Nolan Ryan is considered one of the greatest pitchers of all time and his baseball cards are highly sought after by collectors. During his 27-year MLB career that spanned from 1966-1993, Ryan dominated on the mound like few others with a record 7 no-hitters, 5,714 strikeouts which is the all-time record, and over 300 career wins. Given his legendary status, it’s no surprise that many of his older baseball cards from the 1960s-1980s have increased tremendously in value over the years. Here’s a deeper look at some of the most valuable and desirable Nolan Ryan cards collectors look for.

1966 Topps Nolan Ryan Rookie Card (#516)

Ryan’s rookie card from his debut 1966 season with the New York Mets is undoubtedly one of the holy grails for any baseball card collector. Like most vintage rookie cards of all-time great players, it’s extremely rare to find one in gem mint condition. In a PSA 10 grade, which is pristine mint, the 1966 Topps Nolan Ryan rookie has sold for over $32,000 at auction. Even in lesser but still high grades of PSA 8 or 9, examples can fetch $5,000-$15,000 depending on demand. What makes this card so iconic is it captures the start of Ryan’s legendary career before he developed into a true flamethrower known for 100+ mph heat. The card design also features an action photo that shows off his smooth, lanky delivery. Given its extreme scarcity in top grades, the 1966 Topps Nolan Ryan stands out as one of the most valuable baseball cards of the 1960s.

1971 Topps Nolan Ryan (#530)

Often overlooked but another key card in any Nolan Ryan collection is his 1971 Topps issue. This marks Ryan’s first season with the California Angels after being traded from the Mets. By 1971, he was beginning to establish himself as one of baseball’s premier power pitchers with 301 strikeouts in 1971, still a single-season record. His imposing long frame and obvious talent are captured perfectly on this dramatic action shot card. Graded examples in PSA 8 or 9 can achieve $3,000-$6,000 depending on the market. But as with almost all vintage Ryan cards, a true PSA 10 gem is a true prized possession worth potentially $15,000+. The 1971 is a much more attainable key card for collectors but still captures a transitional stage when Ryan started to dominate hitters unlike anyone before.

1977 Topps Nolan Ryan (#168)

Ryan’s 1977 season was truly one of the most impressive individual pitching performances in MLB history. He struck out a mind-boggling 383 batters while tossing 25 complete games for the Angels. His card from that ’77 Topps set perfectly highlights this dominance. With Ryan mid-windup and his herculean arm muscles bulging, the action shot makes it look like he’s about to unleash wrath upon any hitter foolish enough to dig in against him. In PSA 8, this card routinely fetches $800-$1,200. But a PSA 10 gem in pristine condition has sold for over $11,000, showing collectors’ rabid demand for one of the best representations of Ryan at the absolute peak of his powers. The ’77 is a must-have for any serious collection.

1980 Topps Traded Nolan Ryan (#T79)

After being traded from the Angels to the Houston Astros in 1979, Topps produced this special “Traded” issue card for Ryan in 1980 featuring his new Astros uniform. While not technically a rookie card, the 1980 Topps Traded Nolan Ryan acts as his “debut” with Houston. It’s considered the toughest regular Topps card from the late 1970s/early ‘80s to find in high grade due to low print runs. PSA 9 copies can go for $1,500 while a PSA 10 in pristine condition regularly fetches over $6,000. Collectors love the vintage Astros aesthetics and uniform change on this seminal card after Ryan had cemented his status as a living legend. It represents a new chapter beginning for the relentless fireballer.

1983 Donruss Nolan Ryan (#170)

Perhaps the most well-known and iconic individual baseball card of all-time outside of the typical Topps Rookie issues would be Nolan Ryan’s 1983 Donruss card. Featuring an epic action shot of Ryan unleashing one of his blazing 100+ mph fastballs, this may be the single best representation of his sheer overpowering ability. But what has made it extra famous and valuable is the infamous printing error on some copies where part of the image is missing, cutting off a little of Ryan’s torso. These “error” versions consistently sell for $4,000-$8,000 even in lower grades while a pristine PSA 10 gem recently brought over $34,000 at auction. Even “non-error” versions in top condition still fetch $1,500+. No collection is complete without this legendary piece of cardboard.

1991 Topps Traded Nolan Ryan (#T1)

As Ryan entered the later stage of his career continuing to dominate for the Texas Rangers, Topps released this special “Traded” card after he was dealt from the Rangers to the Astros before the 1992 season. It serves as a swansong of sorts since it was one of the final mainstream baseball cards issued of the pitching great before his retirement after 1993. While not as iconic as some of his earlier classics, the 1991 Topps Traded Ryan remains one of the more valuable modern issues. Graded PSA 9 versions can bring $400-600. But a flawless PSA 10 specimen surpassed $2,000 at a recent auction, demonstrating collectors’ continued demand for high-grade examples from Ryan’s later playing days as interest in his career and cards has never been higher.

Any Nolan Ryan collection is primed to appreciate significantly given his status as perhaps the most legendary and durable pitcher ever. His rookie card understandably gets top dollar for good reason. But supporting submissions like the 1977 and 1983 issues wonderfully showcase the full scope of his awe-inspiring ability and longevity that spanned three different decades. For dedicated collectors, finding any cherished Ryan cards in pristine mint grades is a true challenge but the payoff is immense considering the unlimited upside on arguably the finest athletes ever to play the game of baseball.