The 1973 Topps baseball card set is considered one of the more iconic issues from the early 1970s due to some of the rookie cards and stars featured. Over the past decade, values of certain key cards from the 782-card set have increased considerably.
This was the first Topps set to feature player headshots taken with dark film backgrounds rather than team uniforms. The design featured a color team logo at the top along with the player’s position and batting or pitching stats. At the bottom was the team name written in a script font. The backs continued with the simple white design featuring career stats and a short biography.
The rookie class of 1973 included Hall of Famers Dave Winfield, John Montefusco and player-turned-manager Jim Leyland. Some key rookie cards to look for include:
Dave Winfield, Padres (#1): One of the most iconic rookie cards in the sport. Near mint copies in PSA 8 or 9 condition can fetch $3,000-$5,000. Higher grades above PSA 9 push into the $10,000 range.
John Montefusco, Giants (#659): A PSA 8 trades for $500-800 while a PSA 9 goes for $1,000-1,500. Higher grades command more value.
Jim Leyland, Pirates (#675): Has increased in value steadily the past few years. PSA 8 is $150-250 and PSA 9 is $300-500.
Ron Cey, Dodgers (#30): Not a hall of famer but an important Dodger from that era. PSA 8 is $150-250.
Bert Blyleven, Twins (#684): PSA 8 is $150-250. His dominance in the late 70s and 80s has increased interest in his rookie card long term.
Some of the veteran superstars featured in the set that command big money include Nolan Ryan’s Astros card (#632), Roberto Clemente’s Pirates (#20), Hank Aaron’s Braves (#75) and Willie Mays’ Mets (#660). All are highly coveted by collectors in high grades.
The biggest stars fetch the highest prices. A PSA 9 Nolan Ryan can sell for over $8,000. A PSA 8 Hank Aaron is $2,000-3,000 and a PSA 9 is $5,000-7,000. A PSA 9 Roberto Clemente is $7,000-10,000 range while his PSA 8 goes for $3,000-5,000.
The 1973 Topps set also features unique error cards that are highly sought after. The two most notable are:
Mike Kekich, Yankees (error): Has him wearing a Yankees cap and uniform but credited to the Indians on front. Scarce error that a PSA 8 sold for $5,000 in early 2020 auction.
George Scott, Brewers (error): Credited to the “Brewers” but photo shows his Expos uniform clearly. PSA 8 trades between $1,200-2,000.
Beyond the star rookies and veterans, there are also several other notable short prints and harder to find cards that command demand:
Bill Singer, Angels SP (#670): Low printed short print. PSA 8 trades for $300-500.
Clarence Gaston, Expos SP (#662): Scarce find. PSA 8 brings $200-350 range.
Dan Spillner, A’s SP (#628): One of the toughest 1973 SPs to locate. PSA 8 potential $500+ card.
Willie Davis, Dodgers SP (#50): Quality versions still around $150-250 in PSA 8.
Don Sutton, Dodgers (#12): High quality years were ahead but still valuable Dodgers star. PSA 8 is $150-250.
The 1973 Topps set is remarkably complete and accessible for collectors of all budgets. Many key stars and rookies can be found in affordable near mint grades while gem mint copies of the true vintage stars continue increasing in value steadily. For a vintage set with so many iconic players featured, 1973 Topps cards remain a relatively inexpensive entry into the vintage hobby.
