1981 Topps Baseball Cards Price Guide and Values
The 1981 Topps baseball card set was the 20th series produced by the Topps Company, Inc. and contained 792 total cards. The design featured a player photo on the front with the team name and logo below. The back of the cards contained player stats and career highlights. Some of the top rookies featured in the 1981 set included Fernando Valenzuela, Dave Righetti, and Tim Raines. Let’s take a closer look at the most valuable and sought after cards from the 1981 Topps baseball card series.
Fernando Valenzuela (card #1) – Valenzuela had one of the most impressive rookie seasons in baseball history in 1981. As a result, his rookie card is one of the most valuable from the entire set. In PSA 10 Gem Mint condition, examples have sold for over $1,000. Even well-centered, near mint copies in PSA 8 or 9 condition can fetch $100-200. This is undoubtedly the crown jewel of the 1981 Topps set.
Dave Righetti (card #660) – As a rookie pitcher for the New York Yankees, Righetti tossed a no-hitter in July of 1981, making his rookie card very desirable. PSA 10 copies have sold for $300-500, while PSA 9 examples go for $150-250. Even in raw near mint condition out of the pack, Righetti’s rookie commands $50-100.
Nolan Ryan (card #1) – Ryan was already an established star pitcher by 1981 but remained a fan favorite. His card is highly sought after by collectors. PSA 10 copies have sold for over $200, with PSA 9 examples bringing $75-150. Even well-centered raw near mint copies can fetch $25-50.
Cal Ripken Jr. (card #681) – While not technically a true rookie card (he played 9 games in 1981), Ripken’s 1981 Topps is the first card many collectors have of him. PSA 10 examples have sold for $150-250, with PSA 9s bringing $75-150. Raw near mint copies go for $25-50.
Tim Raines (card #696) – As a speedy rookie outfielder for the Montreal Expos, Raines made his debut in 1981. High-grade PSA 10 copies of his rookie card have sold for $150-250, with PSA 9s bringing $75-150. Even raw near mint copies can sell for $25-50.
Mike Schmidt (card #1) – Already a three-time NL MVP by 1981, Schmidt remained one of the game’s biggest stars. High-grade copies of his base card have sold for $50-100 in PSA 10 and $25-50 in PSA 9. Well-centered raw near mint copies go for $10-25.
George Brett (card #171) – Brett was in the midst of his hitting prime in the early 1980s. PSA 10 copies of his 1981 Topps card have sold for $50-75, with PSA 9s bringing $25-50. Raw near mint copies can be found for $10-20.
Steve Carlton (card #193) – “Lefty” was a star pitcher who won his 4th Cy Young Award in 1981. PSA 10 copies have sold for $40-75, with PSA 9s at $20-40. Raw near mint copies go for $5-15.
Rich Gossage (card #256) – As the dominant Yankees closer, “Goose” was a fan favorite. PSA 10s have sold for $40-75, PSA 9s for $20-40. Raw near mint copies can be found for $5-15.
Dave Parker (card #412) – In his prime with the Pirates, Parker was one of baseball’s best hitters. PSA 10s have sold for $30-50, with PSA 9s at $15-30. Raw near mint copies go for $5-10.
Gary Carter (card #550) – Already an All-Star catcher, Carter was a rising star for the Expos. PSA 10s have sold for $30-50, PSA 9s for $15-30. Raw near mint copies fetch $5-10.
The 1981 Topps set also featured the final cards for several Hall of Fame players like Bob Gibson (card #176), Hank Aaron (card #250), and Willie Mays (card #454). High-grade copies of these legends’ final cards can be very desirable for collectors. The 1981 Topps baseball card set remains a highly collectible vintage release. Key rookie cards like Fernando Valenzuela and Cal Ripken Jr. anchor the set as true icons of the hobby. With the continued growth of baseball card collecting, prices for 1981 Topps are likely to appreciate over time.
