Johnny Bench: PSA cards from the 1960's and 1970s

There are very few players across professional baseball that have left as complete and as enduring a legacy on the game of professional baseball as Johnny Bench has. Considered by many to be the heart and soul of Cincinnati’s famed “Big Red Machine,” Bench combined power, defense, and leadership in a way that has forever redefined the catcher’s position.

For collectors, his vintage baseball cards tell the story of that greatness beginning with his 1968 rookie and leading into his peak years in the early 1970s. Each card not only captures a moment in time but also embodies the charm of the hobby’s golden era, making Bench’s cardboard catalog a cornerstone of any serious vintage collection.

1968 Topps #247 (Rookie Card – with Ron Tompkins)

1968 Topps #247 - Johnny Bench / Ron Tompkins - PSA 10 | ha.com

From a value perspective, the raw version of this card generally sells in a range of $90-$120 whereas its graded counterparts offer more significant values. From a graded perspective, there are only 17 PSA 10s, 218 PSA 9s, and 1124 PSA 8s. According to Card Ladder, the highest sale of a PSA 10 came via Heritage Auctions where it was sold for $93,000 back on November 18, 2021.

1969 Topps #95 (All-Star Rookie)

1969 Topps #95 - Johnny Bench - All-Star Rookie PSA 10 | https://www.psacard.com/cardfacts/baseball-cards/1969-topps/johnny-bench-all-star-rookie-95/32327

From a value perspective, the raw version of this card generally sells in a range of $75-$85 whereas its graded counterparts offer more significant values. From a graded perspective, there are only 9 PSA 10s, 173 PSA 9s, and 652 PSA 8s. According to Card Ladder, the highest sale of a PSA 10 came via eBay where it was sold for $29,400 back on June 3, 2022.

1970 Topps #660

From a value perspective, the raw version of this card generally sells in a range of $55-$65 whereas its graded counterparts offer more significant values. From a graded perspective, there are only 4 PSA 10s, 118 PSA 9s, and 701 PSA 8s. According to Card Ladder, the highest sale of a PSA 10 came via Goldin where it was sold for $32,940 back on October 4, 2025.

1971 Topps #250

1971 Topps - Johnny Bench - Card No. 250 - PSA 9 | https://www.psacard.com/cardfacts/baseball-cards/1971-topps/johnny-bench-250/33250

From a value perspective, the raw version of this card generally sells in a range of $5-$8 whereas its graded counterparts offer more significant values. From a graded perspective, there are no PSA 10s, however, there are 184 PSA 8s and 535 PSA 7s. According to Card Ladder, the highest sale of a PSA 9 came via Heritage Auctions where it was sold for $42,000 back on May 13, 2022.

1972 Topps #433

1972 Topps - Johnny Bench - Card No. 433 - PSA 10 | https://app.cardladder.com/sales-history?sort=price&direction=desc&q=1972%20Johnny%20Bench%20PSA%2010

From a value perspective, the raw version of this card generally sells in a range of $10-$13 whereas its graded counterparts offer more significant values. From a graded perspective, there are only 3 PSA 10s, 129 PSA 9s, and 613 PSA 8s. According to Card Ladder, the highest sale of a PSA 10 came via Goldin where it was sold for $7,900 back on February 11, 2018.

The appeal of Johnny Bench’s vintage cards reaches far beyond traditional nostalgia, it’s rooted in a unique combination of rarity, craftsmanship, and lasting value. As collectors continue to chase higher-graded PSA versions, demand remains fueled by the limited population of higher-graded cards from an era known for its production flaws. These cards are clear tributes to not just one of baseball’s true legends but to an era of baseball that will forever stand the test of time.