One of One 2016 Topps Five Star Autographs Sandy Koufax gets Great Grade

Pictured: 2016 Topps Five Star Autographs Five Star #FSASK Sandy Koufax

Back in 2016, Topps and their various lines went a long way to bring the past to the present, releasing several variations of Sandy Koufax cards. From Topps Archives, Topps Anthology, Allen & Ginter, Topps Bunt, Topps Berger’s Best, and Five Star, collectors wanting a piece of the past had cards to chase. Producing a one-of-one in Five Star Autographs Five Star, a bridge from MLB in the 50’s and 60’s was made in the 21st century.

The career in many ways was too short but during his time with the Brookly/Los Angeles Dodgers (1955-66), Koufax was dominating. A seven-time All-Star, Koufax won the Cy Young Award and Triple Crown three times (1963, 1965, 1966). He also led MLB in strikeouts four times (1961, 1963, 1965, 1966) and was the NL leader in ERA five times (1962-66).

In the hobby, getting anything signed by Koufax has proved to be a challenge. Koufax is not one to make many public appearances and played during a time when on-card autographs were rare.

The 2016 line of Topps cards produced a great opportunity for fans to get closer to one of the game’s all-time greats. Koufax autographs were also found in Topps Archives Fan Favorites and Topps Archives Signature Series. Some print runs are unknown, but the ones that are known are limited to /50 – Five Star Autographs Gold, /25 – Five Star Autographs Rainbow, /25 – Five Star Heart of a Champion, /5 Five Star Autographs Emerald. The rest are one-of-one.

The Five Star Autographs Rainbow #FSASK 9.5 value has been set at $434.95, although looking on secondary markets, asking prices are north of $1,000 for autographed Koufax cards.

Want to talk about a solid investment, Koufax rookie cards are the way to go. Tracking sells on Heritage Auctions, a 1955 Topps #123 Sandy Koufax RC PSA 8.5 sold for $38,240 in November of 2016, $69,000 in December 2020, and $108,000 in November of 2021.

Similarly, a PSA 9 #123 Koufax sold for $216,000 in February 2021 at a Heritage Auction and then sold for $300,000 on Aug. 25, 2024.

Adding to Koufax’s legendary status, he was the National League MVP in 1963 and helped the Dodgers win four World Series (1955, 1959, 1963, 1965).

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