The 1970 Topps baseball card set is one of the most iconic issues in the entire hobby. With 792 total cards issued, the 1970 set featured many of the game’s biggest stars from that era including Hank Aaron, Willie Mays, Roberto Clemente, and more. Even 50 years later, 1970 Topps cards remain highly collectible and command strong prices in the vintage baseball card market. Let’s take a closer look at some of the standout cards from the 1970 Topps set and explore their estimated values based on condition.
The 1970 Topps set is led by superstar Hank Aaron, who is featured on the very first card in the set. Aaron was in the midst of chasing Babe Ruth’s all-time home run record in 1970. In excellent mint condition, Aaron’s 1970 Topps card typically sells for around $150-200. A pristine near-mint copy could fetch $300-400 or more given his iconic status. Aaron would go on to break Ruth’s record in 1974. Another Braves legend, Hank Aaron’s teammate from the 1960s dynasty Eddie Mathews, has the #2 card in the set. High grade Mathews cards sell in the $75-100 range.
Willie Mays, who was playing for the New York Mets in 1970, has one of the most iconic cards at #12. “The Say Hey Kid” is shown in a Mets uniform, swinging his signature black bat. Pristine Mays rookies can sell for over $1,000 but more common well-centered near-mint copies trade hands for $300-500. Roberto Clemente’s #18 card is also highly sought after by collectors. Clemente tragically passed away in a plane crash on New Year’s Eve 1972. Mint Clemente 1970s can reach $500-700 depending on demand. His Pirates teammate Willie Stargell has a strong card as well at #40, with mint examples selling for $150-250.
Pitching legends are well represented too. Tom Seaver’s dominant season with the New York Mets in 1969 made him one of the biggest stars in the game for 1970. His card is #44 and a pristine near-mint Seaver can sell for $400-600. Nolan Ryan’s early career with the Mets is captured on his #119 card. High grade Ryan rookies sell in the $150-250 range. Dodgers ace Don Drysdale is featured prominently on card #158. Excellent Drysdale cards trade hands for $75-125. Hall of Famer Bob Gibson’s dominant 1968 season carried over to 1970. His #201 card typically sells for $50-100 in top condition.
Rookies and prospects were also a big part of the 1970 Topps set. One of the most significant is Oakland A’s catcher Gene Tenace on card #598. Tenace would go on to win World Series MVP honors in 1972 and 1973. Near-mint Tenace rookies sell for $150-250. Another notable rookie is Atlanta Braves pitcher Andy Messersmith on card #652. Messersmith helped spark free agency after the 1975 season. His rookie in top shape fetches $75-150. One of the most iconic and valuable rookie cards ever is Reggie Jackson’s 1970 Topps debut on card #689. Pristine “Mr. October” rookies have sold for over $10,000. Most gradeable examples trade hands for $1,000-3,000.
In terms of chase cards for complete 1970 Topps set collectors, high numbers cards tend to be the most elusive. The final card in the set is #792 featuring Dodgers pitcher Jack Aker. Mint Aker cards are rare and can sell for well over $1,000. Other tough-to-find high numbers include #780 Mets pitcher Nolan Ryan (not a true rookie card), #781 Angels pitcher Clyde Wright, and #785 Reds second baseman Pete Rose. Complete near-mint 1970 Topps sets with all the tough cards can sell for upwards of $10,000.
The 1970 Topps baseball card set remains a hugely popular vintage issue over 50 years later. Featuring legendary stars and valuable rookies, 1970s have proven to stand the test of time. While common cards can be acquired for $5-10 each, the true star rookies and prospects along with complete near-mint sets command thousands based on condition. For vintage baseball card investors and collectors, 1970 Topps is always a solid long-term hold.
