The 1974 Topps baseball card set is considered one of the most iconic issues in the brand’s illustrious history. While it may lack the star power and nostalgia of years past like the original design in 1954 or the infamous 1969 set, 1974 Topps cards are notable for featuring some of the best rookie cards of all-time that have grown exponentially in value in recent years. Below we breakdown the five most valuable cards from the 1974 Topps set based on PSA 10 graded gem mint condition and discuss what makes each one stand out.
Coming in as the most valuable card from the 1974 Topps set is the Nolan Ryan rookie card. Known as one of the hardest throwers in baseball history with a modern day record 7 no-hitters, Ryan’s rookie is the definitive chase card from the issue. With population numbers remaining quite low for high grades, a PSA 10 gem mint Ryan rookie in pristine condition recently sold at auction for an astounding $101,682 making it truly one of the most prized possessions any collector could own. What makes it even rarer is that it was the last card in the set, giving collectors one final shot at this legendary piece of cardboard.
The second most valuable card from 1974 Topps is another rookie which has only increased in demand – Mike Schmidt. Widely considered the greatest third baseman of all-time and 3-time NL MVP, Schmidt smacked 548 career home runs during his Hall of Fame tenure with the Phillies. His stellar play translated to huge popularity that continues to this day. In a PSA 10 state, Schmidt’s rookie card recently sold for $32,100 showing just how coveted it remains among collectors chasing the best of the best. Along with Ryan, Schmidt established himself as a true superstar right out of the gate cementing their ’74 rookie cards in cardboard immortality.
While not quite as heralded as the rookie cards of Ryan and Schmidt, reigning NL Cy Young Award winner Tom Seaver’s card from the 1974 set ranks high on the most valuable list. Known as “Tom Terrific,” Seaver dominated on the mound for over two decades including winning 311 games and recording a sub-3.00 ERA. He was already a household name by 1974, making his card popular even back when it was initially released. In PSA 10 condition, a Seaver ’74 sold at auction last year for $21,000 proving his status as a marquee name from the era. Few pitchers made as grand an impact as Seaver which is reflected by his card’s continued demand.
Another arm who made waves immediately was future Hall of Famer Bert Blyleven’s rookie card. Though he flew a bit under the radar throughout his career despite amassing 287 wins and over 3,700 strikeouts, collectors have come to appreciate Blyleven’s place among the game’s all-time great hurlers. In pristine PSA 10 condition, his 1974 Topps rookie sold last Fall for $15,600 showing there is strong interest specifically for the conditionally rare early years of such a pitching legend. It remains one of the better bargains among premium vintage cards on the market today.
Rounding out the top five most valuable from 1974 Topps is future 500 home run club member Dave Kingman. Known primarily for his prodigious home run hitting but streaky play overall, Kingman’s raw power was nonetheless a major draw for collectors. His rookie PSA 10 sold in January for $14,250, buoyed by Kingman’s iconic status as one of baseball’s true boom-or-bust sluggers. While he may lack the sustained success of his peers, Kingman’s cardboard is popular with investors seeking big name players even if their careers had ups and downs.
The 1974 Topps set stands out for featuring such legendary talents as Nolan Ryan, Mike Schmidt, Tom Seaver, Bert Blyleven, and Dave Kingman among others in their rookie seasons. Almost 50 years later, their introduction to the big leagues remains celebrated by collectors scoring high grade copies of these classic cardboard pieces of baseball history. While the design may not garner the same nostalgia as earlier years, 1974 Topps was the beginning of some all-time great careers that have only enhanced the long term value of these already coveted rookie cards.
