The 1970s were a seminal time for the baseball card industry. More and more kids were collecting and trading cards, which led manufacturers like Topps, Fleer, and Donruss to mass produce cards. This boom created many iconic and valuable cards that are sought after to this day by collectors. While the era produced tons of common cards that aren’t worth much, there were also some true gems that have become extremely rare and expensive over time. Here are some of the highest value baseball cards from the 1970s that could fetch five figures or more graded in Near Mint-Mint condition.

1971 Joe DiMaggio Goudey #:131 – Widely considered the crown jewel of DiMaggio’s career, the ’71 Goudey is undoubtedly his most valuable card. Only about 200 are known to exist in Near Mint condition. In high grades, examples have sold for $50,000 or more at auction. What makes it so desirable is that it captures DiMaggio at the very end of his Hall of Fame career with the Yankees.

1971 Mike Schmidt rookie card (Topps #94) – Arguably the best third baseman ever, Schmidt had a Hall of Fame career with the Phillies. His 1971 Topps rookie is the one collectors covet most. High grade versions routinely sell for $15,000 and up. Supplies are limited since it was produced during Topps’ transition between designs that year, making mint condition examples scarce.

1972 Nolan Ryan rookie card (Topps #500) – Along with Schmidt, Ryan’s 1973 Topps rookie was one of the most iconic and valuable issues of the 1970s. Capturing a young Nolan Ryan pitching for the Mets, it introduced kids to the future strikeout king. Ungraded examples in good condition still sell for $5,000. Higher grades can top $10,000 or more.

1973 Ozzie Smith rookie card (Topps #733) – While not quite as expensive as some others, Smith’s rookie is still highly sought after for “The Wizard’s” defensive wizardry at shortstop. Low population has kept prices stable in the $3,000 range for Mint copies.

1974 Hank Aaron 700th home run card (Topps #138) – This iconic card commemorated Aaron reaching MLB’s then all-time home run record in 1974 following an amazing career with the Braves. Near the top of every collector’s want list, examples have sold at auction for $10,000+. Only a few gem mint copies believed to exist.

1974 Reggie Jackson “Reggie! Reggie!” (Topps #218) – Capturing Jackson’s famous home run batting stance during the 1973 World Series, the card was dubbed “Reggie! Reggie!” by announcer Keith Jackson. Scarce in pristine condition, mint examples have sold for $8,000 due to their historical significance in capturing a signature postseason moment.

1974 Cal Ripken Jr. rookie card (Topps #627) – Widely considered one of the toughest 1970s rookie cards to find in high grade due to poor centering issues. Nonetheless, a meaningful issues as it introduced kids to the future Iron Man. An impressive career keeps demand high, with gem mint examples potentially reaching $15,000 one day.

1975 Joe Morgan MVP card (Topps #140) – Commemorating Morgan winning the National League MVP award in 1975 while with the Big Red Machine Reds, this issue has steadily grown in demand. Only a few dozen pristine copies are believed to exist. Value approaches $5,000 for top graded gems.

1975 Rod Carew batting title card (Topps #132) – Carew capturing the American League batting title in 1975 adds to this card’s allure. Scarce in high grade with noticeable centering problems. Near the $4,000 range for finest known specimens.

1977 George Brett rookie card (Topps #571) – One of the more affordable 1970s star rookie cards on the market. Even so, gem mint 10 copies command $3,000 due to Brett’s spectacular career with the Royals. Population remains low for true investment grade copies.

While star rookies drive most of the value from the 1970s, select cards commemorating milestone achievements or featuring all-time greats in action also carry comparable prices. Condition is critical, as even minor flaws can diminish value significantly when talking about five and six figure cards. For collectors, owning a high grade example of any of these iconic 1970s issues would be a true trophy piece.