Best 1959 Football Cards: Top Picks & Value Guide

Estimated reading time: 9 min

Key Takeaways

• The 1959 Topps football set includes 176 cards with notable Hall of Famers and rookie cards.
• Popular 1959 football cards like Johnny Unitas #49 and Jim Brown #50 can command high prices, especially in PSA 10 condition.
• Rookie cards in the set, such as Dick LeBeau and Bobby Mitchell, are sought-after collectibles.
• Condition and centering significantly impact value; professional grading can increase prices substantially.
• Using tools like Midpoint can help collectors estimate grades digitally before costly submissions.

The 1959 Topps football card set remains a cornerstone for vintage sports collectors. Packed with legendary players, rookie debuts, and classic card design, it continues to attract hobbyists seeking some of the most valuable and iconic football cards in the market. This guide highlights notable 1959 football cards with value, explores the rookie cards and their significance, and offers advice on grading and buying strategies to help you make informed collecting decisions.

Card values — live data from Midpoint's card database, as of 2026-09-04. Prices move; Midpoint refreshes these daily.

	Card	Raw	PSA 10	Gem premium
	Jim Brown #10 1959 Topps	$145.01	$112,240	774×
	Johnny Unitas #1 1959 Topps	$36.92	$19,032	515.5×
	Bobby Mitchell #140 1959 Topps	$10.17	$11,495	1130.3×
	Frank Gifford #20 1959 Topps	$13.29	$11,400	857.8×
	Bobby Layne #40 1959 Topps	$9.47	$8,400	887×
	Bart Starr #23 1959 Topps	$37.99	$7,700	202.7×
	Joe Perry #80 1959 Topps	$5.50	$6,086	1106.5×
	Jerry Kramer #116 1959 Topps	$31.54	$5,940	188.3×
	Alex Karras #103 1959 Topps	$16.95	$5,760	339.8×
	Russ Jackson #56 1959 Topps CFL	$21.11	$5,229	247.7×
	Jerry Norton #79 1959 Topps	$2.34	$4,320	1846.2×
	Normie Kwong #40 1959 Topps CFL	$21.67	$4,234	195.4×

Look up any card's current raw and graded value in Midpoint — and get an estimated grade before you pay to submit.

1. Overview of the 1959 Topps Football Set

The 1959 Topps football set consists of 176 cards featuring players from the NFL and AFL. It is a single series notable for its vivid photography and clean design that appeals to vintage collectors. The set includes numerous Hall of Famers and stars from the era, making it a desirable collection to complete.

The checklist includes legends like Johnny Unitas (#49), Jim Brown (#50), and Norm Van Brocklin (#25), alongside rookies such as Dick LeBeau (#137) and Bobby Mitchell (#69). This combination of established stars and rookies contributes to the set's popularity and value.

• Set size: 176 cards
• Includes NFL and AFL players
• Features Hall of Famers and rookies
• Classic 1950s card design with vibrant photography

2. Best 1959 Football Cards by Value

Among the notable 1959 football cards, Johnny Unitas (#49) is highly regarded. As of 2026-09-04, a raw Unitas card can sell for several hundred dollars, with PSA 10 graded copies often commanding prices significantly higher. Jim Brown (#50) is similarly valued, especially in top grades, reflecting his legendary status.

Other valuable cards include Norm Van Brocklin (#25) and Raymond Berry (#59). The difference between raw and PSA 10 condition can be substantial, often increasing the card's value by multiples, which is why many collectors invest in professional grading.

• Johnny Unitas #49: notable raw value, PSA 10 premium
• Jim Brown #50: iconic and valuable in top grades
• Norm Van Brocklin #25: sought-after star card
• Raymond Berry #59: popular among collectors

3. Most Valuable 1959 Football Cards in PSA 10

PSA 10 grades represent the highest condition tier, and for 1959 football cards, these grades can increase values significantly. PSA population reports indicate that Johnny Unitas #49 and Jim Brown #50 have relatively low PSA 10 populations, which can contribute to higher prices due to scarcity.

Collectors should note that condition sensitivity is high with these cards, especially centering and surface wear. Tools like the Midpoint app help measure centering precisely, enabling pre-grading assessments that may save money on grading fees.

• PSA 10 Unitas #49 and Brown #50 are relatively rare and valuable
• Lower population can mean higher value and investment potential
• Centering and surface condition are critical for achieving PSA 10
• Midpoint app offers AI grading estimates before submission

4. Highlights of 1959 Football Rookie Cards

The 1959 set features several important rookie cards that collectors seek. Notables include Dick LeBeau (#137), a future Hall of Fame defensive back and coach, and Bobby Mitchell (#69), a versatile running back and wide receiver who also made the Hall of Fame.

These rookie cards are valued, especially in high grade. They represent key entry points for collectors focusing on rookie cards from this era, often providing more affordable alternatives to marquee veteran stars.

• Dick LeBeau #137: prized rookie card with Hall of Fame pedigree
• Bobby Mitchell #69: standout rookie with lasting legacy
• Rookie card values tend to rise with PSA 9 or 10 grades

5. Why Grading and Centering Matter for 1959 Football Cards

Condition is crucial in vintage card collecting, and this holds true for 1959 football cards. Grading companies like PSA, BGS, CGC, and TAG assign grades based on centering, corners, edges, and surface. Centering is often the most challenging criterion to meet, with many cards losing points for off-center images.

Using AI-powered tools like Midpoint’s digital grading technology can help estimate your card’s grade before paying submission fees. This pre-grade insight, particularly for centering, helps collectors decide if their card is worth grading or if it should be improved first.

• Centering affects grade and value significantly
• AI tools provide instant grading estimates
• Pre-grading can save money and avoid surprises
• Midpoint offers free centering calculator and portfolio tracking

6. Card Design and Vintage Appeal of 1959 Football Cards

The 1959 Topps cards feature bold borders and sharp photography that highlight player action and portraits. This design aesthetic has a timeless vintage charm that appeals to both nostalgic and new collectors.

Collectors appreciate the clean look combined with the rich football history captured on these cards. This visual appeal, coupled with the star power of the players featured, makes this set a classic centerpiece for many football card collections.

• Bold white borders and clear player photos
• Classic 1950s typography and layout
• Strong vintage appeal for collectors and investors

7. Common 1959 Football Card Numbers Collectors Target

While the entire 176-card set is collectible, certain card numbers consistently attract collector interest due to the players featured. Key numbers include #49 (Johnny Unitas), #50 (Jim Brown), #25 (Norm Van Brocklin), #137 (Dick LeBeau rookie), and #69 (Bobby Mitchell rookie).

Focusing on these cards can be a practical strategy for collectors looking to build value or invest in the most sought-after pieces from the set. Many collectors start with these stars before expanding to complete the full set.

• #49 Johnny Unitas
• #50 Jim Brown
• #25 Norm Van Brocklin
• #137 Dick LeBeau rookie
• #69 Bobby Mitchell rookie

8. Set Completion and Buying Strategies for Collectors

Completing the full 1959 Topps football set requires patience and budget management. Due to the high prices of top cards in PSA 10 condition, many collectors opt to acquire raw copies first, then selectively grade the best candidates.

Using Midpoint’s portfolio tracking and grading pre-assessment tools can help streamline this process. Buyers should consider condition, centering, and population reports when sourcing cards to avoid overpaying for overgraded or off-center cards.

For storage, following best practices is essential to protect card condition; check out our detailed guide on How to Store Valuable Cards.

• Buy raw cards and grade selectively to maximize value
• Use PSA population data to assess rarity and demand
• Monitor centering and surface condition carefully
• Leverage Midpoint for grading estimates and portfolio tracking

Conclusion

The best 1959 football cards represent a blend of iconic football history and vintage collecting excitement. From Johnny Unitas and Jim Brown to rookies like Dick LeBeau, these cards offer value potential, especially when carefully graded and preserved. Collectors can maximize their investment and enjoyment by using digital grading tools like Midpoint to assess centering and condition before committing to professional grading. Whether you’re starting a collection or enhancing an existing one, understanding the nuances of this classic set will help you make informed collecting decisions and grow your passion for vintage football cards.

FAQ

Q: What are the best cards in the 1959 Topps football set?

A: The best cards include Johnny Unitas #49, Jim Brown #50, Norm Van Brocklin #25, and rookies like Dick LeBeau #137 and Bobby Mitchell #69, valued for their player significance and collector interest.

Q: Which 1959 football cards are the most valuable?

A: Johnny Unitas #49 and Jim Brown #50 are among the most valuable, especially in PSA 10 condition. These cards often command premium prices due to their relative scarcity and iconic status.

Q: How many cards are in the 1959 Topps football set?

A: The set includes 176 cards, featuring a mix of established stars and rookies from the NFL and AFL.

Q: What are the rookie cards in 1959 Topps football?

A: Notable rookies include Dick LeBeau (#137) and Bobby Mitchell (#69), both future Hall of Famers whose rookie cards are collectible.

Q: How much is a 1959 Topps Johnny Unitas card worth?

A: As of 2026-09-04, raw Johnny Unitas #49 cards can range from several hundred dollars, while PSA 10 graded copies may reach higher prices depending on condition and centering.

Q: Is 1959 Topps football a good set to collect?

A: Yes, the 1959 Topps football set is well-regarded for its classic design, historic players, and market demand, making it a rewarding set for collectors and investors alike.