Nolan Ryan is considered one of the greatest pitchers in Major League Baseball history based on his longevity and dominance on the mound. Ryan played 27 seasons spanning from 1966 to 1993 and his baseball cards from his playing career hold significant value, especially his premium rookie and vintage cards. Let’s take a deeper look at some of Ryan’s notable baseball cards and their estimated worth.
One of Ryan’s most prized cards is his 1966 Topps rookie card, which is card number 524 in the set. As Ryan’s only true rookie card issued during his first season in the majors, it is one of the key cards for any Ryan collector. In top graded gem mint condition of PSA 10, Ryan’s 1966 Topps rookie has sold for over $25,000 at auction. Even in lower grading of PSA 8 or 9 Condition, the card still fetches thousands of dollars. The card has significance as it captures Ryan in his Angels uniform at the beginning of his historic career.
Another early and expensive Ryan card is his 1968 Topps card, which is card number 564 in that set. While not technically a rookie card since it was issued in his 3rd MLB season, it remains a key vintage Ryan card showing him early in his career pitching for the Angels. High graded versions of the ’68 Topps Ryan in PSA 8-10 condition will sell for $1,000-$5,000 depending on exact grade. It’s a really good looking vintage image of Ryan that holds value for collectors.
When Ryan was traded from the Angels to the Texas Rangers in 1971, it was a huge deal at the time and launched one of the most memorable eras of his career. His 1971 Topps card, numbered at 570, as a member of the Rangers sold extremely well and has held its value. Graded PSA 10 copies have gone for over $800 in recent sales. It immortalizes the start of Ryan’s time with the Rangers franchise where he had some of his best seasons.
Perhaps Ryan’s most iconic baseball card overall is his famous 1973 Topps card, which is number 549 in the set. On this card, Ryan is captured in the middle of his legendary wind-up during his record setting season where he struck out 383 batters. It’s one of the most visually impressive Baseball cards ever made and is among the sport’s most desired vintage cards. In the highest PSA 10 grade, the 1973 Topps Nolan Ryan has sold at auction for over $15,000 before. Even in Good/Very Good condition, raw non-graded examples can still demand over $100 on the current market.
One other key early Ryan card is his 1974 Topps card, which shows him in an Astros uniform after being dealt from the Rangers to Houston shortly before. Numbered 627 in the set, a PSA 10 graded example of the 1974 Topps Nolan Ryan recently sold for over $1,000. It’s another essential card for any serious Ryan collection due to it marking his years with the Astros franchise where he had more dominant seasons.
When Ryan signed as a free agent with the Los Angeles Angels after the 1979 season, it was huge news in baseball. His 1980 Topps card, numbered 610, from his return to the Angels roster is also extremely significant and valuable in the hobby. High graded PSA 10 copies frequently sell for $500 or more. It captured Ryan entering arguably his peak years with the Angels where he threw some of his record breaking no-hitters.
One of the best condition and priciest Ryan cards is understandably his Final Topps card from 1993, which is numbered 678 in the set. It memorialized Ryan’s courageous final season back with the Rangers at age 46, making it an extremely emotional and special card for collectors. PSA 10 examples of this ultra-iconic “farewell” card have sold at auction for well over $2,000 before. Even in lower PSA 8-9 grades, this final card still fetches hundreds due to its rarity and meaning within the Ryan collection.
Beyond his flagship Topps cards, Ryan also has several desirable and expensive rookie cards from other brands such as his 1966 Fleer, 1966 Leaf, and 1966 Prospectcard issues. High graded copies of these alternative brand rookie cards can exceed $1,000 each. There are also premium cards like his 1972 and 1975 O-Pee-Chee issues that hold multi-hundred dollar values in top condition.
As one of the most prominent pitchers to ever play the game, Nolan Ryan’s entire collection holds incredible value but particularly his rookie cards, key Topps issues from the 60s-90s, and sought after vintage and modern parallels. Whether raw or professionally graded, a complete Nolan Ryan baseball card collection if assembled properly could exceed well over $100,000 total market value given the rarity and demand for his prized cards among collectors today. He truly has one of the greatest sports card portfolios of any athlete in history.
