The 1976 Topps Traded set is one of the most iconic and coveted among collectors of vintage baseball cards. The set highlights some of the biggest trades and transactions that took place during the 1975 season, with many of the cards featuring stars playing for new teams. Given the historic players and moments captured, combined with the vintage design aesthetics of 1970s Topps issues, it’s no surprise these cards continue to be in high demand decades later.
Professional Sports Authenticator (PSA) is the leading third-party grading service for trading cards, comics, and other collectibles. Submitting cards to PSA allows collectors to verify authenticity and encapsulate cards to preserve condition. A PSA grade assigns the card a rank between 1 and 10 based on several condition factors like centering, corners, edges, and surface. Receiving higher marks from PSA can significantly increase a card’s value.
Due to the rarity and expense of high-grade 1976 Topps Traded examples, PSA has graded thousands of these cards over the years. Here’s a closer look at some of the most notable PSA population reports and examples from the iconic set.
The biggest star and one of the most sought-after cards is the Nolan Ryan traded from the Angels to the Rangers (#T53). In a PSA 10 Gem Mint, this card has sold for over $30,000 at auction. Only 32 of these ultra-rare cards have achieved a PSA 10 grade out of the thousands submitted for review. The next closest grade is PSA 9 with 147 examples. Even in an excellent PSA 8 condition, this Ryan can fetch over $2,000.
Another highly valuable PSA 10 is the Hank Aaron traded from the Braves to the Brewers (#T81). Arguably the greatest hitter of all time changing teams was a huge story. Aaron’s PSA 10 population is even smaller than Ryan’s at just 29 copies. Prices usually start around the $5,000-$7,000 range for a pristine PSA 10 example.
One of the more iconic designs shows Reggie Jackson wearing both an Athletics and Yankees uniform (#T60). This nod to “Mr. October’s” blockbuster trade topped many collectors’ want lists. In PSA 10 condition, even this card has sold for over $15,000. The current PSA 10 population is 64 copies.
Trades that brought star power to new cities were a big story in 1975. The Tom Seaver card displaying his new Reds jersey (#T7) captured such a moment. Seaver was a huge reason Cincinnati was building a powerful pitching staff. His PSA 10 population of 114 cards underscores the demand. Expect to pay $3,000+ for a PSA 10 Seaver.
Other highly graded and valuable examples from the set in PSA 10 condition include Joe Morgan with the Astros (#T12) with 60 population, Rollie Fingers with the Padres (#T23) at 99 population, and George Foster with the Reds (#T16) at 82 population. Each can sell for $2,000-$4,000 depending on condition qualities within the grade.
While the elite PSA 10 population numbers may seem low, there is still plenty of demand and value throughout the other grades as well. A PSA 9 Johnny Bench Reds card (#T15) still fetches $1,000 despite the larger population of 315 graded examples. Even lower grades like PSA 8 can sell from $300-$500 due to condition rarity.
For most collectors, finding any 1976 Topps Traded card in superb condition is an achievement. Submitting examples to the most respected third-party authentication company like PSA provides the best way to preserve the vintage cardboard investment long-term while boosting value substantially versus raw ungraded copies. Nearly 50 years later, the landmark trades and deals depicted retain their historic significance. So whether targeting population leaders in pristine PSA 10s or condition scarcer mid-grades, building a collection of these graded cards ensures owning compelling pieces of baseball history.
