Topps is hands down the most iconic and popular brand in the baseball card industry. Since its inception in 1956, the company has released tens of thousands of baseball cards each year. While individual rare cards can fetch big money, many collectors aim to complete full Topps sets as well. Here is an in-depth look at the estimated values of various complete Topps baseball card sets from over the years.
1956 Topps Baseball – This is considered the pioneer set that started it all. In near-mint to mint condition, a complete collection could sell for $50,000 or more at auction. The 1956 Topps set has 514 total cards including player profiles, team checklists and more. Key cards like Mickey Mantle and the coveted Frank Torre #210 error card increase the rarity and demand.
1957 Topps Baseball – Also one of the highly desired early Topps issues. With 524 total cards, a complete set in top condition could sell anywhere from $40,000 to $60,000 today. Highlights include rookie cards for future Hall of Famers like Orlando Cepeda and Hoyt Wilhelm.
1958 Topps Baseball – The 1958 set featured 598 cards including the final year of retired greats like Joe DiMaggio. Complete near-mint to mint sets usually trade hands for $35,000 to $55,000. Key rookies include Bob Gibson and Nellie Fox.
1959 Topps Baseball – With 660 total cards, the 1959 set saw the introduction of multi-player cards as well as team checklists. Complete sets often sell privately for around $30,000 to $45,000 in top shape. Early stars like Ted Williams add to its luster.
1960 Topps Baseball – Rated as one of the more aesthetically pleasing vintage designs, the 1960 issue contains 662 cards. Condition-sensitive complete sets trade between $25,000 and $40,000 at auction. Rookies featured Willie Mays and Whitey Ford.
1961 Topps Baseball – Considered a more affordable vintage set with 711 cards. Mint to near-mint 1961s typically sell in the neighborhood of $15,000 to $25,000. The ’61 set contains hall of fame rookie cards for Roberto Clemente and Mickey Lolich.
1962 Topps Baseball – Expanded to 712 cards, full 1962 collections in top shape can be acquired for $10,000-$18,000. Key rookies found include Tom Seaver and Jerry Grote. A classic design from the early ’60s era.
1963 Topps Baseball – Sports 726 cards in all. Complete ’63 sets in pristine condition will range between $8,000 and $12,000. Pete Rose’s rookie highlights the issue. Fun novelty cards also appear.
1964 Topps Baseball – Moved to 648 cards for this design. Sets in mint/near-mint have sold for $5,000 up to $9,000. Features rookie cards of Dick Allen and Pete Rose’s brother Chuck.
1965 Topps Baseball – Another fun vintage set with 660 cards total. Complete ’65s can usually be found for $4,000-$7,000 in top condition. Highlights include Sandy Koufax’s final card.
1966 Topps Baseball – Expanded to 670 cards including the final set for many aging legends. Top sets sell in the $3,000-$5,000 area. Jim Palmer’s RC among the standouts.
1967 Topps Baseball – Contains 656 cards including the famous Nolan Ryan/Tom Seaver rookie card combo. Top condition sets trade hands for $2,500 to $4,000.
1968 Topps Baseball – Slid down to 660 cards. Complete ’68 sets will sell around $1,500 to $2,500. Rookies of Johnny Bench headline the issue.
1969 Topps Baseball – Ended the decade with 656 cards in the set. Top conditioned 1969s cost between $1,000 to $1,750. Future HOF rookie cards for Reggie Jackson and Tom Seaver highlight it.
1970 Topps Baseball – The first design of the new decade, 660 cards were released. Complete ’70 sets can be acquired for $750 to $1,250 usually. Early ’70s stars took over.
The 1970s saw prices beginning to level off as supply increased due to larger print runs. Here are some values for notable ’70s Topps complete sets:
1971 (660 cards): $500-$800
1972 (660 cards): $400-$650
1973 (630 cards): $300-$500
1974 (630 cards): $250-$400
1975 (630 cards): $200-$350
1976 (630 cards): $150-$250
1977 (630 cards): $100-$200
1978 (630 cards): $75-$150
1979 (630 cards): $50-$100
Key rookies from this era spanReggie Jackson, Mike Schmidt, George Brett and more.
Complete sets from 1980 to 1989 generally trade in the following price ranges:
1980 (630 cards): $50-$100
1981 (630 cards): $40-$75
1982 (630 cards): $30-$60
1983 (630 cards): $25-$50
1984 (630 cards): $20-$40
1985 (630 cards): $15-$30
1986 (630 cards): $10-$20
1987 (630 cards): $8-$15
1988 (630 cards): $5-$10
1989 (630 cards): $3-$8
More modern complete set values include:
1990 (744 cards): $3-$6
1991 (772 cards): $2-$4
1992 (752 cards): $1.50-$3
1993 (748 cards): $1-$2.50
1994 (760 cards): $0.75-$1.50
1995 (760 cards): $0.50-$1
Complete Topps sets have become much more affordable to collect in the modern era. But early issues remain highly valuable to this day for serious vintage baseball card investors and enthusiasts. Condition is always key when considering auctions and private sales prices, so be sure to accurately grade any full sets you may acquire. With its rich history and brand recognition, Topps collections continue drawing dedicated collectors globally.
