The 1970s was a transformative decade for baseball cards. After decades of simple cardboard collectibles included with gum and candy, the 1970s saw the rise of the modern baseball card industry. Increased rarity, fancier designs, and higher quality photography made rookie cards from this era some of the most coveted and valuable in the hobby. While stars from every season hold a special place in collections, here are some of the most iconic and valuable 1970s rookie cards to look out for.

Reggie Jackson (1973 Topps) – Mr. October’s rookie card is one of the true holy grails of the hobby. Jackson was already showing star potential in 1973 with Oakland but had yet to win any World Series titles. The photo captures his intensity and swagger. High grade copies have sold for over $100,000 as Jackson went on to cement his Hall of Fame legacy and popularity. Even well-loved examples still command thousands due to his iconic status.

George Brett (1973 Topps) – Brett debuted the same year as Jackson and also had a Hall of Fame career for the Royals. His rookie card features an action shot and shares the lauded classic design of the era. High grades have reached the $20,000 range. Brett’s consistency and popularity in Kansas City made this an important Midwest regional card that remains highly significant.

Nolan Ryan (1968 Topps) – Arguably the greatest power pitcher ever, Ryan’s rookie card from his time with the Mets underwhelmed due to poor stats and unassuming photography. But collectors knew his true talent was there and this card gained new appreciation as Ryan’s career took off. High grades now sell for over $15,000 thanks to his iconic status and 27 record-setting no-hitters.

Steve Garvey (1969 Topps) – The clean-cut Garvey was a fan favorite in Los Angeles and his rookie card shows why with its bright colors and action pose. He went on to have a stellar career and his card remains a Dodger blue chip. High grades have topped $7,500 with more common examples still worth over $500 due to his enduring popularity.

Don Sutton (1968 Topps) – One of the greatest pitchers of the 1970s and an integral part of the Dodgers rotation, Sutton’s rookie card is a key National League issue. It features a unique action pose and has gained value thanks to his Hall of Fame career. Near-mint copies have reached $4,000.

Willie Stargell (1963 Topps/1964 Topps) – “Pops” was already a star for the Pirates by the late 1960s but his true superstar breakout came in the 1970s. Both his true rookie from 1963 and his more available 1964 rookie remain iconic Pittsburgh cards. Graded gems have topped $6,000 for the rare ’63.

Rod Carew (1967 Topps) – Mr. Consistency debuted for the Twins in 1967 and immediately started racking up hits at a record pace. His bright rookie card shows his smooth swing and remains one of the most popular issues from the 1960s. High grades have reached $3,000.

Tom Seaver (1967 Topps) – Seaver burst onto the scene for the Mets in 1967 and quickly proved himself the ace of that staff. His iconic rookie card features a powerful delivery and helped fuel Metsmania. Near-mint copies have topped $2,000.

Thurman Munson (1969 Topps) – The fiery Yankees catcher’s rookie card is a key New York issue and one of the most prominent from the late 1960s. It captures his intensity perfectly. Near-mint copies have reached $1,500.

Mike Schmidt (1972 Topps) – Already displaying prodigious power in his rookie season for the Phillies, Schmidt’s card showed his potential for greatness. He fulfilled it by winning 3 MVPs in the 1970s and cementing his Hall of Fame case. Near-mint copies have topped $1,000.

Nolan Ryan’s 1968 Topps rookie card remains the most iconic and valuable from the decade, but this list shows there were plenty of future Hall of Famers who debuted in the transformative 1970s. From the aesthetics to the photography, cards really came into their own as collectibles. These rookies from over 50 years ago started careers that made them legends and turned simple cardboard into prized investments. The 1970s was truly a golden age of rookie cards that still captivate collectors today.