The 1968 Topps baseball card set is considered one of the most iconic issues in the history of the hobby. With 714 total cards, the ’68 Topps release featured many of the game’s biggest stars and future Hall of Famers. Below we’ll take an in-depth look at some of the most valuable and desirable cards from the 1968 Topps set.
One of the true gems of the 1968 set is the Hank Aaron rookie card (card #1). Aaron would go on to break Babe Ruth’s all-time home run record and end his career with 755 dingers. His rookie is one of the most sought after in the hobby due to his legendary career and status as one of the greatest right-handed hitters ever. High grade Aaron rookies can fetch tens of thousands of dollars. Even well-worn low-grade examples still trade hands for thousands.
Another huge star with a highly coveted rookie in the 1968 set is Reggie Jackson (card #591). “Mr. October” smashed 563 home runs over his 21 year career and earned World Series MVP honors three times. He was a five-tool star and one of the most feared sluggers of his generation. Jackson’s rookie card has appreciating greatly over the past decade. PSA 10 examples have sold for over $100,000, with lower graded copies still valued from $5,000-$15,000 depending on condition.
Two other Hall of Fame rookie cards that are must-owns for serious ’68 Topps collectors are Johnny Bench (card #310) and Tom Seaver (card #250). Bench would go on to win two MVPs as arguably the greatest catcher in baseball history while Seaver racked up 311 career wins and three Cy Young awards. High grade examples of both rookies can reach the $10,000+ range. Even well-worn copies still trade in the $1,000s.
While not rookies, the 1968 cards of pitching legends Sandy Koufax (card #12) and Don Drysdale (card #13) are also extremely valuable. Koufax’s career was cut short due to injury but his run in the early-to-mid 1960s makes him one of the most dominant pitchers ever. Drysdale had great success as his battery mate on those legendary Dodgers teams. Both cards typically sell for $500+ even in low grades due to their iconic status from that era.
A few other big stars with valuable ’68 Topps cards include Willie Mays (card #7), one of the all-time greats in all of sports. Even in low grades, the Say Hey Kid’s issue easily fetches $100+. Fellow Giants legend Juan Marichal’s card (card #226) also commands $100+ across all grades. Los Angeles Angels slugger Jim Fregosi’s card (card #477) holds value around $100-200 due to his status as the team’s first true star. His card is a hot commodity for Angels collectors.
Two rookie cards that are undervalued compared to their true on-field impact are Lou Brock (card #468) and Bob Gibson (card #562). Brock would go on to steal over 900 bases in his career while Gibson won two World Series MVPs and posted a mind-blowing 1.12 ERA during the 1968 season en route to the NL MVP and Cy Young. Both rookies can often be acquired for $50-100, a relative bargain compared to their place among the all-time greats.
In terms of true key cards that can return huge profits with the right grades, the 1968 Topps issue of Nolan Ryan (card #593) may have the most upside. Ryan racked up a record 7 no-hitters and 5,714 strikeouts in his Hall of Fame career. His rookie card has exploded in the PSA/BGS population, with Gem Mint 10s now selling for $15,000+. Even well-centered near-Gems in the PSA 8-9 range have eclipsed $1,000. With so few high grade Ryan rookies in existence, this one remains a true blue chip investment card for savvy collectors.
The 1968 Topps set remains a cornerstone of the vintage baseball card market. Loaded with future Hall of Famers and some of the game’s all-time biggest stars, key cards from this issue will always be in high demand. For the true aficionado looking to build an iconic collection, targeting gems of Aaron, Bench, Seaver, Ryan and more from the ’68 Topps set presents an opportunity to acquire true pieces of baseball history. Graded examples of these rookies and star cards will continue appreciating for decades to come.
