Pursuing the most valuable cards is a well-trodden path for trading card investors, sports memorabilia enthusiasts, and dedicated baseball fans. However, not all these cards can be priceless treasures. Many cards started as valuable pieces before devolving into commonplace trinkets in the long history of baseball trading cards. Our list looks at some of the least valuable baseball trading cards you may encounter today.

Billy Ripken 1989 Fleer #616

Ironically infamous, Billy Ripken’s 1989 Fleer card gained notoriety due to a profane message written on the bat’s knob. Although this error card caught attention, it became so well-known that the market was flooded with corrected versions and fakes, significantly lowering its value. While it’s one of the least valuable baseball trading cards, it has a fascinating history and story!

Jaime Cocanower 1987 Topps #347

While Jaime Cocanower had a brief major league career with the Milwaukee Brewers, his card from 1987 Topps isn’t a grand slam for collectors. Like many from this era, it endured mass production, which resulted in an abundance of supply and meager demand.

Todd Van Poppel 1991 Upper Deck #55

Touted as a can’t-miss prospect, Todd Van Poppel’s cards were once highly coveted. But a less-than-stellar career meant his ‘91 Upper Deck rookie card wouldn’t live up to the hype, turning it into more of a nostalgic token than a collector’s gem.

Gregg Jefferies 1988 Donruss Rated Rookie #40

Gregg Jefferies was another player surrounded by hype in his early years. His 1988 Donruss Rated Rookie card soared initially, but, much like his inconsistent career, its value declined substantially over time.

Brady Anderson 1990 Donruss #653

Known for his sudden power surge in 1996, Brady Anderson’s cards could have followed suit. But with his numbers never quite reaching those heights again, his 1990 Donruss card remains a common card with little market interest.

1963 Topps Pete Rose Rookie "Counterfeit"

An authentic Pete Rose rookie card holds significant value, but the market is rife with counterfeits. You can sometimes find these knockoffs in unsuspecting collections, holding no monetary value. You should determine its authenticity before even considering making an offer if you ever come across a supposed Pete Rose rookie card.

Find All Kinds of Baseball Trading Cards at JRI Cards

These cards may not be hidden gems, but part of the fun of trading cards is coming across cards and players of all kinds. JRI Cards is the place to find vintage baseball cards and card breaks if you want to invest in baseball cards! Browse our selection of baseball card breaks and choose a pack you’d like to invest in, and we’ll open it live on our livestream. Hopefully, you’ll find some cards that are a bit more valuable than the ones on this list.