The 1975 Topps baseball card set is one of the more iconic issues from the 1970s and contains several extremely valuable rookie cards that have stood the test of time. While it may lack the star power and superstars of some previous decades, the 1975 set launched the careers of future Hall of Famers and contains key rookie cards that continue to attract attention from collectors decades later. Let’s take a look at some of the most valuable 1975 Topps baseball cards that can fetch big money on the secondary market today.
One of the true “holy grails” of the 1975 set is the rookie card of Hall of Famer George Brett. Brett went on to have a legendary career with the Kansas City Royals that included over 3,000 hits, a .305 career batting average, and being named to 13 All-Star teams. His impressive career accomplishments are reflected in the value of his rookie card today. PSA 10 Gem Mint examples have sold for over $20,000 and even well-worn PSA 5 copies can sell for $1,000 or more. The Brett rookie is one of the most iconic and valuable cards from the entire 1970s decade.
Another true blue-chip rookie from 1975 is Fred Lynn of the Boston Red Sox. Lynn burst onto the scene by being named the American League MVP and Rookie of the Year in the same season in 1975. He dazzled with 23 home runs, 102 RBI, and a .331 batting average. This dual achievement makes his rookie card one of the most historically significant in the set and it remains a major key in any serious collection. High-grade PSA 10 versions are worth $4,000-$5,000 currently while more well-loved PSA 5 and 6 examples still sell for $250-$500.
Two other premiere rookies that continue to hold strong collector demand are Don Baylor and Dave Parker, both future All-Stars and league MVP winners. Parker hit .288 with 25 home runs and 76 RBI in his rookie season with the Pirates to finish third in Rookie of the Year voting. Meanwhile, Baylor socked 15 home runs and drove in 69 for the Baltimore Orioles while hitting .260. PSA 10 Baylor and Parker rookies fetch $1,000-$1500 each. Even lower graded versions are highly desirable near-mint to mint mid-range cards worth $150-$300.
While the 1975 set is considered one of the weaker overall issues of the decade, it does contain the rookie cards of several important starting pitchers as well. Former Cy Young Award winner Bret Saberhagen had his rookie season with the Kansas City Royals in 1975 and cards in high grades of PSA 8 and above have sold in recent years for $500-$700. Another standout arm from the year was 19-year old rookie Fernando Valenzuela of the Los Angeles Dodgers. “Fernandomania” took Southern California by storm the following season in 1981 but collectors are always on the lookout for his first Topps issue in 75. PSA 10s have sold for over $1,000. Meanwhile PSA 8s and 9s can be found in the $300-$500 range.
There are a few other notable stars whose cards have maintained strong value outside of the rookies. One of the few true “power hitters” of the period was Reggie Jackson, who blasted 32 home runs for the Oakland A’s in 1975. “Mr. October’s” star power as one of the greatest postseason performers ever is reflected in consistent collector interest in his 1975 Topps cards. Pristine PSA 10 examples have changed hands for $500-$700 in recent auctions. Another established slugger was Jerry Koosman of the New York Mets, who took home the 1968 NL Cy Young Award. With his impressive career accomplishments, mid-grade PSA 7 examples of his 1975 card are valued around $150-$200 in today’s market.
Some other ancillary 1975 Topps cards that tend to attract attention and can be found at the lower end of the most valuable spectrum from the set include Nolan Ryan (PSA 8 $75-100), Rollie Fingers (PSA 9 $60-80), and Steve Garvey (PSA 8 $50-75). But in summary, if a collector is searching for the true blue-chip flagship cards that can really deliver substantial returns, the George Brett, Fred Lynn, Don Baylor, and Dave Parker rookie cards along with pristine copies of stars like Reggie Jackson remain the most heavily sought after and investment-worthy gems from the entire 1975 issuance nearly 50 years later. While production levels were higher than in previous decades, strong, recognizable rookie classes and big stars from the era have ensured this set stays relevant as one of the most interesting from the 1970s collector landscape.
