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.

The 1958 Topps baseball card set is one of the most iconic and valuable issues from the 1950s. Featuring stars like Hank Aaron, Willie Mays, and Mickey Mantle on the eve of some of their best seasons, these cards captured the sport during one of its most exciting eras. Now highly sought after by collectors, the condition of a 1958 Topps card has a huge impact on its value. By consulting the PSA price guide, collectors can understand how even subtle differences in grade can mean thousands of dollars when it comes to high-end examples.

As the leading third-party grading service, PSA has meticulously evaluated and assigned rigorous numerical grades to thousands of 1958 Topps cards over the years. Their extensive population data provides collectors with a clear picture of what certain grade levels represent and how frequently true gem mint examples appear. At the top of the PSA scale for this set is a Perfect “10” Grade. As you might expect, PSA “10”s are extremely rare finds that represent less than 1% of the entire 1958 Topps set population. The price premium for receiving this highest possible designation is enormous.

A PSA Gem Mint “10” Hank Aaron, for example, has sold at auction for over $20,000. Even high-profile rookie cards like a “10” graded Willie McCovey or Bob Gibson can sell for $5,000-$10,000. Truly pristine examples of any star are always in high demand and can reach five-figure prices. Of course, the rarer the player, the higher the price. A “10” graded Frank Thomas rookie would likely fetch over $50,000 due to his legendary rookie card’s extreme scarcity in top condition. Getting that perfect grade validates a card reached the absolute pinnacle of preservation.

As condition levels step down to 9.5 and 9 grades, prices soften but still remain strong. A PSA 9.5 Hank Aaron would sell in the $10,000-$15,000 range today, while a PSA 9 could bring $6,000-$8,000 at auction. Other top stars see similar premiums relative to their PSA 10 prices at these sub-gem levels. A 9.5 graded Willie Mays or Mickey Mantle can sell for $8,000-$12,000 each. Even less heralded but key stars sustain four-figure values from PSA 9 down. Reserve your expectations for over $2,000 if hunting a PSA-graded 9 Johnny Podres, Ted Kluszewski, or Bob Lemon.

According to the PSA price guide, condition really starts to separate the rare stars from the role players once you drop to the PSA 8 level. A pristine PSA 8 Hank Aaron may only realize $2,500-$3,500 today. Peers like Willie Mays can still fetch $3,000-$4,500 due to his more iconic status. Finding a PSA 8 graded rookie card of any true hall-of-famer remains a very respectable and worthwhile pickup for a collector. Examples like a Brooks Robinson, Luis Aparicio, or Early Wynn would conservatively sell in the $1,500-$2,000 range. Depth players may level out more in the $500-$1000 arena at this grade point.

Things really bottom out value-wise once you descend to PSA 7 and below according to the guide. Even all-time greats like Mickey Mantle would only command $800-$1,200 in PSA 7 condition. True stars still maintain slight premiums over role players, but across the board prices flatten considerably. Unless exceptionally rare within the graded population registry, most PSA 7 common players can be acquired for $300-$500 or less. Things get slim pickings below that too, as condition levels deteriorate into the PSA 6 and 5 thresholds. Based on recent sales, expect to pay $100-$200 typically for any recognizable name graded a PSA 5.

When consulting the PSA price guide for 1958 Topps cards, collectors must realize even subtle condition variances between a PSA 10, 9.5, or 9 can separate valuations by thousands of dollars – especially for the true stars of the set. More attainable starting points may lie within the PSA 8 bracket depending on the specific player. But condition is king, and the highest technical grades remain where massive premiums occur according to pop report statistics. With such a classic and important release, diligent grading is highly recommended for both buying and selling high-value 1958 Topps baseball treasures.

The 1957 Topps baseball card set ushered in a new era for the collectible card industry. It marked Topps’ first year as the lone major baseball card producer after Bowman Cards ceased production. The 1957 set features photos on a grayish-tan stock and is considered the true start of the “modern era” of baseball cards that lasts to this day.

Given its historical significance, the 1957 Topps set is among the most highly sought after by collectors and investors. Prices for individual cards and complete sets have increased steadily over the decades. Here is an in-depth price guide looking at values for the highest graded collector-quality 1957 Topps cards on the market today based on recent auction results and industry data:

Mickey Mantle (#312) – The Mick’s rookie card from 1952 is arguably the most iconic in the entire hobby. His 1957 Topps card remains extremely coveted as well. In a PSA Gem Mint 10 grade, it can command well over $100,000. Even in an off-center PSA 8, it still fetches thousands. Lower grades still demand five-figure sums.

HoF Rookie Cards – Many Hall of Famers debuted in the 1957 set and their rookie cards set record prices. A PSA 10 of Willie Mays’ rookie would sell for $150,000+. A Hank Aaron rookie PSA 10 brought $275,000 at auction. Roberto Clemente’s perfect rookie recently sold for $90,000. These are some of the best long-term investments in the hobby.

Other Stars – Other star players from the era also see their ’57 Topps fetch high sums. A PSA 10 of Ted Williams would sell for $50,000. A Sandy Koufax PSA 9.5 sold for $37,500. A perfect Warren Spahn went for $30,000. Even in sub-grades, these elite players still trade hands in the four-figure range.

Complete Sets – Finding a 1957 Topps set in high grade is extremely difficult but those that surface break records. In 2016, a PSA-graded complete set achieved a dizzying $258,000 at auction. That was a true “one of one” set in pristine condition across all cards. More common PSA/SGC 8 sets still sell for $15,000+, while lower grades still return $5,000+.

Commons & Short Prints – While the stars draw top dollar, other key cards hold value too. Any PSA 10 of the 12 short printed cards (‘cards past #380’) usually sell for $500+. And high grade commons still trade from $100-300 each in top condition due to scarcity. Even mid-grade examples are at least $20-50 a card depending on player/condition.

Autographs & Memorabilia – Signed ’57s add exponentially to values. A Mantle autographed PSA/DNA authenticated card reached $300,000. Game-used bats or jerseys featuring pieces of ’57 Topps embedded make for truly historical artifacts priced well into six figures.

As the condition and completeness of a 1957 Topps card or set decreases, so does its value significantly. Even moderate wear can cut potential prices in half compared to high grades. Finding intact examples in the wild is exceedingly rare six decades after production. While out of reach for most collectors pricewise today, the ’57 Topps established the modern baseball card era and endures as one of the most beloved issues immortalizing the stars of that generation. With recognizable Hall of Famers on virtually every card, its place in sports collectibles history is secure. For true collectors seeking premier vintage relics to preserve and display, the 1957 Topps set remains the pinnacle of the post-war trading card boom.

The 1957 Topps baseball card set represents the birth of the modern baseball card collecting hobby. Due to its historical significance and star-studded Hall of Fame rookies and players, it consistently achieves record prices especially for high graded examples. While very costly to acquire complete or pristine individual cards of the game’s all-time greats in the five and six figure range, it remains one of the most important and valuable vintage issues. Less expensive but still highly collectible are commons, short prints and average quality cards of the set which allow today’s collectors and investors to own a tangible part of baseball card history from this seminal Topps issue.