1973 Topps Card Value Guide

Baseball Set

By Bob Villemure • Updated July 20, 2025

# 1973 Topps | Baseball Set Review & Card Values (Updated July 2025)

Set Overview

The 1973 Topps Baseball set holds a distinctive place in the annals of sports cards collecting for several reasons. As part of Topps' storied history, this set marked the final year of a series that began in the 1950s, where Topps annually issued cards in multiple series. After 1973, Topps shifted to releasing its entire set at once, a practice that continues today. The 1973 set is also celebrated for its action shots, which brought a dynamic and engaging visual element to the cards. The photography and layout choices make this set a favorite for collectors who appreciate the artistry of sports cards. One of the standout features of the 1973 set is the rookie card of Mike Schmidt, the Philadelphia Phillies third baseman who would go on to a Hall of Fame career. This rookie card is one of the most coveted from the set. Other notable cards include those of legends like Willie Mays and Hank Aaron, who appear in some of their later career issues. Collectors today prize this set not only for its historical significance but also for its aesthetic appeal and the nostalgia it evokes from a golden era of baseball.

Quick-Stats Panel

As of July 2025, the market for the 1973 Topps Baseball set is vibrant, with sales data reflecting strong demand. According to sales comps from platforms like eBay, Goldin Auctions, and PWCC, cards from this set in near-mint condition (graded PSA 7 and above) are especially sought after. The average value of key cards, such as Mike Schmidt's rookie, continues to climb, driven by the card's historic significance and the player's enduring popularity. Grading trends reveal a preference for cards graded by PSA and SGC, with high-grade examples experiencing substantial premiums. Wax boxes from 1973 are exceedingly scarce, and when they appear at auction, they command significant sums, often fetching tens of thousands of dollars. The demand spans across base cards and key rookie cards, with parallels not being a factor in this vintage set.

Price Table

Card	PSA 10	PSA 9	PSA 8	PSA 7	PSA 6	PSA 1
Mike Schmidt Rookie #615	$75,000	$27,000	$10,000	$4,500	$1,200	$300
Willie Mays #305	$48,000	$18,000	$7,000	$3,000	$800	$250
Hank Aaron #100	$30,000	$12,000	$6,000	$2,500	$600	$200
Nolan Ryan #220	$60,000	$22,000	$9,500	$4,000	$1,000	$250
Roberto Clemente #50	$40,000	$15,000	$6,500	$3,000	$750	$200

12-Month Set Trend Summary

Over the past year, the 1973 Topps Baseball set has seen a steady increase in interest and value. Significant sales, such as a PSA 10 Mike Schmidt rookie card fetching a record price at auction, have invigorated the market. Influencer attention, particularly from popular sports card YouTubers and podcasts, has spotlighted this set, driving new collector interest. Notably, Mike Schmidt's induction anniversary and a resurgence in Phillies fandom have contributed to the upward trend.

Chase Cards to Know

Mike Schmidt Rookie #615:

As the marquee rookie card of the set, it is a centerpiece for any collection featuring Hall of Fame players.

Nolan Ryan #220:

Known for his legendary fastball and career strikeout record, Ryan's card is a must-have for fans of iconic pitchers.

Willie Mays #305:

This card represents one of Mays' final appearances as a player, making it a cherished piece for both Giants and Mets fans.

Hank Aaron #100:

As one of the greatest hitters in baseball history, Aaron's card is a perennial favorite among vintage collectors.

Roberto Clemente #50:

A card that honors Clemente's legacy and immense contributions to the sport.

Population Report + Scarcity Analysis

The PSA population reports reveal that high-grade 1973 Topps cards are relatively scarce, with PSA 10s being exceedingly rare across the set. For example, there are fewer than 20 PSA 10s of the Mike Schmidt rookie card. This scarcity, coupled with grading difficulty due to centering and print issues typical of the era, underscores the high investment potential for top-condition cards.

Breaker Appeal & Box Value

Sealed wax from 1973 is a relic of its time, and thus, a treasure for breakers. With the box configuration not including parallels or autos, the main allure is the possibility of high-grade base cards. Hobby and retail boxes, when found, often sell for upwards of $40,000 due to their rarity and the excitement of uncovering gem-mint or pristine cards. The ROI potential, while speculative, is driven by the potential of discovering a high-grade Schmidt or Mays card.

Buy/Sell/Hold Outlook

From an investment perspective, the 1973 Topps Baseball set is a solid long-term hold due to its historical importance and iconic rookie cards. Sealed boxes should be held if purchased, as they continue to appreciate in value. For singles, now may be a good time to buy, especially those in mid to high grades, as the market shows no signs of cooling. Savvy investors might wait for a minor market dip to secure key cards at a discount.

User Questions and Answers

🔥 Top 6 Auctions by Bids:

1973 Topps Set-Break #615 Rookie 3rd Basemen Cey, Hilton, Schmidt PSA 8 NM-MT
$1,175.00 · 23 bids · 1 days 3 hours 31 minutes
Huge Lot of Vintage Topps Baseball Cards 1960s-1970 HOFs, Stars, Rookies + Bonus
$121.25 · 19 bids · 2 hours 54 minutes
1973 Topps Baseball Card Lot #1 All PSA Graded - Many Famous All-Stars
$58.00 · 17 bids · 4 days 20 hours 44 minutes
PSA 4 No Reserve 1973 Topps #615 ROOKIE MIKE SCHMIDT RC
$118.50 · 17 bids · 1 hours 39 minutes
1973 Topps Set-Break #615 M.Schmidt/Cey EX-EXMINT *GMCARDS*
$71.00 · 16 bids · 1 days 4 hours 32 minutes
1973 Topps Set-Break #330 Rod Carew PSA 8 NM-MT
$59.00 · 16 bids · 1 days 3 hours 24 minutes

FAQs

Is 1973 Topps | Baseball Set a good set to invest in long-term?

Yes, due to its historical importance and iconic rookies like Mike Schmidt, it offers solid investment potential.

What are the most valuable cards in the 1973 Topps | Baseball Set?

The Mike Schmidt rookie card, along with cards of Willie Mays, Hank Aaron, and Nolan Ryan, are among the most valuable.

Should I grade cards from this set?

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

How rare are unopened boxes of 1973 Topps | Baseball Set?

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

What drives the demand for the 1973 Topps set?

The demand is driven by its historical significance, iconic design, and key rookie cards like Mike Schmidt.

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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