Dale Murphy was one of the biggest stars in baseball during the 1980s, leading the Atlanta Braves franchise to prominence and becoming a two-time National League MVP. Naturally, Murphy’s popularity and success on the field translated to strong demand for his baseball cards from collectors. Let’s take an in-depth look at some of the most notable and valuable Dale Murphy cards from throughout his playing career.
One of Murphy’s earliest and most sought after rookie cards is his 1979 Topps card #498. This was Murphy’s first major card issued by Topps and it came at the start of his breakout season. The 1979 Topps set is considered a classic of the era and Murphy’s rookie card in particular is a key piece for any Atlanta Braves or 1980s collector. In high grade, PSA 10 condition, Murphy’s 1979 Topps rookie has sold for over $1,000 at auction. Even well-centered, sharply cornered examples in PSA 8 or 9 condition can sell for several hundred dollars.
Murphy’s true superstar seasons came in 1982 and 1983 when he won back-to-back National League MVP awards. His cards from these years are understandably some of his most valuable. The 1982 Topps Traded #T83 card features Murphy in an Atlanta Braves uniform on the front and league leader statistics on the back related to his 1982 MVP season. High grade copies have sold for over $500. Similarly, the 1983 Topps Traded #T87 card touts Murphy’s MVP award and statistics from 1983. PSA 10 examples of this card have reached $800 at auction.
Aside from Topps, Murphy also had prominent cards issued in the Donruss and Fleer sets during his MVP seasons. The 1982 Donruss #304 and 1983 Donruss #304 cards highlight Murphy’s accomplishments and both can be worth $100-200 in top condition. Meanwhile, the 1982 Fleer #455 and 1983 Fleer #455 cards are considered key Murphy and Atlanta Braves cards from the era. Graded PSA/BGS 10 copies have sold for $400-500 each.
Murphy’s 1984 Donruss #304 card stands out for capturing the tail end of his prime years. It shows him batting left-handed with a classic Braves uniform design. Higher grade copies in the PSA 8-10 range have sold for $150-300. His 1984 Topps card #641 is also popular among collectors but is more common in top condition so usually sells for $50-100 at most.
By the late 1980s, Murphy was past his MVP peak but still a productive player. His 1986 Fleer Update #U-42 card stands out for being one of his last true star cards before leaving Atlanta. It has sold for around $75-150 for PSA 10 examples. Murphy’s final season with the Braves in 1988 is represented by his Topps Traded #T81 card which can be acquired in top shape for $50-100.
After being traded to the Philadelphia Phillies in 1990, Murphy’s star power and card values declined significantly. His 1990 Bowman #46 rookie card as a Phillie remains a key piece for team and 1980s collectors. Higher grade PSA/BGS 10 copies have sold in the $100-200 range in recent years. Murphy wrapped up his career playing sparingly for the Cleveland Indians in 1992-93. His final notable card is likely the 1992 Topps #498, which brings nostalgia as the bookend to his 1979 rookie but typically sells for $10-20.
In summary, Dale Murphy’s baseball cards from his Atlanta Braves MVP seasons in the early 1980s are by far his most significant and sought after. Cards like his 1979 rookie, along with various 1982-83 issues from Topps, Donruss and Fleer highlighting his accomplishments, are the true Murphy keys for any collection. Even in lower grades, these star cards from his superstar peak still command $50-200 depending on condition. Overall, Murphy’s on-field success made him a fan favorite of the era and that legacy lives on through the strong demand that still exists today for his premium baseball cards.
