Nolan Ryan is considered one of the greatest pitchers of all time and his baseball cards have gained legendary status among collectors. From his rookie season in 1966 through his final season in 1993, Ryan compiled a Hall of Fame career with the Mets, Angels, Astros, and Rangers. His dominance on the mound and iconic achievements like striking out over 5,000 batters have guaranteed that any Nolan Ryan card is a highly sought after collectible. Here is an extensive checklist of notable Nolan Ryan baseball cards from throughout his career:

1966 Topps #526 – Ryan’s rookie card is one of the most valuable from the 1960s. In PSA 10 condition, it can fetch over $20,000. The card features a action photo of Ryan in a Mets uniform from his 1965 season in the minor leagues. This was Topps’ first attempt to document a player’s rookie season before they made the majors.

1968 Topps #579 – Ryan’s true rookie card from his first season in the majors with the Mets. Despite playing just 5 games, it remains an important issue in the history of his cards. High grade copies can sell for well over $1,000.

1969 Topps #592 – One of Ryan’s most iconic early cards, it shows him windmilling a pitch for the Mets. Considered one of his more aesthetically pleasing 1970s issues in the classic vertical format. even low-end copies in poor condition sell for over $100.

1972 Topps #110 – Ryan’s first card as a California Angel after being acquired from the Mets. Notable for marking his dominance after injuries slowed his early career. Extremely tough to find in high grade due to the photographed action shot.

1973 Topps #153 – Features a classic headshot of Ryan in an Angels uniform. Not extremely valuable on its own but remains a crucial piece in any Ryan collection for representing his breakout season where he struck out over 300 batters and won the AL CY Young award.

1974 Topps #153 – Back-to-back cards occupying the same slot number in the Topps checklist. Highlights Ryan’s ascent as one of baseball’s best power pitchers known for his blazing fastball. Another important mid-70s issue.

1976 SSPC #363 – Considered one of Ryan’s most beautiful and iconic cards ever made due to the fantastic photographed action shot released during the height of his renown. Even well-worn low-grade copies can sell for over $100.

1976 Topps #612 – yet another defining mid-70s Ryan card showing him rearing back to fire a missile for the Angels. Solid 1970s issue that proved his dominance and growing fame.

1980 Topps Traded #T79 – Ryan’s first card after being dealt from the Angels to the Astros, marking the next chapter of his career. Significant for the uniform change and move that sparked his late-career resurgence.

1981 Fleer #536 – Ryan’s first Fleer card stands out with its vibrant colors and unique design elements. Valuable for collectors seeking 1970s/80s horizontal rookie cards before the advent of the modern size/design.

1990 Upper Deck #1 – Considered the flagship card of the pioneering Upper Deck brand’s inaugural set. Presents Ryan as the career strikeout leader at the time in a pose from earlier in his career. Iconic and historically important issue.

1991 Score #1 – Another legendary #1 card, this time from Score, showing Ryan’s status as the career K king. Features stunning artwork and remains a iconic early 90s card. Even low-grade copies sell for well over $100.

1991 Stadium Club #70 – Arguably Ryan’s best and most popular modern card. Spectacular airbrushed artwork and photo blending make it a true work of baseball card art. Highly sought after by collectors and can reach over $1000 PSA 10.

1991 Topps #1 – Yet another #1 card, this time from Topps for their standard base set. Unique vertical photo and design cemented Ryan’s No. 1 status among all players. Great looking 80s/90s issue.

1992 Bowman #53 – One of Ryan’s last vintage cards before retirement, this one stands out for its futuristic and technologically advanced styling that Bowman pioneered. Historically important for marking the end of an era.

1993 Leaf #144 – Ryan’s final major card, released after his record-setting final season with the Rangers. Marks the conclusion of an unmatched 27-year MLB pitching career. A truly legendary checklist capstone.

Beyond the base cards listed above, Ryan is also extensively represented in parallel inserts, variations, autographed parallels, serial-numbered printing plates, promotional issues, and more across most major card brands throughout his career. Any Nolan Ryan card is a key piece of baseball history and certain editions rank among the most significant collectibles ever made. For dedicated collectors, acquiring a complete set spanning Ryan’s entire playing days through the vast checklist remains the holy grail. Whether grading gem mint or well-loved specimens, the cards of Nolan Ryan are guaranteed to retain value as tributes to one of the game’s all-time greats.