The 1973 Topps baseball card set is considered one of the most iconic issues of all-time. It featured some major stars and rookie cards that have stood the test of time to become hugely valuable nearly 50 years later. While most cards from that era can be purchased fairly inexpensively still, there are a select few that command huge prices due to their significance, condition, and the players featured. Let’s take a look at some of the most valuable 1973 Topps baseball cards that can fetch thousands, and in some cases even tens of thousands, of dollars if in pristine condition:
Nolan Ryan (#165) – As one of the greatest pitchers in MLB history with a record 7 no-hitters, Nolan Ryan’s rookie card has always been highly sought after by collectors. High grade examples in a PSA Gem Mint 10 or SGC 10 can sell for over $30,000. Even well-centered raw copies in Excellent-Mint condition still trade hands in the $1,000 range quite often. The card captures Ryan early in his Hall of Fame career with the California Angels and celebrates one of the greatest arms to ever toe the rubber.
George Brett (#471) – Brett emerged as a perennial All-Star for the Kansas City Royals during the 1970s and is considered one of the best third basemen of all-time. His iconic 1973 rookie card shows him with the Royals and is widely sought by collectors. High grade PSA 10 or SGC 10 examples have sold at auction for up to $20,000. Most well-centered raw copies still grade in the $500-$1,000 range depending on condition. Brett went on to record over 3,000 career hits and win the 1980 batting title, making this a very significant rookie issue.
Dave Kingman (#250) – “King Kong” Kingman’s monster home run prowess made his rookie card very desirable over the years. Kingman smashed 442 career dingers between 1971-1987. High grade PSA 10 or SGC 10 Kingman rookies have sold for over $15,000 online. Even Average-Mint raw editions can still sell in the $400 range. The imposing visual of Kingman staring down at the camera adds to the card’s allure for collectors.
Bruce Sutter (#644) – Widely considered the best relief pitcher of his era in the late 1970s and 1980s, Bruce Sutter’s lone rookie card appearance is in 1973 Topps. His distinctive slinging delivery made him perfect for the baseball card visual treatment. High grade PSA 10 or SGC 10 examples of Sutter’s debut have reached as much as $10,000 at auction. Well-centered raw copies still bring $350-500 depending on condition. Sutter’s 212 career saves and 6-time All-Star selections make this an important issue.
Rollie Fingers (#153) – Rollie “Fingers” was the quintessential mustache-rocking relief pitcher of the 1970s. He won the prestigious AL Cy Young and MVP Awards with the Oakland A’s in 1981. Low-printed Fingers rookie cards in PSA 10 or SGC 10 condition have sold online for up to $7,500. Even average quality raw copies can still sell for a couple hundred bucks based on visual appeal alone. Fingers’ unique ‘stache and intimidating delivery make this a fan favorite card.
Bert Blyleven (#171) – One of the most dominant pitchers of the 1970s and 1980s, Bert Blyleven amassed an amazing 3,701 career strikeouts and was renowned for his biting curveball. High grade PSA 10 or SGC 10 copies of his rookie card featuring him as a member of the Minnesota Twins have reached $5,000 at auction. Well-centered raw versions still sell in the $250-350 range frequently. For a Hall of Famer’s rookie debut, this remains intriguing to collectors.
Don Sutton (#329) – Sutton racked up 324 career wins as one of the most durable pitchers ever from 1965-1988. His 1973 Topps issue shows him with the Los Angeles Dodgers organization. High grade PSA 10 or SGC 10 Sutton rookie editions have brought $4,000. Even average quality raw copies in VG-EX range can fetch $100 due to Sutton’s accomplishments and longevity in the Majors. He remains one of the most successful pitchers in baseball annals.
Bill Madlock (#295) – As a smooth-swinging third baseman for the Chicago Cubs and Pittsburgh Pirates during the 1970s, Bill Madlock was a 4-time batting champion in the National League. His rookie card is considered valuable among collectors. PSA 10 or SGC 10 specimens have sold for $3,000. Average raw versions seem to settle in the $150 range based on Madlock’s career batting accolades. He made 4 All-Star teams and ended with a superb .305 career average.
Reggie Jackson (#174) – Mr. October’s intimidating presence in the 1973 Topps set is shown glaring at the camera as a member of the Oakland A’s. High end PSA 10 or SGC 10 Jackson rookie cards have traded hands for $2,500 online. Even common raw copies still attract $100 bids from collectors looking for Jackson’s first card appearance. His 563 career home runs and iconic postseason heroics fuel interest in this important issue.
While the 1973 Topps set as a whole can easily be collected on a budget still today, there remains huge value assigned to true near-mint gems showing stars like Ryan, Brett, Fingers, and more in their debut season. Condition is critical, of course, and the scarcer the player combined with a pristine grade, the more collectors will pay to stake their claim on a piece of baseball card history from nearly 50 years ago. Even well-worn low-grade copies still attract attention and trade sporadically based on the players involved from this defining set from the 1970s diamond era.
