The 1970s saw the beginning of the modern baseball card collecting craze. While cards were produced dating back to the late 1800s, it was in the post World War 2 era that baseball cards really began being widely collected by children and adults alike. Major card companies like Topps and Fleer dominated the market and produced highly collectible rookie cards of future legends. Given the timeframe of 50+ years since their release, many 1970s era cards have now achieved immense value, especially for the true superstar players of that generation. Here are some of the most valuable and sought after baseball cards from the 1970s.

1974 Hank Aaron (#75) – Hank Aaron’s final card produced by Topps in his age 40 season is one of the rarest and iconic cards from the decade. As Aaron broke Babe Ruth’s all-time home run record of 714 homers in 1974, interest in collecting Topps’ tribute card skyrocketed. Due to poor quality control by Topps during production, far fewer 1974 Aaron cards exist compared to typical runs. In near-mint condition, examples have sold at auction for over $100,000, making it one of the most coveted and valuable 1970s era cards.

1975 Nolan Ryan (#138) – As one of the greatest pitchers of all-time, Nolan Ryan racked up numerous awe-inspiring statistical seasons and accolades throughout the 1970s. His 1975 Topps card was Ryan’s first season with the California Angels after beginning his career with the Mets. In pristine gem mint condition, this iconic Ryan rookie has been known to sell for figures up to $50,000. Even well-centered near-mint copies frequently go for $5,000-$10,000 today.

1972 Steve Carlton (#2) – Steve Carlton burst onto the scene in 1969 for the St. Louis Cardinals and quickly established himself as a premier left-handed pitcher. By 1972 with the Phillies, “Lefty” had already won two Cy Young awards. His 1972 Topps card featuring his runner-up finish for the award that year is considered one of his most attractive and recognizable. In gem mint condition, a 1972 Carlton has reached $20,000 in recent auction sales.

1975 Joe Morgan (#213) – Future Hall of Famer Joe Morgan was already a two-time National League MVP by 1975 with the Cincinnati Reds. His card from Topps’ flagship set that year is one of the most historically significant from the decade as Morgan’s on-base skills revolutionized baseball. In pristine mint condition, a 1975 Morgan can demand upwards of $15,000 on the current market. It remains one of the most visually striking and desirable Reds/Big Red Machine cards.

1977 George Brett (#581) – George Brett’s rookie card came during his breakout 1977 season with the Kansas City Royals when he finished third in AL MVP voting. While Brett would go on to a Hall of Fame career and several batting titles, his 1977 Topps rookie is among the most significant cards for collectors centered around that period. In perfect mint condition, examples are quite scarce and have sold for impressive five-figure sums. A well-centered near-mint copy still fetches $2,000-$3,000.

1973 Johnny Bench (#207) – As arguably the greatest defensive catcher of all-time, Johnny Bench was a 12-time All-Star and two-time NL MVP for the Big Red Machine of the 1970s. His 1973 Topps card during Cincinnati’s first World Series championship is widely considered one of the most appealing catcher cards ever produced. High-grade copies command prices of $5,000-10,000 depending on centering and condition specifics. It remains a must-have rookie/early career card for any serious collector.

1970 Roberto Clemente (#70) – Tragically, Roberto Clemente perished in a plane crash on New Year’s Eve 1972 while attempting to deliver aid to earthquake victims in Nicaragua. Prior to his untimely passing, Clemente was already cementing his Hall of Fame career and cultural impact as the first Latin American superstar. His 1970 Topps card stands as one of the most historically significant for those reasons. In pristine mint condition, a 1970 Clemente can demand a sale price up to $10,000 on the collecting market.

While the production values and designs of 1970s baseball cards were more basic than today’s modern issues, many from that era have achieved immense intrinsic worth. Strong rookie cards of all-time great players who emerged in the 1970s like Ryan, Brett and Bench are consistently at the top of value lists. Icons of the game enjoying stellar statistical seasons like Aaron, Carlton and Morgan also possess highly valuable cards from that decade as well. Condition is critical, but condition Census quality examples of the above mentioned 1970s greats can sell for five figures or more to serious collectors and investors. The 1970s truly kicked off the modern demand for baseball cards as prized memorabilia appreciating tremendously in value over decades.