The 1970s produced some of the most iconic and valuable baseball cards in the history of the hobby. During this decade, Topps continued to be the dominant baseball card manufacturer and issued cards that would come to be hugely popular with collectors. Let’s take a look at some of the most valuable and sought-after Topps baseball cards from the 1970s.
One of the undisputed kings of 1970s baseball cards is the iconic 1972 Topps rookie card of Nolan Ryan. As one of the greatest pitchers of all time and holder of numerous MLB records, such as career strikeouts, Ryan’s rookie card is extremely desirable. In top graded gem mint condition, examples of this historic card have sold for over $100,000 at auction. Even well-centered near mint copies can fetch $10,000 or more. The card perfectly captures Ryan’s pure talent as a flamethrower in his early Angels days.
Another highly coveted rookie card from the decade is the 1975 Topps card of George Brett. As a career .305 hitter and future Hall of Famer, Brett left an indelible mark on the game. His rookie card has increased dramatically in value over the years, with PSA 10 specimens selling for around $30,000. Even graded PSA 8 versions can sell for $5,000. Brett went on to have one of the best careers of any third baseman in history, making this one of the more desirable 1970s rookie cards.
The legendary 1976 Topps rookie card of Dave Parker is also among the most valuable from the decade. Known as “Cobra” for his speed and skills, Parker put together a strong 21-year career that saw him win two batting titles and the 1978 NL MVP award. High grade versions of his iconic rookie card routinely sell for $15,000-$20,000. Even well-centered near mint copies can still fetch $4,000-$5,000 due to Parker’s legacy as a dynamic power hitter of his era.
Reggie Jackson’s 1973 Topps card is considered one of the brand’s most visually striking designs ever. Nicknamed “Mr. October” for his playoff heroics, Jackson went on to have a Hall of Fame career while becoming one of baseball’s true larger-than-life personalities. High grade copies of this iconic Jackson rookie card can sell for $8,000-$10,000, while a PSA 8 version remains quite valuable at $3,000-$4,000.
The 1979 Topps card of Cal Ripken Jr. is often cited as one of the most undervalued gems from the decade. Even though Ripken still had not yet achieved superstardom at that point, savvy collectors recognized his future potential. Ripken would go on to author one of the most decorated careers in MLB history, smashing the iconic record for consecutive games played among numerous other accomplishments. As a result, even well-centered near mint copies of his 1979 rookie card can sell for $2,000-$3,000 today. Higher graded specimens have been known to fetch over $10,000.
The 1973 Topps card of Hall of Fame catcher Johnny Bench is rightly considered one of the more iconic baseball cards of all time. Bench defined the catcher position like no other during his playing days, winning two MVP awards among numerous other accolades to cement his place among the game’s all-time greats. PSA 10 specimens of this Bench classic are valued north of $15,000, with PSA 8 copies still bringing $4,000-$5,000 at auction. Even ordinary well-centered copies can sell for over $1,000 due to Bench’s immense popularity and legacy.
Steve Garvey’s 1969 Topps rookie card also retains significant collector interest and value due to his impressive 10-time All-Star career spent mostly with the Los Angeles Dodgers. Garvey put together terrific consistency at the plate while showcasing excellent defense and leadership as a first baseman. High quality specimens of this card can command $3,000-$5,000 today. Even a well-centered near mint copy remains quite desirable at $800-$1,200.
The 1974 Topps card of Hall of Fame pitcher Bert Blyleven is another 1970s gem that has greatly increased in value over the decades. Blyleven’s career stats of 287 wins, 60 shutouts, and over 3,700 strikeouts have rightfully earned him a place in Cooperstown. PSA 10 versions of this distinctive Blyleven rookie card have changed hands for $15,000. Even lower graded specimens remain highly collectible, with a PSA 8 potentially selling for $4,000-$5,000 among avid fans.
Rookie cards of legendary players like Nolan Ryan, George Brett, Dave Parker, Reggie Jackson, Cal Ripken Jr., Johnny Bench, Steve Garvey, and Bert Blyleven highlight the tremendous value to be found among 1970s-issued Topps baseball cards. Their impressive careers, coupled with the increasing collector market, have vaulted these classics to heights few imagined decades ago. For dedicated hobbyists, acquiring high quality copies remains quite challenging but extremely rewarding from an investment standpoint. The 1970s truly represented a golden age of cardboard for baseball enthusiasts.
