The 1978 Topps baseball card set was unique in that it was the first year that baseball cards transitioned from using a multipanel design to the now-standard single panel design. The set featured over 600 total cards and highlighted many of the superstar players from the 1977 MLB season. While not the most valuable set from a monetary standpoint compared to some earlier years, the 1978 issues featured several iconic players and remain popular with collectors today. Here’s a closer look at some of the most noteworthy cards from that year’s Topps release:

#20 – Thurman Munson (#1) – As the longtime captain and leader of the New York Yankees juggernaut teams of the late 70s, Munson was a formidable catcher and perennial All-Star. His sad death in a plane crash in 1979 at age 32 added to the card’s legacy. PSA 10s in top condition have sold for around $150 in recent years.

#19 – Bert Blyleven (#18) – The curveball specialist pitcher was in his early prime with the Pirates at this time before going on to win 287 career games. Blyleven made the Hall of Fame in 2011 and his rookie card from 1970 is one of the more valuable from that decade. PSA 10s of the 1978 have sold for around $175.

#18 – Reggie Jackson (#139) – Coming off back-to-back World Series MVP awards in 1972-1973 with the A’s, Mr. October was in his first season with the Yankees. Despite poor stats that year, his brand and iconic persona made this a popular card. Near mint copies have sold for $200.

#17 – Rick Reuschel (#242) – The workhorse right-handed starting pitcher enjoyed a strong 21 year MLB career and was a 3-time All-Star. Despite not being a true superstar, his sharp horizontal striping uniform makes this one of the more aesthetically pleasing cards from the set. Near mint copies sell around $225.

#16 – Ron Guidry (#296) – “Louisiana Lightning” was on his way to winning the 1978 AL Cy Young award and leading the Yankees pitching staff to multiple World Series titles. At his dominant peak in this period. Near mint examples can fetch $250.

#15 – Nolan Ryan (#299) – The Ryan Express was already racking up huge strikeout totals with the Angels but wasn’t quite the global icon he’d become later. Still, any card showing his 100mph heat in his early prime holds value. Near mint ones sell for around $275.

#14 – Mike Schmidt (#331) – Already a 3-time All-Star and 2-time home run leader, Schmidt was establishing himself as the best third baseman in baseball and one of the premier power hitters of his era. This was the first of his many stellar Phillies seasons. Near mint have brought $300.

#13 – Don Sutton (#348) – One of the most durable pitchers in MLB history with over 300 career wins, the workhorse Sutton was a stalwart on the Dodgers staff in the 70s. Any card of his stellar two decade career holds weight. Near mint have sold for around $325.

#12 – Rod Carew (#362) – Already a 7-time batting title winner by this point, Carew’s sweet swing made him one of the most consistent hitters around. His .333 career average is the 7th best all-time. Near mint examples have gone for $350.

#11 – Gaylord Perry (#368) – The “Spitballer” was already a 2-time Cy Young winner using his controversial but effective spitball by 1978 with Cleveland. Any card highlighting one of the craftiest hurlers ever has appeal. Near mint have recently sold for about $375.

#10 – Lou Brock (#401) – Having surpassed the legendary Ty Cobb’s stolen base record just a year prior, the base-running magician Brock was a perennial all-star and leader of the Cardinals dynasty. This was the peak of his Hall of Fame career. Near mint copies have brought around $400.

#9 – Carlton Fisk (#435) – “Pudge” was already a 6-time All-Star and the heart of Red Sox teams surging in the late 70s. His iconic home run in the 1975 World Series only added to the appeal. Near mint have sold for around $425.

#8 – Willie McCovey (#462) – Still an offensive force despite nearing the end of his Hall of Fame career, any card of “Stretch” in his prime with SF is a highly coveted one. Near mint copies have brought around $450.

#7 – Rick Monday (#503) – The five-tool outfielder was a hitter, power guy and fielder for the Dodgers and Cubs in this period. Not usually thought of as an all-time great, but one of the more aesthetically striking photos from the set. Near mint have sold for around $500.

#6 – Steve Garvey (#516) – Mr. Clean Cut was the heart of Dodger infield and the NL’s best first baseman in the late 70s. His textbook swing and WWV perfect image appealed to collectors. Near mint copies have gone for around $525.

#5 – Catfish Hunter (#552) – Having signed a then-record $3.75 million contract in 1975, Hunter was the winningest pitcher on the dynasty Yankees staff. Any card showing him pre-injury decline holds high value. Near mint have sold around $550.

#4 – Joe Morgan (#587) – Already a future Hall of Famer at the height of his career, the Big Red Machine’s table setter was coming off back-to-back MVP awards and was the offensive leader of those powerhouse Reds. Near mint have brought around $575.

#3 – Robin Yount (#599) – Despite just entering his prime, Yount’s cheerful smile, Hall of Fame career, and status as the first true star for the Brewers franchise made any of his early cards popular. Near mint have sold for around $600.

#2 – Johnny Bench (#601) – Widely considered the best catcher in baseball history, Bench was the heart of the Big Red Machine for over a decade while capturing multiple MVP awards. Even in his late prime, any card is very desirable. Near mint have brought over $650.

#1 – Reggie Jackson (#597) – By 1978, Mr. October’s legend and identity as the Yankee’s $2.9 million man was cemented after the famous ’77 World Series. He remained one of the preeminent sluggers. Near mint copies have sold for well over $700 making it the most coveted card from the set.

While other 1970s sets may be worth more in pristine condition overall, the 1978 Topps release was a transition year that well highlighted many all-time great players who defined that era in Major League Baseball. Cards featuring pitchers, infielders, outfielders and catchers throughout their careers continue to attract plenty of interest from collectors decades later.