The 1972 Topps baseball card set is considered one of the most iconic issues in the hobby’s history. While it may lack the rookie cards of legends like Mickey Mantle, Willie Mays, or Sandy Koufax that made previous Topps sets highly sought after, the ‘72s hold their own in the collectibles marketplace thanks to a special rookie class and key storylines that continue to captivate fans decades later. For collectors looking to invest in the vintage era, here are some of the most valuable and desirable cards to chase from this set.
The undisputed king of the ‘72 set is the Nolan Ryan rookie card. Featured sporting his new uniform with the California Angels, this is the first Topps card showing the fiery right-hander that would go on to record a record 7 no-hitters and strikeout title. Continually in demand from Ryan fans and investors alike, pristine PSA 10 examples regularly sell for $20,000 or more at auction. Even well-centered but lower grade copies still pull five figures. What makes this card so appealing is that it captures Ryan at the dawn of his career before his greatness was fully known.
Another huge hitter from the price standpoint is Thurman Munson’s rookie. As the catcher and later captain of the dynastic 1970s Yankees teams, Munson achieved legendary status in New York before his tragic death. This early look at the seven-time All-Star and three-time Gold Glover in his first big league campaign holds tremendous historical significance. Like Ryan, Munson’s are exceptionally rare in the highest PSA 10 condition, bringing as much as $15,000-$18,000. More accessible mid-grade copies still command $2,000-$5,000 based on completeness and centering quality.
Two other rookie cards that can eclipse the $10,000 threshold in top grades are submitted by Sparky Lyle and Dave Winfield. Lyle emerged as the premier left-handed reliever of his generation, winning the 1977 AL Cy Young Award as the anchor of the Bronx Bombers’ bullpen. His card from his early days with the Red Sox has always been highly regarded. Winfield, meanwhile, enjoyed a surefire Hall of Fame career spent with nine different teams as one of the game’s most complete power/speed outfielders. Both players’ rookie presentations maintain strong collector interest.
George Brett’s third Topps issue shows him in the powder blue Kansas City Royals uniform during the initial stages of his storied MLB tenure. Though not technically a rookie card, demand has stayed robust given Brett’s standing as perhaps the greatest third baseman in history for the Royals franchise. High grades move for $4,000-$6,000, with most copies in the $1,000 range. Fellow future Hall of Famer Mike Schmidt also appears during his breakout 1972 season, which helps his card retain notable worth despite not being a first Bowman/Topps issue.
Aside from star rookie and young players, the 1972 set is bolstered by several key storylines and career-defining moments frozen in time. Tom Seaver’s card highlights his successful first year after being traded from the Mets to the Reds, making it a desired piece of baseball memorabilia from that epochal swap. Willie Mays’ card comes during the final season of his storied career, adding historical poignancy. Meanwhile, a Hank Aaron card spotted during the left fielder’s chase of Babe Ruth’s home run record remains a coveted item for America’s national pastime.
In the half-century since they were distributed in packs, the allure and value of the 1972 Topps cards has grown enormously. Even more so than in past vintage sets,Condition is paramount – with high-grade examples able to realized five-figure sums. For collectors seeking an affordable entry into the best that the early 70s hobby has to offer though, there are also significant desirables like George Brett and Mike Schmidt to be found across most standards of preservation. The stars, stories, and sheer fun factor embedded in the ‘72s guarantee they will remain a pillar of the collecting world for generations to come.
