The 1979 Topps baseball card release is considered a classic set from the golden era of baseball card collecting in the 1970s. The set features 660 total cards including regular base cards,manager/coach cards, and checklist cards. Some of the key things to know about the 1979 Topps set include:
Design – The design featured a green and gold color scheme on the borders and backgrounds of the cards. Players’ names were in bold green letters across the top with the team name and position underneath. The iconic Topps logo was at the bottom left along with the customary “Official Card of Major League Baseball” stamp at the bottom right. While fairly simple, collectors enjoy the vintage aesthetics of the 1979 design.
Rookies – Some notable rookie cards included Don Mattingly of the Yankees, Lance Parrish of the Tigers, Steve Sax of the Dodgers, and Ozzie Smith of the Padres. All of these players went on to Hall of Fame caliber careers making their rookie cards very desirable, especially the condition sensitive Mattingly which has risen greatly in value recently.
Action Shots – Topps used more action photos on the cards in 1979 compared to prior years which gave the set a lively in-game feel. Many cards captured players swinging, throwing, or fielding which collectors enjoy more than standard posing portraits.
Stars of the Era – The set documented the great players of the late 1970s includingReggie Jackson, Mike Schmidt, Nolan Ryan, George Brett, and Steve Carlton among many others. With stars like these it was an exciting time for Major League Baseball.
Variation Cards – A few notable variations in the 1979 set include two different designs for the San Diego Padres team card due to roster changes and a photo switch error on the Reds’ card for catcher Buck Martinez which is more valuable to collectors.
Condition Issues – Because the cards were rather flimsy compared to modern cardboard stock, high grade versions can be harder to come by. Wavy edges or corner wear diminish the prices more than with sturdier later era cards. Topps Glossy All-Stars reprints also exist which are less desirable to collectors.
Prices Over Time – Initially after release in 1979, the boxes and packs of cards were inexpensive and abundant. As the players blossomed and the era grew nostalgic, demand and prices increased substantially beginning in the 1990s. Today many key 1979 rookies and stars can sell for hundreds or thousands depending on condition with complete sets also increasing in value as vintage options become scarcer.
Some additional insights on specific noteworthy cards include:
Don Mattingly Rookie – Even well-worn low grade copies can sell for $50-100 due to his iconic Yankee career and status. High grades fetch over $1000 with Gem Mint PSA 10 copies recently selling for $15,000+.
Ozzie Smith Rookie – Known for his wizardry with the glove at shortstop, mint condition versions of the Ozzie rookie have also topped $1000 with higher grades in the $3000-5000 range.
Nolan Ryan – As one of the most dominant pitchers ever, high grade versions of hisAstros and Angels 1979 cards can reach close to $1000 each.
Mike Schmidt – The 1979 Phillies slugger and future Hall of Famer is quite valuable too with PSA 10s approaching $1000.
Steve Carlton – As a Lefty ace, his dominant Phillies 1979 is among the pricier star cards at over $500 in high grade.
The 1979 Topps baseball set defined the late 1970s on the diamond through memorable team and player photos. Nearly 45 years later, it remains a beloved issue for collectors to pursue stars, rookies, and key variations from what was truly a golden age for the cardboard collecting hobby. The combination of documenting a great era of baseball along with condition challenges give the 1979 Topps set lasting nostalgic appeal.
