The 1970 Topps baseball card set is considered one of the most coveted issues from the vintage era due to several highly valuable rookie cards that were produced that year. While many factors contribute to what makes a single card desirable and valuable to collectors, such as condition, autographs or memorabilia relics, the 1970 set stands out for introducing legendary players in their first Topps card that have since become iconic figures in the sport. Below we explore some of the most notable rookies and other standouts from the 1970 set that continue to hold tremendous value half a century later.
Leading the way is quite possibly the most famous rookie card of all time, the Nolan Ryan issued by Topps in 1970. As the sole season in which Ryan appeared in an Astros uniform on his Topps rookie card, examples that grade a gem mint 10 can fetch well over $100,000. Even lower graded copies in average condition regularly sell for thousands. What makes the Ryan so highly valuable is his status as a true icon of the game and one of the greatest pitchers ever. He held numerous all-time records by the time he retired, cementing his legacy and ensuring strong collector demand for his earliest baseball cards, including his 1970 Topps design featuring “Ryan Express” lettering across the front.
Another Texan power pitcher, Dock Ellis, also debuted via the 1970 Topps set immortalized in his Pittsburgh Pirates uniform. While never achieving Ryan’s superstar status as a player, Ellis’ 1970 Topps rookie is still a highly coveted issue due to his cultural influence posthumously. His June 12, 1970 no-hitter under the influence of LSD brought wider recognition and makes his earliest baseball card an important one for collectors to own. High graded Ellis rookies can bring thousands as well.
The most decorated position player of all from the 1970s receives top billing as well – Mike Schmidt. As his introduction to the baseball card world in 1970 with the Phillies, examples of Schmidt’s raw rookie potential carry significant sums. Like fellow slugger Ryan, Schmidt’s Hall of Fame career and plethora of records cemented his legend, ensuring steady demand for collectors chasing his genesis on cardboard in the field. A PSA 10 Schmidt 1970 Topps rookie has been known to sell upwards of $50,000.
Another member of the Class of 1970 that has endured extreme appreciation is Reggie Jackson. Known as “Mr. October” for his postseason heroics, Jackson’s first Topps appearance donning an Oakland A’s pullover remains a must-have for collectors to this day. While he had yet to earn his fame, Jackson’s 563 career home runs and 5 World Series rings performed his legacy decades after collectors first viewed his cartoonish rookie design. High-grade examples currently sell for over $10,000 with consistently impressive prices considering how many copies were originally printed.
In addition to premier rookies, the 1970 set holds considerable worth for other notable stars featured during important seasons of their careers. For example, two future members of the 500 home run club had noteworthy appearances – Harmon Killebrew sporting a Minnesota Twins uniform, and Willie Stargell with the Pittsburgh Pirates during the franchise’s glory “FAMILY” days. Both all-time sluggers command over $1,000 for top-graded copies decades later.
Mike Cuellar also impressed during his lone season with the Baltimore Orioles, winning the Cy Young Award. His 1970 edition highlighting this accolade is highly sought after, as are rookie cards showing future HOFers Dave Winchester (Cubs) and Joe Rudi (A’s) in action. Dick Allen’s 1970 return to Philadelphia as an established slugger remains a coveted high-number issue as well due to his controversial yet talented career.
Perhaps most unexpectedly, the 1970 Topps set contains one of the most valuable common “numbers” cards of all time as well – the elusive #338 featuring Oakland Athletics ace Vida Blue. While not a rookie card, Blue’s 1970 performance winning the AL Cy Young and MVP awards at age 21 made his vintage issue a staple in collections for years since. Combined with low survival rates after massive production runs five decades ago, pristine Blue #338’s can exceed $10,000 today.
While newer 1991 Upper Deck Ken Griffey Jr., 1952 Mickey Mantle and other ultra-iconic rookies may earn top dollar today, the 1970 Topps set laid important groundwork by debuting legends like Ryan, Schmidt, and Jackson that shaped the sport. Loaded with superstar talent both established and rising, along with the historical context of the 1970s baseball era, the set remains a Holy Grail for collectors to find high quality examples of its most prized rookie and star issue cards. For presenting invaluable Windows into the origins of some of the game’s true greats, 1970 Topps cardboard continues earning its reputation as one of the most significant vintage releases.
