The 1970s was an iconic decade for baseball cards. Stars like Nolan Ryan, Johnny Bench, Reggie Jackson and many more were entering their primes and gaining widespread popularity. As a result, their rookie cards and earlier career cards from the 1970s can be quite valuable today for collectors. While the condition and grade of a card plays a big role in its worth, here are some of the most desirable and financially significant baseball cards from the 1970s:
1973 Topps Nolan Ryan Rookie Card – Ryan’s iconic rookie card from his second season in the majors in 1973 with the California Angels is one of the most sought after cards of all time. In near mint to mint condition, examples regularly sell for $20,000 or more. Even in well-worn condition a 1973 Topps Nolan Ryan can still fetch over $1,000. What makes it so desirable is that Ryan went on to have one of the greatest pitching careers ever and was a true legend of the game by the time he retired. Not many other rookie cards can match the history and prestige associated with Nolan Ryan’s.
1975 ToppsReggie Jackson – Known by his nickname “Mr. October”, Reggie Jackson entered Major League Baseball folklore with his legendary home run heroics for the New York Yankees in the 1977 World Series. His formidable rookie season was in 1968 but his earliest notable card is his 1975 Topps issue from his playing days with the Baltimore Orioles. High graded versions in mint condition can sell for $4,000-$6,000. Even well-centered but worn copies still trade hands for $500-1000 routinely.
1972 Topps Johnny Bench – Widely considered the best defensive catcher of all-time, Johnny Bench was a 12-time All-Star and two-time National League MVP for the Cincinnati Reds. His iconic ’72 Topps rookie card was issued during his breakout first full season where he blasted 38 home runs and drove in 129 RBIs. Pristine examples with a grade of Mint 9 or Above can earn over $10,000. Near mint to excellent conditioned versions are valued around $3,000-$5,000 still.
1976 Topps Mike Schmidt – ‘The Hammer’ enjoyed one of the greatest careers by a third baseman in baseball history with the Philadelphia Phillies. His rookie season in the majors was in 1972 but his true breakthrough year was in 1976 where he launched 38 homers and won the National League MVP award. Near mint to mint conditioned ’76 Topps Schmidt rookie cards sell in the $3,000-$4,000 range today.
1974 Topps George Brett – Considered the greatest third baseman in Kansas City Royals franchise history, George Brett had a 24-year career filled with accolades in the majors. His rookie card issued by Topps in 1974 from his debut season captures him in his early Kansas City days. High graded versions with a PSA/BGS grade of 9 or 10 can sell for upwards of $5,000. Even well-centered examples in Excellent to Near Mint condition still hold value of $1,000-$2,000.
1971 Topps Thurman Munson – As the heart and soul of some of the great New York Yankees teams in the 1970s, Thurman Munson was a tough, competitive catcher who led by example. His 1971 Topps card from his first full season starting is one of the more scarce early issue Yankees cards. Pristine Mint 9’s can sell in the $2,000 range with Near Mint 8’s going for $1,000-1500. He tragically passed away in 1979 at the young age of 32, adding to the historical significance of his early career cards.
1974 Topps Hank Aaron – In 1974 Hank Aaron had just broken Babe Ruth’s all-time home run record and was in the latter stages of his Hall of Fame career with the Atlanta Braves. Topps captured his milestone moment with a memorable action photo on his ’74 card. High graded Mint and Gem Mint examples can earn over $3,000 today. Even well-centered near mint copies are valued around $500-1000 for collectors looking to own a piece of sports history.
1977 Topps Steve Garvey – As the smooth-swinging first baseman for the Los Angeles Dodgers dynasty of the 1970s-early 80s, Steve Garvey was a perennial All-Star and won the 1974 National League MVP award. His 1977 Topps card shows him in the prime of his successful career. Pristine GEM MT 10’s can earn $500-1000 while Near Mint to Mint specimens are valued closer to $200-500 range. It’s an iconic Dodgers card from that golden era.
1978 Topps Ron Guidry – ‘Louisiana Lightning’ had a breakout 1977 season winning the American League Cy Young award with New York Yankees. Topps duly featured him prominently in their 1978 set during his superstar campaign. Pristine high graded examples have sold for $600-800. Even well-centered near mint copies possess value of $200-400 for 70s Yankees fans.
While condition is critical, seasoned collectors understand that premium vintage cards like these from stars’ early careers in the 1970s offer an historical and nostalgic connection to some of baseball’s most legendary players that transcends their dollar value alone. With the decades of appreciation since their original issue, investors speculate they may continue rising much like the larger-than-life players featured forever immortalized them decades ago on cardboard.
