The 1970s saw unprecedented growth and popularity for the collecting of sports cards. With more cards being produced and distributed than ever before, it was also a boom time for the discovery of valuable and rare gems from this era. While prices have certainly risen in the decades since for classic cards from the ‘70s, these 10 stand out as the most prized possessions any collector could have from that memorable time in baseball history.

1973 O-Pee-Chee Bobby Bonds #1 – Bonds was one of the game’s early five-tool talents and this is his only true rookie card issue. High grade examples in mint condition can sell for over $5,000 nowadays. The scarcity of well-kept ’73 O-Pee-Chee cards makes this one especially valuable for fans of the Bronx-born slugger.

1979 O-Pee-Chee Mike Schmidt #21 – ‘The Hammer’ cemented his Hall of Fame case in the late 1970s and his flagship rookie card, only available in Canadian wax packs, has appreciated greatly over the decades. Near mint copies cross auction blocks for around $6,000 in today’s market. Schmidt’s prodigious power makes this one a must-have for Phillies collectors.

1975 Topps Nolan Ryan #340 – ‘The Ryan Express’ was already breaking pitching records in the mid-70s and every collector wants his flagship rookie. High grade copies have sold for upwards of $8,000, showing the timeless appeal of the flamethrower’s first issued card. Even after compiling over 5,000 strikeouts, this ’75 Topps issue remains among the most coveted from the decade.

1976 Topps George Brett #90 – Brett would go on to a Hall of Fame career and 3,000 hits, but prospective collectors in ’76 likely didn’t expect that. Now considered one of the finest third basemen ever, near mint examples change hands for $7,500-10,000. A true sign of Brett’s legacy and the desirability of his earliest cardboard.

1979 Topps Robin Yount #591 – Yount’s ascension to stardom began in earnest in the late 1970s and so too did the rise in value of this rookie sensation’s initial Topps issue. High grade copies recently sold at auction for $12,000-15,000, a hefty price for a card whose subject was mainly known as a shortstop at the time of issue. Testament to Yount’s greatness and the eye such cards catch from investors.

1979 Topps Cal Ripken Jr. #481 – One of the most mythical rookies from the high-production ’79 set, and for good reason. ‘The Iron Man’ goes down as arguably the finest shortstop ever and his initial cardboard testifies to that. Near mint copies trade hands frequently nowadays for $15,000 and higher, often setting records for a non-mint item from the decade. Simply put, this is one of the premier ‘70s rookies to obtain.

1975 Topps Dave Parker #460 – Before ‘The Cobra’ won back-to-back NL batting titles and an MVP award in the late 1970s, collectors were sleuthing out his first Topps issue. High grade copies in the PSA 8-9 range now bring north of $20,000 at auction. Parker’s prowess and the lack of higher ends available push this one to rarified air among worthwhile 70s investments.

1977 Topps Reggie Jackson #304 – ‘Mr. October’ put on a postseason hitting clinic with the Yankees and this, his second Topps regular season issue, shows why ‘Reggie!’ cards hold such value. Near mint copies recently sold for $25,000, a staggering sum for a mid-70s release. Between Jackson’s O-Pee-Chee rookie also being scarce and his Bronx heroics, look for #304 to stay the cream when it comes to his cardboard.

1972 Topps Johnny Bench #25 – The face of the Big Red Machine’s dynasty and arguably the best offensive catcher ever. This is Bench’s first flagship baseball card and high grades range from $30,000-50,000 today. Over 50 years later, it’s still regarded as among the most important rookie cards of all-time, displayed proudly in museums and renowned collections. A true standard for excellence from the decade.

1975 Topps Mike Schmidt #670 – ‘The Hammer’s’ first regular season issue is the cream of the ‘70s crop. Sets an unparalleled record when high grades change hands, recently selling for nearly $70,000. Schmidt’s awe-inspiring home run power, league MVPs and Hall of Fame career propelled this rookie sensation into the upper echelon, where such condition census pieces reside. Without question, the single most valuable baseball card from the 1970s today.

While cards from the wild growth period of the 1970s can all be considered vintage treasures, these 10 stand above the rest as the most historically significant and objectively valuable. Graded high examples still surface on the hobby’s biggest stages, their worth a reflection of the talents who grin from the cardboard and the eras they represent. For any collector aiming to own premier baseball memorabilia, hunting down gems from this top 10 list is a highly recommend endeavor.