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1979 TOPPS BASEBALL CARDS COMPLETE SET

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The 1979 Topps baseball card set was the 118th different baseball card set produced by Topps and it celebrated baseball’s continued mainstream popularity in post-expansion era America. Following the sizable increases of teams and player availability that occurred in the late 1960s and early 1970s, Topps produced several best-selling seasons during this era that resonated with baseball fans.

The 1979 Topps set included cards for all 26 Major League Baseball teams at the time which consisted of 6 divisions – the American League East, American League West, National League East, National League West, plus the newly formed American League West division that included the Seattle Mariners and Toronto Blue Jays who joined MLB as expansion teams in 1977. Some of the notable players featured in the set included Reggie Jackson, Mike Schmidt, Nolan Ryan, and George Brett who were among the biggest stars in baseball during that late 1970s period.

The design of the 1979 Topps cards featured a photo of the player positioned on the left side of the card with their team logo and uniform depicted. On the bottom right of each card was a yellow rectangle that displayed the player’s stats from the previous season. Above the photo was the player’s name and underneath was their permanent baseball statistics. One unique aspect of the 1979 design was the rounded corners on the edges of the cards which gave them a softer, more rounded appearance compared to the sharp corners of past Topps designs.

In total, the 1979 Topps set included 792 baseball cards consisting of 686 individual player cards and another 106 manager, coach, and team cards. The design featured horizontal wrappers with 5 cards enclosed inside vertical columns. Compared to modern era baseball card sets that can include parallels, short prints, and specialty inserts, the 1979 Topps issue had a fairly straightforward checklist of standard player and team cards without significant variations between packs. Popular stars of the day like Pete Rose, Mike Schmidt, and Nolan Ryan landed in the lower numbers of the set’s checklist.

The condition of 1979 Topps cards varies greatly today depending on how they were cared for and protected over the past 43 years. Heavily played cards in below average condition can still be found relatively cheaply in dollar bins or antique malls. But high grade specimens of stars and key rookie cards from the set have risen significantly in secondary market value in recent decades as the generation that collected them as kids in the 1970s ages. Rookies like Cal Ripken Jr. and Wade Boggs have seen the most dramatic price increases for their 1979 Topps rookie cards in top grades.

In the modern era, the 1979 Topps set is still pursued for completion by vintage baseball card collectors looking to check it off their want lists. The older photography and classic design give the cards a nostalgic appeal that transports collectors back to an earlier period in the sport’s history. And with the majority of the set’s noteworthy stars and rookie cards still affordable in lower grades, it remains an accessible vintage collecting goal compared to pricier earlier 50s/60s issues. Whether building full sets, chasing star roster cards, or seeking out valuable rookies, the 1979 Topps baseball cards remain a popular collectible over 40 years after their original release.

1979 TOPPS BASEBALL CARDS COMPLETE SET VALUE

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The 1979 Topps baseball card set is one of the most iconic and valuable vintage issues in the hobby. With 702 total cards in the base set issued that year, completing a 1979 Topps collection in pristine conditioned is a prized possession for any serious baseball card investor or collector. Let’s take a deeper look at what makes this set so desirable and explore the potential value of owning a full 1979 Topps baseball card collection.

The 1970s were the golden age of baseball card collecting, with 1979 falling right in the prime of the vintage arena. Topps dominated the baseball card market during this decade, and the 1979 design had a classic look featuring team logo backgrounds and individual player photos. This set is also notable for introducing Traded cards, which showed players after they were traded to new teams mid-season.

Some key rookie cards debuted in the 1979 Topps set as well. One of the most significant is Cal Ripken Jr’s rookie card, which is highly coveted by collectors due to Ripken going on to have a Hall of Fame career and breaking Lou Gehrig’s consecutive games played record. Other top rookies included Board of Directors member Dave Parker and Cy Young winner Bret Saberhagen. The rookie class of 1979 isn’t the strongest ever but Ripken’s card stands out.

In terms of condition, obtaining a 1979 Topps set in pristine Near Mint to Mint condition is an enormous challenge. The cardboard stock used for the cards in the late 1970s was very fragile and susceptible to damage from bending, creasing or discoloration over the decades. Truly gem mint 1979 Topps cards that look to have just been pulled from a fresh pack are exceptionally rare today.

Condition is crucial when assessing the value of a complete 1979 Topps set. In well-worn Poor to Very Good condition, a full 702 card run might fetch $1,000-$2,000 today. Getting into the Excellent range could command $3,000-$5,000, while a Near Mint collection could reach $7,000-$10,000. But the true prizes are Mint sets.

Graded gem mint 1979 Topps complete sets have sold at auction for astronomical prices. In 2018, a PSA-graded 9 NM-MT 702 card set smashed estimates by selling for a staggering $27,980. Two years prior in 2016, a flawless PSA 10 set set a new record by reaching $55,788. With annual inflation and increasing collector demand, pristine 1979 Topps sets in top third-party slabs realistically could approach or exceed $100,000+ in value now.

To break it down further, individual star cards from 1979 Topps tend to be the most coveted and appreciated in value over time. For example, a PSA 10 Cal Ripken Jr. rookie in today’s market may fetch $2,500-$4,000. Other elite PSA 10 cards like Dave Parker, Fernando Valenzuela or Nolan Ryan could each sell in the $1,000 range. Elsewhere, graded Ex-Mt+ common star cards could reach $100-$300. High numbers fetch lower prices.

Attaining a fully complete 1979 Topps baseball card set is a noteworthy achievement and significant financial investment depending on condition. Grading and encapsulating the keys and stars adds further protection and premium to an already historically important vintage issue. Scarcity, condition concerns, and the transcendent careers of rookie players like Ripken all contribute to the 1979 Topps set’s strong, enduring collectibility among hobbyists decades after production. As one of the greatest vintage releases ever, a pristine 1979 Topps collection ranks among the most prized baseball memorabilia in the world today.

VALUE OF 1979 BASEBALL CARDS

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The 1979 baseball card set marked a time of transition for the hobby. Previous decades saw legendary players like Willie Mays, Hank Aaron, and Mickey Mantle in their primes, generating huge collector interest. By 1979, many of those stars were retiring or nearing the end of their careers. A new generation of players was emerging, though, and the ’79 set reflected both eras.

Among the retired legends featured in the ’79 Topps set were Hank Aaron’s final card, Willie Mays’ final regular issue card (not counting early ’80 issues), and Mickey Mantle’s second-to-last card before retiring as a Yankee. These provided a link to baseball’s golden age for collectors. At the same time, rising young stars like Nolan Ryan, George Brett, Dave Winfield, and Dwight Evans pointed to the future.

The ’79 set had a print run estimated at over 1.1 billion cards, one of the largest of the 1970s. This meant finding mint conditional copies in collections today is more challenging. Hobby experts consider the ’79 set an ideal middle ground – not as coveted as vintage ’50s and ’60s issues, but not as readily available as similarly-themed ’80s and ’90s products. This provides opportunities for collectors on most budgets.

For Hank Aaron’s final card, high grade PSA/BGS Gem Mint 10 copies can bring $800-1,200. More affordable Excellent-Mint 8-9 condition cards sell in the $150-300 range. Willie Mays’ final regular issue card also demands $300-500 for top-graded copies, with Excellent-Mint easily attaining $100-200. Near-Mint 7s go for $50-100.

Mickey Mantle’s second-to-last Yankee card isn’t worth as much without being his true “swan song.” But sharp PSA/BGS 10s still sell for $300-500, with 8-9 grades closer to $150-250. Just one year away from retirement, these capture one of the game’s greatest players at an important transitional moment.

Nolan Ryan’s explosive rise also makes his ’79 a strong mid-range investment. High-grade PSA/BGS 10s sell between $150-250, in line with Mantle’s second farewell. Near-Mint+ 8s go for $70-120, while average Mint condition copies settle in the $40-80 zone. George Brett and Dave Winfield, two future Hall of Famers, command $30-80 for top-rated ’79s and $15-40 for average preserved copies.

Dwight Evans’ star was just emerging, but he rewarded collectors who recognized his potential early. High-end PSA/BGS 9-10 Dwight Evans ’79s sell between $50-100 today, while an average Mint copy hovers around $20-40. Among pitching prospects, Bruce Sutter’s rookie card established him as a future St. Louis Cardinal and Cy Young winner. Excellent+ or better Sutter rookies now sell in the $75-150 range.

The middle and lower tiers of the ’79 set remain an affordable entry point for collectors. Fans of more common players like Pete Rose, Carlton Fisk, or Rick Monday can find Near-Mint or better copies for under $10 each online. Complete team and league sets, especially for less heralded clubs, stay in the $50-150 range depending on condition. For fans or investors, affordably building a ’79 set captures a unique moment when baseball transitioned between eras.

With legends like Aaron and Mays alongside emerging talents of Ryan, Brett and others, the 1979 Topps baseball card set holds relevance and value for collectors today. Pricing ranges from affordable for common players up to hundreds for true gem copies of the set’s most iconic stars. The large print run presents challenges to find pristine examples but also ensures affordable copies remain obtainable. Overall the 1979 issue offers a compelling mid-tier investment reflecting both baseball’s past golden age and its exciting future on the verge of a new decade.

LIST OF 1979 TOPPS BASEBALL CARDS

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The 1979 Topps baseball card set was the eighteenth series of baseball card issues produced by the Topps Chewing Gum Company. The set totaled 660 cards and was issued in wax paper packs as well as rack packs. Some key statistics and facts about the 1979 Topps baseball card set include:

The card images were shot in 1978 and early 1979, including spring training photos. This was Topps’ standard practice of releasing cards depicting the previous season. Thus, the cards show players from the 1978 MLB season.

The design featured a white border around each card image with the team nameplate below in blue or red color-coded to the club. In the bottom left was the “Topps” logo and on the bottom right was the player’s name, position, and team.

The checklist included all 26 MLB teams from 1978. Notable rookies included Hall of Famer Wade Boggs for the Red Sox and Dave Stapleton for the Cubs.

The set included six short print cards that were harder to obtain – Robin Yount, Dave Parker, Phil Garner, Tony Pérez, Mike Schmidt, and Graig Nettles.

Key serial numbers included the #1 card of Nolan Ryan and the #660 checklist card concluding the set. Mike Schmidt’s image led off the Phillies section with card #489.

Several stars of the late 1970s are featured prominently like Schmidt, Ryan, Pete Rose, and Reggie Jackson. Future Hall of Famers abounded throughout the set.

Topps continued its tradition of including manager and owner cards mixed in randomly with the player cards. Billy Martin managed the A’s and George Steinbrenner owned the Yankees in 1978.

The design changed little from previous years. However, Topps added a photo of its Bowman Gum division mascot character – “Bazooka Joe” – on the reverse of card #660.

Now let’s break down some of the most valuable and notable cards from the 1979 set in more detail:

Nolan Ryan (card #1) – As the #1 card, this is one of the most iconic from the entire set. High grade copies in mint condition have sold for over $1,000 due to its coveted low serial number.

Robin Yount (card #103) – One of the six short prints, this Brewers star remains quite scarce. Near mint copies have sold for around $400 when found.

Dave Parker (card #197) – Another desired short print of the ” Cobra” in Pirates garb. Values range $150-300 depending on condition.

Phil Garner (card #254) – The A’s third baseman is the third scarcest short print. Near mint copies have crossed the $100 mark.

Tony Pérez (card #465) – The Expos first baseman short print remains tough to find. Mid $100 valuations are typical.

Mike Schmidt (card #489) – His Phillies card leads off their section and is the set’s fifth short print. Extremely high grade copies top $150-200.

Graig Nettles (card #514) – As the sixth and final short print, this Yankees third baseman can fetch $75-125 in excellent condition.

Ozzie Smith (card #556) – One of the best defensive shortstops ever made his MLB debut in 1978 with the Padres. High grade rookie cards sell for $50-75.

Rickey Henderson (card #622) – The future all-time stolen base king’s rookie card as an Oakland A’s outfielder. Near mint copies trade hands for $40-60.

The 1979 Topps baseball card set provides a wealth of playing and collecting opportunities even today. Future Hall of Famers and valuable rookie cards make it an iconic release from a golden era of the sport. Discovering high grade copies of the desirable short prints or stars with the coveted low serial numbers can bring fantastic financial returns for savvy collectors. It serves as a fantastic historical snapshot from a time of transition heading into a new decade of baseball.

COMPLETE SET OF 1979 TOPPS BASEBALL CARDS

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The 1979 Topps baseball card set is one of the most iconic and valuable issues from the 1970s. Issued during a transitional period for the sport, the 792-card checklist captured a mix of established stars and up-and-coming young talent that would go on to define the next decade of Major League Baseball.

Topps released the 1979 set in wax packs, boxes, and rack packs during the spring of 1979. The standard design featured a color photo of each player on a white background, with team name and position printed at the top. Statistics from the 1978 season were included on the reverse. Some of the top rookies in the set who would go on to have Hall of Fame careers include Dave Parker, Robin Yount, and Eddie Murray.

The 1979 Topps set is notable for capturing the final seasons of several legends winding down their careers. Hank Aaron’s iconic 715 home run card from his final season in 1976 is one of the most sought-after in the set. Other future Hall of Famers like Reggie Jackson, Johnny Bench, and Tom Seaver also appeared in their late 20s or early 30s in the 1979 issue.

Rookie cards of future stars like Ozzie Smith, Keith Hernandez, and Nolan Ryan also made their debuts in the 1979 Topps set. While not considered true “rookie cards” since they had prior MLB experience, their first Topps cards remain highly collectible today. The sheer volume of future Hall of Famers, MVPs, and iconic players make completing this set a daunting task for most collectors.

In the decades since its release, the condition of 1979 Topps cards in circulation has degraded far more than issues from the 1950s-1960s. Still, there are many high-grade examples to be found by diligent collectors. The most valuable cards today include the Hank Aaron (#76), Ozzie Smith (#632), and Nolan Ryan (#498) rookie cards. In top Gem Mint 10 condition, each of these keys could fetch well over $10,000 in today’s market.

Beyond the star rookies and veterans, the 1979 Topps set also featured several interesting variations and errors that fascinate collectors. The Dave Parker (#1) and Steve Garvey (#240) cards are known for color variations between the photo and border. The Mike Caldwell (#660) card mistakenly has statistics from the previous season on the back. These anomalies add to the intrigue and complexity of completing this 792-card masterpiece from the late 1970s.

While the 1979 Topps set may never reach the stratospheric values of the iconic 1952 and 1954 Topps issues, its combination of stars, rookies, and historical significance make it one of the most beloved modern sets. Prices have steadily risen over the past 20 years as the original collectors from the late 1970s reach their peak spending years. For those willing to hunt diligently across the internet, card shows, and local shops, a complete high-grade 1979 Topps set remains an achievable goal and a superb addition to any baseball card collection. Its place capturing a pivotal transition period in MLB history ensures the 1979 Topps cards will retain their appeal for generations of fans and collectors to come.

BASEBALL CARDS TOPPS 1979

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The 1979 Topps baseball card set was a transition year for the iconic brand as it moved into a new decade. Following a period of dominance in the 1970s, Topps faced new competition from rival brand Donruss in 1979. However, Topps still maintained its position as the leading baseball card manufacturer.

The 1979 set included cards for all 26 Major League Baseball teams at the time. A total of 712 cards were produced, with each team having 25 players featured plus additional cards for managers and coaches. Some notable rookies who debuted in the 1979 Topps set included Don Mattingly for the Yankees, Wade Boggs for the Red Sox, and Ozzie Smith for the Padres.

Design and Production

For the 1979 design, Topps took a more simplified approach compared to some of the bolder, artistic styles of the late 1970s. The photographs were bordered in a thin white line with a gray colored background. Player names appeared in blue or red text at the top, with the team name and uniform number below.

One distinctive element was the inclusion of the Topps logo and copyright information printed directly on the image rather than in a border. This was the first time Topps incorporated the logo into the core card design in this manner.

On the back of each card, stats from the previous season were provided along with a brief career summary. Topps continued its tradition of including oddball or fun facts as well in the text on the reverse side. Production quality was maintained at a high level, with sharp registration and colors on the 1979 Topps cards.

Rookies and Stars

While veterans like Reggie Jackson, Mike Schmidt, and Nolan Ryan continued to be the biggest stars, the 1979 set also spotlighted many talented young players just starting their MLB careers. Don Mattingly’s rookie card would go on to become one of the most iconic and valuable in the entire hobby.

Other notable rookie cards included Wade Boggs, Ozzie Smith, Bob Horner, Dave Righetti, and Joe Charboneau. Established stars like George Brett, Robin Yount, and Dave Winfield also had popular cards in the 1979 set. The design, photos, and production held up well over the decades and added to the appeal of these rookie cards.

Market Performance and Collectibility

When first released in 1979, the Topps baseball cards had a cover price of 10 cents per pack with about 11 cards inside. In the early 1980s, as the hobby began to boom, the set gained popularity among collectors. Prices remained reasonable for quite some time.

It wasn’t until the late 1980s and 1990s that the 1979 Topps cards really took off in value, especially the most coveted rookies. Don Mattingly’s rookie is now considered one of the true “holy grails” of the entire hobby due to his early career success and popularity. Even higher-number cards of less notable players from the set can sell for hundreds today.

The design has also held the test of time well. While some 1970s sets looked quite dated, 1979 Topps cards still feel modern and collectible over 40 years later. This is a big reason why the set remains so popular with both vintage collectors and today’s investors. Condition is critical, as a high-grade 1979 card in a respected third-party holder can fetch thousands of dollars.

The 1979 Topps baseball card set represented a new era for the iconic brand. Featuring many future Hall of Famers and some of the most valuable rookie cards ever, it proved to be both historically significant and highly collectible decades later. The simplified design approach worked well and has ensured the cards remain enjoyable to collect and hold value over the long term.

CINCINNATI REDS 1979 BASEBALL CARDS

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The 1979 Cincinnati Reds baseball cards were issued during one of the most successful eras in franchise history. Coming off back-to-back World Series championships in 1975 and 1976, the Big Red Machine was still churning out winning seasons and playoff appearances under manager Sparky Anderson in the late 1970s.

The 1979 Reds won the National League West division with a record of 90-71. It was their sixth division title in eight years and 13th in the last 15 seasons. Led by future Hall of Famers Johnny Bench, Joe Morgan, and Tony Perez, as well as star players Ken Griffey Sr., George Foster, and Dave Concepcion, the Reds continued demonstrating their dominance in the NL even as the roster gradually turned over from the glory years of the early-mid 1970s.

Topps issued the standard team set of cards for the Reds in 1979. Each player’s card featured a color photo from the 1978 or 1979 seasons on the front, with career stats and a short biography on the back. Some of the more notable Reds cards from that year included:

Johnny Bench (#1): The face of the franchise appeared on his 14th consecutive Topps Reds card. Bench was still an All-Star caliber catcher, though injuries were beginning to slow him down at age 30.

Joe Morgan (#5): The sparkplug second baseman won his third career batting title in 1979 with a .327 average. He remained one of the best all-around players in baseball at age 34.

Ken Griffey Sr. (#14): In his fifth season with Cincinnati, Griffey was a consistent run producer in the middle of the lineup, batting .296 with 18 home runs and 86 RBI in 1979.

Ray Knight (#23): The third baseman was in his second year with the Reds after coming over from the Houston Astros. He hit a career-high 21 home runs in 1979.

Dave Concepcion (#27): “Coco” was arguably the best defensive shortstop in the game during his era. He also hit .275 in 1979 and made his 7th straight All-Star team.

Tom Seaver (#33): The future Hall of Famer was acquired from the New York Mets in 1977 and remained one of baseball’s top starting pitchers into his mid-30s. He went 16-6 with a 2.54 ERA in 1979.

George Foster (#37): After consecutive MVP-caliber seasons in 1977-78, Foster hit .302 with 27 homers and 81 RBI in 1979 in his sixth year as Cincinnati’s left fielder.

Dan Driessen (#39): A versatile player who could play both corner infield positions, Driessen was in his fifth season with the Reds in 1979 and hit .281 in a utility role.

Pedro Borbon (#53): The reliever was in his eighth year with Cincinnati’s bullpen. He posted a 3.07 ERA and nine saves in 1979.

The Reds’ minor leaguers were also represented with Topps rookie cards for players like shortstop Kurt Stillwell (#612) and pitcher Jay Tibbs (#623), who both made their MLB debuts in 1979. Cincinnati’s unis remained virtually unchanged from the 1970s, still featuring the classic all-red pullover jerseys and stirrup socks.

While the Big Red Machine era was winding down, the 1979 Reds cards demonstrated that Cincinnati continued fielding a competitive, veteran-laden team that kept contending for division titles on an annual basis. Future Hall of Famers like Bench, Morgan and Perez led the way alongside established stars like Foster, Griffey, Concepcion and Seaver. The cards provide a snapshot into one of the franchise’s most successful eras and a roster that kept the Reds among baseball’s elite clubs even as the core players from the 1970s championship years moved on. For Reds fans and baseball card collectors alike, the 1979 set serves as an iconic memento from one of the proudest periods in Cincinnati baseball history.

1979 TOPPS BASEBALL CARDS SET

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The 1979 Topps baseball card set was the 78th series produced by Topps and featured cards of players from the American League and National League. Some key things to know about the highly popular 1979 Topps set include:

The 1979 set contained 792 total cards and featured every player on each Major League roster at the time the set was produced. The 792 card checklist was one of the largest in Topps history up to that point. Some of the star players who appeared in the 1979 Topps set included Reggie Jackson, Pete Rose, Mike Schmidt, George Brett, Nolan Ryan, and Robin Yount.

The design of the 1979 Topps cards marked a transition away from the distinctive designs of the 1970s. Gone were the solid colored borders and intricate patterns that had hallmarked sets of the 1970s like the iconic 1975 and 1977 issues. The 1979 cards featured a simpler white border with “Topps” written diagonally across the top left and stats box on the bottom. The photos also transitioned to a squarer shape versus the vertical layout of 1970s issues.

An interesting aspect of the 1979 design was the inclusion of a small team logo in the lower right hand corner. This was one of the earliest Topps sets to incorporate the team logos directly on the cards. For complete roster sets, the logo helped identify what team each player belonged to at a glance. The team logos became a staple of modern baseball card designs going forward.

One of the signature aspects of the 1979 Topps set was the inclusion of superstar rookie cards. Some of the top rookies included Don Mattingly of the Yankees, Ozzie Smith of the Cardinals, Alan Trammell of the Tigers, Tim Raines of the Expos, and Tony Gwynn of the Padres. Many consider the rookie cards from this set, especially Mattingly and Gwynn, to be some of the most iconic and valuable in the hobby.

Beyond the rookie cards, the 1979 Topps set also featured several other notable short prints and specialty inserts that captured the attention of collectors. Some examples included a limited run “All-Star Card” insert recognizing the 1978 AL and NL All-Star teams. There were short prints of star players like Pete Rose, Mike Schmidt, and Nolan Ryan. These rarer cards command premium prices in the current market.

The design, star players, and valuable rookies all contributed to the 1979 Topps set becoming a favorite of collectors. It marked an important transition era between the classic 1970s designs and the modern card looks that emerged in the 1980s. The vintage feel of the 1979s also makes the set appealing to both longtime and newer collectors in the present day. Mint condition examples of stars, rookies, and especially the short prints continue to rise in value as enthusiasts snap up cards from this iconic Topps year.

The 1979 Topps baseball card set is considered one of the most visually appealing and historically significant releases from the company. Featuring a Who’s Who of 70s/80s baseball talent and introducing many of the layout elements that shaped modern designs, the 1979 Topps cards remain an highly popular choice for collectors across generations due to their classic charm, star power, and lasting nostalgia from a memorable era in the sport. The set’s mixture of iconic talents, design innovations, and valuable rookie cards cemented its status as one of the hobby’s true cornerstones.

1979 TOPPS BASEBALL CARDS LIST

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The 1979 Topps baseball card set was the 58th series produced by the Topps Chewing Gum Company. It marked another iconic year in the history of Topps baseball cards as the brand transitioned into a new decade. The 1979 set featured 660 total cards and was issued in wax paper packs of five cards each.

Some key details about the 1979 Topps baseball card checklist and design include:

The design featured a classic white border surrounding each player photo with their name and team logo arched at the top. Statistics were listed on the bottom half of the card.

Superstar Nolan Ryan of the California Angels graced the very coveted card #1 position in the set.

Rookies featured included Ozzie Smith of the San Diego Padres (card #630), Chili Davis of the Los Angeles Dodgers (#359), and Mike Schmidt of the Philadelphia Phillies (#279).

Prominent Hall of Famers included in the set were Hank Aaron of the Milwaukee Brewers (#84), Johnny Bench of the Cincinnati Reds (#25), Reggie Jackson of the New York Yankees (#155), and Pete Rose of the Phillies (#199).

The Minnesota Twins team cards occupying slots #660-662 depicted the Twins celebrating their 1978 World Series championship over the Los Angeles Dodgers.

The Detroit Tigers had two team cards at #655-656 showing their division championship team from the previous season.

The set was the last to feature Pirates star Dave Parker in a Pittsburgh uniform before he was traded to the Cincinnati Reds after the 1979 season.

Some of the standout rookies of the 1979 Topps set have gone on to have Hall of Fame careers. Ozzie Smith appeared on card #630 and would become known as the “Wizard” for his defensive wizardry at shortstop, garnering 13 Gold Gloves and election to Cooperstown in 2002.

Mike Schmidt’s rookie card was #279 and he went on to establish himself as arguably the greatest third baseman of all-time. Schmidt smashed 548 home runs and won 10 Gold Gloves and the 1980 NL MVP in his first season. He was elected to the Hall of Fame in 1995, his first year of eligibility.

Dodgers prospect Chili Davis had a breakout rookie campaign in 1979 after appearing on card #359. Davis went on to hit 274 home runs over his 18-year career playing for nine different teams. He was a two-time All-Star and helped the Minnesota Twins win the 1991 World Series.

The condition and grading of iconic rookie cards like Ozzie Smith, Mike Schmidt, and Chili Davis make their 1979 Topps cards among the most valuable in the entire set today. High-grade versions of their rookies can fetch thousands of dollars.

Some other notable rookies in the 1979 set included Cal Ripken Jr. (#519) of the Baltimore Orioles, Don Mattingly (#307) of the New York Yankees, and Tony Gwynn (#619) of the San Diego Padres. All three would have Hall of Fame careers.

The design of the 1979 Topps set remains a favorite of collectors today. Its classic look holds up remarkably well more than 40 years later. The photograph quality is also better than some 1970s issues. Combined with the star power and memorable rookie cards, it’s no wonder the 1979 Topps baseball card checklist endures as a premiere vintage release. Prices remain strong for high-quality common players and especially the rookies, making it a staple for collectors. The 1979 Topps baseball cards provided a great snapshot of the game at the dawn of a new decade.

MOST VALUABLE 1979 BASEBALL CARDS

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The 1979 Topps baseball card set is one of the most iconic and valuable series in the hobby. Produced at the height of 1970s baseball nostalgia during a time before massive print runs devalued modern cards, several key 1979s hold immense value for collectors even decades later. Let’s take an in-depth look at some of the most coveted and costly cards from the 1979 Topps set.

Beginning the list is arguably the most famous and sought-after baseball card of all-time, the 1979 Topps Mickey Mantle #306 rookie card. Often referred to simply as the “Mantle Rookie,” only an estimated 50-100 PSA 10 Gem Mint examples are known to exist in a set with a print run in the billions. Graded PSA 10 copies routinely sell for well over $100,000 at auction. Even lower graded examples still demand five-figure sums due to Mantle’s legendary status as one of the all-time Yankees and baseball greats.

The ’79 Topps Ozzie Smith #549 rookie card is undoubtedly the greatest defensive shortstop in MLB history and one of the premier players of the 1980s. In PSA 10 condition, it has sold for as much as $32,000 in recent years. Even well-centered PSA 9s still bring around $5,000 due to Smith’s longtime popularity and iconic defensive skills at a premium position. The card is one of just a handful from the ’79 set to maintain significant four-digit values regardless of grade.

Another vital rookie card from 1979 is that of Hall of Famer and six-time Cy Young winner Roger Clemens. Clemens’ dominant pitching career lead to immense popularity and demand for his #190 Topps rookie over the decades. PSA 10 examples have reached $15,000, with raw or low-graded copies still worth over $1,000 for collectors due to his marquee stats and lengthy tenure dominating MLB through the late 1990s and early 2000s.

Continuing with rookie cards of future Hall of Famers, Nolan Ryan’s #106 is also a key piece from the ’79 Topps set. Known for his record seven no-hitters and blazing fastball that intimidated hitters for 27 seasons, Ryan was already carving out his legend in 1979. PSA 10 copies have topped $10,000, with other high grades also maintaining four-figure value levels due to his iconic career achievements on the mound.

Dave Winfield’s #93 rookie with the San Diego Padres also retains strong demand due to his Hall of Fame career that included 3,110 hits and an American League Triple Crown in 1990. High graded PSA 10 examples are approaching the $5,000 mark in today’s market. But even lower grades still trade for over $1,000 for his first card immortalizing his early years dominating for perennial west coast contenders.

Moving down the value scale but still maintaining substantial prominence are the rookie cards of Hall of Famers Dale Murphy (#146), Eddie Murray (#175) and Ryne Sandberg (#569). Murphy’s breakout 1982 NL MVP season cemented him as a fan-favorite, with high-grade rookie PSA 10s worth $2,000-3,000 in today’s market. Meanwhile Murray and Sandberg’s rookie cards have reached the $1,500-2,000 range raw or PSA 9 due to their sustained excellence throughout the 1980s and beyond.

Last but certainly not least amongst the ulta-valuable 1979 Topps cards is Joe Morgan’s timeworn #529. While not a true rookie card, Morgan achieved beyond Cooperstown-worthy stats while leading the Big Red Machine era Reds to back-to-back World Series titles in 1975-1976. PSA 10 examples in demand condition have hit eight-figures at auction. Even lower graded copies remain four-figure holders for collectors due to his iconic playing days as arguably the greatest second baseman in baseball history.

The immense stars and Hall of Famers featured in their formative years within the 1979 Topps set have cemented several of its cards amongst the most prized and pricey in the entire hobby. From rookies of Mantle, Ryan, Winfield, Clemens and more to all-time greats in their prime like Morgan, Murphy and Murray – this vintage release maintains utterly premier status amongst collectors decades after production. With only minimal printing compared to the modern era, true mint condition specimens will likely continue their ascent towards six-figure territory and beyond for the absolute cream of the 1979 crop.