1970 Topps Card Value Guide

Baseball Set

By Bob Villemure • Updated July 20, 2025

# 1970 Topps | Baseball Set Review & Card Values (Updated July 2025)

Set Overview

The 1970 Topps Baseball set is a hallmark of the golden age of baseball cards, renowned for its understated elegance and the introduction of significant rookie cards, including the legendary Thurman Munson. This set uniquely features a gray border, which, while prone to showing wear, adds a distinct visual character that makes the cards instantly recognizable. The 720-card set marked an era where collecting was as much about the joy of the hobby as it was about investment potential. Among its highlights are several key rookie cards, like Burt Blyleven's, and stars like Johnny Bench, Reggie Jackson, and Pete Rose, which continue to captivate collectors. Today, the set is revered not only for its historical significance but also for its aesthetic and nostalgic appeal.

Quick-Stats Panel

As of mid-2025, market insights from platforms like eBay, Goldin, and PWCC show that the 1970 Topps Baseball set retains strong demand across all grading tiers. PSA 9 and 10 graded cards see the most significant premiums, often commanding prices up to ten times those of their lower-graded counterparts. The scarcity of high-grade examples, due to the set's age and delicate border design, adds to their allure. While wax boxes of the 1970 set are almost mythical in their rarity, single cards, especially key stars and rookies, are actively traded. The market has observed consistent interest, with slight upticks around major baseball events and anniversaries related to the iconic players of the era.

Price Table

Card	PSA 10	PSA 9	PSA 8	PSA 1
Thurman Munson #189	$50,000	$15,000	$4,000	$100
Reggie Jackson #140	$35,000	$10,000	$2,500	$80
Johnny Bench #660	$30,000	$8,000	$2,000	$70
Nolan Ryan #712	$45,000	$12,000	$3,500	$90
Willie Mays #600	$40,000	$11,000	$3,000	$85

12-Month Set Trend Summary

Over the past year, the market for the 1970 Topps Baseball set has been relatively stable, with occasional spikes tied to the nostalgia-driven resurgence of interest in vintage cards. The passing of several baseball legends featured in the set has also sparked renewed attention. Influencers within the hobby have shone a spotlight on Thurman Munson's rookie card, further elevating its status. Additionally, the 50th anniversaries of notable player achievements brought increased visibility and demand to the set.

Chase Cards to Know

Thurman Munson #189:

The rookie card that every collector dreams of owning. It's the crown jewel of the set, revered for its significance and rarity in high grades.

Nolan Ryan #712:

A card that holds perpetual value due to Ryan's legendary status and continued relevance in baseball fandom.

Reggie Jackson #140:

Known for his career-defining moments, this card remains a top target for both its historical value and collectability.

Johnny Bench #660:

A key card for one of the greatest catchers in baseball history, adding depth to any collection.

Willie Mays #600:

A must-have for its portrayal of one of the greatest players to ever grace the diamond, especially coveted in pristine condition.

Population Report + Scarcity Analysis

The PSA population report indicates that fewer than 5% of the 1970 Topps cards have been graded in mint condition, with Munson’s rookie card being particularly scarce. This low percentage highlights the challenges of finding cards with sharp corners and clean borders due to the gray border design. SGC's data corroborates these findings, noting that even a small increase in condition can lead to exponential value differences. The rarity of high-grade examples suggests strong long-term investment potential, as the market consistently rewards these scarce gems.

Breaker Appeal & Box Value

Sealed wax boxes from the 1970 Topps Baseball set are virtually non-existent in the market, commanding premiums when they do surface due to their rarity and historical value. Breakers tend not to focus on vintage sets like this one due to high costs and the risk of damaged cards. However, should a box be available, the hit odds and potential ROI are tantalizing, given the demand for iconic cards within the set. Box configurations typically included 24 packs with 10 cards each, making any unopened packs a treasure trove for collectors.

Buy/Sell/Hold Outlook

For seasoned investors and collectors, the 1970 Topps Baseball set offers a robust opportunity, especially regarding high-grade singles. Holding onto sealed boxes, if you possess them, is advisable due to their rarity and historical significance. Key singles, particularly those of influential players like Munson and Ryan, remain solid buys for long-term appreciation. However, patience is crucial, as market dips can provide more favorable entry points for new acquisitions. ---

FAQs

🔥 Top 6 Auctions by Bids:

1970 Topps Baseball Partial Set (430) VG to EXMINT *GMCARDS*
$122.50 · 87 bids · 5 days 1 hours 42 minutes
1970 Topps Baseball Partial Set 312/720 Brooks Frank Robinson Carew HOF w/Binder
$66.65 · 67 bids · 3 hours 5 minutes
1965 Topps Set-Break # 16 Joe Morgan NM-MT OR BETTER *GMCARDS*
$460.00 · 49 bids · 2 hours 20 minutes
1970 Topps Baseball COMPLETE SET All 720. Munson RC Mays Aaron Clemente Ryan
$666.00 · 34 bids · 2 days 0 hours 7 minutes
1970 Topps Set-Break #350 Roberto Clemente NM-MT OR BETTER *GMCARDS*
$400.00 · 25 bids · 1 days 2 hours 43 minutes
1970 Topps Set-Break #189 Thurman Munson VG-VGEX (crease) *GMCARDS*
$20.55 · 23 bids · 4 days 5 hours 6 minutes

FAQs

Is 1970 Topps | Baseball Set a good set to invest in long-term?

Yes, due to its historical importance and iconic rookies like Thurman Munson, it remains a solid investment.

What are the most valuable cards in the 1970 Topps | Baseball Set?

The Thurman Munson #189, Nolan Ryan #712, and Reggie Jackson #140 lead the value charts.

Should I grade cards from this set?

Only cards in strong condition with high visual appeal are worth grading—especially stars and key rookies.

How rare are unopened boxes of 1970 Topps | Baseball Set?

Extremely rare. Most surviving wax is in collector hands or auction vaults, making sealed product highly valuable.

What trends have affected the 1970 Topps market recently?

Nostalgia and influencer attention have spiked interest, especially for Thurman Munson rookie cards.

Methodology & Ethics

Data sources — Goldin Auctions closing prices, eBay Terapeak analytics, and PSA Auction Prices Realized.

Sampling window — We analyse the latest 90 days of public sales. A grade appears in our tables only when at least three verified transactions exist for that grade.

AI-grading disclaimer — MarketSnap’s grade suggestions are algorithmic and should be verified by a professional grader before you buy, sell, or submit a card.

Affiliate transparency — When you click a link to an external marketplace we may earn a referral commission at no extra cost to you. These partnerships never influence a card’s ranking or our editorial commentary.

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