1978 Topps Card Value Guide

Baseball Set

By Bob Villemure • Updated July 20, 2025

# 1978 Topps | Baseball Set Review & Card Values (Updated July 2025)

Set Overview

The 1978 Topps Baseball set holds a cherished place in the hearts of collectors, representing a vivid snapshot of late 1970s baseball. This iconic set is headlined by the Eddie Murray rookie card, a significant draw for collectors and investors alike. The 726-card series showcases a simple yet effective design, featuring team names boldly across the top of the card front, player names in large, legible fonts, and a crisp photo that captures the essence of the era. Historically, the 1978 Topps set is notable for its prolific roster of Hall of Famers and the introduction of key rookie cards that have become staples in the hobby. Alongside Eddie Murray, this set includes the rookie cards of notable players like Jack Morris, Alan Trammell, and Paul Molitor. Though it lacks the flashy inserts and parallels of modern sets, its appeal lies in its straightforward design and the nostalgic value it holds for collectors. Today, the 1978 Topps set is appreciated for its classic aesthetic and the historical significance it carries. It bridges the past with the present, offering a tangible connection to the baseball legends of yesteryear. Vintage collectors and investors view this set as a cornerstone of any serious baseball card collection.

Quick-Stats Panel

In recent market activity, sales data from platforms like eBay, Goldin, and PWCC indicate a steady demand for cards from the 1978 Topps set. Average values for high-grade Eddie Murray rookie cards (PSA 9 and PSA 10) have seen a moderate increase, with PSA 10 examples fetching between $15,000 and $20,000. Mid-grade (PSA 6-8) cards of other notable players like Nolan Ryan and George Brett are stable, averaging between $150 and $500 depending on condition and market trends. Grading trends show that while high-grade cards command a premium, even lower-graded cards find eager buyers, particularly when featuring Hall of Famers. The scarcity of unopened wax boxes contributes to their high value, with recent auction sales reaching up to $10,000.

Price Table

Player	Card #	PSA 10	PSA 9	PSA 8	PSA 7	PSA 6	PSA 5
Eddie Murray (Rookie)	36	$20,000	$2,500	$1,000	$500	$300	$150
Paul Molitor/Alan Trammell (Rookie)	707	$5,500	$1,200	$500	$300	$200	$100
Jack Morris (Rookie)	703	$3,000	$800	$250	$150	$100	$50
Nolan Ryan	400	$4,000	$600	$250	$150	$100	$50
George Brett	100	$2,500	$400	$150	$100	$75	$40

12-Month Set Trend Summary

Over the past year, the 1978 Topps set has experienced moderate but steady appreciation in value. Influencer attention, particularly from vintage card collectors and social media personalities, has driven interest and demand for high-grade examples. A notable sale of a PSA 10 Eddie Murray rookie card set a record at Goldin Auctions, sparking renewed interest in the set. The market remains robust, with a slight uptick in sales volume and prices for cards featuring Hall of Famers.

Chase Cards to Know

Eddie Murray Rookie Card (#36):

The crown jewel of the 1978 Topps set, this card is a must-have for any serious collector.

Paul Molitor/Alan Trammell Rookie Card (#707):

Featuring two Hall of Famers, this dual rookie card is highly sought after.

Nolan Ryan (#400):

Always a favorite among vintage collectors, Ryan's card is a perennial top-seller.

Jack Morris Rookie Card (#703):

As a Hall of Fame pitcher, Morris's rookie card holds significant value.

George Brett (#100):

Iconic and consistently in demand, Brett's card is a staple in vintage collections.

Population Report + Scarcity Analysis

According to PSA and SGC population reports, high-grade examples of key cards from the 1978 Topps set are relatively scarce. PSA 10 Eddie Murray rookie cards, for example, have fewer than 100 known copies, underscoring their rarity and investment potential. Mid-grade cards are more common, but still maintain strong value due to player popularity. The difficulty in securing high grades is attributed to centering issues and print defects common in this era.

Breaker Appeal & Box Value

Sealed wax boxes of the 1978 Topps set are incredibly rare and valuable, with auction prices reaching up to $10,000. The appeal lies in the potential to uncover pristine examples of high-demand rookie cards. Breakers enjoy the nostalgia and the thrill of discovering untouched treasures. However, the ROI is uncertain due to the high cost and unpredictable nature of box contents.

Buy/Sell/Hold Outlook

From an investment perspective, the 1978 Topps set offers a compelling case for both holding and buying. Sealed boxes, due to their scarcity and historical significance, are worth holding as long-term investments. Key singles, particularly high-grade rookie cards, are worthwhile buys due to their consistent demand and appreciation potential. Given the market's stability, waiting for a dip might not yield significant benefits, so strategic acquisitions are recommended.

# Common User Questions and Answers

The 1978 Topps Baseball set remains a focal point for vintage card investors and collectors, offering a blend of historical nostalgia and tangible investment potential. Whether you're a seasoned collector or new to the hobby, this set offers something for everyone.

🔥 Top 6 Auctions by Bids:

1978 Topps Baseball Complete Set (726) EX to NM-MT or better *GMCARDS*
$89.88 · 53 bids · 5 days 1 hours 48 minutes
1978 Topps Baseball Complete Set (726) VGEX to NM-MT or better *GMCARDS*
$202.56 · 15 bids · 1 hours 53 minutes
1978 Topps Baseball Base #707: Paul Molitor Base PSA 7 Rookie Shortstops
$33.08 · 14 bids · 4 days 2 hours 34 minutes
JACK MORRIS #703 1978 Topps Baseball RC PSA/DNA AUTO GRADE PSA GEM MT 10
$19.50 · 13 bids · 6 hours 41 minutes
1978 TOPPS FOOTBALL COMPLETE SET OF 528 EXMT/NRMT
$39.00 · 10 bids · 2 days 2 hours 9 minutes
1978 Topps Baseball Nolan Ryan (HOF) #400 SGC 8
$58.00 · 10 bids · 1 days 4 hours 50 minutes

FAQs

Is 1978 Topps | Baseball Set a good set to invest in long-term?

Yes, due to its historical importance and iconic rookies like Eddie Murray.

What are the most valuable cards in the 1978 Topps | Baseball Set?

The Eddie Murray rookie card, Paul Molitor/Alan Trammell rookie card, and Nolan Ryan card 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 rookie cards.

How rare are unopened boxes of 1978 Topps | Baseball Set?

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

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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