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1979 TOPPS BASEBALL CARDS 540

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The 1979 Topps baseball card set is considered one of the most iconic issues in the hobby’s history. Produced during a period of transition as the “Wax Era” came to a close, the 561-card 1979 set showcased rising young stars and veteran greats from a game in flux. Among the most notable rookie cards found within the set was #585 featuring a young Ozzie Smith just starting his Hall of Fame career. One of the true marvels of ‘79 Topps was card #540 spotlighting Texas Rangers flamethrower Nolan Ryan.

By 1979, Nolan Ryan had already established himself as one of the greatest power pitchers in baseball history. In just his 8th big league season, Ryan was coming off a year where he led the American League with a minuscule 1.69 ERA over 240 innings. The righty also racked up a league-high 310 strikeouts, becoming the first pitcher since Walter Johnson in 1913 to fan over 300 batters. Despite toiling for a subpar Rangers club, Ryan was carving out a legendary resume at an astonishing pace. Through 1978, he had already racked up over 2,000 career strikeouts in just 8 seasons, a record pace that seemed nearly untouchable at the time.

Topps did an excellent job of showcasing Ryan’s preeminent dominance on the mound with its portrait on the 1979 #540 card. Wearing his Texas home uniform featuring the classic blue and red colors, Ryan peers intensely from the foreground. His legendary 100 MPH fastball is represented by the baseball bursting from his right hand, streaking towards the viewer. In the background, a batter desperately swings through empty air as three catchers ready themselves to handle Ryan’s blazing pitches. A swirling Texas stadium crowd adds energy and context to the action scene unfolding. The portrait perfectly captures the explosive, intimidating presence Ryan brought whenever he took the hill.

The statistics on the back of the 1979 Topps #540 are also a testament to Ryan’s greatness. In 1978, his 306 strikeouts established a new American League single season record. His 24 wins were also a career high. By 1979, Ryan had become the first pitcher ever to reach the 3,000 career strikeout plateau. At just 32 years old, he had already struck out over 100 batters in 10 consecutive seasons, a mark that may never be equaled. With a 228-163 lifetime record and glittering peripheral stats, Ryan’s place among the game’s all-time elite was firmly set in cardboard.

Just as noteworthy as the star on the front, the condition and scarcity of the 1979 Topps #540 Nolan Ryan card make it one of the true treasures of the set nearly 50 years later. As one of baseball’s most iconic and desirable players during the height of the card collecting boom, high grade Ryan cards from the 1970s are exceedingly rare to find in pristine condition today. The fragile, low print run 1979 issue has survived decades of kid’s bedrooms, attics, and basements to leave strikingly few pristine examples remaining. A BGS Gem Mint 9.5 graded version of the 1979 Topps #540 Nolan Ryan recently exchanged hands for over $20,000, a true testament to its legendary status among collectors.

For enthusiasts of 1970s baseball cards and fans of Nolan Ryan’s astounding career, the 1979 Topps #540 stands as one of the true crown jewels from the set. Perfectly capturing an iconic player’s dominance on the field through its classic artwork and historical statistics on the back, the card serves as a portal back to Ryan mowing down American League hitters during the late 1970s. Even after 43 years, it remains among the most desirable baseball cards of all-time due to its subject’s greatness and the challenge of finding high grade copies. For collectors and fans alike, the 1979 Topps #540 will always represent Nolan Ryan’s legend on the diamond in lasting cardboard form.

1979 TOPPS BASEBALL CARDS PSA PRICE GUIDE

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The 1979 Topps baseball card set was issued during a time of transition in the hobby. While the 1970s still had the feel of the initial post-war boom years of baseball cards, the industry was starting to professionalize and focus more on mint condition and graded cards. This would set the stage for the modern collectibles market.

The 1979 Topps set contains 514 total cards including player cards numbering from 1 to 511, manager cards, checklists, and award cards. Some of the rookie cards featured included Don Mattingly, Wade Boggs, Steve Balboni, Tim Raines, and Lee Smith. Despite star rookies, the overall player selection and photography were considered average for the time.

While raw copies of common 1979 Topps cards in played or Good/Very Good condition can still be found relatively cheaply in the marketplace, pristine Mint and gem PSA/BGS graded versions have seen strong overall price appreciation in the decades since issue. Here is an overview of some notable PSA pop report statistics and average prices realized for top 1979 Topps player cards across different PSA grade levels:

PSA 10 Population Report: Only a small handful of 1979 Topps cards have achieved the coveted black label Perfect 10 grade from PSA. Most notably, the Don Mattingly rookie at the top of the checklist has just 34 PSA 10s in existence out of the billions produced originally.

PSA 9 Populations: More cards have achieved the prestigious but still rare PSA 9 Mint+ grade. For example, the Mattingly rookie has 1,159 PSA 9s, Wade Boggs has 479, Steve Balboni 286, and Tim Raines 1,118. These scarce populations in the highest levels drive strong pricing.

PSA 8 Prices: Generally considered the breakpoint grade where condition exceeds the typical lightly played state most vintage raw cards end up in. PSA 8 1979 Topps stars can fetch $100-500 depending on player, with elite stars like Mattingly at the upper end.

PSA 7 Values: The grade where most high quality original mint copies that have survived fall. Common PSA 7 versions of stars run $25-150, with Mattingly and Boggs pushing $300-700 here due to their career achievements.

PSA 6 to PSA 5 Range: Even mid-graded “Very Good” versions retain value in the collectibles marketplace. PSA 6 stars go for $10-100 and PSA 5s around $5-50 depending on popularity.

Breaking it down further, actual auction sales and ask prices for some top 1979 Topps PSA graded rookie and star cards paint a more specific picture:

Don Mattingly Rookie PSA 9 – $15,000 average sales price

Don Mattingly Rookie PSA 8 – $1,250 average

Don Mattingly Rookie PSA 7 – $750 average

Wade Boggs Rookie PSA 9 – $4,000 average

Wade Boggs Rookie PSA 8 – $400 average

Steve Balboni Rookie PSA 9 – $1,100 average

Tim Raines Rookie PSA 9 – $1,500 average

Tim Raines Rookie PSA 8 – $250 average

Nolan Ryan PSA 9 – $400 average

Reggie Jackson PSA 9 – $300 average

For lower end population PSA 10 rookie cards, active auction ask prices can reach $50,000-100,000 or more depending on the player prestige factor and true demand. This underscores how achieving the highest possible professional grades is so vital to maximizing value long term in the vintage investment market segment.

Beyond the marquee rookies, common starter and middle reliever PSA 8 cards from the 1979 Topps set still realize prices of $20-100 depending on name recognition. And even bottom of the roster copies still have value in PSA 5-7 range at $5-25 each. This speaks to the strong overall retro collecting appeal and nostalgia surrounding 1970s sports card designs and players from the era in general.

The 1979 Topps baseball card set both exemplifies the transition phase it was issued in and also represents an early vintage investment opportunity in pristine PSA grade. While not at the same popularity level as 1960s or pre-war card sets, with under 500 certified PSA 10 examples across almost 500 player cards, a perfect condition 1979 Topps collection maintains tremendous scarcity that will hold long term collectible significance. For more affordable options, mid-grades remain budget choices to participate.

TOPPS 1979 BASEBALL CARDS

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The 1979 Topps baseball card release is considered a classic set from the golden era of baseball card collecting in the 1970s. The set features 660 total cards including regular base cards,manager/coach cards, and checklist cards. Some of the key things to know about the 1979 Topps set include:

Design – The design featured a green and gold color scheme on the borders and backgrounds of the cards. Players’ names were in bold green letters across the top with the team name and position underneath. The iconic Topps logo was at the bottom left along with the customary “Official Card of Major League Baseball” stamp at the bottom right. While fairly simple, collectors enjoy the vintage aesthetics of the 1979 design.

Rookies – Some notable rookie cards included Don Mattingly of the Yankees, Lance Parrish of the Tigers, Steve Sax of the Dodgers, and Ozzie Smith of the Padres. All of these players went on to Hall of Fame caliber careers making their rookie cards very desirable, especially the condition sensitive Mattingly which has risen greatly in value recently.

Action Shots – Topps used more action photos on the cards in 1979 compared to prior years which gave the set a lively in-game feel. Many cards captured players swinging, throwing, or fielding which collectors enjoy more than standard posing portraits.

Stars of the Era – The set documented the great players of the late 1970s includingReggie Jackson, Mike Schmidt, Nolan Ryan, George Brett, and Steve Carlton among many others. With stars like these it was an exciting time for Major League Baseball.

Variation Cards – A few notable variations in the 1979 set include two different designs for the San Diego Padres team card due to roster changes and a photo switch error on the Reds’ card for catcher Buck Martinez which is more valuable to collectors.

Condition Issues – Because the cards were rather flimsy compared to modern cardboard stock, high grade versions can be harder to come by. Wavy edges or corner wear diminish the prices more than with sturdier later era cards. Topps Glossy All-Stars reprints also exist which are less desirable to collectors.

Prices Over Time – Initially after release in 1979, the boxes and packs of cards were inexpensive and abundant. As the players blossomed and the era grew nostalgic, demand and prices increased substantially beginning in the 1990s. Today many key 1979 rookies and stars can sell for hundreds or thousands depending on condition with complete sets also increasing in value as vintage options become scarcer.

Some additional insights on specific noteworthy cards include:

Don Mattingly Rookie – Even well-worn low grade copies can sell for $50-100 due to his iconic Yankee career and status. High grades fetch over $1000 with Gem Mint PSA 10 copies recently selling for $15,000+.

Ozzie Smith Rookie – Known for his wizardry with the glove at shortstop, mint condition versions of the Ozzie rookie have also topped $1000 with higher grades in the $3000-5000 range.

Nolan Ryan – As one of the most dominant pitchers ever, high grade versions of hisAstros and Angels 1979 cards can reach close to $1000 each.

Mike Schmidt – The 1979 Phillies slugger and future Hall of Famer is quite valuable too with PSA 10s approaching $1000.

Steve Carlton – As a Lefty ace, his dominant Phillies 1979 is among the pricier star cards at over $500 in high grade.

The 1979 Topps baseball set defined the late 1970s on the diamond through memorable team and player photos. Nearly 45 years later, it remains a beloved issue for collectors to pursue stars, rookies, and key variations from what was truly a golden age for the cardboard collecting hobby. The combination of documenting a great era of baseball along with condition challenges give the 1979 Topps set lasting nostalgic appeal.

1979 OPC BASEBALL CARDS

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The 1979 OPC baseball card set marked a transition period in the baseball card industry. For years, Topps reigned supreme as the lone maker of mass-produced baseball cards. In 1978 a new competitor called O-Pee-Chee (OPC) entered the market for the first time by producing an alternate Canadian version of the Topps set. In 1979, OPC took a bold step by creating their very own original card design apart from Topps for the Canadian market.

The 1979 OPC set consisted of 366 total cards and featured all 26 Major League teams from that season. Unlike previous years where OPC simply re-packaged Topps’ design, the 1979 version broke new ground with a completely original card layout. Gone was the classic Topps design Americans had come to know and expect. In its place was a brightly colored card with team logos and player photos arrayed diagonally across the front. The border colors also matched each team, adding a vibrant splash of visual flair missing from duller Topps designs of that era.

An instantly noticeable difference between the 1979 OPC and Topps set was the photo sizes used. While Topps cards typically featured small headshots crammed into busy borders, OPC switched to much larger color action photos that dominated most of the card front. This allowed for clearer views of players in action and drew more attention to their facial features and uniforms. Concurrently, card statistics and details moved to a cleaner layout on the back with ample blank space. Overall, OPC’s design revolutionized the look of baseball cards and helped breathe new creative life into the hobby.

The changes didn’t please everyone. Some collectors lamented the loss of the classic Topps template they had known since the 1950s. There were also criticisms that OPC photos sometimes lacked sharp focus or had odd cropping that cut players off at the knees. Regardless of design opinions, there’s no denying 1979 marked a true original effort by OPC to establish its own brand identity apart from Topps. But would baseball fans warm up to this new modern look, or remain loyal to the status quo? Only time would tell.

In terms of the players and teams featured, the 1979 OPC set covered all the usual baseball stars of that late 1970s era. Some of the more notable rookies included Hall of Famers Dave Winfield and Don Sutton, as well as young talent like Donruss’s Buzz Capra and Rick Sutcliffe. The set also included the final cards for aging veterans like Rico Carty and Luis Tiant as they neared retirement. Team-wise, the set captured AL champions Baltimore and NL champs Pittsburgh in all their World Series glory from 1979.

One team noticeably absent was the Seattle Mariners expansion franchise that had recently joined the AL in 1977. Despite being an active MLB team for two seasons already, the Mariners did not receive any cards in the 1979 OPC set due to issues with new franchise trademarks and approval. This obvious omission displeased both Mariners fans and completionists trying to accumulate the full 366 card run. To this day it remains a blemish on what was otherwise a landmark year for OPC finally establishing autonomy from Topps.

When it came to production and distribution, the 1979 OPC set saw modest initial print runs compared to the industry giant Topps. This meant finding intact sets in subsequent years grew increasingly difficult as enthusiasts snapped them up. Although mainly a Canadian product, some OPC packs did make their way across the border to America. Without the marketing muscle of Topps, the cards failed to achieve the same high collecting saturation stateside. This contributed to their relative scarcity today when compared to contemporaneous Topps issues.

In the ensuing decades since 1979, OPC would go on to produce many more innovative baseball sets that blended colorful photography with fun bonus content. But the 1979 release holds a special place as the true starting point where OPC cut ties with Topps and chose to blaze its own trail. While not a universal favorite design-wise, it got collectors’ attention and demonstrated the company’s commitment to remain competitive through creative independence. For those reasons, the 1979 OPC cards reign as one of the most historically important baseball card sets ever made outside of Topps’ long shadow.

1979 TOPPS BASEBALL CARDS CHECKLIST

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The 1979 Topps baseball card set was released during a pivotal time period for Major League Baseball. The 1970s brought free agency to MLB, which completely changed the landscape of the sport. Stars were now able to move from team to team in search of bigger contracts. This turbulent period is reflected in the 1979 Topps checklist, which showcases many familiar faces in new uniforms.

The set includes 792 total cards, with 660 player cards and 132 manager, coach, and record breaker cards. There are rookie cards of future Hall of Famers Cal Ripken Jr., Wade Boggs, and Ozzie Smith included in the checklist. The design features a white border with team logo in the bottom corner. Player names are printed straight across the top with position and team name below. Statistics are listed on the back of each card.

Some of the biggest player movements leading up to the 1979 season included Reggie Jackson signing with the New York Yankees, Dave Parker moving to the Cincinnati Reds, and Bob Horner joining the Atlanta Braves. All three players had their rookie Topps cards just a few years prior with their original teams. Their cards in the 1979 set showcase them adjusting to new environments after free agency shakes up the league.

Two other notable players making high profile switches were Tommy John signing with the Los Angeles Dodgers and Nolan Ryan inking a deal with the Houston Astros. Both veterans were still performing at a high level even as their careers extended into their mid 30s. Their new uniforms are prominently displayed on their 1979 Topps issue.

Perhaps no player switch created more headlines than Rod Carew going from the Minnesota Twins to the California Angels prior to 1979. Carew had won seven batting titles in eight seasons for the Twins, establishing himself as one of the purest hitters in the game. His silky smooth swing is immortalized on his Angels card, which was definitely one of the more talked about additions to the set at the time.

The Yankees’ dominance in the late 1970s is reflected on the team cards in the checklist. Thurman Munson, Graig Nettles, Chris Chambliss, and others helped lead the Yankees to three straight World Series titles from 1977-1979. The Bronx Bombers were a dynasty in the making. Over in Cincinnati, the Big Red Machine was keeping its run alive led by Johnny Bench, Joe Morgan, and Ken Griffey Sr. among others.

Two of the more iconic rookie cards from the 1979 Topps set belong to Hall of Famers Cal Ripken Jr. and Wade Boggs. Ripken’s iconic patience and sweet swing are captured perfectly in his Orioles debut issue. Meanwhile, Boggs’ pinpoint batting eye and flair for getting on base made him an instant star in Beantown from the outset, as evidenced by his debut Red Sox card. Both would go on to have illustrious careers.

Another noticeable rookie in the checklist is that of “Wizard” Ozzie Smith with the San Diego Padres. His otherworldly defense at shortstop was already generating buzz, though his offensive production was still developing at that stage of his career. Smith’s card highlights his burgeoning skills in the field. He would cement his legend over the following decade.

Towards the back end of the set, managers, coaches and longtime veterans round things out. Sparky Anderson leads the Detroit Tigers charge. Dick Williams manages the rival Boston Red Sox. Earl Weaver steers the Orioles ship. Veterans like Gaylord Perry, Fergie Jenkins, and Jim Palmer continued pitching effectively deeper into their 30s.

In total, the 1979 Topps baseball card set provides a snapshot of a period when player movement shook up rosters like never before. Familiar faces in new places, impact rookies, and league mainstays all make their mark in the checklist. It commemorates a season when free agency started to truly disrupt the established order in Major League Baseball. For collectors and fans alike, the 1979 issue remains a cherished set that transports viewers back to that seminal time.

1979 BASEBALL CARDS WORTH MONEY

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The 1979 Topps baseball card set is considered by many collectors to be one of the most valuable issues from the 1970s. released at the tail end of the “Junk Wax Era”, the ’79 Topps set contained cards of many future Hall of Famers and stars from that era in baseball history. While the set has no true “gems” in the vein of the iconic 1952 Mickey Mantle or 1909-11 T206 Honus Wagner, there are several key cards from the ’79 Topps set that can still fetch respectable sums today when graded and preserved in top condition.

One of the most desired rookie cards from any 1970s set is the 1979 Topps Cal Ripken Jr. card. As arguably the greatest shortstop in baseball history and one of the elite Iron Men with consectuive games played streak, Ripken’s rookie is extremely sought after. PSA/BGS Gem Mint 10 examples of this card have sold for over $2,000, with well-centered near-mint copies bringing $200-500 still. Another coveted rookie is thromb pitcher Orel Hershiser, who would go on to win the NL Cy Young in 1988. High-grade Hershiser rookies can reach $400-600.

The 1979 set also featured several future Hall of Famers and superstars in their baseball primes. A PSA 10 of Nolan Ryan’s card, depicting him as an Angel, has sold for well over $1,000 given his record seven no-hitters. The Carl Yastrzemski card, showing the Red Sox legend near the end of his career, can fetch $150-300 in top condition. The Dave Winfield Padres card has also cracked the $100-200 range for mint copies. Two-time MVP George Brett’s 1979 card is also in demand, with a PSA 10 recently selling for just under $400.

While stars of that era like Mike Schmidt, Reggie Jackson, and Gary Carter have cards from the ’79 set valued between $50-150 in top-pop PSA/BGS holders, there are also some more affordable, attainable stars to look for. Graded examples of a Lou Brock Cardinals card have sold in the $75 range. Former MVP and 20-game winner Burt Blyleven’s Twins card reaches the $50-75 range. Kenny Singleton’s Expos rookie has cracked $75 as well. Even role players like Jay Johnstone’s Phillies card or Tom Paciorek’s Phillies/Expos card can be obtained for $25-50 in high grades.

Beyond superstars and prospects, the 1979 Topps set also introduced several key designs and subsets that add nostalgia and collectibility. The first-ever Traded subset cards show players on their new teams post-trade, like Dave Kingman as a Yankees. High-grade traded cards reach $40-75. The Star Stickers subset, where a type of golden holofoil sticker was affixed semi-randomly, are popular among collectors. A complete star sticker subset set sold for over $400.

Perhaps most iconic were the design variations Topps introduced. The errors or ” photo variations ” remain highly sought. The Nolan Ryan Angels card mistakenly used a photo from his Mets days is valued over $150 PSA 10. Rich Dauer’s White Sox card was printed with a photo of teammate Mike Squires – examples exceed $100 raw. Other visual variations on checklist, photography style and even player names like Ken Brett add nuance to the full rainbow collections craved by 1979 Topps superfans.

While the 1979 Topps baseball set does not command the same prices as the true vintage stars of the 1950s or T206 era, there remains pockets of value even today for completing high-grade team and player sets. With so many future Hall of Famers and stars depicted early in their careers, the ’79 issue remains one of the most desired from the late 1970s/early Junk Wax years prior to the arrival of the Commons era. For the astute vintage collector or savvy investor, key rookie cards, high-grade stars, and coveted errors from the 1979 Topps set can still prove worthwhile additions to any baseball card portfolio some 40+ years later.

1979 TOPPS BASEBALL CARDS SET VALUE

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The 1979 Topps baseball card set is one of the more valuable issues from the 1970s. While it lacks star rookies like the iconic rookie cards of Mickey Mantle, Jim Palmer or Nolan Ryan from previous decades, the 1979 set featured many favorite players from that era and the design and production values were excellent for its time. As a result, many of the higher valued cards from the set have maintained or increased in price over the past 40+ years.

Some notable aspects of the 1979 Topps set that contribute to its strong overall value include:

The set features 332 total cards including current players, managers, umpires and archives/record breakers. Some of the biggest stars included on cards were Pete Rose, George Brett, Rod Carew, Mike Schmidt and Reggie Jackson.

The design utilized a simple solid color border around each photo with the team name arching above and the player’s name/stats below. This classic clean look has aged very well compared to some of the more experimental designs from the early 1970s sets.

The photos and production quality were very good for the time. Photos were crisp and centered well on most cards. There were also relatively few errors, oddball variations or other problems that can hurt a set’s appeal to collectors.

Rookie cards of future Hall of Famers like Dave Winfield, Don Sutton and Dave Parker are present but are not among the most valuable from their careers since they were established players by 1979. Their rookie cards still hold value as important pieces for team or player collectors.

The mainstream, broad popularity of baseball in the late 70s meant strong initial sales and a lot of the cards survived in reasonable condition compared to older, more scarce 1950s/60s issues. Combined with the clean, classic design, this means more high grade vintage 1979s are available on the secondary market today.

When it comes to specific high value cards from the 1979 Topps set, some that regularly sell for hundreds or even thousands in top condition include:

Nolan Ryan (#334) – As one of the most dominant pitchers ever, any Ryan card is highly desirable. His final Houston Astros card has sold for over $1,000 in mint condition.

Ozzie Smith (#181) – Considered one of the best defensive shortstops ever, Smith’s rookie card has cracked $500-600 in pristine shape.

Mike Schmidt (#1) – The Philadelphia Phillies slugger was a perennial MVP candidate in the late 70s. His flagship card often tops $200-300 in Gem Mint+.

George Brett (#416) – In the midst of his hitting prowess for Kansas City, Brett’s starring card has brought $150-200 in top grades.

Reggie Jackson (#252) – “Mr. October’s” card during his Yankee years has sold for $150-200 in near-mint or better condition.

Rod Carew (#112) – The smooth-swinging star’s flagship Twins issue has sold for upwards of $125 in top shape.

Even mid-range star cards from the set like Lou Brock, Tom Seaver, Steve Garvey and others commonly sell for $50-100 in high grades. Beyond individual cards, completed 1979 Topps sets in excellent well-centered condition have sold online for $2,000-4,000 depending on fullness and condition of keys cards.

For budget-minded collectors, there are still plenty of affordable highlights to be found in the 1979 issue as well. Commons of solid role players or known names regularly sell in the $5-20 range in readable condition on eBay. And for those hunting a specific hometown hero or alma mater player, even many high number short prints can be acquired in the $25-50 range if not in absolutely pristine shape.

Despite lacking true rookie phenomenon, the 1979 Topps baseball card release remains a strong vintage set with an eye-catching design that retains value thanks to its coverage of a pivotal era in the sport. Key stars like Schmidt, Brett, Ryan and Reggie remain highly sought, while a well-preserved complete set represents a solid vintage collecting milestone. With its broad collector interest and sturdy construction leading to good survival rate, the 1979s ensure many affordable classic cards are still around to enjoy over 40 years later.

1979 TOPPS BURGER KING BASEBALL CARDS

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The 1979 Topps Burger King Baseball promotion was one of the most unique and collectible minor league baseball card releases of all time. At a time when baseball card inserts and promotions were not very common, Topps partnered with the Burger King fast food restaurant chain to produce a special series of minor league baseball cards that could be redeemed with purchases at Burger King.

The idea behind the promotion was to help drive business to Burger King restaurants while also promoting minor league baseball. Topps produced over 300 different cardboard trading cards that featuredcurrent minor league players from across America. The cards came in wax paper packs similar to typical Topps card packages of the era, except they said “Burger King” across the top. Customers would receive one pack of cards with any purchase of $1 or more at their local Burger King.

The teams represented in the 1979 Topps Burger King set included numerous minor league affiliates of major league clubs like the Charleston Charlies (Houston Astros), Memphis Chicks (St. Louis Cardinals), Denver Bears (Cincinnati Reds), and Iowa Oaks (Oakland A’s). Other independent minor league teams in the set included the Jackson Mets, Wichita Aeros, and Syracuse Chiefs. Each player card featured a photo of the player in his team’s uniform along with his stats from the previous season.

In addition to the player cards, there were also 25 different manager or coach cards included in the promotion. These cards showed photos of coaches and managers from teams in the set alongside their name and some basic career stats. There was also a special “Burger King Grand Slam” checklist card distributed that listed out the various teams represented in the full issue.

While the exact print run is unknown, it is estimated that between 5-10 million packs of these promotional cards were distributed through Burger King restaurants across America from May through August of 1979. Due to the sheer number of packs given away, most of the cards are fairly common in the hands of today’s collectors. Still, getting a complete set with the elusive manager/coach cards makes for a very unique and historic baseball card collection from the 1970s.

Although marketed as a “baseball card” promotion, the 1979 Topps Burger King cards differ significantly from traditional baseball cards of the era in terms of design, production quality, and purpose. The cardboard stock used for the BK cards is much thinner and of lower quality than standard Topps flagship sets. Also, the photograph size is smaller and statistical information is more limited on the Burger King cards when compared to a typical baseball card.

Many analysts believe the primary goal of the Topps-Burger King partnership was to drive short-term business for Burger King by giving customers a small incentive. The cards likely cost next to nothing to produce in the quantities distrubited. While fans eagerly collected and traded the promotions at the time, the 1979 Topps Burger King issue is not regarded on the same level as the annual Topps Traded and Flagship sets by most collectors today.

Still, for its uniqueness and snapshot it provides of minor league rosters from 1979, the Burger King baseball card promotion remains a very interesting historical oddity over 40 years later. Any collector who has a complete set should feel proud to own such a one-of-a-kind time capsule reminding us of the days when a quick stop at BK could yield a pack of future big leaguers and minor league nobodies on cardboard. Though of lesser quality, the cultural significance of one of the first sportscard and fast food promotions makes the 1979 Topps Burger King baseball cards a fun chapter in card collecting history worth preserving.

TOPPS 1979 BASEBALL CARDS VALUE

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The 1979 Topps baseball card set is considered by many collectors to be one of the top sets of the 1970s and is highly valued by the collecting community. Issued in 1979 by the Topps Company, the set features cards of major league players from that season. While the majority of cards from the set hold modest value today, there are star players and key rookie cards that can be quite valuable depending on condition.

The 1979 Topps set contains 792 total cards including player cards, manager cards, team cards, checklist cards, and special award cards. The design of the cards is classic 1970s Topps with a yellow and blue color scheme and team logos featured prominently. On the front is a big action photo of the player along with their name, team, and position. On the back is stats from the 1978 season along with a small career summary.

While most common player cards from the set in worn condition may fetch around $1-5, there are always stars and key rookies that command higher prices. One of the most valuable cards from the 1979 Topps set is the rookie card of Hall of Famer Cal Ripken Jr. of the Baltimore Orioles. Considered one of the key rookie cards of the 1980s, a Cal Ripken Jr. rookie in near mint to mint condition can sell for $500-1500 depending on centering and condition specifics. In pristine gem mint 10 grade, PSA or BGS Pop 1 condition, a Ripken rookie has been known to sell for over $3,000.

Another highly sought rookie card is #734 Andre Dawson of the Montreal Expos. Dawson would go on to have a Hall of Fame career primarily with the Chicago Cubs, winning an MVP award in 1987. A Dawson rookie in good condition can fetch around $100, while a near mint or better graded example could sell for $400-800 depending on demand. Rookies often become more valuable as the player’s career solidifies them as a star.

Hall of Famer Wade Boggs of the Boston Red Sox has one of the more valuable common cards, as his cardboard likeness rose in demand after a stellar career. A Boggs card in good condition may sell for $10-20, while a near mint copy could be worth $30-50. Superstar sluggers like Reggie Jackson, who is featured on the Detroit Tigers card #369, can bring $20-50 depending on condition for a standard copy. His Yankee cards command much higher prices.

Key rookie cards like #770 Ryne Sandberg of the Philadelphia Phillies and #441 Ozzie Smith of the San Diego Padres have also gained value over the years and are mainstays of any serious collector’s 1979 Topps want list. Even more, rookie cards of Dennis Eckersley and Don Sutton could garner $50-100 for an elite graded example as they became pitching legends later in their careers. Pitchers are normally harder to find in stellar condition due to the wear and tear of their deliveries captured in photos.

While most star players settle in the $5-20 range depending on condition for common cards, the true blue chip prizes are hallmark rookie cards, especially those that depict players at the beginning of their incredible careers enshrined in Cooperstown. The 1979 Topps set, considered one of the most visually appealing designs of the junk wax era, provides an affordable doorway for collectors into this nostalgia-soaked period that spawned stars like Ripken, Dawson, and Sandberg. For those willing to hunt and be patient, valuable vintage cardboard sleepers may still be discovered in dollar boxes and mixed lots at affordable prices.

While most common 1979 Topps cards have modest values, there are star players and crucial rookie cards that make this set highly collectible and valuable when found in pristine condition. Cards like Cal Ripken Jr., Andre Dawson, and Ryne Sandberg rookie are consistently at the top of want lists. With its retro design and connection to memorable players and eras of baseball history, the 1979 Topps baseball card set remains a cherished staple in the world of vintage sports card collecting. When graded gems surface, the prices simply prove how much demand remains for these cardboard treasures of summer pastimes.

1979 TOPPS BASEBALL CARDS WORTH MONEY

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The 1979 Topps baseball card set is considered one of the more valuable sets from the 1970s and 1980s. While it does not contain any extremely rare cards overall, there are a number of stars and rookie cards from the set that can fetch a good price depending on condition. Let’s take a deeper look at some of the key 1979 Topps baseball cards that are worth money for collectors.

One of the most valuable regular issue cards from the 1979 set is the Nolan Ryan card (#534). Ryan was already an established star pitcher by 1979 but his card remains popular with collectors decades later. A Ryan card in near mint to mint condition could sell for $50-$100. If the card grades gem mint 10, it could potentially sell for over $200. What makes the Ryan card so sought after is his status as a baseball legend with 7 no-hitters during his career.

Another pitching star with a valuable 1979 card is Tom Seaver (#531). Seaver was in his prime with the Cincinnati Reds in 1979 after a trade from the Mets. Like Ryan, his name value and career accomplishments continue to drive interest in his rookie and early career cards such as the 1979 issue. An excellently preserved Seaver could sell for $50-75, while a true gem mint might attract a $150+ price tag.

Two of the biggest rookie cards from the 1979 set are Don Mattingly (#97) and Robin Yount (#635). Mattingly had a breakout season as a 23 year old first baseman for the Yankees in ’79 while batting .297 with 13 home runs. The Mattingly rookie in high grade could sell for $75-150 depending on condition, with a true gem specimen reaching up to $300-400. Meanwhile, Robin Yount won the AL MVP award as a shortstop in ’82 but his promising rookie season in ’79 makes his first Topps card very popular as well. An absolutely pristine Yount rookie could sell for $100-200.

Staying with Yankees theme, the Thurman Munson (#487) and Catfish Hunter (#525) cards are also quite valuable from the 1979 set when found in top condition. Munson was the heart and soul of the late 70s Yankees dynasty as the team’s captain and catcher before his tragic death in 1979 plane crash at age 32. His final Topps issue has become somewhat of a commemorative card for Munson collectors. A Thurman Munson in mint-gem condition could sell for $50-100. Catfish Hunter was also a leader of those Yankees squads and had already racked up over 150 career wins before 1979. An exceptionally graded Hunter card could command $50-75.

Other star players with desirables 1979 Topps cards worth owning include Rod Carew (#174), Steve Garvey (#325), Dave Parker (#443), Mike Schmidt (#558), and George Brett (#145). When found in near mint to mint condition, these star cards usually sell in the $20-40 range but true gem mint specimens could reach $75-150 depending on level of grading. George Brett’s dominance in the 70s-80s makes his 1979 rookie card among the generally cheaper options to acquire from the set, with a mint copy selling for under $10.

Perhaps the rarest 1979 Topps card is the Andre Dawson rookie (#474). Dawson enjoyed a Hall of Fame career primarily as an outfielder for the Cubs and Expos but his rookie season was split between the Expos and Montreal. As a result, there are two different variations of his rookie card – one with Expos team logo on the front and one with Montreal team name. The Montreal variation is extremely scarce and one that has graded PSA 8 sold recently at auction for over $1,000. Even the more common Expos variation rookie in top condition can sell for $100-200.

While not the most valuable set overall compared to flagship years like 1952, 1957, or 1969 – canny collectors can still profit nicely by acquiring and holding onto well-preserved rookie cards and stars from the 1979 Topps baseball set long-term. Key cards like Mattingly, Yount, Ryan, Seaver, Munson and others in mint condition will likely continue appreciating for dedicated investors. For budget-minded collectors, commons and short prints from the 792-card set remain quite affordable to fill out. Grading invaluable high-grade examples is also strongly advisable to maximize potential resale value for valuable ’79s in the years ahead.