The 1970 Topps baseball card set is considered one of the most iconic issues in the hobbies history. Containing cards of future Hall of Famers and rookie stars, the 1970 set saw astronomical increases in value and demand over the past few decades. Here are the 10 most valuable 1970 Topps baseball cards based on PSA 10 Gem Mint condition:
Nolan Ryan rookie card (#368) – Perhaps the most famous and coveted rookie card in the hobby, Nolan Ryan’s 1970 Topps rookie is the undisputed king of the set. High-graded PSA 10 examples routinely sell for well over $100,000 due to Ryan’s Hall of Fame career and status as one of the greatest pitchers ever. Ryan struck out over 5,000 batters and threw a record 7 no-hitters, cementing his card’s value.
Reggie Jackson (#491) – Nicknamed “Mr. October” for his clutch postseason heroics, Reggie Jackson smashed 563 career home runs and won 5 World Series titles. High-grade 1970 Topps Jackson rookies trade hands for $20,000-$30,000 due to his prolific career and popularity. He smacked 3 home runs in the clinching Game 6 of the 1977 World Series.
Carl Yastrzemski (#507) – A lifetime Boston Red Sox star, Carl Yastrzemski captured the 1967 American League Triple Crown and was named MVP. He played his entire 23-year career with Boston and was inducted into Cooperstown in 1989. PSA 10 examples of his 1970 Topps card reach $15,000-$20,000 due to his status as an iconic Boston legend.
Tom Seaver (#245) – Nicknamed “Tom Terrific,” Tom Seaver racked up 311 wins, struck out over 3,500 batters, and won 3 Cy Young Awards during his Hall of Fame career. He led the “Amazin'” 1969 New York Mets to their first World Series title. PSA 10 copies of his 1970 Topps rookie command $10,000-$15,000.
Johnny Bench (#221) – “Big Daddy” Johnny Bench redefined the catching position, slashing 389 home runs and winning 2 MVP awards during his career. He helped lead the Cincinnati Reds to back-to-back World Series titles in 1975-76. Bench’s 1970 Topps rookie is one of the more iconic cards in the set, with PSA 10s selling for $10,000-$12,000.
Hank Aaron (#235) – “Hammerin'” Hank Aaron smashed a then-record 755 career home runs and held the all-time home run record for over 30 years before being passed by Barry Bonds. He was inducted into Cooperstown in 1982. His 1970 Topps card fetches $5,000-$8,000 in top grade due to his legendary hitting ability.
Willie Mays (#259) – “The Say Hey Kid” Willie Mays racked up 660 career home runs and haunting defensive plays in centerfield. Widely considered one of the greatest all-around players ever, Mays was named to 24 All-Star teams. PSA 10 copies of his 1970 issue card reach $7,000-$9,000.
Brooks Robinson (#318) – Nicknamed “The Human Vacuum Cleaner,” Brooks Robinson was a 17-time Gold Glove third baseman who shone on Baltimore Orioles championship teams. He was selected to the All-Century Team and entered Cooperstown in 1983. High-graded 1970 Topps Robinsons reach $5,000-$7,000.
Bob Gibson (#220) – Right-hander Bob Gibson posted a career 2.91 ERA and led the National League in ERA on 7 occasions. He tossed 13 complete game shutouts in 1968 and won the MVP that year. Gibson’s intimidating stare-down on his 1970 issue makes it a highly coveted vintage card, valued at $4,000-$6,000 graded mint.
Steve Carlton (#232) – Lefty Steve Carlton won 4 Cy Young Awards and struck out over 4,000 batters in his Hall of Fame career. He dominated in the 1970s, winning 20+ games 6 times that decade including putting up 27 wins in his 1972 MVP season. The rare PSA 10 1970 Topps Carlton fetches $4,000-$5,000.
The 1970 Topps baseball card set contains some of the most iconic vintage issues featuring all-time greats like Ryan, Bench, Mays, and Aaron. Cards of these players’ rookie seasons and prime years have seen explosive increases in value over 50 years. With its Hall of Famers, rookie stars, and historic imagery, the 1970 set remains a true benchmark in the industry that collectors lust after to this day.
