1955 Topps Baseball Card Overview

Card Specs: 2.63" x 3.75" | 206 cards | Full Color | Classification: Postwar/Vintage

By 1955, the Topps-Bowman exclusivity battle was nearing its end, as the latter published its final baseball release of the era. The 1955 Topps took yet another stylistic step forward, introducing its first fully horizontal card design. The cinematic presentation captured the magic of mid-50s baseball perfectly. The checklist totals 206 cards, numbered 1–210, with four numbers never issued and a scarce high-number series (161-210) that adds an extra layer of collecting challenge.

The 1955 Topps baseball set's legacy is driven by its exceptional roster of players, including rookie cards of Roberto Clemente (#164) and Sandy Koufax (#123), two of the most iconic debut cards in vintage baseball card collecting. Harmon Killebrew (#124), though a step down from Clemente and Koufax, adds Cooperstown-caliber depth to the rookie class.

1955 Topps Willie Mays & Hank Aaron

Established stars such as Jackie Robinson (#50), Willie Mays (#194), Hank Aaron (#47), and Ted Williams (#2) anchor the veteran checklist. Notably absent for the second straight year was Mickey Mantle, who was signed exclusively to rival Bowman in 1955, and would make a return to Topps the following year.

1955 Topps Card Design

1955 Topps baseball cards measure 3-3/4" x 2-5/8" with horizontal fronts featuring full-color illustrations, with a dominant close-up portrait alongside a smaller action pose. Player names and facsimile signatures appear over strong team-colored backgrounds, accompanied by prominent team logos. The backs include player biographies, career statistics, and a cartoon trivia panel, continuing a familiar Topps feature from prior years.

1955 Topps Harmon Killebrew rookie card

1955 Topps Card Distribution

Distribution followed Topps’ standard mid-1950s model, with cards sold in one-card penny packs, six-card nickel packs, and scarce 15-card cello packs, each containing a stick of gum. Like other Topps releases of the era, the cards were heavily handled by young collectors, leading to common issues such as rubber-band marks, rounded corners, and centering flaws. High-number cards are especially difficult to find in strong condition.

How Much are 1955 Topps Baseball Cards Worth?

Roberto Clemente’s rookie is the clear pinnacle, commanding five figures in strong mid-grade condition and soaring well into six figures at higher grades. Sandy Koufax follows closely behind, with high-grade examples reaching into five-figures, and the elite sailing over $100,000 with ease.

1955 Topps Jackie Robinson & Ted Williams

Among other high-end stars, cards of Jackie Robinson and Willie Mays will approach $10,000 in high-grade, falling to around $1,000 in middling condition. At the entry level, raw commons typically start around $10-$40, though high-number cards and condition-sensitive examples can sell for considerably more.

Recent 1955 Topps Baseball Card Auction Sales

1955 Topps Roberto Clemente PSA 9 - $960,000 - 2023 Spring Auction

1955 Topps Sandy Koufax PSA 9 - $384,000 - 2023 Spring Auction

1955 Topps Harmon Killebrew SGC 9.5 - $16,800 - 2025 Spring Auction

1955 Topps Willie Mays PSA 8 - $9,300 - 2025 Spring Auction

1955 Topps Complete Set - $27,060 - 2025 Fall Auction

FOR MORE RECENT AUCTION RESULTS, SEARCH "1955 TOPPS" IN OUR AUCTION ARCHIVE.

How to Sell 1955 Topps Baseball Cards

It's no surprise that with rookies like Koufax and Clemente, and baseball royalty like Mays, Robinson, and Williams, the 1955 Topps baseball set is one of the most treasured vintage releases. Our bidding audience aggressively pursues both single cards and collections from this iconic set. Reach out today to connect with a specialist if you're considering selling vintage cards through our auction. We'd be happy to walk you through the process and expectations, so you can make an informed decision.