Reggie Jackson, also known as Mr. October, was one of the most accomplished and famous baseball players of the 1970s. Known for his clutch hitting abilities in the postseason, Jackson helped lead the Oakland Athletics to three consecutive World Series titles from 1972 to 1974 and the New York Yankees to two championships in 1977 and 1978. His exciting playoff performances made him a household name and one of the first true baseball superstars. This fame and success has translated to some of Jackson’s rookie and vintage baseball cards becoming incredibly valuable collectors items that can fetch huge prices at auction. Here is a detailed breakdown of some of Reggie Jackson’s most prized and expensive baseball cards on the market today.
One of Reggie Jackson’s all-time rarest and valuable cards is his 1967 Topps rookie card. This is one of the true “holy grails” for any baseball card collector as it captured Jackson at the very beginning of his legendary career. The ’67 Topps set is notoriously tough to find in high grades due to the fragile cardboard they were printed on. An ungraded example of Jackson’s rookie card in average condition might sell for $15,000-$20,000. A copy in near-mint to mint condition (GRADED 8.5-10 on the 10-point scale) could be worth $150,000+ at auction. The highest price ever paid for a PSA 10 graded ’67 Topps Reggie Jackson rookie was a staggering $750,000, setting records. Needless to say, this is one of the keys to any premiere baseball card collection.
Another hugely valuable Jackson card is his 1969 Topps high number card #660. This was issued later that year as a supplement to the main ’69 Topps set after the standard checklist was completed. Only about 10-20 high-grade copies are believed to exist, making it highly coveted. A PSA 9 graded version could go for $40,000-$50,000 in today’s market. An absolutely flawless, pristine PSA 10 specimen would likely sell at auction for over $100,000 to a serious collector. Other coveted Jackson rookie/early career issues include 1969 Topps #552 (regular base card), 1969 Topps Post cereal promo, and 1970 Topps #480. All can be worth thousands in top condition depending on grading and demand.
Moving into Jackson’s Athletics and Yankee championship years, his 1972 Topps and 1973 Topps traded cards maintain strong value. Considered some of his more aesthetically pleasing and iconic baseball card images, they capture Jackson in his prime. A PSA 8-9 1972 Topps in nice shape might cost around $500-$1000. A near-perfect 1973 Topps PSA 10 could be worth $3000-5000. Some other standouts from this period include the 1972 Kellogg’s 3-D card, 1973 Topps Traded card showing him batting, and 1974 SSPC playoff program inserts. Graded high-ends examples hold serious collector value.
Of course, Jackson’s career-defining playoff performances of the late 1970s have made cards from that era enormously appealing to enthusiasts. His 1977 Topps and 1978 Topps traded cards highlighting his postseason heroics for the Yankees are big demand items. A PSA 9 1977 would sell for $1000-$1500, with a PSA 10 triple zero being much rarer and over $3000. A superbly centered and graded 1978 Traded PSA 10 can go for $2000+, cementing its place as a true legend-level issue. His 1980 Topps traded, 1981 Topps, and 1981 Donruss RCs have following demand as well for set collectors.
The unbelievable success and sports icon status attained by Reggie Jackson during his career with the A’s and Yankees translates perfectly to the extensive demand for his coveted vintage baseball cards today among collectors. His ultra-rare rookies along with key cards highlighting signature moments continue to set auction records and prices in the five and six-figure range when pristine copies become available. For serious modern-day aficionados, owning a high-quality example of Mr. October’s rich early years in the hobby remains an extremely aspirational and prestigious goal. Reggie Jackson cards stand tall as some of the most blue-chip investments and prized possessions attainable in the collecting world.
