The 1978 Topps baseball card set is considered one of the iconic issues from the 1970s. While it may not be the most valuable set from that decade, there are still quite a few cards that can fetch respectable prices depending on condition. Let’s take a closer look at some of the standout rookie cards and stars from the 1978 Topps set and what their values are trending at today.
One of the biggest rookie cards from the 1978 set is New York Yankees slugger Reggie Jackson. As one of the true superstars of his era, Jackson’s rookie card remains quite popular with collectors. In near mint to mint condition, examples of his 1978 Topps rookie card can sell for $80-150. Highly graded copies in the BGS/PSA 8-10 range have sold for over $300. This is an iconic card that is always in high demand.
Another rookie card that generally fetches solid prices is Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Jerry Reuss. As a 20-game winner for the Dodgers in 1977, Reuss had an impressive debut. His 1978 Topps rookie card in near mint to mint condition sells in the $30-60 range typically. Higher graded copies in the BGS/PSA 8-10 range have sold for $100-200.
Two of the biggest rookie cards from the set belong to Hall of Famers Don Sutton and Nolan Ryan. Sutton’s Los Angeles Dodgers card in near mint to mint condition sells for $50-100. High graded examples in the BGS/PSA 8-10 range command $150-300. Ryan’s California Angels rookie is equally desirable. Near mint to mint copies sell for $60-120 with gem mint examples reaching $200-400. Both Sutton and Ryan are considered among the greatest pitchers ever, making their rookie cards quite valuable.
Another strong rookie card belongs to Atlanta Braves pitcher Phil Niekro. Known for his knuckleball, Niekro went on to have a legendary 24-year career. His 1978 Topps rookie in near mint to mint condition sells in the $40-80 range. Higher graded copies in the BGS/PSA 8-10 range have sold for $100-200. With over 300 career wins and time spent with both the Braves and Yankees, Niekro’s card remains quite collectible.
Hall of Famer Andre Dawson had a breakout 1977 campaign with the Montreal Expos that earned him significant playing time in 1978 as well. His 1978 Topps Expos card in near mint to mint condition sells in the $30-60 range. Higher graded examples in the BGS/PSA 8-10 range have sold for $80-150. “The Hawk” went on to have a great career that spanned over two decades, making his rookie card an iconic one from the late 1970s.
Another star player with a valuable 1978 Topps card is Hall of Famer Rod Carew. As a seven-time batting champion for the Minnesota Twins, Carew was already an established star by 1978. His 1978 Topps card in near mint to mint condition sells in the $40-80 range. Higher graded copies in the BGS/PSA 8-10 range have sold for $100-200. Carew’s consistent excellence at the plate makes his cards very popular.
One of the biggest stars of the 1970s was Boston Red Sox slugger Jim Rice. Coming off an AL MVP season in 1978, Rice’s star power was at its peak. His 1978 Topps Red Sox card in near mint to mint condition sells in the $50-100 range. Higher graded examples in the BGS/PSA 8-10 range have sold for $150-300. Rice’s dominance in the late 1970s makes his cards highly sought after.
Another star player with a valuable 1978 Topps card is Hall of Famer Mike Schmidt of the Philadelphia Phillies. Already a three-time NL MVP and three-time Gold Glove winner by 1978, Schmidt was the premier third baseman of his era. His 1978 Topps Phillies card in near mint to mint condition sells in the $40-80 range. Higher graded copies in the BGS/PSA 8-10 range have sold for $100-200. Schmidt’s excellence and popularity keeps his 1970s cards in high demand.
A few other star players from the 1978 set with valuable cards include Hall of Famer Johnny Bench, Nolan Ryan, Reggie Jackson, Steve Garvey, and George Brett. All had careers at their peaks in the late 1970s. Near mint to mint examples of their 1978 Topps cards sell in the $30-80 range depending on the specific player. Higher graded copies in the BGS/PSA 8-10 range have sold for $80-250. Their dominance during that era makes 1970s issues of these superstars very collectible.
While the 1978 Topps set may not contain the most valuable rookie cards or be the highest selling vintage set, there are still many stars and future Hall of Famers featured that keep collector interest strong. Rookies of Sutton, Ryan, Niekro, Dawson and future stars like Schmidt and Rice ensure the 1978 Topps set remains an iconic release from the late 1970s that is still actively collected and traded today. With the right grade and condition, many key cards from this set can still command respectable prices.
