The 1970s were a transformative time for baseball cards. After decades of being inserted in packs of gum and candy, collectors started to view cards as valuable commodities rather than fleeting playthings. Several stars cemented their legends in the 1970s like Hank Aaron chasing Babe Ruth’s home run record and Reggie Jackson winning three World Series MVP awards. Their rookie cards from earlier decades suddenly took on new significance. Meanwhile, exciting young talents like George Brett and Nolan Ryan burst onto the scene giving collectors brand new cards to covet. If you’re looking to invest in vintage 1970s cardboard, here are some of the most desirable and valuable baseball cards from that dynamic decade.

1971 Topps #188 Hank Aaron: Hank Aaron’s chase of Babe Ruth’s all-time home run record was one of the biggest stories in baseball in the early 1970s. As Aaron closed in on Ruth each season, collectors snatched up his 1971 Topps card depicting him in a Braves uniform. In gem mint condition, it can fetch over $10,000 today. Even well-worn copies sell for hundreds because it captures Hammerin’ Hank in the midst of his historic quest.

1974 Topps #1 Hank Aaron: After overcoming intense racism to surpass Babe Ruth with 755 career home runs in 1974, Aaron’s accomplishment was depicted on the very first card in that year’s Topps set. In pristine condition, it can sell for well over $25,000. Just about the most iconic baseball card of the pre-1980s era, it marks one of the greatest achievements in sports history.

1974 Topps #500 Nolan Ryan: Nolan Ryan’s vicious 100 mph fastball made quite an impression during his early years with the California Angels. His 1974 Topps issue shows him mid-windup and is one of the most coveted cards for fans of “The Ryan Express.” High grades can fetch $20,000 thanks to Ryan cementing his reputation as perhaps the greatest flamethrower ever during this era.

1975 Topps #1 Jim Rice: As a 23-year old Red Sox phenom, Jim Rice slammed 32 homers and drove in 105 runs on his way to AL Rookie of the Year honors in 1974. His flagship 1975 Topps rookie card became a must-have for Boston fans and collectors alike. In near-mint condition, it can sell for over $15,000 now due to Rice’s Hall of Fame caliber career.

1976 Topps #630 Reggie Jackson: “Mr. October” stamped his name into October lore in 1977 when he slugged three homers in the Yankees’ clinching World Series win over the Dodgers. His 1976 Topps issue depicts him batting for the Yankees after coming over from Oakland. Highly graded versions sell for up to $10,000 since it captures Jackson just before he cemented his postseason legend.

1977 Topps #90 George Brett: Future Hall of Famer George Brett broke into the league with the Kansas City Royals in 1973 but it was during the later 1970s that he started displaying his superb hitting ability. His 1977 Topps rookie card remains a widely sought treasure. Near-mint examples can sell for over $7,500 now.

1977 Topps #500 Pete Rose: In his drive to break Ty Cobb’s all-time hits record, “Charlie Hustle” Pete Rose amassed over 200 hits for the fifth straight season in 1977. His 1977 Topps issue showing him batting for the Reds is one of the more iconic cards from the 1970s. High grades in excellent condition can command up to $4,000.

1978 Topps #1 Ron Guidry: Lefty Ron Guidry put together one of the greatest pitching seasons in history in 1978 when he went 25-3 with a 1.74 ERA to lead the Yankees staff. His flagship 1978 Topps rookie card became a must-have. Now in demand for any Yankees collection, mint condition versions sell for around $3,000.

1979 O-Pee-Chee #132 Dave Parker: ‘The Cobra’ Dave Parker was one of the NL’s top sluggers throughout the late 1970s with the Pirates. His 1979 O-Pee-Chee issue has become an affordable key rookie card for just under $1,000 in top shape thanks to Parker’s two NL batting titles.

While the stars above represent premium gold from the 1970s, there are also deals to be had. Solid condition common rookie cards for future Hall of Famers like Gary Carter and Eddie Murray can be acquired in the $200-500 range. And stellar veterans like Fergie Jenkins, Steve Garvey or Mike Schmidt have affordable issues under $100 even in high grades. For collectors looking to invest in the foundational era of modern card collecting, the 1970s remains a stellar starting point.