The 1978 Topps baseball card set is considered one of the most valuable issues from the 1970s. While it does not contain any true “gem mint” cards worth hundreds of thousands of dollars, there are several scarce short printed and rookie cards that can fetch large sums from dedicated collectors. Let’s take a closer look at some of the most lucrative 1978 Topps baseball cards to find in a collection.
One of the most coveted cards from the 1978 set is the Nolan Ryan rookie card (card #239). While not technically his true rookie card since he debuted in 1966, it was the first Topps card featuring Ryan as a member of the California Angels. Only about 3,000 copies of this card were printed, making it incredibly scarce in high grades. In near mint to mint condition, examples have sold for over $15,000. The record auction price is $27,850 achieved in January 2016. Even well-cent red examples in excellent condition can sell for $3,000-5,000.
Another short printed gem is the Cal Ripken Jr. rookie card (card #481). Much like the Ryan, only around 3,000 of these were printed, so high grade copies are exceedingly difficult to find. It features Ripken as a prospect in the Baltimore Orioles organization before he made his major league debut the following season. Pristine mint condition Ripken rookies have sold for as much as $20,000, with near mint examples going for $8,000-12,000. This is one of the more valuable cards from the set percentage wise to its overall issuing numbers.
Hall of Famer Ozzie Smith’s rookie card (card #632) is also considered an important short print, with production thought to be under 5,000 copies. Even well-centered near mint Smith rookies can sell for $2,000-3,000. Truly flawless gems have fetched up to $10,000 at auction. Any 1978 Topps rookie of a player who would go on to the Hall of Fame is extremely sought after due to their incredibly small print runs decades ago.
One of the most visually striking cards in the set is the Dave Parker “Standing Ovation” card (card #93). It features Parker receiving a warm welcome back to riverfront stadium in Cincinnati after being traded from the Pirates. Only about 2,000 of these dramatic action shots were printed, so high grade versions are very rare. Near mint Parkers have sold for $4,000, with a record price being $7,125 set in January 2020. Even well-centered excellent condition copies trade hands for $1,500-2,500.
The Nolan Ryan no-hitters card (card #305) is also considered one of the premier short prints, with an estimated printing of just 1,500 copies. It commemorates Ryan’s third career no-hitter, thrown on September 28, 1974 against the Kansas City Royals. Mint no-hitters Nolans have topped $10,000 at auction, with especially choice near mint 10s bringing $6,000-8,000. Even worn yet well-centered examples still sell for $2,000-3,000 for completionists.
The “Buckner’s Buddies” error card featuring Bill Buckner (card #99) without the Boston Red Sox logo on his cap is also eagerly sought out. Only about 5 uncorrected proofs are known to exist without the logo. In 2018, one of these ultra-rare errors sold for an astounding $86,000. Even common “corrected” versions with the logo are valued in the $300-500 range in top condition due to their novelty.
High numbers cards are commonly overlooked, but the Mario Guerrero rookie (card #744) stands out as an exception. The Dodger outfielder’s rookie is thought to have been printed only 2,000 times or less. Near mint Guerreros have brought $3,000 at auction, with especially choice gems climbing as high as $5,000. Like the others, finding one intact and well-centered after 44 years is no small feat.
Some additional notable scarce short prints include the Kent Tekulve (#574 – approx. 3,000 printed), Jerry Remy (#388 – approx. 3,500), and Bob Horner (#653 – approx. 2,500) rookies. Choice examples can reach $1,000-2,000 depending on condition rarity and the individual player’s popularity and post-career accomplishments. The 1978 Topps set had over 800 total cards issued but production numbers on many were shockingly low even by 1970s standards. Collectors who can track down pristine copies of these scarce short prints stand to profit nicely as interest builds with time. Careful grading is important to realize top prices on the true condition census rarities from this desirable vintage issue.
While stars like Reggie Jackson, Steve Garvey, and Willie Stargell had “common” cards numbering in the 10,000s printed, their high quality specimens still attract significant bids today. And who doesn’t love discovering a true near mint mint condition copy of an iconic player like Hank Aaron, Roger Clemens, or Mike Schmidt deep in a collection? Even middle tier All-Stars or veteran role players make for solid additions in top grades from this set that has grown greatly in stature among the collecting community in recent years. With its many notable rookie cards, impressive action photos, and pocket-sized 2 1/2 x 3 1/2 inch dimensions, 1978 Topps endures as a fan favorite. For patient collectors, it continues to reward with dazzling gems hidden within if one knows where and what to search for.
While the 1978 Topps set lacks true ultra-high-end cards worth tens of thousands ungraded, it houses several scarcity driven short prints and coveted rookie cards that can net four or even five figure returns for sufficiently impressive examples after 44 years of surviving the odds. Knowing the estimated print runs and true condition census rarities makes the difference in capitalizing on the set’s strongest value propositions. With names like Ryan, Ripken, Smith, Parker, and Guerrero adorning its short prints, 1978 Topps ensures its place as a premier vintage to target for finds with future potential still to appreciate.
