The 1979 Topps baseball card set is considered one of the more valuable sets from the 1970s and 1980s. While it does not contain any extremely rare cards overall, there are a number of stars and rookie cards from the set that can fetch a good price depending on condition. Let’s take a deeper look at some of the key 1979 Topps baseball cards that are worth money for collectors.
One of the most valuable regular issue cards from the 1979 set is the Nolan Ryan card (#534). Ryan was already an established star pitcher by 1979 but his card remains popular with collectors decades later. A Ryan card in near mint to mint condition could sell for $50-$100. If the card grades gem mint 10, it could potentially sell for over $200. What makes the Ryan card so sought after is his status as a baseball legend with 7 no-hitters during his career.
Another pitching star with a valuable 1979 card is Tom Seaver (#531). Seaver was in his prime with the Cincinnati Reds in 1979 after a trade from the Mets. Like Ryan, his name value and career accomplishments continue to drive interest in his rookie and early career cards such as the 1979 issue. An excellently preserved Seaver could sell for $50-75, while a true gem mint might attract a $150+ price tag.
Two of the biggest rookie cards from the 1979 set are Don Mattingly (#97) and Robin Yount (#635). Mattingly had a breakout season as a 23 year old first baseman for the Yankees in ’79 while batting .297 with 13 home runs. The Mattingly rookie in high grade could sell for $75-150 depending on condition, with a true gem specimen reaching up to $300-400. Meanwhile, Robin Yount won the AL MVP award as a shortstop in ’82 but his promising rookie season in ’79 makes his first Topps card very popular as well. An absolutely pristine Yount rookie could sell for $100-200.
Staying with Yankees theme, the Thurman Munson (#487) and Catfish Hunter (#525) cards are also quite valuable from the 1979 set when found in top condition. Munson was the heart and soul of the late 70s Yankees dynasty as the team’s captain and catcher before his tragic death in 1979 plane crash at age 32. His final Topps issue has become somewhat of a commemorative card for Munson collectors. A Thurman Munson in mint-gem condition could sell for $50-100. Catfish Hunter was also a leader of those Yankees squads and had already racked up over 150 career wins before 1979. An exceptionally graded Hunter card could command $50-75.
Other star players with desirables 1979 Topps cards worth owning include Rod Carew (#174), Steve Garvey (#325), Dave Parker (#443), Mike Schmidt (#558), and George Brett (#145). When found in near mint to mint condition, these star cards usually sell in the $20-40 range but true gem mint specimens could reach $75-150 depending on level of grading. George Brett’s dominance in the 70s-80s makes his 1979 rookie card among the generally cheaper options to acquire from the set, with a mint copy selling for under $10.
Perhaps the rarest 1979 Topps card is the Andre Dawson rookie (#474). Dawson enjoyed a Hall of Fame career primarily as an outfielder for the Cubs and Expos but his rookie season was split between the Expos and Montreal. As a result, there are two different variations of his rookie card – one with Expos team logo on the front and one with Montreal team name. The Montreal variation is extremely scarce and one that has graded PSA 8 sold recently at auction for over $1,000. Even the more common Expos variation rookie in top condition can sell for $100-200.
While not the most valuable set overall compared to flagship years like 1952, 1957, or 1969 – canny collectors can still profit nicely by acquiring and holding onto well-preserved rookie cards and stars from the 1979 Topps baseball set long-term. Key cards like Mattingly, Yount, Ryan, Seaver, Munson and others in mint condition will likely continue appreciating for dedicated investors. For budget-minded collectors, commons and short prints from the 792-card set remain quite affordable to fill out. Grading invaluable high-grade examples is also strongly advisable to maximize potential resale value for valuable ’79s in the years ahead.
