The 1970 Topps baseball card set holds significant value for collectors and investors. Issued during one of the peak eras of baseball in the 1960s and 70s, the 1970 Topps cards captured iconic players and moments from that time. While the set does not contain any true “mega-stars” like Mickey Mantle or Willie Mays’ rookie cards, there are still numerous high value cards within the set that continue to appreciate in the collecting market. Professionally graded 1970 Topps cards certified by PSA have seen especially strong demand and price increases in recent years.
One of the most valuable cards in the entire 1970 Topps set is card #132, Nolan Ryan’s 3rd year card with the California/California Angels. In PSA Gem Mint 10 condition, this card has sold for over $15,000. Still in his early career at this point, the card exhibits Ryan’s blazing 100 mph fastball but capture him before he broke numerous pitching records. His dominance on the mound would be fully realized later in the 1970s with the Mets and Astros. In high grades of PSA 8 or above, this Nolan Ryan routinely fetches thousands.
Another powerful Angels slugger, Tony Conigliaro’s 1970 Topps card #183 also holds significant collector interest and value. “Tony C” was well on his way to a Hall of Fame caliber career until a devastating beaning injury derailed him in 1967 at just 24 years old. His 1970 Topps captures him in the midst of his comeback attempt. PSA 10 examples have sold for upwards of $6,000 due to its compelling storyline and rarity. Well-centered PSA 8s trade in the $1,000-2,000 range.
Two additional high-value 1970 Topps rookie cards reside in the Baltimore Orioles portion of the set. Card #189, not so shockingly features future Hall of Famer pitcher Jim Palmer in his true rookie. High-grade PSA 10 Jumbo Palmer rookies have topped $10,000 at auction. Even PSA 8s in standard size can bring $2,000. Card #197 is Brooks Robinson’s final rookie card issued after his 1959 Topps rookie. Considered one of the finest fielding third basemen ever, “The Human Vacuum Cleaner’s” 1970 Topps rookie has also broken the $10k barrier in PSA 10 Jumbos. PSA 8 standard sized examples settle in the $1,000-3,000 range.
Perhaps the zaniest card in the entire 1970 Topps set resides at card #207 – Minnie Minoso of the Chicago White Sox posing with an Easter basket! Nicknamed “Mr. White Sox,” Minoso was still actively playing at age 47 during this Easter-themed photo shoot. Its unprecedented photo subject matter has made it a widely recognizable and quirky issue. High-grade copies in PSA 8 or above have climbed above $1,000.
Two American League MVP winners also have significant 1970 Topps cards – Cardinals slugger Lou Brock (#232) and A’s catcher Ray Fosse (#267). “The Base Burglar” Brock won the NL MVP in 1974 after being traded from the Cubs, capturing him in his reduced role with St. Louis. Fosse’s card memorializes his 1970 AL MVP and Gold Glove seasons as the heart of the A’s staff before injuries slowed his career. Fine condition PSA 8 versions of these cards can reach $500-800 depending on the individual player demand that day.
Although not rookies, two emerging young stars with big future ahead of them reside later in the 1970 set – NYY Ron Blomberg (#410) and LA Dodgers Bill Buckner (#493). Blomberg had the distinction of being the first designated hitter in MLB history in 1973 and went on to have a solid career. Buckner would establish himself as a steady defensive rock at first base, though is forever known for a certain World Series error. High graded copies in the $300-600 range are realistic expectations.
While it doesn’t have the true vintage superstars of the 1950s, the 1970 Topps set remains a highly collectible vintage issue. Keys like the Nolan Ryan and Jim Palmer rookies have consistently sold well above the $10k threshold when high graded. Lesser stars like Minoso and Tony C provide budget alternatives. Across the board, PSA slabbing greatly multiplies the value potential for sharper conditioned copies versus raw cards. With vintage baseball card popularity as strong as ever, the future remains bright for choice examples from the 1970 Topps issue.
