The 1973 Topps baseball card set was issued during a time of transition in the hobby. While most kids were still eagerly pursuing complete sets, a growing collector culture was forming that appreciated certain cards for their scarcity and the players depicted. The 1973 set is notable for featuring future Hall of Famers like Nolan Ryan, Reggie Jackson, and Johnny Bench in their baseball primes. Several factors influence the value of these older issues, including limited production runs, the prominence of certain players, and their condition decades later. Here are some of the most valuable 1973 Topps cards to look out for:
#247 Nolan Ryan (Astros) – This card can fetch over $10,000 in Near Mint-Mint condition. Nolan Ryan was already establishing himself as a flamethrower for Houston, and this issue captures “The Ryan Express” in action, making it one of his more iconic early cards. Ryan’s Hall of Fame career only enhanced desire for any of his early rookie and star cards over the years. The combination of his talent and the card’s sharp visuals drive values high for graded gems of this coveted issue.
#97 Johnny Bench (Reds) – As arguably the greatest catcher in baseball history and a true legend of the 1970s Big Red Machine dynasty, any Bench card holds value. His main 1973 issue stands out as one of the most financially significant from the set. High-grade copies in Near Mint to Gem Mint condition have sold at auction for around $4,000-$6,000. Bench was a multi-time MVP and World Series champion entering his athletic prime during this transitional period for the hobby.
#21 Nolan Ryan (Astros) – A slightly different action shot of Ryan sporting his classic Astros uniform makes this a parallel key card to his main ’73 issue. While not quite as collectible on its own merits, graded Mint or better examples can still demand $2,000-$3,500 due to Ryan’s universal popularity. Having another prominent image from the season increased overall collector demand for any relic from his early Houston days.
#550 Hank Aaron (Braves) – While not quite the household name he would become with his record-breaking 715th home run just a year later, Aaron was already a living legend for the Braves in 1973. Near Mint or better copies of his final card produced while still an active player have reached $3,000 at auction. Aaron’s status as one of the game’s true goodwill ambassadors created reverence for any relics from his trailblazing career.
#1 Mike Schmidt (Phillies) – No one could have predicted Schmidt would go on to become a Phillies icon and third baseman for the ages back in 1973, his rookie season. But demand for the first card in the set featuring the future home run and RBI machine helps values climb to $2,000-$3,000 for well-preserved high-grade examples. Schmidt may not have been a household name yet, but collectors recognized his early breakout potential from this exciting introduction.
#610 Reggie Jackson (A’s) – “Mr. October” was already establishing his playoff heroics with Oakland in 1973 on the way to three World Series rings. Near Mint copies of this dynamic action pose from his “Swingin’ A’s” days top out around the $2,500 mark. Jackson’s brand of clutch hitting under pressure and five home run performance in the 1977 World Series only augmented interest in his early starring issues later in collector culture.
#660 Willie Mays (Mets) – One of the game’s true ambassadors and perhaps the greatest all-around player of all-time, Mays was playing out the string of his Hall of Fame career as a Met in ’73. Near Mint copies can command $1,500–$2,000 based on respect for Mays and his ceremonial farewell seasons in New York. His smooth left-handed swing remained picture perfect for collectors even in the twilight of a storied 22-year career.
#666 Brooks Robinson (Orioles) – While not quite in the same household name category as some others today, “The Human Vacuum Cleaner” was still a defensive wizard and key part of Baltimore’s world championship core in the early 70s. Near Mint ’73 examples often trade hands for $1,000-$1,500. Pitchers benefited from Robinson’s sure glove at third, and collectors feel the same appreciation for one of his final prominent starring cards from Baltimore.
#680 Roberto Clemente (Pirates) – A tragic end to one of baseball’s classiest careers helps drive values for any relic from Clemente’s playing days. Near Mint copies of this thoughtfully posed card generally exceed $1,000. Clemente was not only one of the game’s first true Latin American stars but also spent his entire 18-year career brilliantly representing the Pirates franchise. His legacy and humanitarian spirit created enduring reverence among fans and collectors alike long after his 1972 plane crash.
While values naturally fluctuate based on overall hobby conditions and the unique attributes of each individual card, these 1973 Topps issues of superstar players and future Hall of Famers continue capturing collectors’ imaginations and breaking hobby records when pristine examples emerge on the market. The combination of memorable poses, prominent players and franchises, and the cards’ influence during a pivotal shift toward serious collection all contribute to their blues-chip status among vintage baseball memorabilia from the 1970s and beyond.
