The 1974 Topps baseball card set is highly sought after by collectors due to its classic design and several key rookie cards that have become extremely valuable over time. While most cards from the set trade for under $10, there are certain scarce and historically significant cards that can fetch thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. Let’s take an in-depth look at some of the highest value 1974 Topps baseball cards that veteran traders and investors keep a close eye on.
One of the true heavyweight cards from the set is the Nolan Ryan rookie card. As one of the greatest pitchers of all time with a record 7 no-hitters, there was high demand for Ryan’s first Topps issue even back in the 1970s. The card was rather short printed which kept it relatively scarce compared to typical rookie cards. Today, a Ryan rookie in near mint to mint condition can sell for $15,000-$30,000 depending on centering and edges. The card ranks as one of the most valuable from the 1970s and its price seems poised to keep rising as Ryan’s legend grows.
Another highly sought after rookie is Dave Kingman’s first Topps. Kingman went on to have a productive but streaky career highlighted by prodigious home run totals. His ’74 rookie shares some similarities with Ryan’s in that it saw limited initial production. Copies in top shelves easily top $1,500 now and could climb higher with time. Kingman’s powerful swing and memorable home runs have sustained collector interest in his seminal rookie card.
A third impact rookie from ’74 is Eddie Murray’s. Murray put together a Hall of Fame worthy career and his card has plenty of eye appeal with its crisp action shot. High grade Murrays have been selling in the $800-1,200 range which is impressive for a player who didn’t have the true “superstar” fame of Ryan or Rod Carew. Murray’s consistent excellence and clean image ensure his rookie remains a blue chip investment piece nearly 50 years later.
The 1974 set also contained several exciting players’ second year cards that hold significant collector value today. Arguably the cream of this crop is Reggie Jackson’s. As one of the premier sluggers and personalities of the 1970s, Jackson’s ’73 Topps rookie is out of reach for most. His 1974 issue affords collectors a chance to own an early Jackson with plenty of upside. Near mint ’74 Jacksons trade between $1,500-3,000 based on centering and surfaces.
Another very strong 2nd year performing card is Mike Schmidt’s. Schmidt went on to cement his Hall of Fame status largely during the late 1970s and 1980s. His 1974 captures him during his early Phillies days before blossoming into a perennial MVP candidate. Top graded Schmidt ’74s have sold for over $1,000 showing the lofty demand for an early piece of the greatest third baseman not named Brooks Robinson.
Continuing with the Philadelphia theme, the 1974 set featured Steve Carlton’s sophomore issues. Arguably the top left-handed pitcher of the 1970s, Carlton’s 1972 rookie is expensive but the ’74 is attainable for enthusiasts of the four time Cy Young winner. Clean examples in high grade changed hands for $800-1,200 reflecting Carlton’s greatness and the opportunity to own an affordable early card.
Last but not least among the blue chip ’74s are the stars of the Big Red Machine – Pete Rose and Johnny Bench. As leaders of the dominating 1970s Cincinnati Reds dynasty, Rose and Bench hold legendary status in the hobby. Their 1974s are consistent magnets for collectors with high grade Bench cards reaching $800-1,000 and comparably graded Rose around $600-800. Seeing as Rose narrowly missed out on the Hall of Fame, interest in his mid-career Reds issues remains hot.
While the bulk of the 1974 Topps set is very reasonably priced, there are certain iconic rookie and early career gems that have exploded in value as their subjects cemented all-time great status. Collectors would be wise to tuck away pristine copies of the Nolan Ryan, Dave Kingman, and Eddie Murray rookies along with strong issues of Reggie Jackson, Mike Schmidt, Steve Carlton, Pete Rose and Johnny Bench for the long-term. These hallmark ’74s will likely retain their luster for decades and could make for profitable trading chips down the road.
