The 1977 Topps baseball card set is considered one of the more valuable issues from the 1970s. While it does not have any true “gem mint” cards that can sell for thousands, there are several stars and key rookies from that season that can still hold significant value today. Let’s take a deeper look at some of the top 1977 Topps cards that are worth pursuing for anyone looking to invest in vintage baseball memorabilia.

The 1977 set featured 660 total cards and was the last Topps design to use a color photo on the front with a black and white photo on the back. It also marked the final year for the “cap logo” design that had been used since 1969. Due to the high print run numbers for 1970s cards, true gem mint PSA 10 graded examples for most players are almost impossible to find. There are still plenty of high-grade copies that can sell for hundreds or low four figures depending on the player.

Arguably the most coveted rookie card from the 1977 set is that of future Hall of Famer Dave Parker, who went on to win the NL MVP award that same season. In PSA 9-10 grade, his rookie fetches $100-300 quite readily. Another star outfielder rookie is Eddie Murray, who also had a Hall of Fame career. High-grade Murray rookies can sell in the $75-150 range. George Brett had one of the best third baseman careers ever and his 1977 rookie in PSA 8-9 condition has recent sales ranging from $50-120.

Superstar center fielder Dave Winfield debuted with the San Diego Padres in 1977 and his rookie card remains one of the most visually appealing from the set due to his handsome smile featured on the front. Graded examples in PSA 8-9 bring $60-150. NL Cy Young winner Phil Niekro, a knuckleballer who played until he was 48, can also be found for $30-80 in similar grades. And Dodgers ace Don Sutton, who won 20 games that season, has 8-9 graded rookies selling around $30-60.

Nolan Ryan was already a proven ace by 1977 but remained a sought-after name for collectors. His card can be acquired for $15-40 in PSA 8-9 condition. Fellow flamethrower Goose Gossage began making a name for himself as one of the premier closers in baseball in 1977 and his card trades hands for $15-40 as well. Cincinnati Reds star pitchers Don Gullett and Pat Zachry, who both won 15-plus games that year, have 8-9 graded cards worth $10-30 each depending on the day.

Of the true superstar veterans from 1977, two cards stand out as especially desirable – Reggie Jackson and Pete Rose. “Mr. October” Jackson was near the peak of his powers with the World Champion Oakland A’s in 1977. High grade copies of his 1973-style photo in PSA 8-9 grade have sold for $75-150. And Pete Rose, even before winning his MLB hits record, was already a fan favorite as the fiery sparkplug for the Big Red Machine. Scarce PSA 9 copies of his familiar 1975-style photo have hit as high as $250 recently on auction sites.

There are also a number of key rookie Cards from secondary stars, as well as notable managers and team checklists from the 1977 Topps set that are sought after cards that may not be household names but still carry value in the sports collecting marketplace. Examples include Yankees third baseman Graig Nettles ($20-50 PSA 8-9), Cardinals catcher Ted Simmons ($15-45 PSA 8-9), A’s outfielder Mitchell Page ($10-30 PSA 8-9), Twins pitcher Dave Goltz ($8-25 PSA 8-9), as well as popular managers Whitey Herzog of the Cardinals and Ralph Houk of the Red Sox ($10-30 PSA 8-9 each). And the popular team multi-player checklists, which included stats and photos of 9-10 players from each club, routinely sell for $10-25 in similar grades as well.

While the 1977 Topps set does not have true “investment grade” gems on the level of iconic rookies from the 1950s-60s, there is still appreciable value to be found across the board from A-list stars through solid role players and managers. For collectors seeking affordable vintage baseball cards from the 1970s featuring some of the game’s all-time greats to hold long term, the 1977 issue provides plenty of compelling options primed to hold and potentially increase in value over the coming years as the hobby continues its explosive growth. With just under 660 total cards to collect, it also remains a very obtainable complete set for enthusiasts.