Nolan Ryan is considered one of the greatest pitchers of all time and his dominance and records on the mound have translated to strong demand and values for his Topps baseball cards over the decades. As one of the most collectible athletes for sports memorabilia enthusiasts, a complete set of Ryan’s Topps cards from 1968 to 1993 chronicles the Hall of Famer’s illustrious 27-year MLB career spent primarily with the New York Mets, California Angels, Houston Astros and Texas Rangers.

Some key highlights of Ryan’s career include holding the MLB records for career strikeouts (5,714), no-hitters (7) and bases on balls issued by a pitcher (2,795). He was an All-Star for 9 seasons and won the MLB Pitcher of the Year award in 1973, 1981 and 1989. Factor in his intimidating 100+ mph fastball that he could still dominate hitters with late into his 40s, along with a tireless work ethic and competitive fire that pushed his legendary longevity, and it’s no wonder Ryan cards have developed a strong niche within the hobby.

Let’s take a closer look at some of the most notable and valuable Nolan Ryan Topps cards from throughout his playing days in evaluating what they can fetch on the current secondary market:

1968 Topps Nolan Ryan RC (Rookie Card) #526: As the first Topps card issued of Ryan at the start of his MLB career with the Mets, this is the true Ryan rookie. High grade examples in PSA/BGS 10 or Mint condition can sell for $5,000-$10,000 nowadays. Even well-centered PSA 8s still fetch $1,000-$2,000 showing the RC’s enduring collectibility.

1973 Topps Nolan Ryan #139: Ryan’s breakout season winning the NL strikeout title and Cy Young award. PSA 10 examples have topped $4,000 at auction lately. This marks his ascension as a true ace.

1974 Topps Nolan Ryan #178: The Angels years begin. Still widely available in lower grades but PSA 10s command $2,000+.

1980 Topps Traded Nolan Ryan #T79T: Captures Ryan during one of his most dominant seasons splitting time between the Angels and Astros and winning the AL strikeout crown. High grade copies are scarce and valued accordingly, with a PSA 10 recently selling for just under $6,000.

1981 Topps Nolan Ryan #180: Photos Ryan during another stellar year and his 2nd career Cy Young triumph. Like the ’80 Traded card, high grades are tough to find. A PSA 10 would probably exceed $5,000.

1983 Topps Nolan Ryan #480: Records Ryan’s no-hitter thrown as a member of the Astros. No-hitter subjects make for an instant spike in collectibility. $2,000+ for a pristine PSA 10 copy.

1987 Topps Nolan Ryan #765: Captures Ryan nearing the end of his Astros tenure but still dominating as a flamethrower at age 40. Another popular Ryan issue. Mint PSA 10s over $1,500.

1991 Topps Traded Nolan Ryan #T93T: Photos the legend during the famed “Ryan Express” years with the Rangers. A true icon status card. $2,000+ for a PSA 10.

1992 Upper Deck Nolan Ryan #1: The very first UD baseball card features “The Ryan Express.” Ultra-rare PSA 10s have sold over $6,000.

1993 Collector’s Choice Nolan Ryan Final Season #221: Marks Ryan’s final MLB game and retirement at age 46, still pitching effectively. Scarce PSA 10s bring $1,000s.

While those highlight some top value cards, there are many other notable and collectible Ryan issues from throughout the years that add up to make a complete run one of the prized full sets in the hobby. Factors like on-card team logos, action shots capturing Ryan’s blazing heat, milestones reached and no-hitter anniversaries all boost individual card values within the sets. Commemorative Diamond Kings, Allen & Ginter or Archives parallels that showcase unique artistic treatments of Ryan’s iconic windup also carry premiums.

For the ultra-committed collector, even common, low-run cards preserved in pristine mint condition grab attention and demand thanks to Ryan’s infallible brand recognition and legend status attained across generations of fans. No two-way player epitomized athletic dominance quite like Nolan Ryan did during his marvelous career, making his earliest cardboard issues must-haves for any self-respecting memorabilia investor or baseball enthusiast. No other player retains this level of universal acclaim and collectible popularity so long after hanging up the spikes. As with any collection, condition is king and will be the biggest driver of value when it comes to enjoying an appreciation in a complete Nolan Ryan Topps card set for decades to come.