The 1977 Topps baseball card set is considered one of the most iconic issues in the hobby’s history. While it may lack the star power and rookie card attractions of some other vintage sets, the ’77 Topps cards remain a stapular mainstay in collections due to their classic designs and memorable players from a pivotal era in baseball history. Let’s take an in-depth look at some of the top cards from the 1977 set and what they can fetch on the current collectibles market.

The most valuable card in the set is generally considered to be the #1 Mike Schmidt card. Schmidt would go on to win the NL MVP award in the following 1978 season, cementing his status as one of the game’s premier power hitters of the 1970s-80s. In top mint condition, a PSA 10 graded Schmidt can sell for over $2,000. Most raw near-mint to mint copies trade hands between $150-400 depending on centering and corners.

Another star third baseman who has seen his ’77 card rise in value is Ron Cey of the Los Angeles Dodgers. Cey was a consistent .280 hitter and 20 home run threat for LA throughout the decade. High grade PSA 9-10 Cey rookies have reached $500-600 at auction. Most raw copies in excellent shape will sell in the $50-150 range.

Nolan Ryan’s record-setting pitching career is well represented by his 1977 issue with the Angels. Ryan struck out a then-record 383 batters in ’77. Pristine PSA 10 Ryan cards are rare finds that can bring $1,000-1,500. Most raw near-mint+ copies sell between $75-250 depending on centering.

While George Brett had yet to establish himself as a true superstar in ’77, his rookie card is one of the key rookie cards from the set. Brett went on to a Hall of Fame career primarily with the Kansas City Royals. PSA 10 graded ’77 Brett rookies have sold for over $3,000. Even well-centered raw near-mint copies can still fetch $200-500.

Reggie Jackson’s 1977 issue shows him in an Oakland A’s uniform, a year before his free agency and move to the New York Yankees. “Mr. October” was already a three-time World Series champion and five-time All-Star by this point in his career. High grade PSA 9-10 Jacksons have reached $400-600. Most raw near-mint copies sell in the $75-150 range.

One of the more visually striking cards in the set is that of Nolan Ryan’s California Angels teammate Don Baylor. Baylor’s thick mustache and intense gaze make his ’77 one of the most recognizable of the era. High grade PSA 9-10 Baylor rookies have topped $500 at auction. Raw near-mint copies typically sell between $50-150.

While he was still a few years away from his peak as a slugger, Johnny Bench’s 1977 issue shows him in the early stages of his Hall of Fame catching career with the Cincinnati Reds. PSA 10 Bench gems are rare seven-figure cards. Even well-centered raw near-mint copies command $150-400 due to his iconic status in the game.

Fernando Valenzuela’s 1981 rookie is more famous, but his 1977 issue shows him as a rookie pitcher for the Dodgers. “Fernandomania” hadn’t taken off yet, but high grades PSA 9-10 of his first Topps card have reached $400-600. Most raw near-mint copies sell between $50-150.

Though he was past his prime by 1977, Willie Mays’ issue remains a standout from the set due to his legendary career and status as one of the all-time greats. PSA 10 Mays gems have sold for over $2,000. Even well-centered raw near-mint copies still fetch $150-400.

While he was still developing into a superstar, Eddie Murray’s 1977 rookie card shows promise of the elite hitter he would become. High grade PSA 9-10 Murray rookies have sold for $600-800. Most raw near-mint copies trade hands between $75-200.

Though overshadowed by bigger stars in the set, Jim Rice’s rookie card has gained steam in value in recent years as his Hall of Fame career has been recognized. PSA 10 Rice rookies have reached $1,000-1,500. Well-centered raw near-mint copies sell for $150-400.

While not the most famous rookie in the set, Andre Dawson’s 1977 issue shows promise of the excellence he would achieve, winning MVP in 1987. High grades PSA 9-10 Dawson rookies have topped $500. Raw near-mint copies typically sell between $50-150.

Though not the most valuable in the set, the 1977 Topps set remains iconic for its memorable photography and capturing of baseball’s biggest stars of the 1970s era. For collectors, it offers the chance to own a piece of cardboard history from when many of these all-time greats were just entering their primes. While the biggest keys will always be out of reach for most budgets, there are still plenty of affordable stars and prospects to be had even in high grades. For a complete set builder, it presents an iconic and iconic set to showcase from the vintage 1970s period.