The Nolan Ryan collection holds a special place in the hearts of baseball card collectors and fans of the legendary pitcher. Known as “The Ryan Express” for his blazing 100 mph fastball, Ryan had a record 27 seasons in Major League Baseball spanning from 1966-1993. He holds numerous pitching records that may never be broken, including the all-time strikeout king with 5,714 Ks. It’s no surprise that Ryan’s baseball cards, especially from his earlier playing days, are highly coveted by collectors. Here’s a look at the top 20 most valuable and desirable Nolan Ryan baseball cards:

1967 Topps Nolan Ryan RC (PSA 10): Arguably the holy grail of Ryan cards, the ultra-rare 1967 Topps rookie is consistently a five-figure card in high grades. Fresh off his MLB debut in 1966, this is considered one of the top rookie cards in the hobby. High-grade PSA 10 examples regularly sell for $30,000+.

1968 Topps Nolan Ryan (PSA 10): One of Ryan’s earlier cards showing his long hair and moustache days with the New York Mets. High-grade versions command big money, with a PSA 10 recently selling for $14,500. Still considered a major key card for any Ryan PC.

1973 Topps Nolan Ryan (PSA 10): Captures Ryan in his early Angels days when he was establishing himself as a flamethrower. This card shows impressive stats of 329 strikeouts in 1972. PSA 10s have sold for $9,200.

1975 Topps Nolan Ryan (PSA 10): Highlights Ryan’s then-record 383 strikeouts in 1973. One of his most iconic early action photos. PSA 10s routinely sell for $7,000-$8,000.

1977 Topps Nolan Ryan (PSA 10): Shows Ryan in an Angels uniform throwing an underhanded pitch. Last card issued while with the Angels before being traded. PSA 10 recently sold for $6,200.

1985 Donruss Nolan Ryan (Gem Mint): Features one of the sharpest action shots of Ryan’s legendary fastball. High-grade versions command $3,800 as one of his standout 1980s cards.

1976 Topps Traded Nolan Ryan (PSA 10): Marks Ryan’s first card with the California Angels after being acquired in a midseason trade. Extremely tough PSA 10 grade at just a handful in existence. Sold for $5,700 in 2020.

1981 Topps Traded Nolan Ryan (PSA 10): Highlights Ryan’s then-record strikeout season with the Astros in 1980, fanning a whopping 223 batters. PSA 10 recently sold for $3,800.

1974 Topps Nolan Ryan (PSA 10): Shows career-best stats from 1973 season with the Angels when he tossed a MLB-record 383 strikeouts. PSA 10 sold for $3,400 in November 2021.

1987 Topps Traded Nolan Ryan (PSA 10): Captures Ryan in iconic Astros throwback tequila sunrise uniform. A key card from his later playing days. PSA 10 has sold for $3,000.

1984 Topps Nolan Ryan (Gem Mint): Features Ryan with the Astros holding what looks like a smoking baseball. Iconic card in pristine condition recently sold for $2,550.

1978 Topps Nolan Ryan (PSA 10): Highlights Ryan’s first season with the Astros after being traded from the Angels. A true vintage Ryan PSA 10 sold for $2,400 in 2021.

1986 Fleer Update Nolan Ryan (Gem Mint 10): Captures Ryan in early Rangers days still dealing heat at age 39. Last Fleer card before switching exclusively to Score. Gem Mint 10 sold for $2,250.

1991 Topps Nolan Ryan (PSA 10): Last “action” card issued while still active as Ryan prepares to throw another heater at age 44. PSA 10s sell for $2,100.

1975 Topps Traded Nolan Ryan (PSA 10): Showcases Ryan in mid-1975 trade from Angels to Astros. Extremely rare PSA 10 grade. Sold for $1,900.

1980 Topps Traded Nolan Ryan (PSA 10): Highlights Ryan’s then-record strikeout season with Astros. Popular vintage Traded card that a PSA 10 recently sold for $1,850.

1983 Topps Nolan Ryan (Gem Mint 10): Captures Ryan dealing with the Astros amid another dominant season. Last regular Topps card before exclusively appearing on Traded issues. Gem Mint 10 sold for $1,700.

1990 Upper Deck Nolan Ryan (Gem Mint 10): Features Ryan at age 43 still overpowering hitters for the Rangers. Considered one of his best modern-era cards. Gem Mint graded card sold for $1,600.

1988 Topps Traded Nolan Ryan (PSA 10): Iconic action shot shows Ryan firing a heater for the Astros. Popular late-career traded issue PSA 10 that sold for $1,500.

1979 Topps Nolan Ryan (PSA 10): Displays Ryan in iconic tequila sunrise Astros uniform. Key vintage Ryan card in highest PSA 10 gem grade that sold for $1,400 in 2021.

In conclusion, Nolan Ryan’s legendary pitching career which spanned from 1966-1993 is captured through some of the most valuable and desirable baseball cards in the hobby. As one of the sport’s most famous and accomplished players ever, Ryan’s rookie card especially holds mythic status for collectors. With his records and fame still standing the test of time, the market for quality Nolan Ryan cards remains as strong as ever.