
For any vintage collector, there are many amazing cards to chase, including some iconic rookie cards. Some of those cards are out of reach to all but the most budget-robust collectors.
But others provide something interesting – in top condition, they offer up the rarity and high prices of premium auctions, but in lower condition, they quickly become approachable for just about any collector.
Shop for the 1965 Topps Joe Morgan rookie card on eBay
Today’s rookie card fits that description. It is a 60-year-old rookie card of a great player who later was a popular broadcaster. Welcome to the Cardlines 1965 Topps Joe Morgan rookie card guide!
Joe Morgan got his first taste of the big leagues at age 19 in 1963. It took him a couple of years to get established, but then he remained a mainstay in the big leagues until he retired in 1984 at the age of 40.
Over his long career, Morgan did so many things incredibly well. He hit for power, as his 268 home runs were the second most ever by a second baseman when he retired and still the 5th most today. He played incredible defense, winning five Gold Glove awards.
He stole bases, with 689 for his career (11th all-time). He was a 10-time All-Star and won a Silver Slugger award and an All-Star Game MVP.
Shop for the 1965 Topps Joe Morgan rookie card on eBay
During his peak with the Cincinnati Reds, Morgan led the Reds to back-to-back World Championships, winning the NL MVP award in both 1975 and 1976. In his career, Morgan put up a line of .271/.392/.427 with an OPS of .819 and OPS+ of 132.
For his career, he was worth 100.6 WAR, 4th highest among 2nd baseman. Joe Morgan was elected to the Hall of Fame in his first year of eligibility.
After his playing career, Morgan quickly got into broadcasting, first locally and then for major networks including a long run on ESPN. His broadcasting career lasted approximately 25 years, adding to Morgan’s long legacy in the game.
Joe Morgan passed away on October 11, 2020, at the age of 77.
As a broadcaster, Morgan was notably “old school” and railed against “modern stats” like WAR. This was always interesting since as great as Morgan was considered during his career, modern statistics show just how valuable as a player he was – a player who hit for power, got on base, stole bases, and played excellent defense at a premium position.
Joe Morgan has his rookie card in the classic 1965 Topps set, on the “Astros Rookies” card number 16 that he shares with Sonny Jackson. The card appears in the 1st of the 7 series that were released by Topps in 1965.
The card pictures both players sporting Colt 45’s hats, as that was the Houston team’s name from their entry to the league in 1962 through 1964. The name was changed going into 1965 to coincide with the team’s move into the iconic Astrodome ballpark.
PSA has graded the card a total of 5,198 times. Of those, there are only 2 that exist in PSA 10 slabs. The last sale of a PSA 10 was back in May of 2021, for a whopping $144,000.
PSA 9s are a little more plentiful, with 86 copies, with the last sale being for around $3,400 in early 2024. In a PSA 8 slab, of which there are almost 550, recent comps are still strong in the $750-1,000 range.
From there, something interesting happens as graded copies of this iconic card that is almost 60 years old. In PSA 7, the card sells for $250-350, or roughly the price of a 2024 Topps Chrome Hobby Box. And a PSA 7 is a nice grade for a 1965 Topps card.
In a PSA 6 slab, prices range from around $135 to $165. For a PSA 6 rookie card of a 1st ballot Hall of Famer and famous broadcaster. That’s downright affordable. PSA 5s range from $60 to $130.
PSA 4s are selling for as little as $40-60. In lower grades, you’re down into “ultra-modern blaster box” pricing, meaning that anyone who wants a Joe Morgan rookie can afford one on just about any budget.
Shop for the 1965 Topps Joe Morgan rookie card on eBay
When looking at any vintage card, but lower grade examples in particular, remember that eye appeal is very important and can play a key role in card value.
Eye Appeal & Vintage Cards – What Is It And How Does It Affect Value?
Card | Recent Sale Pop | Recent Sale Price |
---|---|---|
1965 Topps Astros Rookies Joe Morgan / Sonny Jackson #16 PSA 10 | PSA 10 = 2 | PSA 10 = NA |
1965 Topps Astros Rookies Joe Morgan / Sonny Jackson #16 PSA 9 | PSA 9 = 86 | PSA 9 = $3,400 |
1965 Topps Astros Rookies Joe Morgan / Sonny Jackson #16 PSA 8 | PSA 8 = 549 | PSA 8 = $750-1,000 |
1965 Topps Astros Rookies Joe Morgan / Sonny Jackson #16 PSA 7 | PSA 7 = 714 | PSA 7 = $250-350 |
1965 Topps Astros Rookies Joe Morgan / Sonny Jackson #16 PSA 6 | PSA 6 = 950 | PSA 6 = $135-165 |
1965 Topps Astros Rookies Joe Morgan / Sonny Jackson #16 PSA 5 | PSA 5 = 813 | PSA 5 = $60-130 |
1965 Topps Astros Rookies Joe Morgan / Sonny Jackson #16 PSA 4 | PSA 4 = 794 | PSA 4 = $40-60 |
1965 Topps Astros Rookies Joe Morgan / Sonny Jackson #16 PSA 3 | PSA 3 = 417 | PSA 3 = $30-35 |
1965 Topps Astros Rookies Joe Morgan / Sonny Jackson #16 PSA 2 | PSA 2 = 214 | PSA 2 = $20-25 |
1965 Topps Astros Rookies Joe Morgan / Sonny Jackson #16 PSA 1 | PSA 1 = 48 | PSA 1 = $25 |
Joe Morgan did many things well on the field, which led to him being a first-ballot Hall of Famer. He then stayed in the game as a popular broadcaster, further adding to his appeal. His rookie card has a lot to offer, as well. In higher grades, the card is a high-priced gem.
In lower grades, it quickly becomes very attainable, and in low grades almost absurdly affordable. This means there is a Joe Morgan rookie card for every collection and budget. My copy is a PSA 6.5.
What’s your take on the 1965 Topps Joe Morgan rookie card? Own a copy? Covet it? Tell us what’s on your mind at CardLines on Twitter.
Shop for the 1965 Topps Joe Morgan rookie card on eBay
Who are the best rookies to chase in 2025 Topps Series 1? (Plus issues with the set)
32 Spot Random Team 2024 NFL Mosaic Mega 8 Box Break
32 Spot Random Team 2024 NFL Mosaic Blaster 10 Box Break.
Sealed Blaster Box of 2022 Topps MLB Baseball Update Series.
Sealed box of 2019 Topps MLB Baseball Series 2 Hobby Box. 1 autograph or relic card guaranteed. Great rookie class.
Sealed Box of 2021 Panini Prizm Baseball Cello. 12 packs per box, 18 cards per pack.
© Copyright 2025 - All rights reserved Cardlines.com / Media Techs LLC - Sports Card News, Reviews, Releases and BREAKS - #thehobby.
Important: When you click on links to various merchants on this site and make a purchase, this can result in this site earning a commission. Affiliate programs and affiliations include, but are not limited to, the eBay Partner Network.