The 1972 Topps baseball set is considered one of the top vintage issues due to the all-time great players featured and key rookie cards included. With stars of that era like Hank Aaron, Mickey Mantle and Nolan Ryan, the set understandably holds tremendous value for collectors. While the average mint condition card from the ’72 Topps issue can sell for $10-20, there are some true gems that have smashed records at auction.
Without question, the most coveted and pricy card from the 1972 set is the Nolan Ryan rookie card. Arguably the greatest power pitcher ever, Ryan was just starting his Hall of Fame career with the California Angels in ’72. His raw ability was evident even in those early years. Ryan’s rookie card has long been the crown jewel for this vintage release and for good reason. Presently in near-mint to mint condition, examples can fetch $25,000 or more. In 2009, a flawless graded gem mint 10 version sold for a staggering $89,650, setting a new record high for the issue.
Another legendary player featured as a rookie that year was George Brett. Like Ryan, Brett went on to have a truly storied career mostly with the Kansas City Royals, winning the 1980 batting title and leading the league several times. His rookie is highly regarded by collectors. In pristine mint grade, it can sell in the $3,000+ range today. A PSA 10 specimen was part of a 2013 group lot that totaled over $104,000, showing Brett’s place among the most costly ’72 cards.
Two other rookies that also gained fame, though in a more “infamous” sense were Bill Buckner and Rollie Fingers. Buckner’s career will always be defined by his error in the 1986 World Series for the Red Sox. Meanwhile, Fingers thrived as one of the game’s best relievers, winning the 1981 AL Cy Young and MVP awards as a member of the 1981 World Series champion Oakland A’s. In top condition, their rookies sell for $500-1,000 each presently.
While rookies tend to drive the values due to their significance for set completionists and investors, there are also superstar veterans whose ’72 cards hold immense value too. The “Hammerin’ Hank” Aaron card is always in demand since it features the legendary slugger who broke Babe Ruth’s all-time home run record. Graded a Mint 9, one example sold for almost $7,000 back in August 2013. A PSA 10 could easily eclipse $10,000 today.
Like Aaron, Mickey Mantle is one of the most iconic names in baseball history. His career was on decline by 1972 with the New York Yankees, but fans still longed to own his cards. In pristine condition with sharp, well-centered color, a Mantle ’72 can bring thousands as well. In 2006, a BGS 9.5 copy sold for $3,240 on eBay, showing the legend’s continued pull. Frank Robinson, who won the Triple Crown and MVP in 1966, also has a highly sought card from this set ranging $500-1000 for a flawless copy.
Two particular stars featured whose values have grown the most are Nolan Ryan and George Brett due to achievements and Hall of Fame careers completed. But the full 1972 Topps baseball set still offers a chance to own affordable rookie and star cards that will likely maintain and build their worth long-term. For collectors, this vintage issue provides a gateway to baseball immortality through its coveted cards featuring icons who dominated in the 1970s and beyond. Condition is key, but even well-kept common players can often be acquired for under $20 if hunting a complete set from this awesome release year.
While all the rookie and star player cards hold value potential in high grades, the true elites remain the Nolan Ryan and George Brett rookie cards as the set’s costliest gems. Examples that have achieved the pinnacle PSA 10 or BGS 10 status have sold for record sums. As time passes, the desirability of owning professional cards from legends like Aaron, Mantle, Robinson and more will only increase demand and prices for the 1972 Topps set. Its place at the core of the true vintage collecting era is cemented.
