The 1972 Topps Baseball card set is considered one of the most iconic issues in the hobby’s history. While it lacked star rookies that would drive prices sky high in subsequent years, the ’72 Topps set remains a fan favorite due to its classic design aesthetic and the countless childhood memories collectors have of opening wax packs in search of their favorite players.
While there are no true “grails” in the set that would fetch six or seven figures, several 1972 Topps cards are still highly sought after by both vintage collectors and investors due to their memorable subjects and relative scarcity. Let’s take a deeper look at some of the most notable “key cards” from the ’72 Topps baseball set that continue to entice collectors some 50 years later.
Joe DiMaggio (#66) – The Yankee Clipper’s final individual regular issue Topps card came in 1972, marking the end of an era for one of baseball’s all-time great icons. While the photo is rather mundane compared to some of his dazzling earlier cards, DiMaggio’s iconic status and this marking the closure of his legendary career makes the ’72 card one of the set’s most desirable. High grade examples can still command mid-four figure prices.
Eddie Mathews (#137) – One of the greatest thirdsackers in baseball history, Mathews’ final Topps issue card came in 1972 for the Astros. Known for his mammoth home run prowess earlier in his career, the photo shows an aging Mathews preparing in the on deck circle. The card stands out for commemorating the tail end of a Hall of Fame bat. PSA 10 gems have sold for over $1,000.
Hank Aaron (#138) – The Hammer’s 1972 Topps card capped off one of the most statistically dominant careers in baseball annals. With 733 career home runs already to his name, the photo has Aaron taking practice cuts in the cage representing the Milwaukee Brewers. Highly sought after by both Aaron collectors and Brewers fans, pristine copies can reach well into four figures.
Johnny Bench (#174) – The backbone of the Big Red Machine squads that dominated the early 1970s, Bench was already a 2-time MVP entering the ’72 season represented on this iconic card. The photo shows the legendary catcher in action behind the plate with mask in hand, highlighting the defensive skills that were just as important to his game as his thunderous bat. A true star of the era and one of the most valuable Reds cards from the 1970s.
Carl Yastrzemski (#205) – Yaz was still in his prime entering 1972 and winners the AL MVP the previous season. This Boston great’s batting stance photographed mid-swing serves as a quintessential representation of his dominance during the decade. Highly collectible among Red Sox adherents and vintage collectors alike due to Yastrzemski’s brilliance and the nostalgia his cards evoke for the era.
Nolan Ryan (#542) – The Express was just beginning his legendary career with the Angels in 1972, but this second year card already hints at Ryan’s ability to overwhelm hitters as a flamethrowing righty. A key early issue of one of the most charismatic and commanding hurlers ever. While not his most valuable card overall, still quite desirable for Angel and Ryan aficionados.
Steve Carlton (#491) – During the ’72 season, Lefty took home his first of four career Cy Young Awards leading the Phillies staff. This card highlights Carlton’s smooth windup and classic knuckle curve that made him the most feared starter of the decade. Highly collected by Phillies supporters and fans of the great left-handed aces. Considered one of the premier pitcher cards from the entire 1970s decade.
While the 1972 Topps set lacks true star rookies that could bring six or seven figures, it contains many beloved veterans and future Hall of Famers entering their prime. Cards like DiMaggio, Mathews, Aaron, Bench, Yaz, Ryan and Carlton stand out as some of the vintage issues still most lusted after by collectors today. Strong condition and eye appeal examples can sell briskly in the low four figure range or above for the all-time greats. The ’72 Topps brand remains one of the most iconic in the hobby thanks to its mix of photography, historical relevance and sheer joy it evokes for collectors of a certain generation.
