The 1970s was a transformative decade for baseball cards. Following a period of declining interest in the late 1960s, the baseball card industry began to boom again in the 1970s thanks to increased collecting interest and the rise of several young star players. For investors looking to add vintage baseball cards to their portfolio, there are several 1970s rookie and star player cards that have strong long-term appreciation potential.
One of the best 1970s baseball cards to invest in is the 1975 Nolan Ryan rookie card. Ryan established himself as one of the greatest power pitchers of all-time during the 1970s, recording multiple no-hitters and strikeout titles. His iconic throwing motion and blazing fastball made him a fan favorite. Despite high initial print runs, his 1975 Topps rookie card has increased steadily in value over the past 20 years. Graded PSA 10 examples now sell for over $20,000, while even low-grade copies in PSA 5-6 condition can fetch $500-1000. As Ryan’s legend grows with time, his rookie is poised to continue appreciating for patient investors.
Another star of the 1970s who has sustained card value is Reggie Jackson. His 1973 Topps and 1974 Topps cards, showing him with the A’s before his famous “Mr. October” performances with the Yankees, are both strong long term holds. High-grade 1973s have sold for over $15,000, while 1974s top out around $10,000 PSA 10. Jackson’s prodigious home run power and flair for the dramatic made him one of the biggest stars of the 1970s. Even in lower grades, his 1970s rookie cards sell steadily for $200-500 and offer an easy-to-liquidate asset for collectors.
Rookie cards of pitchers Don Sutton and Bert Blyleven from the late 1960s and early 1970s also hold value as investments. A PSA 10 of Sutton’s 1968 Topps rookie would fetch over $10,000, while a Blyleven 1969 Topps gem sells for around $8,000 in the same grade. Both right-handers enjoyed long, durable careers that saw them accumulate over 300 wins apiece. Their rookie cards remain relatively affordable compared to peers, but demand seems poised to increase as their Hall of Fame careers are recognized. Even well-worn low-grade versions can typically resell for $100-300.
Another 1970s star who remains a strong investment is Mike Schmidt. His 1973 Topps and 1974 Topps rookie cards are both desirable, with PSA 10 ’73s reaching $12,000 and ’74s around $8,000. Schmidt smashed home run records in the 1970s and 1980s as the premier power-hitting third baseman of his generation. He joined the rare “500 home run” club and won 10 Gold Gloves and 3 MVPs. Schmidt’s sustained excellence ensures collector interest in his early career cards for years to come. Even well-played copies retain $200-500 in value.
Two breakout stars of the late 1970s who have seen card values appreciate are George Brett and Robin Yount. Brett’s 1975 Topps rookie is highly regarded, with a PSA 10 bringing as much as $12,000. His 1980 Topps traded card, showing him in the midst of his .390 batting average season, also commands $2,000-4,000 for high grades. Meanwhile, Robin Yount’s 1974 Topps rookie has increased tenfold over the past decade, with a PSA 10 now worth $6,000-8,000 after originally selling for under $100 in the 1990s. Both players enjoyed Hall of Fame careers at their positions and remain iconic Brewers stars.
While rookie cards tend to attract the most attention as investments, common cards from the 1970s of all-time greats like Hank Aaron, Willie Mays, and Johnny Bench can also retain steady long-term value. High-grade examples of their 1970s Topps and other mainstream issues can sell in the $200-500 range depending on the player and year. These more accessible cards allow collectors to invest smaller sums in proven brand names while still enjoying reasonable potential for future appreciation.
In summary, 1970s rookie cards of pitching greats Nolan Ryan, Don Sutton, Bert Blyleven and position player stars Reggie Jackson, Mike Schmidt, George Brett and Robin Yount profile as some of the best long-term investments among vintage baseball cards from the decade. Their sustained on-field excellence through the 1970s and beyond ensures collector demand for generations. Even in lower grades, these rookies offer an easy-to-liquidate store of value better than most collectibles. With careful grading research, 1970s cards represent an intriguing niche for investors to consider as part of a diversified portfolio.
