The Most Iconic Sports Cards of 2011
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As the early 2010’s continued, 2011 served as a pivotal year for iconic sports cards, specifically high-caliber rookies who were being invested in. This year provided some of the most recognizable, influential, and nostalgic cards of this time period. This year gave collectors and investors a solid foundation of what was to come in the hobby, and it still proves to be a cornerstone for modern collections today. However, three rise to the top when it comes to being the most iconic. Set guidelines were used to find the three most iconic cards of 2011:
- Historical significance: Did the card help define a generation in the hobby?
- Cultural impact: Was it iconic in movies, commercials, or general conversations?
- Market value and hobby status: Is it considered a grail card for collections/collectors?
- Scarcity/rarity: How low is the population count/how unique is it?
- Player legacy: Is the player on the card an all-time great?
- Card design/aesthetic: Is this card visually appealing and easily recognizable?
- Resale value: Did this card sell for an amount unusual for this time?
RELATED: Top 3 Sports Cards From 2010
#3. Francisco Lindor 2011 Bowman Chrome Draft Prospect Auto
Before becoming an iconic player in Cleveland and a superstar in New York, Francisco Lindor was a sensation in the card hobby for his Bowman Chrome Draft Prospect cards. For prospect collectors, Lindor was a prime candidate as a smooth shortstop with a strong bat. It wasn’t until 2015 when he entered the league, hitting .313 with 12 home runs and 51 RBIs. Since then, this card has gained traction for obvious reasons and has strong sales. It last sold (raw) on May 21st for $280, and a PSA 10 last sold for $700 just three days ago.
#2. Cam Newton 2011 National Treasures Rookie Patch Auto /99
Cam Newton not only took the football world by storm, but the sports world. While at Auburn, Newton was one of the most electric athletes in the world, and was projected to be a top quarterback in the NFL. In 2010 he led the Auburn Tigers to a National Championship and also won the Heisman Trophy. His signature superman flex and running ability not only made him a sensation on the field, but also in the sports card hobby. However, his career didn’t play out the same way that someone like Lindor’s did, and he slowly became a backup to the teams he was on. However, through the years there have been some solid sales from this iconic card. It last sold raw on December 17th of 2024 for $250, and a PSA 10 sold last for $615 on February 11th of 2024.
#1. Mike Trout 2011 Topps Update Gold Rookie /2011
It is no surprise to hobbyists that this iconic Mike Trout is number one on the list for 2011’s most iconic cards. From the iconic picture, to the athlete, to the historical significance, the sale value, and the cultural impact, this card is truly one of the most iconic cards of all-time…let alone 2011. Trout has been highly regarded as one of the greatest baseball players of all-time, and in his prime, he may have been just that. He won the AL MVP in three seasons, 2014, 2016, and 2019, but since then has faced numerous injuries that have placed him on the bench for many seasons. His sports cards however have still shown some positive numbers as he is still a hobby favorite amongst collectors who grew up watching him. This card last sold raw for $300 on June 4th and a PSA 10 sold last for $5,880 three days ago.
Abram King is a Pittsburgh native, die-hard fan of all things Black & Gold, and a passionate sports card collector. With years of experience in the hobby, he brings a sharp insight, deep knowledge, and hometown pride to his coverage. This is your inside edge of the hobby, straight from the Steel City.