The 1978 Topps baseball card set is one of the most iconic issues in the entire hobby. It features future Hall of Famers like Nolan Ryan, George Brett, and Mike Schmidt on the verge of entering their primes. Some key rookie cards also debuted that year. While it may not contain any ultra-high-end memorabilia cards like modern sets, the ’78 Topps set still has plenty of valuable gems that connect to prestigious players and their career accomplishments. Here are the 10 most valuable 1978 Topps baseball cards based on PSA 10 Gem Mint graded prices:

#660 Paul Molitor – Molitor put together a fine 21-year career that saw him inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2004. His rookie card in the ’78 Topps set featuring his stint with the Milwaukee Brewers has found steady demand due to his playing accolades. PSA 10 examples have sold for around $150.

#1 Nolan Ryan – Arguably the greatest strikeout pitcher ever, Ryan’s intimidating presence and record-setting stats create excitement for any of his vintage issues. This base rookie card of him as an Angel has crossed the $200 mark in pristine condition.

#309 Ron Guidry – “Louisiana Lightning” Guidry won the AL Cy Young Award in 1978 after posting a 25-3 record and 1.74 ERA for the Yankees. His strong breakout campaign makes this his most valuable base card at $225 PSA 10 value.

#253 Mike Schmidt – Schmidt was already well on his way to a Hall of Fame career by 1978 with the Phillies. Widely considered one of the best right-handed power hitters ever, high-grade examples of his cards retain solid interest. A PSA 10 checks in around $235.

#450 Lou Brock – Brock amassed over 3000 career hits primarily with the Cardinals and Cubs after being a key part of St. Louis’ 1964 and 1967 World Series championship teams. The speedster stole over 900 bases and his ’78 tops rookie card has PSA 10s at $250.

#83 George Brett – Brett would go on to have a stellar 21-year career entirely with the Kansas City Royals, winning three batting titles. This is his second year card and PSA 10s have broken the $300 mark reflecting his outstanding resume.

#638 Cal Ripken Jr. – Ripken made his MLB debut in 1981 but his rookie card is from 1978 Topps since he didn’t have enough plate appearances in ’81 Topps to qualify. Widely considered one of the best shortstops ever, a PSA 10 Ripken RC gets close to $350.

#235 Dave Parker – Parker won the NL MVP Award in 1978 after hitting .334 with 25 home runs and 113 RBIs for the Pirates. He also captured back-to-back batting titles in ’76-’77. High grades of his iconic afro with Pirates uniform can reach $375.

#161 Ted Simmons – Simmons had a 21-year career mostly splitting time between the Cardinals and Brewers as a catcher. This is technically his rookie card despite scoring MVP votes previously. PSA 10 copies are progressively pushing the $400 threshold.

#1 Gaylord Perry – Perry was already a star when this card was issued after being traded to the Braves in the offseason. The crafty knuckleballer would go on to win the CY Young in both leagues and make the Hall of Fame. As one of the most iconic photos in the set, PSA 10s have crossed $500.

While it may not contain the true rookie cards of superstars like Mike Piazza, Craig Biggio, or Tom Glavine, the 1978 Topps baseball set endures because of its connections to so many productive MLB careers. Modern grading has identified the true premium standouts, with the Perry and Simmons rookie cards leading the way due to their rarity and subjects’ dominance. For collectors, hunting down high-grade copies of these valuable ’78s remains a worthwhile endeavor.