The 1968 Topps baseball card set is one of the most desirable issues from the late 1960s. With 792 total cards issued, the ’68 Topps set introduced exciting rookie cards and included legendary players that are now highly sought after by collectors. Let’s take a closer look at some of the most valuable 1968 Topps baseball cards that can fetch big money in today’s market:
Nolan Ryan (Card #493) – Perhaps the single most valuable card from the 1968 set is future Hall of Famer Nolan Ryan’s rookie card. At just 20 years old, Ryan made his major league debut with the New York Mets in 1966 but his true potential was still developing when this card was produced. In pristine mint condition, a Nolan Ryan ’68 rookie has been known to sell for well over $25,000. Even moderately played examples in VG-EX condition can still sell for $1,000-$5,000.
Willie Stargell (Card #660) – Stargell emerged as the leader of the Pittsburgh Pirates during their championship runs in the 1970s and his power hitting made him a fan favorite. His 1968 Topps card remains quite scarce in top grades and has seen prices climb in recent years. A PSA Gem Mint 10 sold for over $15,000 in 2020. Most are valued from $500-2,000 based on condition.
Johnny Bench (Card #99) – The Cincinnati Reds’ catcher was just a promising rookie in 1968 but Bench went on to have a Hall of Fame career and is considered one of the greatest to ever play the position. As Bench’s stature grew, so did interest in his rookie card. A PSA 10 is worth $15,000+ while mint 9s are $3,000-5,000 and VG-EX copies $200-500.
Carl Yastrzemski (Card #581) – Yaz enjoyed one of his finest seasons for the Boston Red Sox in 1967, capturing the AL Triple Crown. His ’68 cardboard carried significant value even before more modern conditions assigned loftier prices. PSA 10s recently sold for around $5,000 while mint 9s are $1,000-2,000 and played VG-EX copies $200-500.
Tom Seaver (Card #574) – Seaver’s immaculate pitching motion made him a true work of art on the mound as he dominated the 1960s and 70s. The future Hall of Famer’s rookie card remains a must-have, even for non-Mets fans. A flawless PSA 10 recently sold for $4,500 with price drops for lower grades down to $300-600 range in VG-EX condition.
Rick Wise (Card #672) – On June 23, 1971 Wise accomplished the improbable by throwing a no-hitter AND hitting two home runs in the same game for the Philadelphia Phillies. His ’68 Topps rookie card has experienced rising valuation as his unique feat becomes more recognized. PSA 10s sell around $2,500 while mint 9s are $800-1,200 and played examples $150-300.
Tony Perez (Card #559) – Perez played 21 seasons, mostly for the Cincinnati Reds, racking up over 2,000 hits and 300 home runs during his 1970s glory days. Usually a tough card to find graded above EX, a flawless Perez ’68 PSA 10 recently sold north of $2,000 with lower graded copies in the $200-500 range.
Joe Morgan (Card #584) – The speedy second baseman was just starting to make a name for himself as a young star with Houston in 1968. Over time, Morgan developed into a Hall of Fame caliber player and the appreciation toward his rookie card grew substantially. Very high grade PSA 10s are $2,000+ with mint 9s $750-1,200 and played grades $150-300.
Reggie Jackson (Card #661) – Mr. October was still developing as an Athletics outfielder when his ’68 card was released but Reggie went on to cement his legend status. Even played copies that wouldn’t grade above EX can bring $250-600 depending on comp sales. Pristine PSA 10s are valued around $1,500.
Gaylord Perry (Card #568) – The knuckleball specialist owned many hitters during his 22-year career, winning over 300 games and capturing the 1972 Cy Young Award. His rookie card has climbed above $1,000 for top PSA 10 examples while lower grades in the VG-EX range are $150-400.
Rod Carew (Card #88) – Carew’s sweet left-handed swing made him a seven-time batting champion for the Twins and Angels during the 1970s-80s. His 1968 rookie is usually found well played but even low graded copies still attract $150-300 based upon the player pedigree. Near-mint PSA 9s can reach $750-1,000.
Tom McCraw (Card #553) – The outfielder had a short five-year career and unimpressive stats, making his ’68 card a curious find. Lesser quantities were apparently printed which adds scarcity value. PSA 10s have sold for over $1,000, with EX condition copies $175-350 depending on eye appeal.
Rollie Fingers (Card #578) – Fingers’ unique delivery and Hall of Fame success as a reliever have boosted interest in his rookie card over the years. Recent PSA 10 sales have been around $1,000 with lower graded mint 9s settling in the $500 range and played VG-EX copies $125-250.
Ferguson Jenkins (Card #547) – Jenkins racked up 284 career victories during his time with the Phillies and Cubs in the 1960s-80s. Condition is usually an issue but higher quality PSA 8s and 9s can bring in $600-800 range. Well played copies still attract $125-250 based on the player alone.
Sparky Lyle (Card #630) – Lyle won the 1977 AL Cy Young Award as the Yankees’ premier reliever and his submarine delivery made him fun to watch. Scarcity has inflated prices even on lower quality examples. EX condition copies can sell between $250-500 depending on recent comps.
While these represent some of the more expensive 1968 Topps cards, the set overall remains a favorite for collectors across all budget levels. With so many stars and rising young talents included, finding affordable copies of even non-rookie cards is very possible with a little searching. Condition challengespersist but popularity for mid-grade samples keeps values reasonable for most cardboard from this classic issue.
