The 1979 Topps baseball card set is considered one of the most iconic issues in the hobby’s history. While it may not be the most valuable set overall, there are definitely some extremely rare and pricey individual cards from that year that collectors covet. Let’s take an in-depth look at some of the 1979 Topps cards that carry the highest values in the market today.
The card that consistently fetches the most money at auction is the #336 Nolan Ryan rookie card. As one of the most legendary pitchers of all-time, Ryan’s rookie is arguably the single most desirable in the entire set. In pristine mint condition, this card has sold for over $25,000. Even well-centered examples in near mint to mint condition often trade hands for $5,000+. What makes it so special is that it captures Ryan in his first year in the majors with the California Angels at the very beginning of his Hall of Fame career.
Another Angels star with a highly valued rookie is Rod Carew on card #77. Similar to Ryan, Carew put together an outstanding career that led to a plaque in Cooperstown. In high grade, his ’79 Topps rookie has reached upwards of $15,000. Most Carew rookies change hands for $2,000-$5,000 depending on centering and surface quality. He won 7 batting titles during his career and was the catalyst for Minnesota’s 1987 World Series championship team.
Two of the game’s all-time home run kings also have prized rookie cards in this set – Mike Schmidt (#97) and Dave Kingman (#296). Schmidt slugged 548 career dingers largely with the Phillies and took home 3 MVP awards. A pristine Schmidt rookie could be worth over $10,000. Kingman on the other hand was a true home run or strikeout machine. He led the NL in homers in 1975 and 1976. High-end examples of his rookie have topped $7,500 in value.
A more unexpected costly card is Oakland A’s reliever Grant Jackson on #496. Why is his so expensive? Simply because it is one of the scarcest in the entire set. Jackson only appeared in 49 games over 3 seasons in the bigs, making his card among the lowest printed. In flawless condition it has cracked $4,000. The rarity outweighs his lack of accolades as a player.
Two other low-print stars with hefty price tags are Dodger ace Don Sutton on #53 and Phillies slugger Greg Luzinski on #344. Sutton racked up over 3,000 strikeouts and is currently fifth all-time in wins. A mint Sutton rookie brings over $3,500. “The Bull” Luzinski swatted over 300 career home runs and made an All-Star team. Top-graded copies of his card exceed $3,000 as well.
For football fans, there are high dollar football cards of soon-to-be NFL stars Joe Montana (#126) and Dan Fouts (#509). Montana quarterbacked the 49ers to multiple Super Bowl victories. A pristine Montana rookie from ’79 Topps is worth $2,500-3,000. Fouts was a prolific passer for the Chargers. His best conditioned rookie sees values reach $2,000.
Speaking of star quarterbacks, the Dallas Cowboys had a fledgling one on their roster in 1979 named Danny White (#283). White earned a Pro Bowl nod and won a Super Bowl ring late in his career backing up Roger Staubach. Even though he played mostly backup as a rookie, his card is very scarce in top shape. Graded mint examples have brought nearly $2,000 each.
Rarity seems to play a significant role in the valuations of some 1979 Topps cards despite the players themselves not being true Hall of Famers. Houston outfielder Cesar Cedeno’s #293 rookie has reached $1,800 in top condition due to its limited print run. Montreal Expos reliever Woodie Fryman’s #501 is also fairly scarce. Pristine samples have sold for around $1,500 before. Their lack of superstar careers is outweighed by the rarity and condition of these particular cards.
While flagship stars like Nolan Ryan and Mike Schmidt reign at the summit, there are still many other desirable, valuable cards nestled throughout the 1979 Topps set beyond just rookies. The combination of all-time great players, scarce low-number issues, and true gem Mint samples that have survived 40+ years all contribute to collector demand and importance. For set builders and investors, high grade 1979s represent a smart vintage basketball pickup.
