The 1979 baseball card set is considered one of the most iconic issues of the 1970s and is highly sought after by collectors today. The late 1970s represented the peak of the baseball card boom that began in the mid-20th century. Card companies were releasing larger and more elaborate sets each year to meet collector demand.
The 1979 Topps set is probably the most well known from that era, however, there were also competitive issues released that year by Fleer and Kellogg’s. Each brand featured young stars and veteran legends of the day. Some of the rookie cards and stars from the 1979 sets have gained immense value over the past 40+ years. Here are some of the most valuable baseball cards from 1979 issues:
Ozzie Smith Rookie Card (Topps #138)
Considered one of the premier defensive shortstops of all-time, Ozzie Smith’s rookie card from the 1979 Topps set is the undisputed most valuable non-rookie card from that year. In pristine mint condition, Smith’s rookie has sold for over $30,000 in recent years. Even well-centered near mint copies trade for thousands. At the time, Smith had just broken into the Cardinal lineup and did not realize the Hall of Fame caliber career ahead of him. His iconic defensive skills made him a fan favorite for over a decade in St. Louis.
Cal Ripken Jr. Rookie Card (Topps #481)
No player has played in more consecutive MLB games than Cal Ripken Jr., who broke Lou Gehrig’s hallowed record of 2,130 straight games played on September 6, 1995. Ripken’s impressive iron man streak and career exemplified dedication and toughness. His rookie card from the 1979 Topps set is one of the most coveted by collectors because of his achievements and Maryland fan following. High-grade PSA/BGS Gem Mint 10 copies have sold for over $15,000 in the current market. Even well-centered near mint examples bring $1,000+.
Bryce Harper Rookie Card (Topps #231)
Bryce Harper broke into the big leagues with the Washington Nationals in 2012 at just 19 years old and immediately displayed five-tool talent and flashy style of play. He quickly became one of the faces of MLB and won NL Rookie of the Year. Harper’s pre-fame rookie card can be found in the 1979 Topps Traded set. Highly sought after by collectors, PSA 10 copies have reached impressive prices upwards of $30,000 online due to Harper’s immense popularity and hype as one of the game’s current young stars.
Robin Yount Rookie Card (Topps #660)
Robin Yount enjoyed a fine 20-year career entirely with the Milwaukee Brewers, breaking in as a shortstop in 1974 before transitioning to center field. A 3-time All-Star and 2-time AL MVP winner, Yount’s stats have him as a virtual lock for the Hall of Fame when he becomes eligible. His rookie card can be found in 1979 Topps and in high grades it commands premium prices of $1,000+ reflective of his achievements and small Milwaukee fanbase collecting. Among Robin Yount cards and rookie cards, the 1979 issue is king.
Nolan Ryan Rookie Card (Topps #526)
At the time of his 1965 rookie card issues, Nolan Ryan was just a flamethrower in the making for the New York Mets. No one could have predicted he’d go on to become the all-time strikeout and no-hitter leader. The condition of his 1965 Topps RC makes high grade examples quite rare and valuable. But Ryan fanatics can also settle for his true full-time rookie card, found among the 1979 Topps set depicting him as a California Angel. Pristine mint PSA 10 copies have changed hands for over $10,000 in recent memory.
Dave Winfield Rookie Card (Topps #461)
A 12-time All-Star, Gold Glover, and member of the 3,000 Hit Club – Dave Winfield enjoyed a Hall of Fame career that spanned two decades for several teams. His iconic swing and athletic displays in the outfield made him must-see TV in the ’70s and ’80s. Winfield’s true rookie card is found in the 1979 Topps set after breaking in late with the 1973 San Diego Padres. High grades in the PSA 8-10 range consistently sell for $400-$800 showcasing his enduring popularity and status as a 70s/80s star player.
Mike Schmidt Rookie Card (Topps #591)
Universally considered one of the greatest right-handed hitters and third basemen of all-time, “Mike Schmidt” and “Hall of Famer” are terms that go hand in hand. Selected in round 2 by the Phillies in the 1971 draft, Schmidt enjoyed a full 20-year career in red pinstripes decorated with 3 MVP awards and 548 total home runs, many of which were tape measure blasts. His rookie card from the 1979 Topps set highlights his emergence and is highly valued, with PSA 10s reaching up to $2,000 today.
While rookie cards of future superstars and Hall of Famers tend to dominate discussions of valuable 1979 baseball cards, there are certainly more gems to be uncovered from the various mainstream and oddball issues of that era. Cards of veterans like Hank Aaron, Reggie Jackson, and Carl Yastrzemski hold collector interest as well. The 1979 baseball card releases are among the most iconic of the 1970s and contain investment-worthy pieces that are prized by both vintage collectors and those fascinated by the history of the game. Condition is paramount, and pristine PSA/BGS Graded examples bring top dollar from avid collectors.
