The 1979 Topps baseball card set is considered one of the most iconic issues in the iconic brand’s history. Packed with future Hall of Famers and starring players from the late 1970s, the 1979 Topps roster featured superstars that would go on to cement their legacies. As a result, many highly coveted rookie cards and gems featuring the set’s biggest names now command impressive prices among collectors.

While PSA 10 mint condition examples of the rarest 1979 Topps cards can sell for tens of thousands, several stand out as particularly valuable due to their subject’s achievements both during and after their playing days. Let’s take a closer look at some of the most desirable 1979 Topps cards and why they frequently top buyer wish lists.

Ozzie Smith (#526)

Widely considered one of the greatest defensive shortstops ever, “The Wizard” Ozzie Smith made his Topps debut in 1979 with the San Diego Padres. High grades of his rookie are increasingly tough to track down. A PSA 9 just sold for over $12,000, while a PSA 10 could fetch north of $50,000 given Smith’s Hall of Fame caliber career and the card’s sheer scarcity in pristine condition 37 years later.

Buyers pay top dollar for any Ozzie Smith rookie knowing his acrobatic plays made him a fan favorite on some underwhelming Padres teams. Even in mint condition, most collectors will never afford a PSA 10 of #526.

Cal Ripken, Jr. (#91)

While he played only a handful of games in 1979 as a rookie with the Baltimore Orioles, Cal Ripken, Jr.’s greatness was evident from the start. His impressive career stats like holding baseball’s consecutive games played streak record help his Topps rookie hold tremendous value. A PSA 9 recently sold for close to $4,000, and a PSA 10 could realistically bring over $10,000.

Much like Ozzie Smith, demand remains high for Ripken’s first card since he went on to a legendary Hall of Fame career. Getting one in pristine condition is an especially tall task for most collectors priced out of the elite rare vintage market.

Kirby Puckett (#481)

Puckett cracked the majors in 1984 with the Minnesota Twins, but his first appearance came in 1979’s issue as a prospect in the Rangers system. High grades of his rookie card are exceedingly rare, with the last PSA 10 to sell bringing an astonishing $34,650 online.

Even PSA 9 copies in great condition still trade hands for several thousand due to Puckett’s twelve All-Star nods, six batting titles, and World Series titles in 1987 and 1991 cementing his status as a Twins icon. At the height of his career’s powers, #481 shines as one of the set’s prized pieces.

Nolan Ryan (#178)

Arguably the greatest power pitcher ever, Nolan Ryan’s rookie season came in 1966 but he had several impressive years under his belt by 1979. Still, his intimidating stare down on the mound makes #178 a must-have for Ryan collectors. A PSA 9 sold for nearly $4,000, and in Gem Mint 10 condition, this card could sell for well over $10,000.

Ryan’s record five no-hitters and indelible fastball helped cement his Hall of Fame legacy. For enthusiasts of his era, high grade copies of his dominant 1970s and early 1980s Angels/Astros tenure are highly coveted, making #178 a pinnacle piece.

Dave Parker (#300)

“The Cobra” Dave Parker burst onto the scene with the Pittsburgh Pirates in the late 1970s, and his smooth lefty swing is immortalized on his 1979 issue. PSA 10 copies command over $1,000 in price due to Parker’s two batting titles and 1978 NL MVP award.

While injuries slowed him in the 1980s, Parker remained a dangerous hitter for many years. Grading a true mint example of #300 proves extremely tricky, highlighting its allure for collectors seeking a high grade example of the smooth swinging star.

Steve Garvey (#391)

The clean-cut first baseman spent his entire career with the Dodgers, winning an NL MVP and hitting over .300 four times in the late 1970s. Garvey’s stoic on-field demeanor shines through on this iconic issue. PSA 9s crack $1,000 due to his model of consistency at the plate throughout the decade.

While never a superstar slugger, Garvey’s all-around excellence and model citizen image off the field grant his rookie enduring desirability. Getting one in pristine condition only increases its rarity and value significantly.

Nolan Ryan (#178), Ozzie Smith (#526), Cal Ripken Jr. (#91) and Kirby Puckett (#481) consistently rank among the most expensive 1979 Topps cards to surface in auctions. As stars of legendary careers, finding their rookie issues in high grade proves exceedingly difficult. While each star shone brightest in distinct eras, their debuts in the revered 1979 set instill collectors with nostalgia for baseball’s past. For fans of the late 1970s or these players specifically, high grade copies will likely remain prized targets. As with any vintage issue, condition determines value – making pristine Gems that much tougher to acquire.

The 1979 Topps set dazzles collectors with its roster of future Hall of Famers, batting champions and pitching icons in their prime. Rookie issues and stars of the era in top grades will always attract major bids. For enthusiasts of condition and the epic careers certain players went on to enjoy, the investment remains strong in gem mint copies of names like Smith, Ripken, Puckett, Ryan, Parker and Garvey.