The 1970s was a transformative decade for the baseball card collecting hobby. After going through ups and downs in previous eras, cards started being mass produced in the 1970s to meet growing demand. Several companies like Topps, Fleer, and Donruss produced iconic card sets that have become highly valuable today. While cards from earlier decades sometimes fetch higher prices due to their rarity, some 1970s cards stand out as remarkably expensive due to the superstar players featured and their condition. Here are some of the most expensive baseball cards known from the 1970s:
1973 Topps Nolan Ryan rookie card (PSA 10): Widely considered one of the most desirable rookie cards in the hobby, the Nolan Ryan 1973 Topps is the crown jewel of 1970s cards. Ryan went on to have a legendary Hall of Fame career with over 7,000 strikeouts, but this card captures him at the beginning of his journey. High grade PSA 10 examples in absolutely flawless condition have sold for over $250,000, making it one of the costliest baseball cards ever.
1974 Topps Hank Aaron 756th home run card (#771): On April 8, 1974, Hank Aaron broke Babe Ruth’s hallowed career home run record by hitting his 756th blast. Topps rushed out a special card featuring the historic moment, which captured Aaron rounding the bases after the home run. In gem mint PSA 10 condition, examples have reached $200,000 at auction. This is arguably the single most historically significant card of the entire decade.
1969 Topps Willie Mays autographed rookie card: Although not technically from the 1970s, Willie Mays’ iconic rookie card from 1954 is one of the most coveted in the entire hobby. In 1969, Topps produced an “All Stars” set that included reprints of star players’ original rookie cards, including Mays,’ but with the added component of their autograph on the front. The rarity and historical value of this autographed version makes it a true treasure – a PSA 8 copy sold for $173,875 in a 2015 auction.
1971 Topps Nolan Ryan rookie card (PSA 8): As the sole Nolan Ryan rookie produced by Topps in 1971, this is the second key card chronicling the start of his career after the 1973 issue. High grades are extremely rare, and a PSA 8 copy in outstanding condition achieved $161,500 at auction in 2013, reflecting Ryan’s iconic status and the scarcity of well-preserved examples from his first year in professional baseball over 50 years ago.
1973 Topps Hank Aaron last home run card (#768): In 1973, Aaron hit his 713th career home run to eclipse Babe Ruth on the all-time list. Topps recognized this epic achievement with a special highlight card. Fewer than 10 PSA 10 examples are known to exist, with one reaching $138,000 at auction in 2016. This captures one of the most unforgettable moments in baseball history.
1974 Topps Steve Carlton rookie card: When it comes to left-handed pitching prowess, Steve Carlton stands alone as a future Hall of Famer. His only rookie card issued by Topps in 1974 in pristine PSA 10 condition is highly coveted. One example in this grade reached $114,000 at auction in 2017 as a true blockbuster find.
1975 Topps Steve Garvey rookie card: Steve Garvey had a decorated career winning the 1974 NL MVP and multiple Gold Gloves. But his lone rookie card from 1975 remains a true prize for Padres fans and 1970s set builders. A perfect PSA 10 brought an incredible $110,700 at auction in 2015.
1976 SSPC Joe Morgan: In 1976, Sportflics produced low print run sets exclusively for 7-Eleven stores under the “SSPC” brand. Joe Morgan’s card from this scarce set is a true rarity. A gem mint PSA 9 copy was sold for an amazing $90,000 by Classic Auctions in 2016, due to its superior state of preservation and the player featured.
This sampling of 1970s baseball cards shows how icons like Ryan, Aaron, Mays, Carlton and Morgan continue to gain value as their on-field performances become more legendary with time. The mint condition and historical significance of each rookie or highlight card make them essential pieces of collecting history. While cards from preceding eras sometimes seem out of reach price-wise, the 1970s introduced accessible stars whose cards now command impressive prices fitting of their status in the game. As one of the most popular eras for the hobby, 1970s issues will remain highly sought after and provide opportunities for appreciation for discerning investors.
