investment.
4. 1966 Philadelphia Dick Butkus #31 Rookie Card–$37,807
Produced by the Philadelphia Gum Company in 1966, this 1966 Philadelphia Dick Butkus #31 is the rookie card for the fantastic Dick Butkus in his Chicago Bears uniform. Butkus was simply one of the greatest linebackers to ever play the game. His career ran from 1965 to 1973, during which he demonstrated an unyielding, hard-hitting style of play that infected his team. He was known for his ferocious tackling, an attribute that made him a nightmare for opposing teams. He suffered many injuries, too, which made his final years tough. Butkus's career includes two NFL Defensive Player of the Year titles, six Pro Bowls, and a spot in the Pro Football Hall of Fame, which he joined in 1979. His rookie season in 1965 set the tone for the rest of his career, earning him the NFL Rookie of the Year award.
Like some of the other players on this list, Butkus turned his vicious play on the field into a Hollywood career. Butkus was in many films and television shows, but he was probably most famous for being a celebrity endorser on commercials and a color commentator for football games.
His 1966 Philadelphia rookie card is highly prized among collectors not only because of its connection to Butkus's debut year but also due to his legendary status within the NFL. The record-setting sale here was for a PSA 9 Mint condition copy of the card, which sold for a substantial $37,807 in April 2021. It’s far and away his most expensive and popular card, and one of the most valuable in the sport. That’s a tribute to a real competitor and a linebacker against which most others compare themselves.
3. 1966 Philadelphia #38 Gale Sayers Rookie - $58,800
The hugely talented Gale Sayers deserves another spot on this list and considering that this terrific 1966 card sold for almost twice what the last card on the list did, it’s well-earned. While the 1966 Philadelphia #38 Gale Sayers card that started our list was a fine-looking piece of memorabilia, this one is a monster. This is part of the short-lived period when the Philadelphia Gum Company and it’s one of my favorite rookie cards of all time.
Numbered 38 in the set, the card showcases a young Gale Sayers in his Chicago Bears uniform in action on the field. The athleticism of his action is powerfully conveyed on this card, reminding us why he was nicknamed “The Kansas Comet". Sayers’ running game was one of the best in the league and that’s why he managed the title NFL Rookie of the Year. Sadly, an injury in 1970 stopped him from being one of the greatest players ever. But the mystique surrounding his promise keeps the price high for his cards.
The 1966 Philadelphia #38 is his most popular card, so it’s not surprising it is his most valuable. In May 2022, a PSA 9 Mint copy was sold for a mind-blowing $58,800. That’s a tribute to his greatness and the brief moment we got to experience it.
2. 1962 Topps Mike Ditka #17 - $94,710
The penultimate spot on our list sold for almost $100,000 and it featured “Iron Mike” Ditka. For those of us who think of his coaching or media career, it’s easy to forget he was one of the finest tight ends ever to play in the NFL. Like so many cards on this list, this 1962 Topps Mike Ditka #17 is from the gorgeous 1962 Topps series, which is so well-liked by collectors and investors alike due to its much-lauded design. We get to see Ditka dominant on the field and also showcased with a good poised shot as well. These cards are golden collectibles, executed cleaning and perfectly capturing the feel of the early 1960s.
Many of Ditka’s cards fetch premium prices due to his popularity as a player, a coach, and an actor, but this one is worth the most. In April 2021, this PSA 9 Mint card was sold for an impressive $94,710, a testament to Ditka's enduring legacy and the high regard for the 1962 Topps series among collectors.
https://www.psacard.com/priceguide/football-card-values/1962-topps/672
1. 1965 Topps Joe Namath #122 Rookie Card - $264,000
This is it - the most valuable football card of the 1960s. Of course, it had to be the most iconic player of the era, Joe Namath. His rookie card is quirky for a variety of reasons. While it shows a commanding, handsome shot of Namath already looking confident in his first year of play, it’s also a classic “Tall Boy” card from 1965 during a decade when Topps seemed to be constantly trying new formats. The 1965 Topps Joe Namath #122 card measures 2 1/2" x 4 11/16", larger than your average sports card. This larger format is more susceptible to wear and tear due to its size and they were not popular for long. This format can tend to be more valuable when they are in pristine condition because of the difficulty of keeping them from bending in traditional card storage.
Of course, the real reason this card is head-and-shoulders above all other football cards of the 1960s in value is because of the monolithic achievements and intense charisma of the Jets’ QB during his run. We’ve talked about his accolades already but this image of a poised Namath captured mid-play in his green Jets uniform, eyes scanning the field for his next move, encapsulates him so well. The backdrop is a solid, bright yellow, emphasizing Namath's figure. His name and position grace the bottom of the card. It’s a nice design, even if it falls short of the greatness of the 1962 set.
Interestingly, there is a sort of variant of this card, known among collectors as the "butterfly variation." This variation includes a small print mark on the back of Namath's left hand. While this variation doesn't significantly impact the card's overall value, it adds a unique detail to the card’s story. You can see examples of both below. The version of the card that set this record price was a PSA 9 Mint copy without the ‘butterfly’ and it was sold in February 2018 for $264,000 - more than a quarter of a million for one of the best quarterbacks ever.
Valuable 1960s Football Cards: A Golden Era of the Sport
Football cards from the 1960s have a nostalgic charm that separates them from the modern glossy, tech-laden cards of today. They captured the raw essence of the game and the unique personalities that shaped the game in those tumultuous days. The football cards of the 1960s hold a vintage charm with their simplistic designs and direct photography. While the undeniable appeal of the 1962 Topps set is still compelling, some modern audiences might not realize how much the style of the 1960s is shown in these cards.
Whether you're drawn to the retro simplicity of the past or the sleek innovations of the present, one thing remains constant: football cards are a treasured connection to the sport we love, linking generations of fans to the heroes of the gridiron. I believe a mix of the nostalgia of the older cards mixed with the excitement of the new makes football card collecting more rewarding. I hope you enjoyed our survey and I wish you happy collecting!
