The 1971 Topps set is considered one of the most iconic and valuable sets in baseball card history. While it may not have the star rookies and hall of famers of other years, there are still several highly coveted and expensive cards from the 1971 series. Let’s take a look at some of the priciest options for collectors.
One of the true crown jewels and most sought after cards from any year is the 1971 Topps Nolan Ryan rookie card. Featuring the fireballing pitcher in his first season with the Los Angeles Angels, this iconic card captures “The Ryan Express” at the peak of his abilities before arm issues started to affect his career. The combination of it being Ryan’s rookie, his intimidating stare, and the iconic Angels uniform make this one of the most aesthetically perfect cards ever created. In pristine mint condition, examples of this rare gem have sold at auction for over $100,000, earning it the top spot on most expensive lists. Even well-worn copies still command thousands due to the legend associated with Ryan.
Another angel appearing high on 1971 want lists is the Mickey Mantle card. Unlike the first few years that featured Mantle as a Yankee, this card presents him in an unusual Angels uniform after being traded late in his Hall of Fame career. Unfortunately, Mickey was clearly past his prime physically and would play just one more season after this was issued. But for collectors, any Mantle is a treasure and examples that are properly graded and centered can sell for well over $10,000.
Staying in the American League, the 1971 Topps Roberto Clemente Pirates card also garners big bucks. Tragically, this would be Clemente’s last issued baseball card before his untimely death in a plane crash on a humanitarian mission on New Year’s Eve 1972. Known for his exemplary hitting and character both on and off the field, any Clemente is a prized piece of cardboard. Mint condition copies have topped $7,500 at auction.
Moving to the National League, one of the most dramatic rookie cards is that of Hall of Fame bound pitcher Tom Seaver of the New York Mets. Seaver would go on to cement his status as “Tom Terrific” and one of the greatest right-handed hurlers of all-time, winning the Cy Young three times after joining the Mets staff in 1967. High-grade copies have brought in over $6,000.
Another Met on the pricey list is the 1971 Topps Johnny Bench. The future Hall of Fame catcher and still considered one of, if not the greatest to man the position is portrayed in his prime with Cincinnati. Bench would capture his second of two total MVPs in 1972. Pristine copies in the coveted PSA 10 or BGS 9.5+ grades have sold in the $4,000 range.
While star players naturally lead the way, error cards can also find a place among the most costly 1971s. The famous “Bat Boy” card is a huge error that instead features Montreal Expos manager Gene Mauch in the photo slot where a team bat boy usually appeared. Only a small number are believed to exist, and it’s become arguably the most infamous error in the hobbled Topps history. High grades have reached over $3,000 at auction.
While production issues and the absence of true rookie cards for future Hall of Famers means it lacks the true blue-chip rookies of some other years, the 1971 Topps set still boasts several iconic and highly coveted cards that can achieve staggering prices when high quality examples come to market. Factors like legendary careers, tragic endings, stunning photography, and even bizarre errors all contribute to the desirability and value assigned by vintage collectors. For those hoping to add a true piece of cardboard history to their collection, you’ll need deep pockets to acquire some of these costly key cards from the 1971 series.
