The 1979 Topps baseball card set is considered one of the most iconic and valuable issues from the 1970s. While it lacked some of the star rookies and hall of famers that elevated other years, the ’79 Topps set remains a fan favorite due to its classic design elements and memorable photos. Let’s take a closer look at some of the standout cards and what makes them so desirable among collectors.
The biggest star and most coveted card from the 1979 Topps set is #1, Nolan Ryan of the California Angels. Ryan was already well established as one of the game’s hardest throwers and strikeout kings by this point in his career. His ’79 Topps card captures him mid-windup, his powerful right arm cocked back and fiery intensity on his face. What makes this card particularly special is it marks Ryan’s last season with the Angels before being traded to the Houston Astros. Only a few thousand of the Nolan Ryan #1 card were produced, giving it a rarity that drives values up into the thousands of dollars for high-grade copies.
Another California Angels star with a highly-valued ’79 Topps card is Rod Carew at #20. By 1979, Carew had already won 5 batting titles and an MVP award while establishing himself as one of the best pure hitters in baseball. His smooth, compact lefty swing is on full display in his card photo. Carew was also traded after the ’79 season, adding to the desirability of this final Angels card. High-grade Carew rookies can sell for well over $1000.
For Yankees fans, one of the most iconic ’79 Topps cards is #340, featuring slugger Reggie Jackson mid-swing. “Mr. October” had just led the Yankees to another World Series title in 1978 while cementing his playoff legend status. There’s an intensity and swagger captured in Jackson’s powerful cut that exemplifies his personality and style of play. In mint condition, a PSA 10 copy of this card has sold for over $3000.
Rookies are always a highlight for any Topps set, and 1979 had some future Hall of Famers and all-time greats show up for the first time, including Cal Ripken Jr. of the Baltimore Orioles at #81. Though overshadowed by other stars as a rookie, Ripken would go on to break Lou Gehrig’s iconic consecutive games played record and cement his place as one of the most durable and respected players ever. High-grade Ripken rookies in a PSA 10 slab now sell for $1000-1500.
Another rookie standout is #91, Tony Gwynn of the San Diego Padres. Gwynn’s smooth lefty swing is on full display as he follows through on a pitch. He was just starting to show the elite bat control and hitting ability that would make him a .338 career hitter. In pristine PSA 10 condition, Gwynn’s ’79 rookie has sold for over $2000 due to his Hall of Fame career and the iconic photo.
While stars and rookies get the most attention, the 1979 Topps set is also beloved for its classic design elements and photography. Bright solid colors, thick borders, and large cleat-style player names give the cards a very vintage baseball card aesthetic. Photo selection was also on point, with many cards featuring interesting action shots over traditional posed portraits. The backs also included a fun “Did You Know?” fact about each player that added personality. When combined with the talent featured, it’s easy to understand why the ’79 Topps set remains such a collector favorite over 40 years later.
While it may not have had the true rookie star power of some other years, the 1979 Topps baseball card set endures because it perfectly captured the personalities and styles of some all-time great players through its memorable photography and design elements. Key cards like Nolan Ryan, Rod Carew, Reggie Jackson, Cal Ripken Jr., and Tony Gwynn maintain high values today because they were the first or among the last to feature those players with certain teams. For nostalgia, investment potential, and its timeless baseball card aesthetic, the 1979 Topps set deserves its place among the most iconic issues in the hobby’s history.