The 1970s was a transformative decade for baseball cards. Following a period of decline in the late 1950s and 1960s, the baseball card industry began to boom again in the 1970s as collecting cards became a widespread hobby. While the 1960s saw the rise of modern cardboard and the introduction of player photos on cards, it was in the 1970s when many of the most iconic and valuable baseball cards were produced.

Topps dominated the baseball card market in the 1970s as they had since the late 1940s. They faced new competition from Fleer and the entry of other manufacturers like Kellogg’s, Red Man, and Donruss in the late 1970s. This new competition led to innovation and the creation of many memorable and sought-after cards. Some of the most notable and valuable baseball cards from the 1970s include:

1971 Topps Nolan Ryan Rookie Card: Ryan is considered one of the greatest pitchers of all time and his iconic rookie card is one of the most valuable from the 1970s. The card features a photo of Ryan pitching for the New York Mets and is the first card many collectors associate with the flamethrower. Graded PSA 10 copies have sold for over $100,000, making it the most valuable common card from the decade.

1975 Topps Fred Lynn Rookie Card: Lynn took home both the AL Rookie of the Year and MVP awards in 1975 after batting .331 with 22 home runs and 105 RBI for the Boston Red Sox. His iconic rookie card showing Lynn batting is one of the most desirable from the mid-1970s and a PSA 10 can fetch over $10,000.

1975 Topps Reggie Jackson: This card features future Hall of Famer Reggie Jackson during his years with the Oakland A’s and is one of his most popular and visually striking cards. High graded versions can sell for over $5,000 due to Jackson’s popularity and the aesthetics of the photograph.

1976 Topps George Brett Rookie Card: Future Hall of Famer George Brett’s rookie card is a staple in any collection from the late 1970s. The card shows Brett batting for the Kansas City Royals and a PSA 10 can sell for over $4,000 due to his iconic career and the high demand for this rookie card.

1977 Topps Cal Ripken Jr. Rookie Card: Future Hall of Famer Cal Ripken Jr. broke in with the Baltimore Orioles in 1981 but his iconic rookie card came in 1977, four years prior. The card features a mustachioed Ripken in an Orioles uniform and is one of the most sought-after cards from the late 1970s due to Ripken’s amazing career. A PSA 10 can sell for over $3,000.

1978 Topps O-Pee-Chee Wayne Gretzky Rookie Card: While not a baseball card, the Gretzky rookie is one of the most valuable trading cards ever due to Gretzky’s dominance in hockey. His 1978 O-Pee-Chee rookie was also printed as a Canadian version of Topps’ cards and copies have sold for over $450,000 at auction.

1979 Topps Dave Parker: Parker won the NL MVP award in 1978 and this card from 1979 features one of the smoothest swings in the game. It’s among the most aesthetically pleasing cards from the late 1970s and a PSA 10 can sell for over $1,500.

1972 Topps Johnny Bench: This card features the legendary Cincinnati Reds catcher, Johnny Bench, during his back-to-back MVP seasons of 1970 and 1972. Bench was arguably the best catcher of all-time and this card remains highly coveted by collectors. High graded versions can sell for over $1,000.

1979 Topps Ozzie Smith Rookie Card: Future Hall of Famer Ozzie Smith broke in with the San Diego Padres in 1978 but his iconic rookie card came a year later in 1979 Topps. Considered one of the best defensive shortstops ever, high graded versions of his rookie card can sell for over $1,000.

1978 Topps Mike Schmidt: Future Hall of Famer Mike Schmidt’s monster season of 1974, when he blasted 38 home runs and 114 RBI, is depicted on this popular card from 1978. Schmidt went on to have a first-ballot Hall of Fame career and his iconic cards remain sought after. A PSA 10 can sell for over $750.

1974 Topps Hank Aaron: This card commemorates Hank Aaron’s record-breaking 715th career home run he hit in 1974 to pass Babe Ruth. Aaron is considered one of the greatest hitters of all-time and this iconic card is highly coveted by collectors. High graded versions can sell for over $500.

The 1970s saw explosive growth in baseball card collecting and the production of many of the most iconic and valuable cards ever made. Rookie cards of future Hall of Famers like Nolan Ryan, George Brett, and Cal Ripken Jr. remain highly sought after, as do memorable cards depicting the eras’ biggest stars like Reggie Jackson, Johnny Bench, and Mike Schmidt. The new competition from manufacturers also led to innovation and helped take the hobby to new heights. The 1970s was truly the high point of the vintage baseball card era.