The 1978 Topps baseball card set is considered one of the most valuable issues from the 1970s. While it lacks some of the iconic rookie cards from sets in the late 50s and early 60s, the ’78 Topps set features several highly sought after cards that continue to increase in value as the years pass. For serious baseball card collectors and investors, here are some of the most valuable and desirable cards from the 1978 Topps set to keep an eye out for.
One of the true gems of the 1978 set is the Nolan Ryan rookie card (card #501). Ryan’s debut is arguably one of the most iconic rookie cards in the entire hobby. While it’s not his true rookie season (that was with the Mets in 1966), the 1978 card captures Ryan early in his storied career with the California Angels. With Ryan cemented as one of the all-time great pitchers, there is huge demand for this card. In high grade, it can fetch north of $20,000 and is consistently one of the highest valued cards from the 1970s. Another highly valuable Angels card is Rod Carew (card #68). As one of just a handful of 7-time batting champions, Carew is regarded as one of the best pure hitters in MLB history. His slick batter’s stance and the classic Angels uniform make this card an absolute stunner in high grade as well. Expect to pay $2,000-$3,000 for a PSA 9 copy.
For collectors seeking Hall of Fame talent, there are many others in the 1978 set as well. George Brett’s card (card #190) holds iconic status as one of his early Royals cards. Brett would go on to have a storied career in Kansas City and is regarded as one of the greatest third basemen ever. High grade versions can eclipse $1,500. Tom Seaver (card #172), one of the most dominant pitchers of the 1970s with the Mets and Reds, also has a highly valuable card in this set. Due to his prestige and on-card success, even well-centered, but lower grade Seaver rookies pull in $500-700. Another Hall of Famer to watch for is Rollie Fingers (card #424). As the nail-biting closer for the A’s dynasty teams, there is strong demand for Fingers’ early Brewers/Padres cardboard. Near-mint to gem copies often sell for $500-800.
Two particularly rare and short-printed cards that can fetch big bucks from the 1978 set are Larry Parrish’s card (card #492) and Jerry Remy’s card (card #554). Both players were on the cusp of stardom in 1978 and their cards were printed in extremely low numbers. In high grades, the Parrish has been known to sell for $2,000-3,000 due to its rarity. The Remy can command even greater sums due to his fame as a long-time Red Sox broadcaster increasing interest in his playing days cards. Well-centered PSA 9 copies have sold for north of $4,000.
While star rookies and future Hall of Famers drive the premium prices, there are also many valuable cards featuring established players at the height of their careers. For example, Reggie Jackson’s card (card #218) as a Yankee outfielder consistently sells for $300-500 in top-notch condition. The same can be said for Dave Winfield’s card (#505) from his early years with the San Diego Padres. Thurman Munson’s card (#497) also has strong collector demand given his tragic career cut short. His play as captain of those legendary Yankees teams in the late 1970s keeps interest high.
While it may lack some of the true “big three” rookie cards of the era, the 1978 Topps set remains a vintage issue with a number of standouts that will hold and gain value for patient collectors. Keys like the Nolan Ryan and George Brett rookies will likely continue their meteoric rise in value over time. Short-prints of Remy and Parrish offer a big payday to those who can find high graded copies. Hall of Famers like Seaver, Fingers and Carew also ensure this set stays relevant. For investors, buying raw copies of these valuable 1978 cards and targeting PSA 8s or above for holdering could deliver strong long term returns.
