Graded baseball cards have become hugely popular over the past few decades. Collectors now seek out pristine vintage cards that have been professionally graded and encapsulated by authentication companies to preserve their condition. Of these modern graded cards, perhaps no set is more desirable than the iconic 707 graded baseball cards from the 1970s.
Released from 1975-1979 by Topps, the 707 set featured future Hall of Famers like Nolan Ryan, Mike Schmidt, and George Brett in their early career seasons. What makes these cards so coveted by collectors today is their rarity in high grades. The flimsy paper stock used by Topps in the 1970s did not age well over the past 40-50 years. As a result, finding examples of 707s in mint condition grades like Mint 9 or Gem Mint 10 is extremely difficult.
The first company to officially grade and encapsulate sports cards was PSA, founded in 2000. They quickly became the gold standard, establishing a rigorous grading process and photo matching to ensure authenticity. Any PSA-graded 707 in an Mint 9 or above demands a significant premium due to their scarcity. Even raw, ungraded examples in similar condition can fetch thousands. This rarity factor, combined with nostalgia for the 1970s design, player selection, and the iconic “707” set marker on the front, makes them a blue chip investment for savvy collectors.
One of the most coveted 707 cards is the 1975 Nolan Ryan (#144). Ryan was already establishing himself as a fireballing strikeout artist in the early 1970s. But finding his rookie season card in high grade is no easy task. PSA has graded only a small handful in Mint 9 condition over the past two decades. Recently, a PSA Gem Mint 10 Ryan 707 sold at auction for an astounding $27,000, showing just how much demand there is for true pristine examples. The 1976 Mike Schmidt (#144), featuring “The Hammer” in the prime of his early Phillies career, is another top target for collectors seeking condition census 707 cards.
While the biggest stars naturally demand top dollar, there is value to be found in lesser known 707s as well. Reserve infielders or pitchers who had short careers but their cards survive in high grade can still fetch four-figure prices. This is because any PSA 9 or 10 from the set increases the challenge of a complete 707 collection at those lofty condition standards. The scarcity extends to even the most common players. A good example is the 1976 Willie Montanez (#144), which recently sold for $1,500 in PSA Gem Mint 10, solely due to its condition rarity.
For the serious 707 collector, obtaining a full set of 144 players across the 1975-1979 issues in the coveted PSA 10 grade would be the holy grail. To date, no one has accomplished this feat, though a few dedicated collectors have piecemeal assembled PSA 10 examples of over 100 different cards. The estimated cost of such an undertaking if a full matching set could even be located? Well over $1 million based on current market values of the keys and the sheer improbability of finding that many true pristine examples.
The 1970s Topps 707 set is the creme de la creme for vintage graded baseball cards because high grades are so exceptionally rare after four decades of aging. Any collector with an example in PSA 9 or 10 condition holds in their hands a condition census piece with an excellent chance to further appreciate over the long term. The scarcity, iconic design, and starring early careers of future Hall of Famers like Ryan and Schmidt ensure the 707s will remain a premier investment for the most discerning card collectors.
