The 1970s were a hugely popular time for collecting Topps baseball cards. Many of the rookie cards and key vintage cards from this era have skyrocketed in value over the past several decades as interest in vintage cards has steadily grown. Now considered some of the most iconic baseball cards of all time, here are some of the most valuable and desirable Topps cards issued during the 1970s.

1973 Topps Nolan Ryan (#236) – Coming off his breakout season in 1972 where he struck out 329 batters, Ryan’s 1973 rookie card is highly sought after by collectors. With sharp vertical wrinkles through the photo and the iconic “Ryan Express” written diagonally across it, this card in gem mint condition can fetch tens of thousands of dollars. High grade specimens in Near Mint-Mint condition have sold for over $20,000.

1970 Topps George Brett (#250) – The future Hall of Famer’s rookie card is scarce in high grades. Brett spent most of 1970 in the minors and was called up late in the season, so few of his rookie cards survived in pristine condition. Top grade versions in Near Mint to gem mint grade have sold for over $15,000. A true star rookie card that remains steeply priced due to its scarcity.

1975 Topps Nolan Ryan (#340) – Ryan’s early career cards remain some of the most valuable from the 1970s. This card is notable because it was issued the year after he authored one of his record seven career no-hitters. Collectors love the dramatic action shot on front. Gem mint condition tops $10,000 easily. Highly regarded by vintage card enthusiasts.

1976 Topps Fred Lynn (#582) – Lynn had one of the best rookie seasons in baseball history in 1975, winning the AL MVP and Rookie of the Year awards. His scarce 1976 Topps rookie card in top grades can command over $10,000. Any card with Lynn’s photo and “1975 AL Most Valuable Player” written across it is extremely desirable for collectors.

1973 Topps Mike Schmidt (#575) – Schmidt’s legendary career was just getting underway during this time period. His 1973 rookie card in Near Mint to gem mint grades reaches $7,000-$8,000. Capturing the start of the great Mike Schmidt adds tremendous value. Even high grade specimens of this star rookie card remain limited in supply.

1979 Topps Cal Ripken Jr. (#481) – Arguably the most famous/valuable non-rookie card from the 1970s. The card from Ripken’s sophomore season with a .421 season average written on it. The demand increased exponentially after his historic consecutive games streak started in 1982. Finest known copies eclipse $8,000.

1971 Topps Thurman Munson (#170) – A true star of the 1970s Yankees. Munson’s on-card rookie with his gap-toothed smile remains popular. High grade copies exceed $5,000 with the tremendous upside potential for a Hall of Fame player’s first card issuing still plentiful. His tragic passing added to the card’s nostalgia.

1979 Topps Nolan Ryan (#145) – Issued the year after Ryan set a still-standing single season record with 383 strikeouts, this dynamic action shot catches his wicked fastball. Near the height of his powers, it shows just how dominating the Ryan Express was. With many big years still ahead of him, it remains one of his most affordable vintage cards at under $5,000 graded gem mint.

1977 Topps Reggie Jackson (#340) – “Mr. October” was the biggest star in baseball during the late 1970s. As he powered the Yankees to multiple World Series titles, collectors jumped at the chance to add cards showing him in Yankee pinstripes like this ’77 issue. Highly graded versions reach $4,000 due to Jackson’s iconic status in the game.

This covers some of the most well-known, iconic, and expensive cards that Topps produced during the 1970s – a golden era of the brand that still appeals strongly to collectors today. With the likes of future Hall of Famers like Ryan, Brett, Schmidt, Ripken and star sluggers like Munson and Jackson, these issues maintain tremendous value potential regardless of condition due to the legends they depict. For vintage/nostalgia seekers, superbly preserved copies from this storied time frame will always occupy a prime position.