The 1968 Topps baseball card set is considered one of the most iconic issues in the hobby’s history. With 714 total cards in the base set, the 1968 offering featured some of the biggest stars and best rookie cards of that era. Several cards from the 1968 Topps set command big money today thanks to their historical significance and condition rarity in the market. Here are some of the most valuable 1968 Topps baseball cards collectors seek after:
Nolan Ryan (#506) – One of the true Holy Grail cards of the set, Nolan Ryan’s rookie is iconic. Commemorating the start of the Ryan Express’s journey, the card captures a 20-year-old hurler delivering for the New York Mets. High grade examples can fetch over $20,000 when they surface, thanks to Ryan’s status as one of the greatest pitchers ever. Even well-loved copies trade in the $4,000 range.
Tom Seaver (#250) – Seaver’s first Bowman issue in 1966 is the bigger ticket item of his early career cards. But his 1968 Topps rookie is highly desired too. As the ace of the “Amazin’ Mets” world championship teams, Tom Terrific is a legend of the sport. Mint Seaver ’68s have cracked five figures before. Most grade around $3,000-$5,000 in top condition.
Carl Yastrzemski (#327) – Yaz already had an MVP under his belt for the Boston Red Sox by 1968. Still, collectors love this card as it portrays him in the prime of his Hall of Fame career. Few ’68 Yaz rookies attain the lofty grades needed to justify a price exceeding $6,000. But a true gem-mint copy could be worth far more to the right collector.
Johnny Bench (#537) – Bench’s rookie for the Cincinnati Reds is one of the most significant cards issued that year, heralding the arrival of one of baseball’s all-time greatest catchers. As the face of the Big Red Machine dynasty, Bench is a career Cincinnati legend. In pristine condition with sharp corners and centered color, his ’68 Topps rookie can net over $10,000.
Reggie Jackson (#528) – Mr. October’s rookie card with the Athletics is highly significant too. Before his fame with the Bronx Bombers of the 1970s, Reggie broke in with Oakland in 1967. Any copy of this elusive card grading high can attract bids over $8,000 when offered publicly. Even well-loved specimens sell for $2,000+ based on historical value.
Orlando Cepeda (#50) – Cepeda won the 1967 National League MVP award with the St. Louis Cardinals and is depicted in this eye-catching ‘68 Topps issue. High grade certified copies of his dramatic Giants rookie card have hit $15,000. Most examples owned for decades fall in the $2,500 range today.
Don Drysdale (#559) – The Hall of Fame Dodger hurler looks stoic on this iconic card issued during his standout career year of 1968. One of the most memorable images from the set. Top grade Drysdale rookies change hands for $4,000 plus, given his legendary status on notoriously powerful Los Angeles clubs.
Juan Marichal (#375) – “The Dominican Dandy” was an ace on consistently great mid-1960s San Francisco Giants clubs. This engaging card portrays him readying his windup. High certified grades can lift Marichal’s rookie value above the $7,500 mark in the current market. Most ordinary used copies trade for $2,000.
Bob Gibson (#491) – The intimidating fireballer’s rookie captures him during his NL Pitcher of the Year campaign for St. Louis in ’68. The picture combines Gibson’s talent with his intense competitive nature. Top Gibson rookies can now surpass $10,000 at population report thresholds. The standard ask is $3,000-$5,000 for average wear copies.
Ron Santo (#644) – The slugging Cubs’ third baseman enjoyed arguably his best season offensively the year of this card’s release. “CRACKER JACK” lettering across the bottom adds nostalgic flair. Top condition is critical to maximizing a Santo rookie’s worth above the $4,000 range today. More typical specimens sell between $1,500-$2,500.
Given the historic players, storylines, and composition quality within the 1968 Topps set, selected key rookie cards especially should maintain strong collector demand for decades to come. Proper care, knowledge, and certification can ensure maximum monetary return down the line for these true baseball relics still exciting fans over half a century later. The 1968s blend compelling photographic imagery with watershed rookie introductions like few other issues in the hobby.
