The 1970s were a transformative time for the baseball card industry. While tobacco companies had long included cards in cigarettes and chewing tobacco products starting in the late 19th century, the 1970s saw a rise in specialty hobby shop only releases. It was also during this time that the concept of card condition and the potential for cards to appreciate in value really took hold. Several iconic rookie cards from the 1970s have become highly valuable in the decades since based on the future accomplishments and popularity of the players featured. For collectors looking to assemble a collection of some of the most valuable 1970s baseball cards, here are some of the top choices to target.
One of the most famous and valuable baseball cards of all time is the 1975 Nolan Ryan rookie card. Produced by Topps, the iconic card features a mustachioed Ryan mid-windup during his years with the California Angels. What makes this such a historically significant card is not just that it was Ryan’s first card issued, but that at the time it was released he had only modest accomplishments in Major League Baseball. Over the following decades, Ryan would establish himself as one of the greatest pitchers in MLB history by setting numerous all-time records including most strikeouts and no-hitters. The successful career path Ryan took after the release of his rookie card helped drive interest and demand for the 1975 issue. Today, a mint condition 1975 Nolan Ryan rookie card can sell for well over $100,000, making it one of the most valuable cards from the 1970s.
Another iconic rookie card that has reached six-figure prices is the 1969 Willie Mays. As one of the greatest players of all time and still active in 1969, the prospect of obtaining Mays’ first Bowman/Topps card was not that enticing when first released. It has since become one of the most coveted vintage cards. Experts consider a BGS or PSA graded gem mint 10 1969 Willie Mays rookie as the most valuable post-war card in existence, with auctions regularly pushing above $300,000. Even lower graded near-mint copies can pull in $50,000+. The combination of Mays’ legendary playing career and the fact few pristine copies remain in circulation thanks to the card’s early production date make it remarkably rare and pricey to obtain today.
While rookie cards tend to be the most acclaimed, stars appearing on their later or “action” cards can also yield valuable collectibles from the1970s. A prime example is the 1973 Topps Johnny Bench, which features the legendary Cincinnati Reds catcher in full catching gear. Bench had already won multiple MVP awards by 1973, making him one of the most prominent figures in baseball. Low population PSA/BGS 10 copies of this Bench card have been auctioned for $100,000+, with lesser grades still commanding five-figure prices. Another gorgeous action shot is found on the 1977 Topps Reggie Jackson card, where Mr. October is depicted mid-home run swing clad in Yankees pinstripes. High-grade versions frequently earn close to $10,000.
The early and mid-1970s saw the rise of several promising young players who would go on to have Hall of Fame careers, making their rookie cards highly coveted. The 1973 Topps Rod Carew is considered one of the key vintage cards for collectors, as the hitting machine from Minnesota possessed career numbers befitting Cooperstown. Mint condition copies have exceeded $150,000 at auction. Similarly, the 1975 Topps Mike Schmidt rookie has reached $100,000 after the slugger established himself as perhaps the greatest third baseman in Phillies franchise history. The 1974 Topps Dick Allen rookie has also cracked six-figures for a true gem due to Allen’s brief but brilliant career marred only by off-field controversies.
A lesser known but still valuable 1970s rookie is that of pitcher Bert Blyleven’s from the 1970 Topps set. Blyleven put together a Hall of Fame worthy career despite toiling for mediocre teams, and his pristine rookie card can now sell for over $30,000. Also worthy of mention is the 1971 Topps Joe Morgan issue from his years with the Reds. As a key piece of Cincinnati’s “Big Red Machine” dynasty, recognition of Morgan’s greatness has elevated his first card to the $15,000 range. Completing the trio of 1970s HOFer rookie cards, is Steve Carlton’s debut from 1965. “Lefty” went on to have a storied career mainly with the Phillies and Cardinals, making high-grade copies of his Bowman paper issue equally rare and valuable today at $10,000+.
While the aforementioned rookies and stars garner most attention, complete 1970s sets also have intrinsic value. The flagship 1975 Topps set is particularly prized since it features the debuts of future Hall of Famers like Robin Yount and Fred Lynn in addition to Nolan Ryan’s. Obtaining a pristine set has been known to command over $50,000. The 1971 and 1972 Topps sets also regularly surpass $10,000 complete with sharp corners and clean surfaces. Even lesser recognized sets have found renewed appreciation. The 1975 San Diego Padres team set showcasing stars like Dave Winfield has escalated past $5,000 for choice copies. And 1976 Hostess has achieved cult status amongst 1970s enthusiasts, with unopened rack packs listed at over $2,000.
While 1970s production numbers were significantly higher than earlier decades, savvy collecting habits and graded preservation has made key rookie cards and complete sets highly coveted today. The emergence of true superstars like Bench, Ryan, and Mays during this era paired with the understandable nostalgia collectors have for their childhood years continues to drive values skyward for investment-grade 1970s cardboard. With iconic players and visually pleasing designs, these formative issues represent compelling opportunities for growing a valuable vintage baseball collection.
