The Most Valuable 1970s Baseball Cards

The 1970s were a fascinating period for baseball card collecting, introducing some truly memorable all-timers while struggling to meet the heights of the 60s. 1970s Topps baseball cards, in particular, were highlights of the period. Find the best 1970 baseball cards worth your money with this Giant Sports Cards guide.

Pricing The 70s

While the general principles of sports cards (condition, rarity, demand) still apply, sports card cases from the 1970s were also affected by a few unique factors. Keep these points in mind when you’re assessing cards from this era.

• Condition Sensitivity: 1970s cards were notorious—even at the time!—for being prone to condition issues. The card stock used to print sports cards during this period was less durable than before, making even the most valuable 1970s baseball cards susceptible to chipping, edge wear, and defects. Centering was also a major issue since printing technology hadn’t quite reached the heights we’re familiar with today.
  
  What does that mean for you? Finding high-grade 70s cards is incredibly challenging today, making PSA 9s and 10s very valuable, with prices significantly declining for 7s and 8s.
  
  
• Multi-Player Cards: One of the most notable new trends in baseball card boxes was the rise of multi-player rookie cards, especially in Topps sets. Multi-player cards are generally considered less valuable today than single rookie pieces, but some collectors are always willing to pay a premium for the novelty alone. Some of the most valuable 1970s baseball cards are multi-player releases like Ryan/Munson.
  
  
• Design Changes: Topps baseball cards from the 1970s are also notable for introducing a design change that continues today. This period saw the switch from the primarily black-bordered cards to the large-photo format introduced in the mid-70s. Collectors who love tracking the evolution of Topps sports cards will want to pay extra attention to this era.

The Biggest Cards Of The 1970s

1973 Topps Rookie 3rd Basemen (Cey/Hilton/Schmidt)

This multi-player card features some of the biggest players at the time, but most of its value comes from including Mike Schmidt. Considered one of the greatest third basemen of all time, Schmidt is a three-time MVP who still commands impressive prices today. Ron Cey and John Hilton, also featured on the card, are just as remarkable in their own right, with Hilton going on to have a memorable international career for the Yakult Sparrows.

As one of the most valuable 1970s baseball cards, this piece was last sold for $234,000 (PSA 10). 

1979 Topps Ozzie Smith

Ozzie Smith is mainly remembered as one of the greatest baseball players of the 80s, but his rookie card debut falls in the 70s. This 1970 baseball card is worth the money as it celebrates an icon of the sport, fondly known as the ‘Wizard of Oz’ for winning 12 Golden Gloves in a row.

Like with many Topps baseball cards from the 1970s, only a handful of high-quality Ozzie Smith cards are around today. A PSA 10 version of this piece was last priced at around $144,000. This particular card is notorious for its off-center prints, making those pristine copies much more valuable today.

1975 Topps George Brett

Mike Schmidt isn’t the only 3rd baseman on our list of the most valuable 1970s baseball cards. Brett and Schmidt were both neck-to-neck in terms of athletic performance, and their card values reflect that close competition, with Brett being priced at $147,483.

It’s also worth pointing out that George Brett achieved a feat only a few players had ever come close to at the time. His .390 batting average in 1980 was the closest any player had come to hitting .400 since Ted Williams, helping Brett cement his place as an all-time sports trading card icon.

1971 Topps Thurman Munson

This card holds significant value for two reasons, most notably the tragic circumstances surrounding Munson’s career. As one of the most valuable 1970s baseball cards, this one was released just before the rising star’s unfortunate accident, turning it into a legendary memento for Yankees fans worldwide.

This $200,000 card is also notable for its unique design compared to other 1970s Topps baseball cards, contrasting the usual black border with green text and a sideways image of the Yankees captain in action. 

1971 Topps Bert Blyleven

Bert Blyleven might be the first Dutch-American to be inducted into the Hall of Fame, but he isn’t on this list for his performance on the field. Some might even argue he’s one of the lowest performers on here. So, what makes this one of the most valuable 1970s baseball cards?

It all comes down to rarity and design. As a classic black-border Topps rookie card, this is the quintessential 70s sports card for many baseball fans. Unfortunately, that same design also makes it very vulnerable to minor chips and tears. If you can snag a well-preserved version of this sports card at an event, this 1970s baseball card might be worth the money in a few years. A PSA 10 grade of this card is currently worth $138,000.

1970 Topps Nolan Ryan

When it comes to sports card releases, you’ll notice that most of the higher-priced cards are rookies. The 1970 Nolan Ryan is an exception to that rule. As one of the most valuable 1970s baseball cards, this second-year piece celebrates Ryan’s legendary fastballs and no-hitters. Collectors can pick this one up for just over $132,000.

Enter The Hall of Fame

Whether you’re collecting legendary Topps baseball cards or looking out for upcoming sports card releases, everything’s easier with Giant Sports Cards. Pick up exclusive, autographed memorabilia at our sports card store, or shop online and get free shipping on orders over $199. Unbox Your Love Of The Game™ today.