The 1970s were a transformative decade for the baseball card industry. Following a lull in the late 1950s and 1960s, interest in collecting cards surged among children and adults alike in the 1970s. Several factors drove this resurgence, including rising popularity of the hobby itself as well as star players of the era like Reggie Jackson and Nolan Ryan who appeared on many of the most coveted cards from this decade.

While it may seem like ancient history now, the 1970s baseball card market was white hot. Several companies printed cards during this time, but the “big three” were Topps, Fleer, and Donruss. The scarcity and condition of certain star players’ rookie or spectacular performance cards from these mainstream brands make them extremely valuable today. For collectors and investors, here are some of the most valuable and sought-after 1970s baseball cards to look out for:

1975 Nolan Ryan (#146) – Widely considered the single most valuable non-rookie card of the entire decade, the 1975 Topps Nolan Ryan is one of the all-time iconic cards. It captures Ryan in the midst of his record-setting 314 strikeout season for the California Angels in 1974. In pristine “gem mint” condition, this card can fetch well over $10,000 today. Even well-worn copies still pull in thousands.

1971 Nolan Ryan Rookie (#506) – As Ryan’s true rookie card, the 1971 Topps is his most historically significant issue and among the holiest of grails for collectors. Like his ’75,this card is simply iconic of its era. In the best possible state of preservation, a 1971 Nolan Ryan rookie has been known to break the $30,000 mark.

1972 Johnny Bench (#35) – As arguably the greatest catcher in MLB history and star of the powerful 1970s Cincinnati Reds dynasty, Bench’s cards are always in high demand. His 1972 Topps is one of his most visually striking and identifiable issues. Top-graded specimens command $5,000+ due to Bench’s lasting popularity and importance.

1974 Hank Aaron (#85) – Not a true rookie card since Aaron made his MLB debut in 1954, but his 1974 issue from Topps was his last card before retirement and captures his legendary career milestone of passing Babe Ruth’s all-time home run record in 1973. High grades have earned over $3,000 for this National Baseball Hall of Fame inductee’s final card.

1978 Ozzie Smith Rookie (#631) – As a member of one of the iconic rookie classes along with Donruss issues like Cal Ripken Jr. and Eddie Murray, “The Wizard’s” first card is a significant find. Known for his showstopping defensive skills at shortstop throughout the 1980s and beyond, top-rated copies of Smith’s rookie hover just under $3,000 today.

1973 Sandy Koufax (#148) – Not a rookie issue by any stretch considering Koufax retired after the 1966 season, but the 1973 Topps captures perhaps the most dominant pitcher of the 1960s in his post-playing days as a Dodgers coach. Highly sought after by collectors for its association with Koufax’s incredible career stats and three Cy Young Awards. Near-mint copies command over $2,000.

1976 Andre Dawson Rookie (#493) – Heralded as one of the most gifted players of the late 1970s and 1980s, Dawson’s first Bowman and Topps cards amassed value over the decades due to his entry into the Baseball Hall of Fame. Top-graded 1976s from either brand come in around $1,500 each.

1975 Mike Schmidt Rookie (#638) – As a true rookie card issued during Schmidt’s first season with the Philadelphia Phillies, it captures the beginning of one of the premier power hitters and sluggers in National League history. Even heavily played copies still pull in around $1,000 thanks to its subject’s legendary career and stardom in the late 1970s and beyond.

1979 Cal Ripken Jr. Rookie (#581) – Donruss ushered in Ripken’s professional debut and the start of his amazing consecutive games played streak, which stands today as one of baseball’s most hallowed records. Although relatively common in circulation, pristine specimens approach $1,000 in valuation due to the legacy of “The Iron Man.”

1977 George Brett Rookie (#574) – Brett emerged as a perennial all-star and the engine of formidable 1980s Kansas City Royals teams. As his first issued card by Topps, even well-worn copies remain desirable for any collection due to Brett’s sustained excellence and standout pedigree. Near-mint bring around $800 on today’s market.

The 1970s represented a golden age of baseball card collecting and production. While mint-condition specimens of the decade’s most desired rookies and starring players can cost thousands today, it was an era that inspired so many future generations to get bitten by the collecting bug. Even lesserCondition copies of iconic 1970s issues still retain significant nostalgia and value for any baseball fan or investor. That decade truly laid the foundation for the modern trading card industry’s popularity.