The 1978 Topps baseball card set is considered one of the most iconic issues in the history of the hobby. The designs were classic and captured a special era in the late 1970s. The rosters included some of the game’s all-time greats still in their prime. As a result, many of the most coveted cards from the ’78 set have become enormously valuable over the decades. Let’s take an in-depth look at some of the standout cards from that year which have appreciated greatly in value.
One of the true blue-chip gems from the 1978 Topps set is the rookie card of Hall of Famer Rickey Henderson (card #672). Considered arguably the greatest leadoff hitter and baserunner in baseball history, Henderson’s rookie card has skyrocketed in demand over the years. In top graded mint condition, examples have sold for over $20,000. Even well-centered, nicely graded copies in the PSA 8-9 range will fetch $1,000-$5,000. Henderson would go on to shatter career stolen base records and win an MVP during his 25-year MLB career. As one of the biggest star rookies in the set, his card understandably leads the pack in terms of value.
Another hugely valuable rookie from the ’78 issue is that of Hall of Fame pitcher Gaylord Perry (card #168). The crafty righty won over 300 games and captured a Cy Young award during his illustrious career. Like Henderson, the condition and eye appeal of graded Perry rookie cards dictate the price. PSA 10 Gems have cleared six figures at auction. Even high-graded PSA 8-9 copies remain four-figure investments. With fewer than 10 true mint PSA 10 examples known to exist, the Perry rookie is one of the true unattainable “holy grails” for set collectors.
Building on the theme of future Cooperstown inductees, the rookie card of power-hitting slugger Tony Gwynn (card #213) also holds tremendous collector value today. Gwynn put together one of the finest pure hitting careers in MLB history en route to a .338 lifetime average. High grade PSA 9-10 Gwynn rookies have reached $5,000-$7,000 price tags in recent sales. Even well-centered PSA 8 copies can sell for $1,000-$2,000 or more. Clearly, collectors are willing to pay a premium to own a pristine example of such an influential career defined by excellence at the plate.
Two other cards that have exponentially increased in value over the decades belong to Hall of Famers Nolan Ryan (card #144) and George Brett (card #561). Both were already established stars by 1978 but remained iconic figures for decades to come. Mint PSA 10 examples of Ryan’s ‘78 issue card have sold for north of $25,000. Even well-graded PSA 8-9 copies still demand four figures. Meanwhile, a true gem mint PSA 10 Brett routinely brings close to $10,000 today. High graded PSA 8-9 versions often sell in the $2,000-$5,000 range. Having two future first-ballot Hall of Famers in the set clearly adds tremendous blue-chip appeal for collectors.
Power hitters like Reggie Jackson (card #496), Dave Parker (card #160) and Fred Lynn (card #489) also possess cards from the ’78 set that have achieved substantial increases in value over the long run. As hometown heroes and accomplished career sluggers, Jackson and Parker cards have appreciated commensurate with their legacy. Pristine PSA 10 examples of either can fetch $7,000-$10,000. Top graded PSA 8-9 copies remain worthwhile investments between $1,000-3,000 as well.
Likewise, the rookie season of 1978 was kind to Fred Lynn of the Boston Red Sox. Lynn captured AL MVP and Rookie of the Year honors that magical year. Higher graded examples of his dazzling rookie card have followed suit price-wise. PSA 10 Gems remain four-figure collectors items, while PSA 8-9 copies routinely sell for $500-$1,000 today. Clearly, being the standout player of a historic rookie campaign boosted Lynn’s already valuable card to greater heights.
Beyond the future Hall of Famers and iconic players, certain scarce short prints from the 1978 Topps set have also developed remarkably strong followings. One such example is that of Red Sox utilityman Jack Brohamer (card #624). Only 12 copies of the “ghost short print” are known to exist across all grading services. As a result, a PSA-graded Brohamer short print changed hands for an astounding $35,600 at auction in 2019.
The memorable players, classic designs and influential rookie cards featured in the 1978 Topps baseball set have made it one of the cornerstone issues in the entire vintage collecting world. High grades examples of stars like Henderson, Perry, Gwynn, Ryan, Brett, Jackson and others continue gaining substantial worth with each passing year. For passionate collectors, owning a pristine piece of the history captured in the 1978 Topps issue remains a highly prized achievement.
