The 1970s produced some of the most iconic and sought-after baseball cards in the hobby’s history. The decade saw the rise of legendary players like Hank Aaron, Nolan Ryan, and Reggie Jackson entering their primes and achieving milestones that cemented their all-time great status. It was also during this period that the collecting hobby exploded in popularity. As millions of kids traded and cherished these cardboard pieces of art featuring their sports idols, little did they know that some of those ordinary cards would become extraordinarily valuable in the future. Here are some of the most desirable and expensive 1970s baseball cards collectors hunt for today.
1973 Topps Hank Aaron #250 – Hank Aaron’s chase and surpassing of Babe Ruth’s long-standing home run record in 1974 was one of the biggest sports stories of the decade. Not surprisingly, his 1973 Topps card from his milestone-setting season is among the most valuable from the 1970s. The card captures Aaron in mid-swing wearing an Atlanta Braves uniform during the height of his storied career. In gem mint condition, examples have sold for well over $50,000, making this one of the priciest non-rookie cards from the entire vintage era.
1974 Topps Nolan Ryan #260 – Nolan Ryan’s electric fastball made him a must-see on the mound throughout the 1970s and early 80s. His 1974 Topps issue highlighting his first season with the California Angels is the star pitcher’s key rookie card. High-grade copies have changed hands for upwards of $35,000 at auction due to Ryan’s status as perhaps the greatest strikeout artist of all-time. Unlike most other vintage stars, Ryan’s stardom continued well into the late 1980s, keeping interest in his early cards very strong to this day.
1974 Topps Reggie Jackson #640 – “Mr. October” lived up to his nickname with his legendary home run heroics for the Athletics and Yankees in the 1970s. His flashy persona made him one of the biggest fan favorites of the decade as well. Jackson’s 1974 Topps rookie card from his breakout season in Oakland is a must-have for vintage collectors. Pristine copies have exceeded $25,000 at auction.
1976 Topps Ozzie Smith #181 – Considered one of if not the best defensive shortstop in MLB history, “The Wizard” made his Topps debut in 1976 as a member of the San Diego Padres. High-grade versions of his rookie card remain hotly pursued due to his nationwide popularity and Hall of Fame enshrinement. Near-mint to mint copies have changed hands for $15,000+.
1975 Topps George Brett #552 – George Brett was a young star third baseman for the Kansas City Royals throughout the 1970s, but his iconic mustached smile appeared on his 1975 Topps rookie card issue. In pristine condition with its distinctive blue border, it’s among the most visually appealing and widely recognized rookie cards in the vintage realm. Gem mint 10 examples have sold at auction for $20,000+.
1978 O-Pee-Chee Wayne Gretzky RC #181 – While not a baseball card, the 1978 O-Pee-Chee Wayne Gretzky rookie is undoubtedly one of the most desirable and valuable sports cards not just of the 1970s but in existence. Featuring “The Great One” as a member of the Indianapolis Racers hockey club prior to his NHL debut, high-quality versions consistently make six-figure sales. The Gretzky RC’s appeal and price tag eclipse almost all other 1970s cards regardless of sport.
1970 Topps Johnny Bench #30 – Widely considered the greatest defensive catcher ever, Johnny Bench made his MLB debut in 1967 and emerged as the superstar catcher of the 1970s Cincinnati Reds dynasty that won back-to-back World Series titles. His vibrantly-colored 1970 Topps rookie card remains both rare and sought-after by collectors more than 50 years later. Super high-grades with perfect centering can go for $15,000+ in auctions.
1979 O-Pee-Chee Rickey Henderson RC #66 – Before stealing his way into the Hall of Fame record books, a teenage Rickey Henderson made his cardboard debut with the Oakland A’s organization in 1979. Highly collectible among fans, PSA 10 near-perfect examples have reached $12,000 at auction.
The 1970s produced such iconic players and cards that it remains one of the most popular decades for collectors today. High-quality examples of the rookie cards and key issues featuring superstars like Aaron, Bench, Brett, Ryan, Henderson, Jackson, and Smith maintain tremendous interest from investors. For basement card collectors who held onto their childhood collections, finding gems like these in pristine condition could result in significant paydays!
