The 1973 Topps baseball card set is considered one of the most desirable and valuable sets from the 1970s. While it may not be the flashiest or feature the biggest stars of the era, the 1973 Topps set possesses several attributes that have led to strong collector demand and appreciating values for many of its cards over the past several decades.
Released in the spring of 1973, the set features 660 total cards including regular player cards, manager and coach cards, team cards, and promotional/preview cards. Some notable rookies featured include Andre Dawson, Dave Kingman, Ron Cey, and future Hall of Famer Don Sutton. Across the entire set, the photo and design quality is regarded as excellent for the time period. Photos are sharp and vividly capture the players during their 1972 season. The borders feature a simple yellow and red stripe design that many collectors appreciate for its classic look compared to some of the bolder Border designs Topps would experiment with in later 1970s sets.
Perhaps one of the biggest drivers of the 1973 Topps set’s popularity is that it marked the final year that Topps had the exclusive baseball card license before competition entered the market in 1974. This means the 1973 set is the last “true” complete Topps set prior to the influx of other cardboard companies like Fleer. As the sole mass produced baseball card product of 1973, collectors at the time had no other choice but to collect this set if they wanted a collection featuring the current seasons players.
Of course, condition and grades are vitally important when determining the value of any vintage collectible card. For the 1973 Topps set in particular, finding high grade examples can be quite difficult due to the fragile paper stock used at the time which is prone to creasing or edge wear even from light handling as a child. Top rookie cards or star players that have maintained a sharp vintage look through careful handling and preservation over the past 50 years can demand significant premiums in today’s market.
let’s look at some examples of how individual 1973 Topps card values have increased tremendously since the early collecting boom of the 1980s-90s:
Nolan Ryan #170: One of the defining star cards of the era, Ryan’s rookie card in this set has exploded in value. High grade PSA/BGS 8 or 9 examples now easily fetch $3000-$5000. Even well-centered but lower grade copies in PSA 5-7 condition demand $300-1000.
Mike Schmidt #550: Arguably one of the most iconic rookie cards of any athlete. High grade PSA/BGS 8s are valued between $3500-6000 today depending on market conditions. Slightly played PSA 7s still sell for $1500-2500.
Bench/Morgan/Rose #650: This Cincinnati Reds team leaders card is hugely popular and pricier than most typical team cards of the era. High grade versions change hands for $1500-3000 in today’s market.
Thurman Munson #470: Another star whose tragic early passing adds collector interest. PSA 8s of Munson’s card have reached over $2000 at auction. Well-preserved PSA 7s sell around $800-1200.
Rod Carew #280: Perhaps the strongest overall 1973 performer. Near-mint PSA 8s regularly sell for $1500-2500. Lower grade but still sharp copies in the PSA 5-7 range still fetch $500-1000.
Dick Allen #560: While Allen’s star faded, his 1973 set rookie remains one of the more iconic and sought after from the set. PSA 8 examples change hands for $1200-2000. Lower grades still sell for $400-800.
Bench, Sutton, Kingman Rookies: While not true “rookie” cards, the debut cards of these young stars in 1973 see strong demand. High grade versions regularly sell in the $300-700 range depending on the individual player popularity.
Beyond star cards and coveted rookies, there is strong collector demand for fairly common but high grade examples of any 1973 Topps player cards to completes high-end vintagecollections. Sets in PSA/BGS 8 or 9 condition are nearing the $10,000+ range, a huge boom from when intact sets could be found in the late 80s or early 90s for under $1000.
The 1973 Topps set holds a special place among 1970s collectors for being the last true “monopoly” set before the rise of card competitors. Exceptional condition and eye appeal examples of stars, rookies, and key subsets continue appreciation as vintage baseball collecting grows more popular with each passing year. For patient collectors, the 1973s remain one of the strongest vintage long term investments in the hobby.
