If you’re going through your old sports trading cards at home, you might be sitting on a goldmine. Collectors are paying up to 7-figure sums for rare and unique cards.
Sports trading cards are continuing to break records each year. In August, a 1952 Topps Mickey Mantle Rookie card sold at auction for $12,600,000. Mantle was an American baseball player, inducted into the baseball hall of fame in 1974.
Bo Jackson is an American former professional baseball and American football player. He is the only athlete to date to be named an All-Star in both sports. With this, it stands to reason that his baseball cards also attract the attention of high-end collectors looking for rare and valuable cards.
Most Valuable Bo Jackson Cards (Round-up list)
Whilst sports cards are produced for four main US sports, Baseball holds the top two spots for the most valuable cards sold in history. Bo Jackson is regarded as one of the greatest athletes of all time, making his sports memorabilia very collectible.
These are 15 of the most valuable Bo Jackon cards currently valued or recently sold at auction.
| Number | Bo Jackson Card | Grade | Price |
| 1 | 1986 Topps Traded Tiffany Bo Jackson #5OT | PSA 10 | $12,300 |
| 2 | 2014 Topps Tribute Timeless Bo Jackson/ Mike Trout Autograph Card #JT | PSA 10 | $7,200 |
| 3 | 2021 Fleer Retro Precious Metal Gems Green Bo Jackson #M-28 | PSA NM-MT 8 | $6,300 |
| 4 | 1988 Topps Football Bo Jackson Rookie #327 | PSA 10 | $3,050 |
| 5 | 1986 Donruss Highlights in White BO Jackson Rookie #43 | PSA 10 | $3,000 |
| 6 | 1990 Donruss Aqueous Test Bo Jackson #61 | PSA 10 | $2,700 |
| 7 | 1986 Memphis Chicks Gold Bo Jackson Rookie #28 | PSA 10 | $2,000 |
| 8 | 1991 Topps Desert Shield Bo Jackson #600 | PSA 10 | $1,860 |
| 9 | 1991 Action Packed 24kt Gold Bo Jackson #25G | PSA 10 | $1,525 |
| 10 | 1987 Classic MLB Game Bo Jackson Rookie #15 | PSA 10 | $1,275 |
| 11 | 1987 Topps Tiffany Future Stars Bo Jackson Rookie #170 | PSA 10 | $1,225 |
| 12 | 1987 Auburn Tigers Baseball Greats Bo Jackson | PSA 10 | $1,087 |
| 13 | 1991 Fleer Pro-Visions Bo Jackson #5 | PSA 10 | $1,060 |
| 14 | 2019 Panini National Treasures Material Signatures Laundry Tag #4 | Beckett 8.5 | $780 |
| 15 | 2017 Leaf Pearl Bo Jackson #AU-BJ1 | Beckett 8.5 | $492 |
1) 1986 Topps Traded Tiffany Bo Jackson #5OT
(Sold by Goldin Auctions)
- Price: $12,300
- Grade: PSA 10
- Card Number: #5OT
In the number one spot for the most valuable Bo Jackson cards is the 1986 Topps Tiffany Traded Bo Jackson #5OT card.
It shows Bo in a Kansas City Royals jersey looking straight into the camera. The top of the card has ‘Royals’ in blue and the bottom shows Bo’s name in black.
The card is produced by Topps, an extremely popular brand among collectors. This rookie card was issued in 1986, the year before the issue of his other rookie card in much higher numbers. Out of 700 examples given to PSA, only 6% have been given the same PSA 10 Gem Mint grading.
This particular card was sold at a Goldin Auction for $12,300, making it the most valuable Bo Jackson card by some margin.
2) 2014 Topps Tribute Timeless Bo Jackson/ Mike Trout Autograph Card #JT
(Sold by PWCC Marketplace in May 2022)
- Price: $7,200
- Grade: PSA 10
- Card Number: #JT
In the number two spot is the 2014 Topps Tribute Bo Jackson/ Mike Trout Autograph card #JT. It features both Mike Trout and Bo Jackson in their respective jerseys, about to swing for the baseball. Under each picture is the player’s autograph in thin blue ink.
The card is part of the Topps Tribute Timeless series, featuring a pair of stars from the past with autographs underneath. Only 25 cards were manufactured at the time, with only two being given the PSA 10 grading.
This card was sold on PWCC Marketplace for $7,200 in May 2022.
3) 2021 Fleer Retro Precious Metal Gems Green Bo Jackson #M-28
(Sold by PWCC Marketplace in May 2022)
- Price: $6,300
- Grade: PSA NM-MT 8
- Card Number: #M-28
At number three is the 2021 Fleer Retro Precious Metal Gems Green Bo Jackson #M-28 card. The card shows Bo in a blue Auburn University jersey, running with the football.
The card is part of the Fleer Precious Metal Gems series. After the success of the Fleer Retro basketball cards, the brand launched the 2012 Retro football series. The cards were based on the 1997 Metal Universe Parallels and came in three distinct colors (red, blue and green).
Only 10 copies were released with the green background, making this card example extremely rare. This card is graded as a PSA NM-MT 8 and was sold on PWCC Marketplace in May 2022 for $6,300.
4) 1988 Topps Football Bo Jackson Rookie #327
(Sold by PWCC Marketplace in February 2021)
- Price: $3,050
- Grade: PSA 10
- Card Number: #327
Next up is the 1988 Topps Football Bo Jackson Rookie #327 card. It shows Bo sitting on the field looking on in his Raiders football jersey. At the bottom of the card is a Raiders football helmet surrounded by the words ‘Topps Super Rookie’. The card also shows his position and name in white.
On the back of the card is information about Bo’s playing career and some stats of his time with the Raiders.
This is another card example from the Topps brand and is 1 of only 6 graded as PSA Gem Mint 10. This card example was sold on PWCC Marketplace in February 2021 for $3,050.
5) 1986 Donruss Highlights in White Bo Jackson Rookie #43
(Sold by PWCC Marketplace in May 2015)
- Price: $3,000
- Grade: PSA 10
- Card Number: #43
In the number five position for the most valuable Bo Jackson cards is the 1986 Donruss Highlights in White Bo Jackson Rookie card #43. The card features Bo in a blue Kansas City jersey smiling for the camera. At the bottom of the card is Bo’s name and a highlight stat from his career ‘Longest HR in Royals stadium’.
This particular card is part of the 56-card set, released in 1986. They were released to celebrate the 1986 MLB season. The design is similar to the 1986 Donruss set but features a gold border instead, with a glossy coating.
This particular card example is graded as a PSA Gem Mint 10 and was sold on PWCC Marketplace in May 2015 for $3,000.
6) 1990 Donruss Aqueous Test Bo Jackson #61
(Sold by PWCC Marketplace in May 2021)
- Price: $2,700
- Grade: PSA 10
- Card Number: #61
Another card produced by Donruss is the 1990 Donruss Aqueous Test Bo Jackson #61 card. It features Bo aggressively swinging at the baseball with one leg in the air which is surrounded by a red border. At the top of the card is ‘Donruss 90 Bo Jackson of Royals’.
This card comes from the 1990 Donruss test set. Whilst there is still some mystery surrounding the exact set origin, it’s thought that the cards were produced in a test run using a water-based coating.
The cards are similar to the base 1990 Donruss set but have ‘Aqueous Test’ printed on the back. This particular card is graded as a PSA Gem Mint 10 and was sold on PWCC Marketplace in May 2021 for $2,700.
7) 1986 Memphis Chicks Gold Bo Jackson Rookie #28
(Sold by PWCC Marketplace in July 2018)
- Price: $2,000
- Grade: PSA 10
- Card Number: #28
Next up is the 1986 Memphis Chicks Gold Bo Jackson Rookie #28 card. It features Bo in a white Memphis Chicks jersey, smiling for the camera. The bottom of the card has the Chick’s logo and Bo’s name and position in black.
The picture is surrounded by a gold border, making the card visually appealing. The card is graded as a PSA Gem Mint 10 and is the only example known to exist of such high quality.
This particular card example was sold on PWCC Marketplace in July 2018 for $2,000.
8) 1991 Topps Desert Shield Bo Jackson #600
(Sold by Heritage Auctions in May 2021)
- Price: $1,860
- Grade: PSA 10
- Card Number: #600
In the number 8 spot of the most valuable Bo Jackson cards is the 1991 Topps Desert Shield card. It shows Bo in a Royals Jersey running on the baseball field. At the bottom of the card is the Royals logo next to Bo’s name and position.
This particular card is part of the Topps Desert Shield series, issued in 1991 to celebrate 40 years of producing sports cards. The cards are identical to Topps regular cards but include a special gold foil stamp with a palm tree inside a shield.
The cards were intended for soldiers fighting in Saudi Arabia. However, some remained amongst collectors in America. Reports of some soldiers throwing or burning cards made this particular card series rare and valuable.
This card is graded as a PSA Gem Mint 10 and was sold at a Heritage Auction in May 2021 for $1,860.
9) 1991 Action Packed 24kt Gold Bo Jackson #25G
(Sold by PWCC Marketplace in April 2021)
- Price: $1,525
- Grade: PSA 10
- Card Number: #25G
In 1991, a 42-card Action Packed 24kt gold series was released, featuring well-known, popular football players. This particular card shows Bo in a blue Raiders jersey with the ball in hand, looking to break through the opposition line. The card has gold writing indented throughout, with the words ‘Action Packed’ and ‘24 kt Gold’.
The card is graded as a PSA Gem Mint 10 and was sold on PWCC Marketplace in April 2021 for $1,525.
10) 1987 Classic MLB Game Bo Jackson Rookie #15
(Sold by PWCC Marketplace)
- Price: $1,275
- Grade: PSA 10
- Card Number: #15
In the number 10 spot is the 1987 Classic MLB Game Bo Jackson Rookie card #15. On the card is Bo swinging the baseball card towards the camera with the tip of the bat at the front. The card has the ‘Classic Baseball’ Logo in the top right and Bo’s name at the bottom.
The card was released in 1987 as part of a 100-card series featuring classic MLB stars. The cards were distributed by Gametime, Ltd.
This card example is graded as a PSA Gem Mint 10 and sold on PWCC Marketplace for $1,275.
11) 1987 Topps Tiffany Future Stars Bo Jackson Rookie #170
(Sold by PWCC Marketplace in February 2021)
- Price: $1,225
- Grade: PSA 10
- Card Number: #170
At number 11 is the 1987 Topps Tiffany Future Stars Bo Jackson Rookie card #170. On the card is Bo Jackson in a blue Royals baseball uniform in the outfield.
The Future Stars series released by Topps features sports athletes who were thought of as ‘Future Stars’ to come and were produced when they were a rookie. The card design is very popular with collectors, with the player’s name in bold black writing at the bottom underneath the colorful ‘Future Stars’ brand name. The card has a wood-style border with the Topps brand logo in the bottom right.
This card example is graded as a PSA Gem Mint 10 and was sold on PWCC Marketplace in February 2021 for $1,225.
12) 1987 Auburn Tigers Baseball Greats Bo Jackson
(Sold by PWCC Marketplace)
- Price: $1,087
- Grade: PSA 10
- Card Number: N/A
During Bo Jackson’s Baseball career, he played for the Auburn Tigers between 1983-86. This is his 1987 Auburn Tigers Baseball Greats card. It shows Bo, about to swing for the ball during his college playing days. At the top of the card is ‘Auburn Tigers, Tigers Great’, with Bo’s name, position, and playing years at the bottom.
The card is part of the very limited Auburn Tigers college team set. Most cards had centering issues, making this PSA Gem Mint 10 example very rare and highly sought after.
This card example was sold on PWCC Marketplace for $1,087.
13) 1991 Fleer Pro-Visions Bo Jackson #5
(Sold by PWCC Marketplace in May 2021)
- Price: $1,060
- Grade: PSA 10
- Card Number: #5
The 1991 Pro-Vision cards were released in 1991 by Fleer, a well-known card brand among collectors. The 32-card sets contained 16 baseball, 10 football, and 6 basketball cards.
This particular card features Bo in a blue Kansas City Chiefs uniform, looking at the camera with his arms crossed. The bottom of the card has Bo’s name in yellow writing alongside the Fleer 91 logo above.
This card was sold on PWCC Marketplace in May 2021 for $1,060.
14) 2019 Panini National Treasures Material Signatures Laundry Tag #4
(Sold by Goldin Auctions)
- Price: $780
- Grade: Beckett 8.5
- Card Number: #4
In 2019, Panini released the highly anticipated National Treasures Signature Laundry Tag card series. The card series was released to highlight the top NFL moments and feature autographs and laundry tags from well-known players.
This Bo Jackson card example is from the 2019 National Treasures release. It features Bo Jackson with the football under his arm in a black Raiders jersey. Inside the card is a laundry tag featuring Bo’s name and logo along with his signature in blue ink.
On the back of the card is a statement by Panini which guarantees the card’s authenticity. This card example is graded by Beckett as an NM-MT 8.5 and was sold at a Goldin Auction for $780.
15) 2017 Leaf Pearl Bo Jackson #AU-BJ1
(Sold by Heritage Auctions in May 2022)
- Price: $492
- Grade: Beckett 8.5
- Card Number: #AU-BJ1
In 2017, Leaf Pearl released a limited number of Leaf Pearl Autographed Holographic cards featuring well-known players. This particular card is a purple holographic version with a washed-out Bo Jackson in the center surrounded by a floral border.
The card is autographed by bo and has the serial number 1 of 2 in the top right corner. The card has been graded by Beckett as an NM-MT 8.5.
It sold at a Heritage Auction in May 2022 for $492.
Why are Bo Jackson Cards so Expensive?
Bo Jackson is the only professional in the history of sports to be named an All-Star in two sports – American Football and Baseball. He won the Heisman Trophy and Walter Camp award in 1985. He won the Pro Bowl in 1990.
His other achievements include:
- MLB All-Star MVP 1989
- MLB All-Star 1989
- NFL All-Rookie Team 1987
Simply put, there has never been anyone to play at such a high-level over two sports. The fact that he is so well known makes his collectibles highly desirable among collectors.
In the 1980s, Bo was hugely popular amongst sports fans. The ‘Bo Knows’ campaign ran by Nike between 1989 – 1990 advertised cross-training shoes and heavily featured Bo. He was an excellent role model for Nike, who sold products geared toward those engaging in multi-sports like Bo.
Bo Jackson Card Buying Guide
If you want to invest in Bo Jackson cards, make sure you research the industry first. Whilst most card prices seem to be determined by interests in the sport and nostalgia regarding a well-known player, there are still some risks to buying cards.
- Decide how long you want to hold onto the card. Consider short vs longer-term profit margins. If you hold on to the card longer you can make a lot more money and also lose a lot more.
- When investing in anything, consider diversifying your portfolio. Card collecting is no different. Whilst Bo Rookie cards may seem to be worth more, special cards featuring patches and autographs are also highly valued.
Conclusion – Most Valuable Bo Jackon Cards
Due to Bo Jackson’s achievements in both baseball and football, he is still highly regarded among many sports fans and collectors today.
A lot of his cards are very valuable so if you own one consider getting it checked out. At the top of the list for the most valuable Bo Jackson card is the 1986 Topps Traded Tiffany Bo Jackson #5OT. It was sold at a Goldin Auction for $12,300.
FAQs
Why isn’t Bo Jackson in the baseball or football hall of fame?
Unfortunately, Bo had to end his football career in 1991 due to a hip injury. He subsequently ended his baseball career in 1994.
For these reasons, Bo isn’t considered as having played for long enough to be inducted into either hall of fame despite his sports prowess.
How can I check if my sports cards are worth anything?
If you want a quick way of checking a card’s value, try using CollX. Take a photo of your card and send it over to get the current market price. On the site, you can also buy and sell cards as you wish.
What is the best brand of sports cards to buy?
Generally speaking, the top six brands (Topps, Panini, Fleer, Upper Deck, Donruss, and Bowman) are the ones to look out for. They are the most popular with collectors so tend to hold the most value.
Will sports cards lose value?
Holding onto a sports card for multiple years has proven to be a worthwhile investment. With an average increase of 218%, only cryptocurrency has grown more.
Which baseball rookies should I be watching in 2023?
Rookies to watch in 2023 include:
