One of the most prolific strikeout pitchers in MLB history, Nolan Ryan dominated on the mound for 27 years from 1966-1993. As such, Ryan has many valuable baseball cards from his long career spent with the Mets, Angels, Astros and Rangers. Some of his most valuable and sought after cards include:

1966 Topps Nolan Ryan Rookie Card (#516): As Ryan’s only true rookie card issued by Topps during his rookie season of 1966 with the Mets, this is one of the key cards for any Ryan collection and among the most valuable. In near mint to mint condition, examples can fetch thousands of dollars with some selling for over $10,000. Even well-centered copies in excellent condition can sell for $1,000 or more. The 1966 Topps set is one of the most iconic of all-time and Ryan’s rookie card stands out as one of the biggest stars from that year.

1968 Topps Nolan Ryan (#574): While not technically a rookie card since it was issued after his first two MLB seasons, the 1968 Topps card is still highly significant as one of the earliest Ryan cards showing him as an established young pitcher. It also captures him during his early days with the Mets before being traded to the Angels. High grade copies in near mint to mint condition can sell for $500-1000, though exceptional gems could command over $2000.

1971 Topps Nolan Ryan (#570): The 1971 card shows Ryan entering his prime years with the California Angels and is one of the most visually striking from his earlyTopps cards. It highlights his dominance on the mound with an action pose mid-pitch. Mint condition examples regularly sell for $300-500 but the highest graded gems in PRistine MT-10 can reach the $1,000-1,500 range.

1972 Topps Nolan Ryan (#607): Another eye-catching action image, this time with Ryan winding up for a pitch during his breakout 1972 season when he led the AL with 329 strikeouts. Near mint to mint copies trade hands for $150-300.

1974 Topps Nolan Ryan (#621): Ryan’s 1974 season was one of his most impressive as he notched one of his then-record 7 no-hitters. This card captures the excitement of his achievements that year. Near mint and better copies sell in the $75-150 range.

1980 Topps Traded Nolan Ryan (#T79T): Issued midway through the 1980 season after Ryan was traded from the Angels to the Houston Astros, this Traded card is one of the scarcer Ryan rookie cards since it was only available via the 1980 Topps Traded set. Finding high grade examples can be difficult but mint condition copies have sold for over $1,000.

1983 Topps Nolan Ryan (#454): One of Ryan’s most iconic cards showing him throwing an early high leg kick in an Angels uniform. It reminds fans of his dominance during the 1980s. Near mint and better copies in strong demand typically sell for $50-100.

1987 Topps Nolan Ryan (#745): Captures Ryan during the 1987 season when he set the career strikeout record. Strong examples in near mint to mint grade command $25-50.

1991 Topps Traded Nolan Ryan (#T91): Marks Ryan’s brief stint back with the Astros in 1991 after leaving the Rangers. As a short print card available only in the Traded set, it remains one of his scarcer issues post-1980s. Near mint copies sell for $15-30.

Besides his Topps flagship rookie and primary issues, Ryan also had valuable cards released in the 1970s/1980s via various oddball and regional sets like 1973 Deckle Edge, 1977 Kellogg’s, and 1987 Score that can reach $50-100+ in top grades depending on scarcity and condition.

Post-playing career cards like 1993 Upper Deck Nolan Ryan Manager Card (#310) and 1994 Collector’s Choice Threads of Cooperstown inductee card are popular with collectors given they commemorate Ryan’s Hall of Fame induction and transition to manager/exec roles after retiring.

While even his most common cards retain value due to his legendary status, Nolan Ryan’s true rookie from 1966 along with other key 1970s/1980s issues representing his prime years dominate as the most expensive and desirable among card collectors. Condition is critical, with mint versions of his rookies easily bringing thousands. But affordably graded copies of almost any Ryan issue are welcomed additions to any collection celebrating one of the greatest pitchers in baseball history.