The 1970 Topps baseball card set is considered one of the most iconic issues of all time. While it may lack the star power of some earlier decades, the 1970s cards captured a pivotal time in the sport’s history. The set features future Hall of Famers like Reggie Jackson and Tom Seaver who were just becoming stars. It also includes legends like Willie Mays in his final season. With its color photography and fun design elements, the 1970 Topps cards attracted a whole new generation of collectors. After decades of appreciating in value, some of the rarest cards from the set can now fetch six-figure prices. Here are some of the most valuable 1970 Topps baseball cards collectors seek out:
Nolan Ryan (Card #130): As one of the greatest pitchers ever, Nolan Ryan naturally has several valuable rookie cards from his early Topps issues. His true rookie card came in the 1969 set while the 1970 card was his first with the Angels after being traded from the Mets. This makes the 1970 Topps Ryan one of the more iconic rookie year cards. In mint condition it can sell for over $20,000. The combination of Ryan’s legendary career and the card capturing his transition to a new team drives up demand.
Tom Seaver (Card #250): Seaver won the Cy Young award in his first full season with the Mets in 1969 and had established himself as the ace of their staff by 1970. High graded examples of his common Topps card from that year can reach up to $10,000. Seaver is regarded as one of the best pitchers ever and helped define an era of Mets dominance. Any card showing him in his New York Mets uniform from his peak years command big money.
Hank Aaron (Card #450): Hammerin’ Hank was still in the prime of his career with the Atlanta Braves in 1970. He would go on to break Babe Ruth’s all-time home run record in 1974. Aaron’s iconic status and the rarity of high graded copies make this a truly valuable card. PSA 10 copies have sold for over $50,000, showing it can compete with far more famous rookies for dollar value.
Willie Mays (Card #500): 1970 was the Say Hey Kid’s final big league season split between the New York Mets and San Francisco Giants. This added to the nostalgia and significance of his Topps card. Mays is considered one of the greatest to ever play and anyone who collected as a kid in the 1970s coveted his card. Getting one back in pristine condition today is extremely difficult. A PSA 10 realized nearly $40,000 at auction in 2021.
Joe Morgan (Card #572): The “Little Genius” was hitting his stride as the superstar second baseman for the Cincinnati Reds. High graded versions of his first year card with the club can reach prices around $5,000. Morgan’s two MVP awards in the 1970s cemented his Hall of Fame status and made any relics from that era quite collectible.
Rod Carew (Card #600): Similar to Morgan, 1970 was Rod Carew’s breakthrough season where he began showing his tremendous talents. His trademark bubbly afro hairstyle from this period gives the card instant visual recognition as well. PSA 10 copies have brought in over $10,000, underscoring Carew’s lasting popularity.
Johnny Bench (Card #654): Bench exploded onto the scene in 1968 as a 21 year-old rookie catching for the Big Red Machine. By 1970, he was already a two-time All-Star and on his way to two MVPs. The combination of Bench’s iconic status for the Reds and the card capturing his early prime has it steadily increasing in value over the decades. Mid-grade examples today sell for $3,000-$5,000.
Those are just a few of the most expensive 1970 Topps cards to find in top condition according to recent auction prices. Other hugely valuable rookies and stars from that year include Hank Aaron, Bill Freehan, and Thurman Munson. advanced collectors are always on the lookout for truly pristine versions they can submit to the top grading services as well. After 50 years the 1970 set is as collectible as ever, with its beautifully designed photo cards preserving a special moment from baseball’s past.
