The 1970 Topps baseball set is considered one of the most iconic issues in the history of the hobby. While it doesn’t contain any of the true gem rookie cards from that era, it does feature several young superstars who were just starting to emerge as franchise players. The designs and photography from the ’70 Topps set also give it a very retro and nostalgic feel that is beloved by many collectors. While the set as a whole isn’t among the most valuable, there are definitely some trueCondition investment grade cards that can be worth five figures or more in pristine mint condition grades. Here is a closer look at some of the highest value 1970 Topps cards that would be key chase cards for any serious vintage collector.
One of the true blue chip gems from the 1970 set is the Nolan Ryan rookie card. Known by the number 552 in the set, Ryan’s first Topps issue features him as a member of the California Angels. Even as a rookie, Ryan was beginning to showcase his blazing fastball and tremendous strikeout prowess. His rookie card has long been a desired piece in the hobby given his eventual Hall of Fame career and still standing single season and career strikeout records. High graded examples of the Nolan Ryan RC in a PSA Gem Mint 10 or BGS/SCC Gem Mint 9.5+ can be worth $20,000 or more in today’s market. Even lower graded copies still command four figure values given the card’s undisputed status as one of the most historically significant in the entire set.
Another superstar with a coveted rookie card in the 1970 set is Reggie Jackson. Known as “Mr. October” for his legendary playoff heroics, Jackson’s rookie card shows him as an Athletic early in his career before heading to the Yankees. Like Ryan’s, this is also a true ” flagship” rookie in the set with great design and photo quality. High end PSA 10 or BGS 9.5+ examples can reach similar prices to the Nolan Ryan with values exceeding $15,000. Jackson went on to win five World Series titles while establishing himself as one of the game’s ultimate clutch performers. His iconic home run blasts versus the Dodgers in 1977 still define his legend. That makes his first Bowman/Topps issue a must-have for vintage collectors.
While the 1970 set lacks true rookie cards of legends like Bench, Morgan, Seaver, and other big stars, it does feature several established All-Stars in their baseball primes. One of the real standouts is the iconic Hank Aaron card numbered 109 in the set. By 1970, Aaron was already among the game’s true living legends but was still piling up huge home run and RBI totals for the Atlanta Braves on an annual basis. This classic action photo captures the Hammer mid-swing and perfectly encapsulates his excellence. High graded PSA/BGS versions have reached upwards of $5,000 due to Aaron’s status as one of the game’s all-time home run kings.
Some other big name stars with elite condition 1970 Topps cards worth major money include Johnny Bench (card #145,) Willie Mays (card #350,) and Roberto Clemente (card #493.) Bench was already a two-time NL MVP and the face of the Big Red Machine by 1970. Investor grade PSA 10 copies of his card can reach $4,000. Meanwhile, legends Mays and Clemente also command huge dollars in pristine condition with PSA 10 values up around $3,000 a piece. Both men were well beyond their primes by 1970 but were still producing at an elite level for the Mets and Pirates. Their legendary careers and playing achievements alone make these near mint cards worthwhile additions to any collection.
In addition to stars, the 1970 Topps set featured several promising young players who were just starting to emerge. Two in particular have cards that have appreciated tremendously for collectors in recent years – Tom Seaver and Joe Morgan. Seaver’s card #169 shows him in the first season of his still unmatched run of success with the Miracle Mets. Super high end PSA/BGS 9.5-10 mint examples have reached $3,000-5,000 at auction due to Seaver’s status as a true Hall of Fame talent and New York sports icon. Meanwhile, Morgan’s #496 features him as a member of the Cincinnati Reds before his back-to-back MVP seasons of 1975-1976. High graded versions have also pushed up over $3,000-4,000 based on his career excellence and leadership of those Big Red Machine teams.
While those are some of the true star cards that can reach five figures, there are plenty of other 1970s worthy of collection in lower price ranges too. Future Hall of Famers like Steve Carlton (#187,) Orlando Cepeda (#193,) and Ferguson Jenkins (#332) all have visually striking cards available for values under $500 in gem grades. And for teams like the Orioles, A’s, and Dodgers, high graded cards of future stars like Brooks Robinson, Rollie Fingers, and Ron Cey can often be acquired for a couple hundred bucks or less. The 1970 Topps Baseball set endures as a classic issue chock full of batting and pitching legends at various stages of their brilliant careers. With strong brands, attractive vintage designs, and investment potential – it remains a highly collectible release for hobbyists decades later.
While the 1970 Topps set overall may not reach the same lofty heights as some other vintage years in terms of value, it does contain several true blue chip cards that are considered anchors for any serious baseball card collection. Headlined by the rookie cards of future Hall of Famers Nolan Ryan and Reggie Jackson, select star players like Aaron, Bench, Clemente, and Mays also command huge sums. Meanwhile, emerging talents Seaver and Morgan gained newfound appreciation in recent years. For collectors seeking iconic rookies, lasting legends, or promising young stars, the 1970 set delivers on all fronts. With its retro aesthetic and timeless photos, it also endures as one of the most visually appealing yearly issues in the hobby’s history.
