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1979 TCMA JAPANESE BASEBALL CARDS

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The 1979 TCMA baseball card set marked a turning point in the Japanese baseball card industry. Issued by TCMA Co., Ltd. (later known as Konami), it was the largest and most ambitious Japanese baseball card set released up to that point. With 264 cards covering players and teams from both Nippon Professional Baseball leagues, the 1979 TCMA set helped kickstart a baseball card mania in Japan that would last through much of the 1980s.

Prior to 1979, Japanese baseball cards were relatively small and infrequent releases. The first modern Japanese baseball cards debuted in 1974 by Kawada Sports as a 50 card set. Other small sets followed from companies like Calbee and Ezaki Glico in subsequent years, but they paled in comparison to the enormity and detail of the 1979 TCMA issue. What drove TCMA to create such an expansive set, and what made it so influential within Japan’s fledgling baseball card scene? To understand the significance of the 1979 cards, we must examine the context in which they were produced.

In the late 1970s, baseball was undergoing a popularity surge in Japan. New stadiums were being constructed, television coverage expanded, and fan interest was at an all-time high. The Japanese baseball leagues – Nippon Professional Baseball’s Central and Pacific Leagues – had developed devoted local followings for each team. Major players like Sadaharu Oh and Shigeo Nagashima were becoming household names. Meanwhile, America’s baseball card companies like Topps were finding increasing sales from Japanese collectors of English-language cards featuring MLB players. This growing fanbase represented a major untapped marketing opportunity within Japan.

TCMA, which had previously done smaller sports and entertainment card licenses, spotted baseball cards as their chance to break out. They acquired exclusive licenses from both NPB leagues to create the first massive comprehensive Japanese baseball card set. The 1979 TCMA set covered every team and every active player across both circuits, with colorful uniform photos and detailed stats on the back of each card. Parallel inserts promoted star sluggers and pitchers. Team emblems and mascots received their own dedicated spots. Even coaches, managers and umpires made the cut.

The level of completeness and production values TCMA achieved for the 1979 set had never been seen before within the Japanese sports card market. High quality on-card photos replaced the simpler headshots of prior issues. Thick cardstock gave the cards a premium feel. The set was also extensively promoted through ads in sports magazines and at baseball stadiums. For young fans enamored with their favorite players and teams, the 1979 TCMA cards were an irresistible impulse buy.

Demand was immense and scarcity became part of the attraction. TCMA struggled to keep pace with initial orders and the set soon sold out. But the impact went far beyond sales – the 1979 cards ushered in baseball card collecting as a mainstream hobby in Japan. Suddenly, kids were swapping and comparing their rosters on the playground. Set completion became an obsession that would carry collector interest deep into adulthood. Prices in the resale market climbed steadily as well.

While future TCMA issues from the early 1980s built on this success, none matched the initial groundbreaking impact of the 1979 release. It established the baseline for what a high-quality, “brand name” Japanese baseball card product should look like. Details became more stats-heavy on the backs. Parallel and insert subsets expanded the obsessive chase for rare and valuable cards. Other competitors like BBM sprang up to try and capture some of TCMA’s newfound market.

Forty years later, the 1979 TCMA baseball cards remain hugely influential and desirable amongst Japanese sports memorabilia collectors. Pristine specimens in mint condition can sell for thousands of dollars online. The set endures as a true pioneer effort that kickstarted the “golden age” boom for Japanese baseball cards through the 1980s. It showcased both the massive untapped potential and fervent collecting culture that would define the Japanese cardboard industry for decades to come.

For young fans at the time and the generation of collectors it inspired, the 1979 TCMA issue was far more than just a box of pictures. It was a portal connecting them deeper to their favorite pastime and its heroes. That spirit of connection is part of what makes the 1979 set still revered today within Japan’s vibrant baseball card collecting community. As the largest and most ambitious Japanese baseball card release of its time, it gets much of the credit for establishing this enduring legacy.

1979 KELLOGG’s 3D BASEBALL CARDS CHECKLIST

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The 1979 Kellogg’s 3D baseball card series was arguably one of the most innovative promotions in the history of baseball card collecting. Marketed as “living baseball cards” due to their three-dimensional pop-out effect when opened, the 1979 Kellogg’s 3D baseball card set featured over 120 full-color cardboard cards featuring the biggest stars of Major League Baseball at the time.

To obtain the cards, cereal enthusiasts would have to clip box tops and proof of purchase seals from packages of Kellogg’s Corn Flakes, Rice Krispies, Froot Loops, Apple Jacks, and other Kellogg’s cereals. Box tops could then be mailed in along with $1 for postage and handling to receive a random assortment of 8 cards. Additional box tops could be redeemed for more cards as the collector completed sets featuring specific teams or the entire master checklist.

The 120 card checklist featured players from all 26 Major League Baseball teams of 1979. Each team was featured with a separate mini checklist containing the biggest stars and key players for that franchise. Some notable individual mini checklists included:

Atlanta Braves (7 cards): Dale Murphy, Jeff Burroughs, Andy Messersmith
Baltimore Orioles (6 cards): Eddie Murray, Ken Singleton, Jim Palmer
Boston Red Sox (6 cards): Carl Yastrzemski, Fred Lynn, Rick Burleson
Chicago Cubs (7 cards): Bill Buckner, Dave Kingman, Bruce Sutter
Chicago White Sox (6 cards): Greg Luzinski, Rich Gossage, Jorge Orta
Cincinnati Reds (6 cards): Joe Morgan, Dave Concepcion, Tom Seaver
Cleveland Indians (6 cards): Von Joshua, Dennis Eckersley, Rick Waits
Detroit Tigers (7 cards): Ron LeFlore, Lance Parrish, Jack Morris
Houston Astros (6 cards): Jose Cruz, Ken Forsch, Joe Niekro
Kansas City Royals (7 cards): Amos Otis, Hal McRae, Larry Gura
Los Angeles Dodgers (7 cards): Steve Garvey, Davey Lopes, Don Sutton
Milwaukee Brewers (6 cards): Robin Yount, Paul Molitor, Ted Simmons
Minnesota Twins (6 cards): Rod Carew, Lyman Bostock, Butch Wynegar
Montreal Expos (6 cards): Andre Dawson, Warren Cromartie, Steve Rogers
New York Mets (7 cards): Steve Henderson, John Stearns, Craig Swan
New York Yankees (7 cards): Reggie Jackson, Thurman Munson, Ron Guidry
Oakland A’s (6 cards): Mike Norris, Vida Blue, Bill North
Philadelphia Phillies (7 cards): Pete Rose, Greg Luzinski, Larry Christenson
Pittsburgh Pirates (6 cards): Dave Parker, John Candelaria, Willie Stargell
San Diego Padres (6 cards): Dave Winfield, Ozzie Smith, Gaylord Perry
San Francisco Giants (6 cards): Jack Clark, Johns Montefusco, Johnnie LeMaster
St. Louis Cardinals (7 cards): Keith Hernandez, Garry Templeton, Lou Brock
Seattle Mariners (6 cards): Gaylord Perry, Rupert Jones, Tom Paciorek
Texas Rangers (6 cards): Bump Wills, Jon Matlack, Doc Medich
Toronto Blue Jays (5 cards): Alfredo Griffin, Roy Lee Jackson, Jerry Garvin

In addition to the team checklists, 11 “League Leaders” cards highlighted some of the top statistical performers of 1978 such as home run champion George Foster and batting champion Dave Parker. There were also 5 all-time great legends cards featuring Willie Mays, Hank Aaron, Bob Gibson, Stan Musial, and Sandy Koufax.

Visually, each player card featured a vibrant full-color player photo and team logo on the front. The true 3D element came when the card was opened, revealing a three-dimensional mini stadium scene with that player’s likeness standing or posed within it. Scenes included home plate, the outfield, dugouts, and more. Statistics like batting average, home runs, and RBI from the previous season were also included on the back of each card along with a brief career recap.

While collecting the 1979 Kellogg’s 3D baseball card set offered an exciting new experience for fans, it also proved very challenging due to the large checklist size and random pack distribution. With over 120 different cards to collect and redeeming packages for just 8 random cards at a time, completion of full team sets or the master checklist required redeeming hundreds of cereal boxes. As a result, many of the cards from this innovative yet ambitious promotion have remained tough to find in high grade for collectors in modern times.

Despite the difficulties, the 1979 Kellogg’s 3D baseball cards hold a special nostalgia for those who grew up watching baseball in the late 1970s. They represented a cutting edge concept when originally distributed and remain a unique piece of sports card history three decades later. Though not the most accessible set to complete, examples that surface today still excite collectors with their retro yet vivid 3D designs honoring some of the biggest stars and moments from an exciting era in Major League Baseball. The 1979 Kellogg’s 3D cards truly were “living baseball cards” that brought the action of America’s pastime to life in three dimensions.

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1979 TCMA BASEBALL CARDS

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The 1979 TCMA baseball card set was unique in the hobby during that era as it was one of the few competitors to the dominant Topps brand. Produced by TCMA, also known as Third Base Card Manufacturing Association, the 1979 set helped breathe new life into the sports card industry during a time when collecting was booming in popularity among both children and adults. With 495 total cards issued, the 1979 TCMA set showcased several innovative designs and features that set it apart from other releases of the time period.

One of the most interesting aspects of the 1979 TCMA card design was its large photo size, with most player images spanning nearly the entire front of the card from top to bottom. This gave collectors a uniquely large view of each ballplayer compared to the smaller cropped photos found on rival brands like Topps. Additionally, TCMA’s photos were high quality, crisp images that provided collectors with very clear views of each athlete. The large size and photo quality gave the 1979 TCMA cards a premium look and feel that was ahead of its time.

Along with the substantial player photos, the fronts of the 1979 TCMA cards also included team logos displayed prominently above the images. Rather than simply listing the team name as other releases did, TCMA actively leveraged each club’s logo design to add further visual pop and interest to the cards. Background colors varied by team as well, with clubs like the San Diego Padres featuring a distinctive bright yellow backdrop that helped their players really stand out in the set. The unique photo sizes and vibrant visual design elements set the 1979 TCMA cards apart from aesthetics of competitors.

Moving beyond just the vibrant fronts, the card backs of the 1979 TCMA release were also innovative for their time. Along with providing statistics, career highlights and injury reports for each player as most backs did, TCMA integrated fun new extras. Among these were quizzes and puzzles printed directly on the backs. Some cards posed trivia questions about the player, while others included things like crossword puzzles or word searches that incorporated details from the athlete’s career up to that point. This added a whole new interactive layer to the collecting experience that captured kids’ interests.

In addition to the standard language of English on the card fronts and backs, the 1979 TCMA set was groundbreaking for including Spanish translations of much of the text as a pioneering effort at being more inclusive. Although only a handful of Major League players at the time were Latino, TCMA recognized the growing Hispanic population in America and sought to welcome that entire demographic into the hobby. Their translations opened the door for thousands of new potential collectors, showing foresight well before multicultural marketing was commonplace in sports cards.

Beyond just its design innovations, the 1979 TCMA set was also notable for its photo selection and coverage of players. Unlike some releases that focused primarily on stars, TCMA went deeper into team rosters to feature more lower-level talent and prospects. This gave the set greater overall scope in representing the entire sports landscape. Notable rookies in the 1979 TCMA set included Dave Righetti of the New York Yankees and George Foster of the New York Mets, both of whom ended up achieving great success. Coverage of prospects helped TCMA appeal to collectors looking to discover future stars early.

Due to contracts with individual MLB clubs rather than just the league itself, TCMA was able to land rare photo shoots with certain teams that Topps could not match. Most remarkably, the 1979 TCMA set featured actual game-used photos of players from the Baltimore Orioles, including soon-to-be Hall of Famers like Eddie Murray and future Manager of the Year Earl Weaver. Topps instead had to use more generic posed portraits of those same players. Such one-of-a-kind photos gave TCMA cards true uniqueness.

While TCMA possessed creative card designs and struck deals to land exclusive photos, production and distribution issues held the 1979 set back from being a true competitor to Topps’ dominance. TCMA lacked the budgets and infrastructure of the industry leader, resulting in quality control problems like off-center cuts or misaligned color layers on some cards. Distribution was also sporadic, making a full 1979 TCMA set harder to compile than similar Topps releases. These real-world factors contributed to TCMA’s temporary licensing, as the MLBPA shifted exclusive rights to Fleer and later Upper Deck in future years.

Despite ending up as a short-lived company, TCMA left an indelible mark on the evolving baseball card hobby through groundbreaking innovations showcased in their 1979 release. Large photos, vibrant designs, Spanish translations, exclusive images and a focus on both stars and prospects made the set truly unique. While production snags prevented TCMA from long-term success, their creative spirit opened the door for future competitors to challenge Topps. Collectors today still seek out the imaginative 1979 TCMA cards as a special piece of sports memorabilia history. Though short-lived, TCMA remains an iconic brand that pushed the industry forward during its brief tenure.

BASEBALL CARDS 1979

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The 1979 baseball card season marked a transition period for the hobby. While the 1970s had seen tremendous growth in the popularity of collecting cards, 1979 cards reflected both the enduring traditions of the past as well as innovations that pointed to the future of the industry.

Topps remained the dominant force in 1979, producing their standard design featuring a single player photo on a colorful background. However, Topps also began experimenting with new sets beyond the traditional flagship release. They issued high-number cards with action shots and team logos as well as Traded and Record Breaker subsets highlighting milestones and trades. But their most notable new product was Topps Stickers, the company’s first major foray into the sticker card trend that would soon take off.

Though they maintained the standard card design, Topps’ 1979 set is most remembered today for several iconic rookie cards that have become extremely valuable. Cal Ripken Jr., Don Mattingly, and Wade Boggs all made their MLB card debuts in the 1979 Topps set. While not considered true rookie cards at the time since they had prior minor league cards, these players went on to have Hall of Fame careers and their 1979 Topps cards are now highly sought after by collectors.

Fleer continued their challenge to Topps’ dominance with their 1979 release. Like Topps, Fleer’s design maintained the traditional look with a single player photo and team logo. However, Fleer began differentiating their sets more through the use of action shots and creative photography compared to Topps’ basic poses. Fleer also gained notoriety for obtaining licenses for active players’ likenesses, unlike Topps who primarily used headshot photos at the time.

In 1979, Fleer gained the NFL license and produced football cards for the first time. Their baseball offerings were still limited due to legal issues surrounding their licensing. The 1979 Fleer set only contained 198 cards compared to Topps’ 660. But Fleer was making progress in establishing themselves as a serious competitor through innovation, even if production numbers lagged behind Topps.

Donruss entered the baseball card market in 1981, but 1979 marked their first foray into the sports card industry with an American Basketball Association set. Like Fleer challenging Topps in baseball, Donruss aimed to disrupt the duopoly in basketball cards dominated by Topps and Leaf. Their innovative design featured color action photos and a glossy finish that set them apart.

While the 1970s were the golden age of expansion and optimism in Major League Baseball, the late 1970s saw the dark clouds of a potential strike looming. Labor issues became a hot topic in 1979 and cards began reflecting this storyline. Both Topps and Fleer included cards highlighting the labor negotiations and potential work stoppage. This presaged the darker tone some 1980s cards would take regarding steroids and other controversies affecting the national pastime.

In terms of technical production, 1979 saw card manufacturers experimenting with new materials and techniques. Topps began producing their traditional paper stock cards with a glossier, smoother finish. Fleer took this further by using a semi-gloss stock with a unique texture that set their cards apart visually and tactilely. Both companies also began incorporating color separations and spot gloss effects that added depth and pop compared to the flat designs of the early 1970s.

While the 1979 season saw many baseball legends in their prime, such as Mike Schmidt, Nolan Ryan, and George Brett, it also represented a passing of the torch to a new generation. Rookies like Cal Ripken Jr. and Don Mattingly got their cardboard introductions and would define the 1980s. The 1979 season was one of transition as the 1970s boom years ended and new innovations like oddball sets, stickers, and non-sports licenses laid the groundwork for the modern sports card industry’s evolution. Both enduring classics and harbingers of the future could be found in the 1979 cardboard, making it a pivotal year that bridged baseball card eras.

The 1979 baseball card season marked a transition period where traditional designs endured but the seeds of innovation were sown through new product types, photography styles, licensing approaches, and materials. Icons like Ripken Jr. and Mattingly had their rookie cards debut alongside legends entering their primes. Both the optimism of baseball’s past and challenges facing its future could be seen in 1979 cards. They represent the crossroads between the explosive growth years of the 1970s and the new directions the industry would take in the coming decades.

TOPPS BASEBALL CARDS 1979 PRICE GUIDE

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Introduction

The 1979 Topps baseball card set is one of the most iconic issues from the 1970s. Packaged as wax paper wrappers containing 5 random cards, the 1979 set had great visual designs and featured some of the biggest stars in the game at the peak of their careers. In this article, we will provide an in-depth guide to the 1979 Topps baseball card set including details on the most valuable and sought after cards, factors that influence card value, and price ranges collectors can expect to pay for graded and ungraded examples in various states of preservation.

Key Details About the 1979 Topps Set

The 1979 Topps set contains 792 total cards including base cards, stars, rookie cards, and multi-player/team issue cards.
Design features an orange border with a blue player photograph and white borders. Front design is very similar to the 1978 and 1980 issues.
Rosters include both American and National League teams from the 1978 season.
Several Hall of Famers and all-time greats featured including Nolan Ryan, Reggie Jackson, Mike Schmidt, and Dave Winfield.
High profile rookie cards include Gary Carter, Eddie Murray, Ozzie Smith, and Shane Mack.

Factors That Impact 1979 Topps Card Values

There are several variables that collectors should understand when evaluating the value of different 1979 Topps cards:

Grading – Professionally graded examples through services like PSA or BVG will always demand a premium vs. raw, ungraded cards due to verification of centeredness, corners, edges and surfaces. Higher grades (8+ for commons, 7+ for stars) bring a multiplier to any given card’s raw prices.

Autographs/Memorabilia – Signed or autograph cards, as well as traded/player-used varieties holding game-used relics, exponentially increase value vs. factory issued unsigned copies. Higher end examples could fetch thousands or even tens of thousands.

Scarcity – Star players, especially pitchers, generally had lower print runs which makes specimens of their cards rarer and hence more desirable on the secondary market. Rookie cards also retain scarcity premiums relative to veteran player cards.

Condition – Heavily worn, damaged or poorly centered raw cards realize just a fraction of the value that Near Mint or better examples can command. Even small condition differences represent hundreds or thousands in price divergences.

Popular Teams/Players – Cards of star sluggers or popular historically successful franchises hold intrinsic nostalgia and collectability that pushes their market costs above statistical performance alone.

Top 1979 Topps Cards – Then and Now Values

Let’s explore some key individual cards from the 1979 Topps set and how their values have evolved over the decades:

Nolan Ryan (#177) – Then: $5-10. Now: PSA 8 $150, PSA 10 $600+. One of the greatest pitchers ever and one of the set’s most iconic images. Consistently one of the most in-demand 1970s cards.

Ozzie Smith (#660) – Then: $1-2. Now: PSA 8 $50, PSA 10 $250. This rookie card of the Wizard grew to be prized by collectors for its subject’s defensive wizardry and all-time great career.

Mike Schmidt (#555) – Then: $3-5. Now: PSA 8 $50, PSA 10 $200. Perennial MVP winner Schmidt was a fan favorite and cornerstone of Philadelphia’s success for decades after.

Dave Winfield (#710) – Then: $1-2. Now: PSA 8 $30, PSA 10 $125. Power-hitting outfielder went on to have Hall of Fame career and remained a star for many seasons after his 1979 depiction.

Gary Carter (#591) – Then: $1-2. Now: PSA 8 $30, PSA 10 $150. The Expos catcher established himself as a superstar after this rookie card through the 1980s and cemented his Hall of Fame status.

Nolan Ryan/Tom Seaver Dual (#559) – Then: $2-5. Now: PSA 8 $150, PSA 10 $750. Extremely rare dual card featuring two of the era’s pitching elite makes it a mammoth rarity. Only card higher is the Reggie Jackson error.

How to Find Values for Your 1979 Topps Cards

When evaluating how much a specific 1979 Topps card in your collection is worth, here are some recommended sources to check:

Online auction sites like eBay – Search “sold listings” to see actual closing prices for comparable recently sold copies in various grades.

Price guide/database apps – Beckett, PSA SMR, or Cardboard Connection are respected standard references listing average retail prices for most all notable cards from that year.

Online card shops – Sites like SportsCards.com, SteelCityCollectibles.com provide “buy it now” listings for graded examples to compare against.

Local card shops – Bring cards to a reputable brick and mortar store for their expertise and assessment of current market values if you need cash in hand.

Conclusion

The 1979 Topps set holds incredible nostalgia and desirability for collectors even decades after production. With a talented roster of future Hall of Famers and all-timers highlighted, key rookie cards, and popular designs, demand remains strong. Proper preservation, authenticity verification and holding cards long-term maximizes opportunities for appreciation over the following generations.

VALUABLE TOPPS BASEBALL CARDS 1979

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The 1979 Topps baseball card set is considered one of the best and most valuable vintage issues from the 1970s. It marks the 20th anniversary of Topps’ iconic baseball card product and features several young star rookies that would go on to Hall of Fame careers. While complete common sets in good condition can be acquired for a few hundred dollars, there are plenty of individual cards from 1979 that command premium prices due to their star power, condition rarity, and historical significance. Let’s take an in-depth look at some of the most valuable 1979 Topps baseball cards collectors covet today:

Cal Ripken Jr. Rookie Card (#481): Arguably the crown jewel of the entire 1979 set is the rookie card of future Hall of Famer and Iron Man Cal Ripken Jr. As one of the best shortstops in MLB history and a career-long Oriole, Ripken’s rookie attracted attention from collectors immediately upon the set’s release. High grade copies in Near Mint to Gem Mint condition regularly grade 6 or 7 figures today as Ripken’s legend continues to grow. Even well-worn but identifiable copies can still sell for $200-300 given how iconic this card is.

Dave Stieb Rookie Card (#630): In what would be considered one of the biggest rookie card mistakes ever made, Topps accidentally swapped photographs on the rookie cards of pitchers Dave Stieb and Doug Bird. This resulted in Stieb’s actual rookie card sporting a photo of Bird instead. Only a small print run was made before the error was caught. As a result, the Stieb/Bird rookie swap is one of the rarest errors in the modern era, with only a handful known to exist. In superior condition, it can demand over $10,000 due to its one-of-a-kind status.

Tony Gwynn Rookie Card (#126): Like Ripken, Gwynn became one of the greatest pure hitters in MLB history and his rookie card is a bonafide star in its own right. Since his playing career didn’t take off until the following season, 1979 marked Gwynn’s first cardboard appearance. High grade versions with strong centering are worth $1,000+ as Gwynn’s career achievements continue to gain fans and collectors. Even well-loved but worn copies can sell for several hundred dollars.

Robin Yount Rookie Card (#126): Yount won MVP awards in both the American and National Leagues throughout his extraordinary 20-year career, entirely spent with the Milwaukee Brewers. His 1979 rookie card got significantly less attention than the others upon issue, but has since climbed steadily in value thanks to Yount’s amazing playing resume. Near Mint and better copies can easily eclipse $1,000, and some graded examples have broken records by surpassing $10,000 at auction.

Nolan Ryan (#1): As one of the most dominant and iconic pitchers in MLB history, Ryan had long established himself as a star by 1979 but his cards remained popular. The 1979 Topps issue stands out due to being Ryan’s first card sporting an Angels uniform after signing as a free agent. High grades of this key card in the Ryan collection are worth $500-750 or more for the history and subject.

Dave Parker (#264): “The Cobra” was already a 2x All-Star and batting champion by 1979 but still several years away from his MVP zenith. However, Parker’s power/speed combination and swagger was must-see TV in the late 70s. Nicely centered examples in Near Mint grade sell in the $150-250 range reflecting Parker’s lasting popularity with collectors.

George Brett (#11): Brett’s .390 batting title season was still to come, but he was already well established as one of MLB’s elite third baseman. Strong copies in the 7.5+ graded range can break $200. Demand likely remains steady as Brett’s career accolades cement his Hall of Fame induction.

Mike Schmidt (#11): “The Schmidt” was starting to emerge as the premier third baseman in the NL as his Rookie of the Year campaign was still fresh. High grade copies have pushed north of $150 recently. As his 600+ homer career evolves over the subsequent decades, Schmidt’s 1979 rookie card may continue upwards.

Goose Gossage (#667): Arguably the most intimidating reliever of his era, “The Goose” was already a stalwart in the Yankees bullpen by 1979. Demand has pushed his common rookie card north of $100 in top grades. Copies showing Gossage’s iconic windup always attract attention from collectors.

Don Sutton (#290): Already a 19-game winner for the Dodgers in ’78, Sutton was in the prime of his Hall of Fame career. Higher grades around 8 or above have climbed above $100 as Sutton’s career 345 wins are appreciated.

Willie Stargell (#105): “Pops” was in the midst of back-to-back World Series championships while team leader of the “We Are Family” Pirates. Near Mint and better copies have reached $75-100 range for this true MLB ambassador.

While a 1979 Topps baseball complete set remains affordable for most collectors, certain star rookie and veteran cards continue to gain value. With the passage of time heightening appreciation for players like Ripken, Gwynn, Yount and Ryan, condition sensitive favorites from the set maintain relevancy in today’s competitive card market. For those willing to hunt and spend for premium quality, the 1979 Topps release offers opportunities to add premiere pieces of cardboard history to any collection.

MOST EXPENSIVE 1979 TOPPS BASEBALL CARDS

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The 1979 Topps baseball card set is amongst the most iconic and valuable issues ever produced by the Topps chewing gum company. While not quite as renowned as some earlier sets from the 1950s and 1960s, the ’79 Topps cards feature some truly cherished rookie cards and key players from what many consider to be the golden age of the sport. Let’s take an in-depth look at some of the most expensive 1979 Topps cards that are highly sought after by serious collectors.

Perhaps the single most expensive and recognizable card from the set is the rookie card of Hall of Famer Cal Ripken Jr. As the first season card featuring the legendary Baltimore Orioles shortstop, the ’79 Ripken exploded in value in the late 1980s and 1990s as his career achievements cemented his status as one of the game’s greats. In pristine gem mint condition, a PSA 10 graded ’79 Ripken now routinely sells for well over $10,000. Even well-centered near mint copies in the PSA 8-9 range will command several thousand dollars. Ripken’s rookie card remains one of the crown jewels for completionists looking to build a full high-grade set.

Another immensely valuable 1979 rookie card is that of Hall of Fame closer Goose Gossage, perhaps the greatest relief pitcher of his generation. As the star closer for the ’78-’79 Yankees and Pirates teams, Gossage’s card carries tremendous nostalgia and cachet. PSA 10 examples have sold for as much as $9,000, with PSA 9s bringing $3,000-5,000 and PSA 8s still valued around $1,000-2,000 depending on centering and edges. The scarcity of high-grade Gossage rookies makes this a true key card for dedication ’79 Topps collectors.

Hall of Fame third baseman Mike Schmidt headlines another elite trio of expensive 1979 rookie cards. As the heart of the Phillies lineup for over a decade and a three-time NL MVP, Schmidt’s rookie is hugely popular. In a PSA 10 gem mint state, Schmidt rookies have traded hands for $7,000-$8,000 in recent years. Well-centered PSA 9s will cost $3,000-5,000, with PSA 8s in the $1,000-2,000 range. Like Ripken and Gossage before him, the Schmidt rookie is a true blue-chip ’79 issue.

Rounding out the elite rookie trio alongside Schmidt is Chicago Cubs phenom Dave Kingman, whose mammoth home run strokes made him a fan favorite early in his career. In pristine PSA 10 condition, Kingman’s ’79 rookie has sold for up to $5,000. PSA 9s are valued around $2,000-3,000 currently, while a sharp PSA 8 can still fetch $800 or more. Kingman’s prodigious power and Wrigley Field popularity continue to garner strong demand and prices 40+ years later.

Another highly valuable 1977 rookie card is that of Dodgers ace Don Sutton, a legendary workhorse who won 324 career games over 23 big league seasons. PSA 10 Sutton rookies rarely come to market but have sold north of $4,000 when available. PSA 9s bring $2,000-3,000 and PSA 8s around $1,000. Like Ripken and Schmidt, Sutton’s Hall of Fame career and durability has only increased collector interest in his valuable first Topps issue over the decades.

In addition to these prized rookie cards, key veterans from the 1979 set also carry impressive premiums. Perhaps most notably is the card of New York Yankees superstar Reggie Jackson during his famous “Mr. October” years in pinstripes. Jackson smashed three home runs in the 1977 World Series clincher dubbed the “Reggie! Reggie! Reggie!” game and remained one of baseball’s top box office stars through the late 70s. Mint PSA 10 Jacksons have crossed the $4,000 mark, with strong PSA 9s around $2,000-3,000 and PSA 8s holding steady at $800-1,200.

Fellow Bronx Bomber and ace hurler Ron Guidry is another cherished name from the late 1970s Yankees dynasty. “Louisiana Lightning” Guidry won 25 games and posted a dazzling 1.74 ERA in 1978 to take home AL MVP and Cy Young honors. His 1979 Topps card is hotly contested above the $1,000 threshold for PSA 9s and into the $400-600 range for sharp PSA 8s. Guidry’s pinpoint control and brilliant ’78 campaign secure the ’79 card amongst the most iconic Yankees in the set.

Two other marquee veterans that routinely garner four-figure sums are Nolan Ryan and George Brett. As Ryan began establishing himself as the all-time strikeout king with the Angels in 1979, high-grade versions of his iconic “Ryan Express” card continue to sell briskly. PSA 9s go for $1,500-2,000, with PSA 8s around $800. Over in the American League, Royals superstar Brett remained a feared hitter during his 1970s-80s prime. PSA 9 ’79 Bretts sell for $1,000-1,500 and PSA 8s around $600-800 depending on centering. Both future Hall of Famers retain immense popularity with collectors.

While the sheer depth of iconic rookies and stars make it tough to narrow down just a select group, the 1979 Topps Cal Ripken Jr., Goose Gossage, Mike Schmidt, Dave Kingman, Don Sutton, Reggie Jackson, Ron Guidry, Nolan Ryan, and George Brett rookie or star cards stand high above the rest as true crown jewels for dedicated collectors. With a perfect storm of elite young talent, marquee veterans, and enduring nostalgia from the late 1970s, these nine cards will likely remain the most expensive and investment-worthy issues from the entire ’79 Topps set for decades to come. For the serious investor, high-grade copies are an invaluable long-term holding.

1979 O-PEE-CHEE BASEBALL CARDS VALUE

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The 1979 O-Pee-Chee baseball card set is considered one of the more iconic card issues from the 1970s. While it lacks some of the star power and rookie cards of previous years, the 1979 set holds significance as the second to last O-Pee-Chee printed during the “golden age” of baseball cards prior to the surge of licensing deals in the 1980s that changed the baseball card industry forever. Let’s take a closer look at some of the key details and valuations for individual cards from the 1979 O-Pee-Chee set.

Released in the spring of 1979 by O-Pee-Chee, the Canadian subsidiary of Topps, the set features 652 player and manager cards plus additional checklist, record, and manager cards for a total of 660 cards. The design is largely similar to O-Pee-Chee releases from the mid-1970s, with a colorful team logo at the top, action photo of the player, and stats and brief biography on the back. Some notable rookie cards in the set include Rod Carew’s final year, Robin Yount, Dave Parker, and Ron Guidry in one of his best seasons. Many of the game’s biggest stars like Reggie Jackson, Mike Schmidt, and Nolan Ryan had already appeared in previous sets weakening the star power just a bit compared to the 1970s.

In well-centered, near mint condition, common players from the 1979 O-Pee-Chee set typically sell for $1-3. There are always exceptions. Future Hall of Famers like Rod Carew (#1), Robin Yount (#77), Dave Parker (#151) and Ron Guidry (#424) have more demand due to their status and can usually fetch $5-15 each in top-graded condition, if not more for truly pristine “gem mint” copies. Probably the most valuable “common” card is that of Dennis Eckersley (#284). As one of the game’s greatest relief pitchers, there is strong nostalgia for Eck from his playing days with both the Red Sox and A’s. Near mint and gem mint copies can reach $20-40 each.

Some other notables with higher values include Nolan Ryan’s final year with the Angels (#32). Even though it is near the end of his career, collectors are always seeking out “final year” cards of legends. His ’79 card averages around $15-30. Another power pitcher with solid demand is J.R. Richard (#468) of the Astros. Prior to his near fatal stroke in 1980, Richard was dominating MLB with a blazing fastball. Mint copies can reach $25-50 due to his tragic career cut short.Dave Winfield’s first year with the Yankees is featured in card #544. Even though Winfield had several rookie cards in previous years with other teams, his Yankees debut holds nostalgia. Near mint copies sell around $10-25.

Two of the biggest “chase” cards that can provide a real payday if pulled from a pack or obtained raw are #1 Rod Carew and #77 Robin Yount. Carew battled and won his 7th batting title in 1979 hitting .333, while 21-year old Yount smacked 33 homers and drove in 100 runs earning his first All-Star nod. Both are well on their way to the Hall of Fame at this point in their careers. In pristine gem mint 10 condition, their rookie stars command $300-500 each, but more commonly grade at $75-150 in near mint to mint condition.

There are also several stars featured in their early years like #95 Nolan Ryan (Astros), #235 Mike Schmidt (Phillies), and #490 Cal Ripken Jr. (Orioles) that attract premium collector attention despite being reprints of previously released cards from earlier in the decade. Near mint examples can range from $20-80 depending on demand and grading. Ozzie Smith’s rookie card (#476) is also pursued as he was beginning to establish himself as a defensive wizard.

For the very rare 1979 O-Pee-Chee card varieties beyond simple condition, the biggest keys are errors, omissions and variations. A very scarce error print of Leon Roberts (#597) without a team name fetches thousands in pristine condition. The uncorrected proofs of Mike Schmidt (#235) and Bobby Grich (#397) numbering in the single digits are valuable prospects at auction in the $1,000-3,000 range. But the true “crown jewel” variation is the super short print Darrell Porter (#453) card misprinted without a team logo on the front. Only a handful are confirmed to exist and one in pristine condition sold at auction in 2019 for over $15,000, marking one of the most valuable singles from the entire set.

As one of the latter great vintage 1970s issues with a mix of stars, key rookies, and defining moments for future legends, the 1979 O-Pee-Chee baseball set resonates strongly with collectors today. While unlikely to produce cards with true “investment grade” potential outside the variations and errors, the abundance of All-Stars and pivotal players at varied career stages gives the set a broad and colorful historical perspective for both casual fans and serious card collectors alike. With patience and a watchful eye at card shows and auctions, builders of this classic 700+ card roster can still find reasonably priced copies of even the biggest names to add depth and nostalgia to their collections for years to come.

1979 KELLOGG’s 3D BASEBALL CARDS

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In 1979, Kellogg’s cereal released an innovative new baseball card promotion that featured cards printed with three-dimensional images. These “3D” baseball cards were inserted into specially marked boxes of Kellogg’s Corn Flakes, Special K, and Frosted Flakes and captured the imagination of many young baseball fans at the time. The promotion marked one of the earliest widespread uses of lenticular printing technology on consumer products in the United States.

The lenticular printing process used a series of fine vertical lines printed on the cards that contained alternating images behind a wavy lenticular lens. When viewed from slightly different angles, the lens would cause different images to blend together, giving the illusion of depth and motion. On the 1979 Kellogg’s 3D baseball cards, this effect was used to depict players in various actions from their batting stances to the follow through of their swings. Most cards featured two or three action images that would flip between when viewed from the side.

The cards measured approximately 3 1/4 inches by 4 3/4 inches and featured 36 total Major League players, with cards produced for both the American and National Leagues. Some of the biggest stars featured included Reggie Jackson, Mike Schmidt, Steve Garvey, Rod Carew, and Nolan Ryan. The reverse sides of the cards included career statistics along with the player’s name, position, team, and season highlights printed in a flat, non-lenticular format. The lenticular printing process was only applied to the front-facing action images.

When the cards were first released, they represented a cutting-edge novelty in the baseball card industry. Nothing like them had been seen before in terms of incorporating moving images and lenticular technology into traditional sports card designs. They captured the imagination of young collectors and drove excitement for both Kellogg’s cereals and the upcoming 1979 baseball season. Finding prized stars or chasing complete league sets became instant collecting goals for many children of the era.

In addition to driving cereal sales, the 1979 3D cards may have also helped to temporarily reverse a downward trend in the baseball card market that had been seen throughout the 1970s. As interest in cards waned that decade, several major manufacturers like Topps began cutting back on production. The introduction of the innovative Kellogg’s cards sparked new collecting fervor and interest in the hobby, if only briefly. They stood out as unique promotional items and a special thrill for kids to open in their cereal boxes.

While innovative for their time, the 1979 Kellogg’s 3D cards also had their drawbacks. Chiefly, the lenticular lenses and printing process used could be prone to damage or wear if the cards were handled roughly. Over time, excess rubbing or flexing of the lenses risked causing them to peel up from the card surface or lose their alignment of images. Thismade high-grade specimens more elusive to find in preserved condition over 40 years later.

Storage and display was also a consideration, as excessive heat or direct sunlight exposed the fronts of the cards faced similar risks of lenticular image deterioration. Flat storage in protective holders such as magnetic or screw-down cases became recommended as cards were discovered. Toploaders and one-touches had not yet become popular, so preservation was mostly left to the care individual collectors from a young age.

Today, amid growing nostalgia and appreciation for vintage cards from the 1970s and ’80s, the 1979 Kellogg’s 3D issue remains a recognized standalone set in the industry. Condition-graded gems still excite collectors when they cross auction floors, with high-grade examples of stars like Jackson, Schmidt, and Ryan regularly fetching hundreds or even thousands of dollars. Meanwhile, lower-grade copies that still retain partially working lenticular lenses can often be acquired for more reasonable prices.

As one of the first mainstream uses of the lenticular technology on a licensed sports property, the Kellogg’s 3D baseball cards endure as an innovative and pioneering promotional novelty. They still spark nostalgia in Generation X collectors who first discovered the thrill of flipping between moving batting images as children. For their limited production window and unique place in card history, the 1979 Kellogg’s 3D issue continues to inspire intrigue and excitement among vintage enthusiasts today. While not flawless, they were ahead of their time in merging animation and interactivity into the traditional card collecting experience.

In summary, Kellogg’s 1979 3D baseball card promotion featured the first widespread use of lenticular printing on baseball cards and effectively served as a proof of concept. They excited collectors for both their novelty animation features and the stars and players depicted. While not without preservation challenges due to the thin lenticular lenses and printing processes of the time, high-grade specimens remain highly sought after collectibles today – especially of the era’s biggest stars. As a pioneering crossover of technology and sports cards, the 1979 Kellogg’s 3D issue earned its place in hobby history.