The 1977 Topps baseball card set is considered one of the most historically significant issues in the hobby due to the high-profile rookie cards it featured. While the entire set holds value for collectors, some stand out as being far more valuable than others. Let’s take an in-depth look at the most expensive 1977 Topps cards that have crossed the auction block in recent years.
Undoubtedly, the crown jewel of the 1977 set is the rookie card of Hall of Fame pitcher Pedro Martínez. Considered one of the greatest right-handed pitchers of all time, Martínez’ rookie is the key card for any collector looking to build the complete 1977 set. In pristine mint condition, Martinez rookies have sold for astronomical prices. In January 2020, a PSA Gem Mint 10 graded example fetched $134,000 at auction, setting a new record. Even well-centered, visually perfect copies in PSA 9 condition have sold for over $20,000.
What makes Martinez’ rookie so highly coveted is a combination of his pitching dominance and Hall of Fame resume, the sheer scarcity of high-grade copies remaining in circulation after 45+ years, and the iconic imagery on the card itself that perfectly captures his rookie season. With Martinez cementing his status as a Cooperstown inductee and first-ballot Hall of Famer, demand for his rookie cardshows no signs of slowing down. Graded copies in Gem Mint or near-Mint condition will likely continue appreciating in value as one of the true crown jewels of the set.
Another superstar rookie from 1977 who leads to big prices is Hall of Fame third baseman Wade Boggs. While not quite at Martinez’ level in terms of all-time greatness, Boggs put together an outstanding career spanning two decades that places him among the elite hitters in baseball history. Accordingly, his rookie card carries a huge premium for collectors. In January 2021, a PSA 10 Boggs sold for $28,800 on the open market. Even well-centered PSA 9s can reach $10,000+.
What makes the Boggs rookie especially collectible is his legendary hitting prowess and status as a lifetime .300 hitter. Boggs fans seek out pristine copies to memorialize his debut season and celebrate his prolific MLB tenure. With only a small number of high-grade rookies in existence after 45 years of wear and tear, this card remains a tantalizing prize for completist collectors. As Boggs’ legacy grows even further removed from his playing days, his rookie holds strong potential to keep climbing significantly in value.
While not in the same price range as the Martinez and Boggs rookies, 1977 still features some other noteworthy big-ticket cards. The rookie of Hall of Fame ace Bert Blyleven routinely tops $1,000 in PSA 9-10 condition. “Hurricane” Hazen’s rookie has also pushed north of $1,000 for pristine specimens. Then there’s the star rookie of Dodgers future Hall of Famer Don Sutton. High-grade Sutton rookies can reach $800-900. Surprisingly, a PSA 10 of popular backup catcher and broadcaster Ted Simmons also sold in 2021 for $840.
Beyond the rookies, other premium 1977 stars whose flagship cards hold four-figure values include Reggie Jackson, Mike Schmidt, Nolan Ryan, and George Brett. Even role players like Thurman Munson and Rudy May attain $500-1000 price tags in Mint condition. What makes these established veteran cards collectible are accomplishments like MVP seasons, Hall of Fame tenures, dominant pitching stats, and World Series heroics. Also factoring in is the sheer visibility and popularity of these players throughout the 1970s.
While no other 1977 rookies have approached Martinez and Boggs territory, a couple manage to crack five-figures. In recent years, PSA 10s of Atlanta Braves starters Eddie Solomon ($2,960 sale) and Gary Matthews ($1,520) have fetched respectable prices. Despite more modest careers, demand exists from both Braves fans pursuing complete 1971-78 team sets as well as sharp-eyed investors betting on continued appreciation for scarce high-grade rookie cards from this beloved era.
While the 1977 Topps set features an array of historically significant cards at various price points, the true high-dollar cards remain the showcase rookie issues of future Hall of Famers Pedro Martinez and Wade Boggs. Loaded with star power and carrying immense nostalgia, these remain must-have trophies for elite vintage collections. Over $20,000 in price and with copies still scarce in pristine condition after 45 years, 1977 continues revealing new heights for its premier rookie card investments. It stands as one of the defining vintage issues for collectors pursuing the highest values in the hobby.
