The 1979 Topps baseball card set is amongst the most iconic and valuable issues ever produced by the Topps chewing gum company. While not quite as renowned as some earlier sets from the 1950s and 1960s, the ’79 Topps cards feature some truly cherished rookie cards and key players from what many consider to be the golden age of the sport. Let’s take an in-depth look at some of the most expensive 1979 Topps cards that are highly sought after by serious collectors.
Perhaps the single most expensive and recognizable card from the set is the rookie card of Hall of Famer Cal Ripken Jr. As the first season card featuring the legendary Baltimore Orioles shortstop, the ’79 Ripken exploded in value in the late 1980s and 1990s as his career achievements cemented his status as one of the game’s greats. In pristine gem mint condition, a PSA 10 graded ’79 Ripken now routinely sells for well over $10,000. Even well-centered near mint copies in the PSA 8-9 range will command several thousand dollars. Ripken’s rookie card remains one of the crown jewels for completionists looking to build a full high-grade set.
Another immensely valuable 1979 rookie card is that of Hall of Fame closer Goose Gossage, perhaps the greatest relief pitcher of his generation. As the star closer for the ’78-’79 Yankees and Pirates teams, Gossage’s card carries tremendous nostalgia and cachet. PSA 10 examples have sold for as much as $9,000, with PSA 9s bringing $3,000-5,000 and PSA 8s still valued around $1,000-2,000 depending on centering and edges. The scarcity of high-grade Gossage rookies makes this a true key card for dedication ’79 Topps collectors.
Hall of Fame third baseman Mike Schmidt headlines another elite trio of expensive 1979 rookie cards. As the heart of the Phillies lineup for over a decade and a three-time NL MVP, Schmidt’s rookie is hugely popular. In a PSA 10 gem mint state, Schmidt rookies have traded hands for $7,000-$8,000 in recent years. Well-centered PSA 9s will cost $3,000-5,000, with PSA 8s in the $1,000-2,000 range. Like Ripken and Gossage before him, the Schmidt rookie is a true blue-chip ’79 issue.
Rounding out the elite rookie trio alongside Schmidt is Chicago Cubs phenom Dave Kingman, whose mammoth home run strokes made him a fan favorite early in his career. In pristine PSA 10 condition, Kingman’s ’79 rookie has sold for up to $5,000. PSA 9s are valued around $2,000-3,000 currently, while a sharp PSA 8 can still fetch $800 or more. Kingman’s prodigious power and Wrigley Field popularity continue to garner strong demand and prices 40+ years later.
Another highly valuable 1977 rookie card is that of Dodgers ace Don Sutton, a legendary workhorse who won 324 career games over 23 big league seasons. PSA 10 Sutton rookies rarely come to market but have sold north of $4,000 when available. PSA 9s bring $2,000-3,000 and PSA 8s around $1,000. Like Ripken and Schmidt, Sutton’s Hall of Fame career and durability has only increased collector interest in his valuable first Topps issue over the decades.
In addition to these prized rookie cards, key veterans from the 1979 set also carry impressive premiums. Perhaps most notably is the card of New York Yankees superstar Reggie Jackson during his famous “Mr. October” years in pinstripes. Jackson smashed three home runs in the 1977 World Series clincher dubbed the “Reggie! Reggie! Reggie!” game and remained one of baseball’s top box office stars through the late 70s. Mint PSA 10 Jacksons have crossed the $4,000 mark, with strong PSA 9s around $2,000-3,000 and PSA 8s holding steady at $800-1,200.
Fellow Bronx Bomber and ace hurler Ron Guidry is another cherished name from the late 1970s Yankees dynasty. “Louisiana Lightning” Guidry won 25 games and posted a dazzling 1.74 ERA in 1978 to take home AL MVP and Cy Young honors. His 1979 Topps card is hotly contested above the $1,000 threshold for PSA 9s and into the $400-600 range for sharp PSA 8s. Guidry’s pinpoint control and brilliant ’78 campaign secure the ’79 card amongst the most iconic Yankees in the set.
Two other marquee veterans that routinely garner four-figure sums are Nolan Ryan and George Brett. As Ryan began establishing himself as the all-time strikeout king with the Angels in 1979, high-grade versions of his iconic “Ryan Express” card continue to sell briskly. PSA 9s go for $1,500-2,000, with PSA 8s around $800. Over in the American League, Royals superstar Brett remained a feared hitter during his 1970s-80s prime. PSA 9 ’79 Bretts sell for $1,000-1,500 and PSA 8s around $600-800 depending on centering. Both future Hall of Famers retain immense popularity with collectors.
While the sheer depth of iconic rookies and stars make it tough to narrow down just a select group, the 1979 Topps Cal Ripken Jr., Goose Gossage, Mike Schmidt, Dave Kingman, Don Sutton, Reggie Jackson, Ron Guidry, Nolan Ryan, and George Brett rookie or star cards stand high above the rest as true crown jewels for dedicated collectors. With a perfect storm of elite young talent, marquee veterans, and enduring nostalgia from the late 1970s, these nine cards will likely remain the most expensive and investment-worthy issues from the entire ’79 Topps set for decades to come. For the serious investor, high-grade copies are an invaluable long-term holding.
