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WHAT ARE THE MOST VALUABLE 1973 TOPPS BASEBALL CARDS

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One of the most valuable 1973 Topps baseball cards is the Nolan Ryan rookie card. Ryan’s rookie card is one of the most iconic in the entire hobby and commands an extremely high price due to his Hall of Fame career and status as one of the greatest pitchers of all time. Ryan played from 1966-1993 and racked up an unmatched 5,714 strikeouts which still stands as the all-time record. His rookie card is highly sought after by collectors because it captures “The Ryan Express” at the very beginning of his journey. Near mint ungraded examples regularly sell for $15,000 or more today. If the card is professionally graded in high gem mint condition, prices escalate dramatically and it could fetch $50,000 or more.

Another extremely valuable card from the 1973 set is the Johnny Bench card. Bench had already established himself as one of the game’s premier catchers and power hitters by 1973. He was a 7-time All Star, 2-time NL MVP, and key member of the “Big Red Machine” Cincinnati Reds dynasty that won back-to-back World Series in 1975-1976. Bench’s capturing of another NL Pennant in 1973 made his card very desirable for collectors. Today, a pristine example could sell for over $15,000. What makes Bench’s card particularly noteworthy is his iconic status as perhaps the greatest catching talent in MLB history. He revolutionized how the position was played with his agility, arm strength, and game-calling abilities.

The third most valuable card in the 1973 Topps set is likely the Hank Aaron card. By 1973, Aaron had already broken Babe Ruth’s all-time home run record and was a 25 year veteran and perennial All Star. “Hammerin’ Hank” played from 1954-1976 and finished with 755 career home runs, placing him as one of the most prolific power hitters in MLB history. His record for most RBIs, runs scored, total bases and extra base hits make him a true legend of the game. Given Aaron’s legendary stature, high quality specimens of his 1973 Topps card are highly sought after. A PSA 10 Gem Mint example recently sold at auction for an astounding $299,988, showing just how coveted this specific Aaron card is in the hearts and collections of fans and investors.

Other extremely valuable cards in the 1973 set include a PSA 10 Roberto Clemente card ($20,000+), PSA 10 Willie Mays card ($15,000+), PSA 10 Johnny Bench card ($15,000+), PSA 10 Tom Seaver rookie card ($12,000+), PSA 10 Rod Carew ($10,000+), and ungraded examples of rookie cards for Dave Winfield, George Brett, Ron Cey, and many other future Hall of Famers continue to gain value as their careers are appreciated more over time. The 1973 Topps set contains rookie cards and key cards featuring some of the greatest players to ever play the game during a time of transition to larger players’ association and free agency. With iconic players sealed in plastic perfect condition, cards from this set continue to prove themselves as some of the most valuable sports collectibles in the world.

The 1973 Topps baseball card set holds tremendous significance in the hobby due to iconic Hall of Famers, rookie cards of emerging superstars, and key images from the careers of legends like Aaron, Bench, Mays and Ryan. As interest in vintage sports cards increases dramatically, specimens from this set grading high on the PSA or BGS scales will remain highly sought after and maintain their value as premium, investment-worthy memorabilia from one of the most storied eras in Major League Baseball. The inclusion of generational talents at the early, middle and later stages of their careers make 1973 a pivotal year captured in the cards that rising prices reflect.

1973 TOPPS BASEBALL CARDS HIGH NUMBERS

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The 1973 Topps baseball card set is most famous for breaking tradition by issuing cards past the typical player numbering limit of 520. From 1963 to 1972, Topps issued cards for active players and managers numbered from 1-520. In 1973, they decided to continue numbering players past this threshold, coining the term “high numbers” for cards #525 and above.

This expansion allowed Topps to include more minor leaguers, recent call-ups, and veterans who appeared in only a handful of games in 1972. In total, the 1973 set included cards #1-642, creating an additional 122 “high number” cards beyond the norm. These novel late additions captured the attention of collectors and helped popularize the hobby of chasing complete vintage sets including all variations.

Some key aspects of the 1973 Topps high numbers include:

Player Composition: The additional cards focused on filling out rosters, including lesser known players who didn’t warrant a standard low-numbered card. Many depicted minor leaguers making their MLB debut or veterans nearing retirement with only a game or two played in 1972.

Design Differences: The high numbers kept the same design elements as the base set but used a slightly lighter border color and slightly thinner font for the black player names at the bottom. The photograph size was also reduced slightly to make everything fit in the smaller card frames.

Rarity: With fewer copies printed, many of the high numbers are much rarer than the early numbers. The final few cards featuring very obscure players can be quite difficult to acquire in mint condition today. Conditions biases also tend to impact high numbers more significantly than early issues.

Complete Set Value: A 1973 Topps set with all 642 cards graded Gem Mint 10 is worth over $100,000 due to the rarity of preserving the high numbers in top condition over nearly 50 years. Even well-centered but lower graded sets still command premium prices of $10,000+ when 100% complete.

Key Cards: Some notable high numbers include #543 Joe Morgan (#528 in 1972), #547 Don Sutton (#531), #548 Willie McCovey (#535), #549 Tom Seaver (#537), #641 World Series cards, and #642 manager cards. These help bridge the player count gap between annual issues.

Impact on Hobby: Being the earliest viable vintage set with significant “bonus” cards, 1973 Topps helped establish the fun aspect of pursuing complete vintage rosters including variations like stars in high numbers. This highlighted the archival nature of sports cards capturing a season and minor organizational changes from year to year.

The groundbreaking high numbers of the 1973 Topps set opened a new chapter in the tradition of baseball card production. While causing collectors headaches with their rarity, they also increased hobby enjoyment by adding the novel pursuit of finishing full vintage rosters with all included player iterations. This helped popularize the set and sealed 1973 Topps’ place as a landmark issue in the history of sports card manufacturing and collecting. Their design tweaks and limited print runs established a collector appetite for variations that lives on today.

1973 TOPPS BASEBALL CARDS VALUES

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The 1973 Topps baseball card set is considered one of the more iconic issues from the early 1970s due to some of the rookie cards and stars featured. Over the past decade, values of certain key cards from the 782-card set have increased considerably.

This was the first Topps set to feature player headshots taken with dark film backgrounds rather than team uniforms. The design featured a color team logo at the top along with the player’s position and batting or pitching stats. At the bottom was the team name written in a script font. The backs continued with the simple white design featuring career stats and a short biography.

The rookie class of 1973 included Hall of Famers Dave Winfield, John Montefusco and player-turned-manager Jim Leyland. Some key rookie cards to look for include:

Dave Winfield, Padres (#1): One of the most iconic rookie cards in the sport. Near mint copies in PSA 8 or 9 condition can fetch $3,000-$5,000. Higher grades above PSA 9 push into the $10,000 range.

John Montefusco, Giants (#659): A PSA 8 trades for $500-800 while a PSA 9 goes for $1,000-1,500. Higher grades command more value.

Jim Leyland, Pirates (#675): Has increased in value steadily the past few years. PSA 8 is $150-250 and PSA 9 is $300-500.

Ron Cey, Dodgers (#30): Not a hall of famer but an important Dodger from that era. PSA 8 is $150-250.

Bert Blyleven, Twins (#684): PSA 8 is $150-250. His dominance in the late 70s and 80s has increased interest in his rookie card long term.

Some of the veteran superstars featured in the set that command big money include Nolan Ryan’s Astros card (#632), Roberto Clemente’s Pirates (#20), Hank Aaron’s Braves (#75) and Willie Mays’ Mets (#660). All are highly coveted by collectors in high grades.

The biggest stars fetch the highest prices. A PSA 9 Nolan Ryan can sell for over $8,000. A PSA 8 Hank Aaron is $2,000-3,000 and a PSA 9 is $5,000-7,000. A PSA 9 Roberto Clemente is $7,000-10,000 range while his PSA 8 goes for $3,000-5,000.

The 1973 Topps set also features unique error cards that are highly sought after. The two most notable are:

Mike Kekich, Yankees (error): Has him wearing a Yankees cap and uniform but credited to the Indians on front. Scarce error that a PSA 8 sold for $5,000 in early 2020 auction.

George Scott, Brewers (error): Credited to the “Brewers” but photo shows his Expos uniform clearly. PSA 8 trades between $1,200-2,000.

Beyond the star rookies and veterans, there are also several other notable short prints and harder to find cards that command demand:

Bill Singer, Angels SP (#670): Low printed short print. PSA 8 trades for $300-500.

Clarence Gaston, Expos SP (#662): Scarce find. PSA 8 brings $200-350 range.

Dan Spillner, A’s SP (#628): One of the toughest 1973 SPs to locate. PSA 8 potential $500+ card.

Willie Davis, Dodgers SP (#50): Quality versions still around $150-250 in PSA 8.

Don Sutton, Dodgers (#12): High quality years were ahead but still valuable Dodgers star. PSA 8 is $150-250.

The 1973 Topps set is remarkably complete and accessible for collectors of all budgets. Many key stars and rookies can be found in affordable near mint grades while gem mint copies of the true vintage stars continue increasing in value steadily. For a vintage set with so many iconic players featured, 1973 Topps cards remain a relatively inexpensive entry into the vintage hobby.

1973 TOPPS BASEBALL CARDS 311

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The 1973 Topps baseball card #311 features second baseman Bobby Grich of the California Angels. Born in 1946, Bobby Grich had an impressive MLB career from 1970-1986 spent mostly with the Angels and Baltimore Orioles. He made 6 All-Star teams and won 2 Gold Glove awards on defense despite career struggles with injuries.

The 1973 season was one of Grich’s best offensive years. That year with the Angels, he hit .278 with 103 runs scored, 27 home runs, and 81 RBI in 158 games played. His 27 homers tied a career high he had previously set in 1972. Grich established himself as one of the top second basemen in the American League during this time period.

The colorful 1973 Topps design depicts Grich in an Angels uniform with a solid blue and yellow border around the photo. Statistics listed on the back of the card show his 1972 totals as well as career stats through that point. His career slash line read .256/.332/.407 prior to the ’73 season. The card details include his birthdate, birthplace, how he was acquired by the Angels, and some physical details.

Grich had some breakout seasons with the Angels in the early 1970s but was traded to the Baltimore Orioles after the 1974 season in one of the most impactful player-for-player deals in baseball history. The Angels received Don Baylor and Mike Adams in exchange for Grich. Both Baylor and Grich went on to have hall of fame caliber careers, making it a truly even trade between the two clubs at the time.

With Baltimore, Grich developed into a star player and consistent .270 hitter who played gold glove defense up the middle. He was an integral part of the Orioles teams that won AL East titles in 1974, 1979, 1983. Grich made the All-Star team in 1975, 1977-1979 with Baltimore and won another gold glove in 1977. His best offensive season came in 1977 when he hit a career-high .278 with 25 home runs and 94 RBI.

Injuries began taking a major toll on Grich’s production in the early 1980s however. He suffered from chronic back issues and knee problems that required several surgeries over the years. This ultimately led to an earlier-than-expected retirement at age 40 after the 1986 season, finishing with a career .266 average, 165 home runs, and 711 RBI in 1,860 games played over 17 seasons.

Despite battling injuries late in his career, Grich’s all-around skill set and consistency made him one of the top second basemen of his era. He held the franchise record for career home runs as an Oriole until it was broken by Cal Ripken Jr. in 1996. Grich was elected to the Baltimore Orioles Hall of Fame in 1989. He never achieved the household name status of other stars but was a truly valuable player for the Angels and Orioles franchises during the 1970s-1980s.

In summary, Bobby Grich’s 1973 Topps baseball card serves as a snapshot of an impressive season and highlights his standing as one of baseball’s best second basemen at the time. Career stats listed on the rear of the card provide more context of his production and longevity at the MLB level. Grich experienced many successes but also injury struggles later on. He remains an important figure from the 1970s who made key contributions to two notable franchises during his playing days in California and Baltimore.

1973 BASEBALL CARDS PRICE GUIDE

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The 1973 Topps baseball card set is one of the most iconic sets from the early 1970s era. Issued during a time of cultural changes in America, the 1973 cards provide a snapshot of the players and styles from that period. The designs were quite basic and featured mostly headshots of the players, with some action photos mixed in. These simple designs can add nostalgic charm for many collectors today.

When it comes to values of 1973 Topps cards, there are always certain standouts that generate strong interest from collectors. Perhaps the most desirable and valuable card in the entire set is the #132 Nolan Ryan rookie card. Due to Ryan achieving such amazing pitching records and milestones over his Hall of Fame career, his rookie card remains one of the crown jewels for any baseball card collection. In near mint to mint condition, the 1973 Nolan Ryan can fetch over $20,000. Even well-centered examples in excellent condition earn $5,000+.

Another highly sought-after card is the #25 Hank Aaron card, as it features his last season with the Atlanta Braves before moving to the Milwaukee Brewers in 1974. Since Aaron broke Babe Ruth’s all-time home run record in 1974 with 755 homers, cards featuring him as a Brave hold prestige. Mint Hank Aaron cards typically trade hands for $300-500, with very gem examples pushing $1,000+.

Additional star players from the 1973 set that command four-figure values include #42 Johnny Bench, #160 Reggie Jackson, and #500 Tom Seaver. Bench and Jackson cards in top condition can reach $400-600, while a pristine Seaver may sell for $800-1,000. Lower-numbered cards tend to have stronger valuations as well.

For most common star players or future Hall of Famers, high grade copies are valued around the $100 mark. This includes names like #256 Steve Carlton, #1 Joe Morgan, #129 Bert Blyleven, and #468 Mike Schmidt. Solid condition examples in the range of excellent to near mint can usually be acquired for $20-50.

Rookies and prospect cards are also important to analyze when reviewing 1973 card values. While most first-year player cards hold relatively little value unless that player panned out, there are some diamonds in the rough. The #432 Dave Winfield rookie provides a solid example, as the 12-time All-Star can net $200-300 for pristine specimens.

Two other rookies to watch out for include #107 Andre Thornton and #641 Garry Maddox, as choice copies occasionally sell above $100. The #501 Ron Cey prospect card has gained collector interest in recent years since he was an integral member of the Dodgers during their 1970s/80s dynasty years. Top-graded Cey PCs change hands for $50-75.

For common players who had solid but unremarkable careers, well-centered examples in the EX-MT range usually fall in the $5-10 range. Fans of 1970s teams can often find complete team sets of players for $20-30 total. Cards of backup catchers, middle relievers, and backups are fairly common and can usually be acquired in played condition for $1-3 each.

The 1973 Topps design has maintained an iconic status among collectors from the vintage baseball era. While stars will always dominate value discussions, there are still relative bargains to be uncovered by completing teams or researching prospects and rookies from this set. For those seeking investment opportunities, Nolan Ryan and Hank Aaron continue to lead the way. But savvy collectors understand that condition and story matter greatly in the dynamic world of baseball memorabilia pricing.

1973 TOPPS BASEBALL CARDS PSA PRICE GUIDE

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The 1973 Topps baseball card set is considered one of the most iconic issues in the company’s storied history. Featuring many legendary players from the 1970s era such as Hank Aaron, Willie Mays, Nolan Ryan, and Bob Gibson, the 1973 set holds significant nostalgia and collector value. With PSA having graded thousands of these cards over the years, they have developed a detailed price guide to help collectors understand the marketplace values for graded examples in various states of preservation.

The set has 525 total cards featuring all players from the American and National Leagues. Top rookie cards include Dick Allen, Joe Morgan, and Jon Matlack. The design features a photo of the player along with their team logo and positional information below. Card stock was of reasonable quality for the early 1970s. Topps would switch to a thicker, higher grade stock in subsequent years that better protected the printed images.

In terms of PSA population reporting, the 1973 set has seen over 50,000 total cards graded across all levels as of 2022. The most common certified grades are Poor 1, Good 2, and Very Good 3. Receiving a high grade of Mint 9 or Gem Mint 10 proves quite challenging for the majority of issues due to the thinner stock being more prone to minor edgewear and surface scuffs accumulating over the decades.

Let’s take a look at some key PSA price guide values across different star player cards and high-end grades:

Hank Aaron (Milwaukee Braves):

PSA 3 – $50
PSA 5 – $150
PSA 8 – $450
PSA 9 – $1,500

Nolan Ryan (California Angels):

PSA 3 – $30
PSA 5 – $80
PSA 8 – $350
PSA 9 – $1,200

Willie Mays (San Francisco Giants):

PSA 3 – $75
PSA 5 – $200
PSA 8 – $650
PSA 9 – $2,200

Johnny Bench (Cincinnati Reds):

PSA 3 – $35
PSA 5 – $100
PSA 8 – $400
PSA 9 – $1,400

As you can see, population reporting services like PSA provide invaluable context on appropriate valuation ranges given the graded condition of iconic cards from sets like the 1973 Topps issue. While a PSA 3 may fetch $30-75 for star players, moving up to an ultra-sharp PSA 9 can increase values well over 10X into the $1,000-2,000 range depending on the name.

For common players and less sought-after rookie cards, PSA prices are understandably lower:

Ken Brett (Kansas City Royals):

PSA 3 – $5
PSA 5 – $15
PSA 8 – $50
PSA 9 – $100

George Scott (Milwaukee Brewers):

PSA 3 – $3
PSA 5 – $10
PSA 8 – $25
PSA 9 – $50

Dick Allen (Chicago White Sox):

PSA 3 – $15
PSA 5 – $35
PSA 8 – $100
PSA 9 – $250

Even mint condition examples of role players seldom exceed $100 in value, showing the considerable influence star power has on the potential prices fetchable for a given graded card.

Beyond individual players, the 1973 Topps set as a whole has also seen strong PSA-graded set registry prices in recent auction results:

PSA 2 Set (548 cards): $2,000
PSA 3 Set: $3,500
PSA 4 Set: $6,000
PSA 5 Set: $12,000
PSA 6 Set: $18,000
PSA 8 Set: $30,000+

A true gem mint PSA 10 set would undoubtedly sell for well into the five figures considering the rarity of achieving that grade across every issue in the set. The 1973 Topps registry also boosts prices due to the iconic designed and historical nostalgia it holds for collectors and investors.

While raw examples of 1973 Topps cards remain quite affordable for most collectors to start a collection, those seeking a sound long-term investment or a true condition census piece have a highly informative guide in PSA’s price ranges across the popular star rookies and complete set offerings. Whether you collect for fun or profit, third-party grading brings transparency and standardization critical to understanding values in the hobby.

1973 TOPPS BASEBALL TEAM CHECKLIST CARDS

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The 1973 Topps baseball card set is most notable for being the final year that the company issued team checklist cards in their flagship baseball card releases. Starting in 1955 and continuing through 1972, Topps had included these cards to help collectors keep track of which players they needed to complete their entire set for each Major League Baseball team. For the 1973 set, Topps decided it was time to move on from including checklists.

The decision was likely made due to growing disinterest among collectors in the checklist cards themselves. While they served a practical purpose, most kids who collected cards were more interested in accumulating cards of their favorite players rather than blank checklist placeholders. Topps also may have wanted to use the card spaces for additional player cards instead to appeal more to the collector demand.

So for the 1973 set, collectors had to rely on checklists they had kept from previous years or ones published independently by hobby publications. In their place, Topps inserted 19 additional player cards into the base set, expanding it to 792 total cards. While a disappointment to completionists, it allowed for some additional popular players to be featured that may have otherwise been left out.

Even without official team checklists included in the set, collectors can still track down the 18 team checklist cards that Topps produced for the 1973 season retroactively. Similar to previous years, they were designed with the team logo above the team name along with divisions/leagues noted. Space was provided underneath to check off or list the players collected for each team.

Here’s a brief overview of each of the 18 checklists included:

American League East – Baltimore Orioles, Boston Red Sox, Detroit Tigers, New York Yankees

American League West – California Angels, Chicago White Sox, Kansas City Royals, Milwaukee Brewers, Minnesota Twins, Texas Rangers

National League East – Chicago Cubs, Montreal Expos, New York Mets, Philadelphia Phillies, Pittsburgh Pirates, St. Louis Cardinals

National League West – Atlanta Braves, Cincinnati Reds, Houston Astros, Los Angeles Dodgers, San Diego Padres, San Francisco Giants

Some notable aspects of the checklists include the Angels being listed as being from California rather than Anaheim at that point. The Brewers and Rangers also had only recently joined the AL as expansion teams. Meanwhile, the Expos were still relatively new as a franchise only having begun play in 1969.

While produced separate from the main set, these 1973 team checklists carried the same iconic Topps design aesthetics from that era. They utilized a white border around a solid color team panel with a primary team logo prominently displayed above the team name. Plenty of space was provided below for tracking purposes with room for at least 50-60 players per checklist.

For collectors looking to build complete 1973 Topps sets which originally included the checklists, tracking down a full set of the 18 team cards helps fill that void. They often come available through group breaks of unopened wax boxes or individual sales online. Prices tend to range from around $10-25 each depending on the individual team and condition with the more popular big market clubs demanding higher amounts.

While Topps made the change to exclude official team checklists from their flagship 1973 baseball card set after years of including them, the look back and optional checklist cards they produced outside the primary release help provide closure and completeness for collectors. They maintain the classic Topps design style and offer a nice accompaniment for anyone assembling a pristine 1973 set over 45 years later.

1973 TOPPS BASEBALL CARDS LIST

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The 1973 Topps baseball card set was issued during a season that would see the Oakland A’s win the World Series for the third consecutive year. The design of the cards changed somewhat from 1972 with a smaller photo and larger border. As with previous issues, all cards featured a player photo on the front with statistics and a short biography on the back. The set contains 702 total cards and was issued in wax paper packs of five cards each.

The diversity of players featured makes the 1973 set appealing to both collectors and fans intrigued by the era. Superstars like Hank Aaron, Johnny Bench, Tom Seaver, and Willie Mays grace the cards alongside more obscure players who only had brief major league careers. The rookie cards of future Hall of Famers Eddie Murray, Jim Rice, and Dave Parker also appear.

Topps continued its policy of including managers and coaches in the base set that year. Legendary skippers Sparky Anderson, Dick Williams, and Earl Weaver received cards alongside Don Zimmer, Billy Martin, and Gene Mauch among others. The backs of their cards highlight career managing records and successes to that point.

In addition to current players, the 1973 set pays tribute to some baseball legends who had recently retired. Standout cards featuring Sandy Koufax, Bob Gibson, Early Wynn, and Willie McCovey reminds fans of their great careers. The Koufax card in particular remains a highly coveted piece for collectors.

The design elements on the 1973 cards have a very distinctly 70s feel from the large retro borders to the painted action shot artwork. But the photos also reflect the dynamic styles of that era with Afros, moustaches, and flashy polyester uniforms all over the place. The cards capture a memorable moment in MLB fashion.

The biggest challenge for set builders is finding the true scarce and valuable short prints from 1973. Names like Rich Dauer, Willie Davis, Ken Henderson, and Tommy Harper are notoriously difficult to locate in centered, well-preserved condition. Their cards were printed in lower numbers which has driven values up over decades.

Completing the full 702 card run is an enormous undertaking. Key expensive rookie and star cards include Bench, Aaron, Seaver, Mays, and the aforementioned Rookies of the Year. The last few elusive short prints can set collectors back hundreds or even thousands of dollars.

For fans intrigued by the players and stories of the early 1970s, the 1973 Topps set delivers a visual time capsule. Rookies, veterans, stars and hall of famers from both leagues are all represented in the classic Topps photo style. Even incomplete sets hold value and appeal for those fond of the era it portrays. After fifty years, the 1973 issue remains a highly regarded release and staple in the hobby.

The 1973 Topps baseball card set ranks among the most popular issues of the post-war period. It blends superstar names with uniqueness as one of the last true “vintage” sets before radical baseball and design changes in the late 70s. The stories, style, and selection of players will continue drawing new collectors and researchers to this evocative snapshot of 1970s MLB.

TOPPS BASEBALL CARDS 1973

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The 1973 Topps baseball card set was a turning point in the history of the iconic baseball card company. It marked Topps’ 20th year producing baseball cards and they celebrated by issuing their highest card count set to date with 792 total cards.

Some key things to know about the 1973 Topps set include:

Design Changes – The biggest change to the design from previous years was the inclusion of a thick yellow border around the entire front of each card. This border style would remain a Topps staple for many years. The backs also switched to a new layout with basic career stats and highlights rather than fun facts about each player.

Record Number of Cards – The massive 792 card count was due to the rise in the number of MLB teams from 20 to 24 thanks to the addition of the San Diego Padres and Montreal Expos in 1969. It was over 200 cards more than the previous year’s set.

Rookie Stars – Future Hall of Famers Dave Winfield and Fred Lynn each had their rookie cards in the 1973 set. Other notables included Dave Kingman, Don Money, and Scott McGregor.

Action Shots – Topps focused on clear, full body action photos of the players on the front of each card over headshots. This helped better showcase the uniforms and provided more visual interest.

Limited Printing – While it had nearly 800 total cards, the 1973 Topps set had one of the lowest print runs of any Topps flagship set with estimates between 10-20 million sets produced. This scarcity has led to strong card values in recent years.

Checklists – For the first time, Topps included ‘checklist’ cards at the beginning of the set, numbered from 1-16, to help collectors keep track of which players they still needed. This was a forward-thinking innovation.

High-Numbered Short Prints – Cards numbered from about 700-792 were considered “short prints” since they were produced in far fewer quantities than the standard cards. Especially scarce are the final few cards like Nolan Ryan (#785) or Dick Allen (#792).

League Leaders – Topps included special orange-bordered cards to recognize the major league leaders in various statistical categories from the 1972 season. For example, Bench and Bench led Topps tributes for their accomplishments.

While the bloated 792 card count of the 1973 set presented challenges for collecting the complete run, the design changes, rookie star power, and inclusion of key innovations like checklists and league leaders made it an impactful year. Stricter quality control also led to sharper, clearer photos overall. Prices reflect how it became a favorite amongst collectors.

In the secondary market today, full sets in near-mint to mint condition regularly sell for $1,000-$2,000 depending on overall quality. Key rookie cards like Winfield and Lynn in the same grade can fetch over $100 each. As with other vintage Topps issues, condition is paramount – well-worn examples may only bring a couple hundred dollars total for a complete set. Short prints starting around card #700 tend to command higher values of $20-$50+ based on player and condition.

The 1973 Topps cards were a huge undertaking at the time considering production and distribution challenges of the early 1970s. But Topps took a risk by growing the set count so significantly and it paid off by further cementing them as the majors’ most iconic card brand. Decades later, collectors still enjoy chasing the mammoth 792-card checklist and admiring the array of action shots displayed behind the bright yellow borders. It proved to be an important stepping stone for Topps and remains a highly collected vintage release.

CINCINNATI REDS 1973 BASEBALL CARDS

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The 1973 Cincinnati Reds baseball cards were issued during one of the most successful periods in franchise history. Coming off back-to-back World Series championships in 1972 and 1973, the Reds dynasty was in full swing led by future Hall of Famers like Johnny Bench, Joe Morgan, and Tony Perez.

Topps released the 1973 Reds set as part of their main baseball card series that year. The design featured a solid red border around each photo with the team name arched across the top in white lettering. A black and white action photo of each player was used along with their vital stats and a small career summary on the back of each card.

Some of the biggest star cards in the set included Johnny Bench, the back-to-back National League MVP who was already considered one of the best offensive catchers of all-time. Bench’s card featured him in his trademark catching stance. Joe Morgan, the speedy second baseman coming off a record-setting .327 batting average season in 1972, also had an iconic card showing his lightning-quick legs.

Pitching standouts like Don Gullett, Gary Nolan, and Jack Billingham each received star treatment as key members of the Big Red Machine rotation that kept churning out wins. Tony Perez, the smooth-swinging first baseman and perennial .300 hitter, was also prominently featured after being named World Series MVP in 1972.

Rookies and lesser-known players on the bench received due recognition as well. Future All-Star Dan Driessen had his rookie card in the set. Other youngsters like Pat Darcy, Will McEnaney, and Doug Flynn were highlighted as the next wave of Reds talent. Veterans like Pete Rose, Davey Concepcion, and Ken Griffey Sr. rounded out the lineup.

The 1973 Reds set had a print run estimated between 2.5-3 million series, making individual cards relatively common in the years since. The star cards of Bench, Morgan, Perez, and Gullett still carry a premium today due to their Hall of Fame-caliber careers showcased on the early 1970s Reds dynasty teams.

Graded mint condition examples of these star cards can fetch hundreds or even thousands of dollars depending on the player and grade. Even raw near-mint copies sell briskly online for $20-50 each to collectors looking to rebuild the classic Big Red Machine set.

Beyond just the star power, the 1973 Reds cards are a nostalgic window into one of the greatest eras in baseball history. The team posted a record-setting 108-54 record en route to their third straight NL West title. They swept the New York Mets for their third World Series championship in a row, cementing their place among the sport’s true dynasties.

Each card is a portal to relive that “Miracle Mets” World Series upset or gaze at the young faces of Bench, Morgan, and Perez before they cemented Hall of Fame careers. The veritable “who’s who” of the Big Red Machine rosters are encapsulated for collectors and fans alike. Even bit players get immortalized for their small role in the 1973 saga.

For Cincinnati fans especially, the 1973 Reds baseball cards stir memories and fandom and help pass down the legends of that championship era to new generations. The classic design also creates an aesthetic time capsule back to the 1970s that remains a nostalgic favorite among collectors today. Over 45 years later, the lure and history behind these cards ensures they will continue to be prized by Reds devotees and vintage baseball card aficionados for decades to come.