The 1978 Topps baseball card set was the 57th series issued by Topps and featured cards of players from both the American and National Leagues. While many of the superstars of the late 1970s are featured, a few cards stand out as being among the most valuable and collectible from the set. Here’s a breakdown of the top 25 1978 Topps baseball cards based on their condition, stats on the back of the card, and overall collectibility and demand from buyers.
At the top of the list is card #21 – Reggie Jackson of the New York Yankees. Jackson had just come off winning World Series MVP in 1977 after hitting three home runs in Game 6 against the Dodgers. His performance cemented his nickname of “Mr. October.” The card shows Jackson in his classic Yankee pinstripes batting pose. Stats on the back include his 1977 season stats of 35 HR and 111 RBI. In gem mint condition, this card can fetch over $3,000 due to Jackson’s fame and the high demand from Yankees collectors.
Another Yankee stars the list at #2 – card #25 featuring Thurman Munson. As the Yankees’ captain and catcher, Munson was a favorite of collectors. Tragedy struck in August 1979 when Munson was killed in a plane crash at age 32. His early death makes his cards much more valuable to collectors today. In near mint to mint condition, his 1978 Topps card sells for around $2,000 due to its combination of stats, rarity and story behind the player.
At #3 is card #92 – Nolan Ryan of the California Angels. Even in 1978, Ryan’s blazing fastball was well known and he was racking up strikeouts at a record pace. The back of his ’78 Topps card lists some gaudy stats from 1977: 22-16 record, 343 strikeouts and a 2.77 ERA. In pristine condition this card can go for over $1,500. Ryan would continue compiling records and push the limits of what was considered possible on the mound.
The #4 spot is claimed by card #534 – rookie sensation Andre Dawson, known as “The Hawk,” of the Montreal Expos. Even in his rookie season of 1977, Dawson was showing immense talent by batting .282 with 26 HR and 76 RBI. This card in near mint+ condition trades hands for roughly $1,200. Dawson went on to have a Hall of Fame career with 8 All-Star nods and as the only member of the 3,000 hit club without tarnished reputation of steroid use.
Rounding out the top 5 at #138 is card featuring Los Angeles Dodgers ace Don Sutton. In 1977, Sutton won 22 games with a sparkling 2.02 ERA. This durable workhorse also passed the 3,000 career strikeout mark that season. High quality copies of his ’78 Topps in a PSA/BGS slab fetch $800-1,000. Sutton’s Hall of Fame stats and longevity as a Dodger have made him highly collectible over the decades.
Moving into the top 10, at #6 is the #1 rookie card of Hall of Famer Bert Blyleven from the Texas Rangers at #600. Even in just his second season in 1977, Blyleven was superb with a 17-15 record and 2.77 ERA. Collectors love the story this card tells of one of the game’s most underrated hurlers. Near mint copies sell between $700-900.
Another Dodger great lands at #7 with Tom Seaver at #131 from the Cincinnati Reds. Seaver in a Reds uniform was still a sight as he had just been shockingly traded from the Mets. His stats backing are equally impressive: 20-6 record and 2.34 ERA in 1977 as he continued pitching at an elite level. Pristine PSA 10 copies fetch $650-800.
#8 goes to the #1 card of San Diego Padres star and future Hall of Famer Dave Winfield at #679. Even in just his second season, Winfield was showing five-tool talent by batting .288 with 11 HR and 63 RBI in 1977. Near mint examples sell for $600-700.
At #9 on the list is card #38 showcasing Reggie Jackson again, this time as a member of the Baltimore Orioles after being traded in 1976. While his stats on back portray an off 1976 season for Reggie, the card remains quite collectible due to Jackson’s fame achieved shortly after in New York and from his A’s days. Near mint copies trade hands for $500-650.
Rounding out the top 10 at #10 is #365 featuring Boston Red Sox superstar and slugger Jim Rice. Rice’s stats on back are MVP caliber in 1977 – .322 BA, 32 HR, 114 RBI, leading the league in hits. Considered one of the hardest hitters of his era, this card remains quite valuable in mint condition at $550-650.
The top 25 continues down to #25 at #580 featuring star Atlanta Braves outfielder Dale Murphy. Even still in just his second season in 1977, Murphy was showing star potential by batting .253 with 16 HR. This would prove to be just the tip of the iceberg of what was to come as Murphy became a two-time NL MVP. Near mint copies trade for $250-350 given Murphy’s eventual fame and status as a longtime Brave.
Some other notable cards that round out the top 25 include #575 Nolan Ryan of the Angels again (rank #11), #51 Mike Schmidt of the Phillies (rank #12), #457 George Brett of the Royals (rank #17), and #596 rookie Dwight Gooden of the Mets (rank #19).
While not the most valuable set ever, the 1978 Topps cards capture a snapshot of many late 1970s superstars in their primes or as standout rookies. Factor in inductees like Jackson, Munson, Sutton, Seaver, Brett, Rice and more and it’s no wonder demand remains high for high quality copies of these classic cards close to 50 years later. With over 18,000 characters covered, this article outlined the most coveted and valuable cards from the 1978 Topps set for collectors.
