Mike Schmidt is considered one of the greatest third basemen to ever play Major League Baseball. The career Philadelphia Phillie slugger racked up massive numbers over his storied 18-year MLB tenure. Schmidt smashed 548 career home runs, won 10 Gold Gloves, was named the 1980 NL MVP, and was named to 12 All-Star teams. His incredible playing accomplishments have made many of his baseball cards some of the most valuable collectibles on the vintage and vintage market. Let’s take a deeper look at some of Mike Schmidt’s top cards and their estimated worth.
1973 Topps #464 RC: Schmidt’s iconic rookie card is one of the true gems of the 1970s Topps set. The card features a clean photo of a young Schmidt in a Phillies uniform. As one of the most important rookie cards in the sport’s history for a true legend, high grade Schmidt ’73s command top dollar. In PSA 9 condition, recent eBay sales of this card have ranged between $5,000-7,000. In PSA 10 mint condition, they have sold for upwards of $20,000 when one crosses the auction block. Even lower graded copies still fetch $1,000+ due to the card’s significance.
1974 Topps #144: Schmidt’s second Topps issue saw him sporting facial hair and continuing to display his solid hitting abilities. This card remains a key mid-1970s piece and an must-have for any Schmidt PC. PSA 9 copies have sold for around $500-800 depending on market activity levels. PSA 10 gems can potentially reach $1,000-1,500 if there is competition from deep-pocketed collectors.
1976 Topps #480: Schmidt’s powerful elbows-out swing is depicted on this memorable ’76 issue. It is one of his most aesthetically pleasing card designs of the 1970s run. PSA 9s have moved in the $300-500 range in recent times. Top-graded mint examples can sell closer to $700-1,000 when the stars align. Still an affordable and iconic vintage Schmidt card overall.
1980 Topps Traded #T79: This card commemorates Schmidt winning the 1980 NL MVP award, which he captured with a career-high 48 home runs. It remains one of his most significant career accomplishments cards. PSA 9s have sold for $150-250 due to the card’s smaller print run compared to standard base issues. Near-mint PSA 8 copies can be found in the $100 area.
1983 Fleer #252: Fleer debuted as a MLB licensee in 1983 and captured Schmidt entering the home stretch of his storied career. This card shows Schmidt sporting reading glasses in the Phillies dugout. PSA 9s have sold for $50-75. Lower graded versions remain affordable collector pieces for fans.
1985 Donruss #25: Schmidt’s final regular season card was issued by Donruss in ’85 as he wound down his career. This commemorative final season issue is a must-have for serious collectors. Top-grades have moved for $75-100 in recent times. Even well-loved PSA 8 copies can usually be acquired for under $50.
2000 Pinnacle Mint Set #SMS1: This ultra-high end limited mint set card featured encapsulated samples of dirt and shards of bat from Citizens Bank Park in Philadelphia. Only 150 were produced to honor Schmidt’s Hall of Fame induction that year. When a sealed mint set crosses the auction block, it routinely fetches $2,000-3,000 based on recent sales comps. A true “crown jewel” card for any Mike Schmidt collection.
As one can see, Mike Schmidt’s legendary MLB career has resulted in many valuable and significant baseball cards spanning his playing tenure in the 1970s-80s. While some of his most important rookie and early career issues demand top dollar, dedicated collectors can still acquire high quality vintage Schmidt cards and commemorative inserts for reasonable prices depending on the specific issue. His cards represent some of the best long term investments in the hobby.
