The 1973 Topps baseball card set is considered one of the most iconic issues in the hobby’s history. It features future Hall of Famers like Nolan Ryan, Johnny Bench, Pete Rose, and more. Several key rookies also debuted in the set that have become extremely valuable over time. While most commons from the set sell for under $10, there are 10 standout cards that command premium prices due to their significance andCondition. Here’s a look at the 10 most valuable 1973 Topps Baseball cards:
#1 Nolan Ryan (Houston Astros)
Future Hall of Famer Nolan Ryan made his Topps debut in 1973 with the Houston Astros after beginning his career with the Mets organization. His first Astros card is now one of the more sought after commons from the set. High grade PSA/BGS 10 examples can fetch over $1,000 due to Ryan’s legendary career and status as one of the greatest pitchers ever. Many collectors want his rookie or early issue cards in pristine condition.
#84 Johnny Bench (Cincinnati Reds)
Already a two-time MVP and World Series champion by 1973, Johnny Bench was firmly established as the game’s premier catcher. Any of his early 1970s issues are highly valuable today. Graded PSA/BGS 9 examples of his 1973 Topps card can sell for around $1,200. Considered the greatest defensive catcher ever, Bench’s cards from his prime Reds years hold a special prestige.
#565 Willie McCovey (San Francisco Giants)
Willie “Mac” McCovey was winding down his Hall of Fame career in 1973 but still mashing home runs for the Giants. High end copies of his card have been selling for around $1,500. McCovey is beloved for his accomplishments in the Bay Area so any of his early Giants issues command top dollar, even in the common set. Condition is critical, as it is for most vintage cards.
#96 Hank Aaron (Atlanta Braves)
By 1973, Hank Aaron was in his final two seasons but still giving Braves fans thrills while chasing Babe Ruth’s home run record. His ’73 Topps card depicting him with the Braves has become highly sought after by collectors paying homage to Hammerin’ Hank and Atlanta sports history. Pristine PSA 10 copies can sell for over $2,000.
#1 Mike Schmidt (Philadelphia Phillies)
Hall of Famer Mike Schmidt had one of the finest rookie cards of the 1970s in his 1973 Topps debut. Widely considered the best third baseman ever, Schmidt went on to have a legendary Phillies career. High grade versions of his rookie card are a must-have for vintage collections. PSA 10s have cracked five figures at auction.
#1 Rod Carew (Minnesota Twins)
A true artist at the plate, Rod Carew was already a sensation by 1973 following his 1972 AL MVP season. His rookie card from this set sparked a long bidding war in recent years with a PSA 10 example selling for $85,000. Carew’s profile exploded when he joined the California Angels in 1979, boosting demand for all his early cards like his 1973 Topps gem.
#250 Reggie Jackson (Oakland Athletics)
Mr. October himself, Reggie Jackson became a superstar during his Oakland A’s days of the 1970s. Even as a starting player by 1973, his cards commanded big money. A PSA 10 example of his ’73 Topps card established a record, selling at auction for just over $119,000. Among the most charismatic players ever, Reggie’s early issues are hugely popular.
#507 Pete Rose (Cincinnati Reds)
By 1973, Pete Rose had already etched his name in Reds history but had more legendary achievements ahead. There may not be a more iconic card from this set than Rose’s, which depicts him leading off first base for the Big Red Machine. Near-perfect copies in a PSA 10 grade have reached $180,000 at auction. Rose is beloved by collectors for his all-out playing style.
#36 Nolan Ryan (California Angels)
Another standout Nolan Ryan card is his first issue as a California Angel after being traded from the Mets prior to the 1972 season. Graded mint examples fetch over $200,000 due to Ryan’s hurler mystique along with the rookie card collector demand associated with a first-year team change. Arguably the hardest throwing pitcher ever, any early Ryan gem is a collection trophy.
#1 Tom Seaver (New York Mets)
At the very top comes the golden rookie card of Mets legend and Hall of Famer Tom Seaver, the first card in the set. Often crowned “The Franchise” and the ace of the original Miracle Mets squad, Seaver’s is one of the most cherished rookies from the vintage era. A PSA 10 sold for a record $440,000, showing how coveted a true near-mint copy is. Seaver continues to be renowned as one of the greatest right-handed pitchers in history.
The 1973 Topps set defied odds to produce multiple future Hall of Famers and produces incredible gems still highly pursued today. While pristine examples have reached six figures, most any vintage card lover wants a piece of such a legendary set in their collection at affordable levels as well.
