The 1976 Topps baseball card set is considered one of the classic and most desirable issues in the hobby’s history. Over the years, certain cards have gained more recognition and value than others due to a player’s iconic status, unique photos, or other collectible attributes. Here are some of the standout 1976 Topps baseball cards that have stood the test of time:

Reggie Jackson #1: Widely acknowledged as the most valuable regular issue card in the set, Jackson’s iconic photo of him at the plate in a Yankees uniform makes this a truly historical cardboard. In poor condition, it still fetches over $100 raw. Top graded examples have sold for thousands. Seeing Jackson in pinstripes immediately after winning the 1977 World Series MVP put him on a new level of superstardom.

George Brett #450: Brett was just starting to emerge as the Royals’ new star in 1976 with this classic action shot. It has proven to be a premier rookie card as Brett went on to a Hall of Fame career and is still considered one of the best third basemen ever. High grades bring several hundred dollars while even well-loved copies sell for over $50.

Thurman Munson #528: As the Yankees’ captain and heart-and-soul, Munson’s untimely death in a plane crash at age 32 added tremendous notoriety and collectibility to his rookie card. The card depicts Munson catching, one of the most iconic positions in baseball. Higher grades command four-figure sums with most being worth $100+.

Steve Garvey #499: The All-Star first baseman is shown rounding the bases in this ultra-popular Dodgers card. Like Munson, Garvey was a fan favorite and club leader. The simple action photo remains a classic. High-grade examples have eclipsed $200 with average copies valuable at $15-30 due to consistent demand.

Nolan Ryan #534: Even as a young Angels flamethrower early in his career, Ryan was already gaining attention as a fireballer. This card depicts the legendary hurler in fierce pitching form. Now the career strikeout king, it’s considered one of the best rookie cards in the set at $40-100+ depending on condition.

Dave Parker #87: “The Cobra” was a true five-tool superstar in his prime with the Pirates. This stylish photo highlights his nickname perfectly as he coils to swing. Aside from being a spectacular player, the unique image propelled this into the top 20 most valuable regular issues at $20-50.

Tom Seaver #251: Seaver was the biggest star on the Big Red Machine Reds and one of the best pitchers of all-time. His perfect delivery form is captured here perfectly and remains one of the most iconic baseball photos ever printed on a card. Higher grades bring $150-300 due to Seaver’s iconic status.

Reggie Smith #594: Smith was a solid part of the Dodgers and Red Sox clubs he played for, but this dramatic action card of Smith jumping for a fly ball really stands out as one of the coolest action shots in the set. Its well-deserved popularity holds strong value around $20-40.

Johnny Bench #90: As the greatest catcher ever, Bench was the NL’s biggest star of the 1970s. This classic Reds card pictures him squaring to bunt, one of the hobby’s most identifiable images. Even in played condition, it remains among the most affordably priced star cards at $10-15, while grades of PSA 8 or better top $200.

Lou Brock #537: Perhaps one of the best-known cards in the set even without a flashy photo, Brock’s record-breaking speed was legendary. The simple Cardinal uniform shot plays off nostalgia for his stolen base feats. Many consider this a true “icon” card worth $10-30 based on condition.

Bucky Dent #648: Rarely is a role player like Dent featured so prominently, but his dramatic home run lifted the Yankees over Boston in 1978 became one of baseball’s iconic Game 3 moments. Pictures him swinging for extra notoriety at $10-25.

Nolan Ryan #534: This exciting insert highlights Ryan’s famous mound wars against Reggie Jackson. Its 1 in 18 rarity brings $50-125 for a memorable “mini” card capturing a legendary rivalry.

Those capture many of the most historically significant, visually appealing, and valuable regular issues from the 1976 Topps baseball card set over 45 years later. Several have endured to become veritable icons not just in the hobby but of American culture itself. For collectors and fans alike, they spark nostalgia and represent important chapters in baseball history frozen in cardboard.