1979 Topps Card Value Guide

Baseball Set

By Bob Villemure • Updated July 20, 2025

# 1979 Topps | Baseball Set Review & Card Values (Updated July 2025)

Set Overview

The 1979 Topps Baseball set marks a pivotal moment in sports card history. As the final set of the 1970s, it bridges the gap between two decades, embodying both the nostalgia of classic baseball and the emerging trends of the hobby world. This set is most renowned for the debut of Ozzie Smith, whose rookie card (#116) has become a cornerstone for collectors. Characterized by its simple yet vibrant design, the 1979 Topps set features a bold team name strip across the top, player names in a blocky font, and a classic headshot or action shot holding center stage. Collectors appreciate the set not only for its design but also for its roster, which includes several Hall of Famers and stars of the era. This collection doesn't feature inserts like modern sets, but its value and allure lie in its base set. Today, the 1979 Topps set is cherished for its historical significance and the nostalgia it invokes, serving as a window into the late '70s baseball era.

Quick-Stats Panel

In today's market, the 1979 Topps Baseball set continues to hold strong interest among collectors. According to recent sales data from platforms like eBay and Goldin, the average value for Ozzie Smith's PSA 9 rookie card hovers around $2,500, while a PSA 10 can command upwards of $30,000 when one becomes available. Grading trends show a preference for high-grade cards, particularly those rated PSA 8 or higher, which maintain a significant premium. Wax boxes from 1979 are increasingly rare, with unopened boxes fetching between $6,000 and $10,000 at auction. The scarcity of these boxes and the chase for high-grade examples of key cards continue to drive demand.

Price Table

Card	PSA 10 Average Price	PSA 9 Average Price	PSA 8 Average Price
Ozzie Smith #116 (Rookie)	$30,000	$2,500	$700
Nolan Ryan #115	$15,000	$1,200	$400
Pete Rose #204	$10,000	$800	$200
George Brett #330	$8,000	$700	$150
Reggie Jackson #500	$6,500	$600	$140

12-Month Set Trend Summary

Over the past year, the 1979 Topps set has seen a steady appreciation in value. Notably, Ozzie Smith's rookie card has experienced spikes in demand, thanks in part to continued recognition of his legacy and a few high-profile auction sales garnering media attention. The market has also benefited from increased interest in vintage baseball cards, with influencers and collectors alike highlighting key cards from this set across social media platforms. While the overall market faced fluctuations, the 1979 Topps set remained resilient, underscoring its status as a reliable investment.

Chase Cards to Know

Ozzie Smith #116 (Rookie):

The crown jewel of the set, Ozzie Smith's rookie card captures the defensive wizardry and charismatic presence that made him a Hall of Famer.

Nolan Ryan #115:

Always a fan favorite, Nolan Ryan's card remains a highly sought-after piece due to his legendary career and enduring popularity.

Pete Rose #204:

Despite controversies, Pete Rose cards are coveted for their historical significance and connection to baseball's all-time hits leader.

Population Report + Scarcity Analysis

According to PSA and SGC data, the Ozzie Smith rookie card has fewer than 200 graded as PSA 9 and only a handful in PSA 10 condition, highlighting its scarcity. The difficulty in obtaining high-grade cards is largely due to the production quality of the era and the natural wear of vintage cards. These low population numbers contribute to the card's high investment potential, as scarcity often drives long-term value.

Breaker Appeal & Box Value

Sealed boxes of 1979 Topps Baseball are rare gems in the hobby world. With the promise of finding a mint Ozzie Smith rookie or other Hall of Famers, these boxes can command a premium. The breaker community values such boxes for their nostalgia and potential high ROI, although hit odds are not guaranteed due to the era's production methods. Collectors seeking an intact piece of baseball history often target these boxes.

Buy/Sell/Hold Outlook

For investors, the 1979 Topps Baseball set offers a compelling case for both buying singles and holding sealed boxes. The historical significance and iconic cards make key singles, especially those in high grades, worthy investments. Sealed boxes are recommended for holding, given their rarity and potential for future appreciation. Patience is key, as the vintage card market can experience cyclical dips before reaching new heights.

User Questions and Answers

🔥 Top 6 Auctions by Bids:

1979 Topps Baseball Partial Set (720) EX to NM-MT or better *GMCARDS*
$125.50 · 23 bids · 1 hours 52 minutes
Nolan Ryan 1979 Topps Card #115- SGC Graded 8 NM-MINT Cert# 2825785
$40.00 · 14 bids · 3 days 2 hours 25 minutes
1979 TOPPS #700 REGGIE JACKSON YANKEES HOF PSA 9
$33.00 · 13 bids · 1 days 1 hours 16 minutes
1980 Topps #450 George Brett (HOF) Kansas City Royals Legend SGC 8 * Pc&a*
$16.50 · 11 bids · 1 days 3 hours 4 minutes
1979 TOPPS BASEBALL PARTIAL SET 525/726 MINT *INV6921
$47.00 · 10 bids · 1 days 19 hours 19 minutes
1979 Topps Baseball Near 92% Complete Set 666/726 EXMT Ozzie Smith RC NM W Stars
$31.00 · 8 bids · 2 days 1 hours 57 minutes

FAQs

Is 1979 Topps | Baseball Set a good set to invest in long-term?

Yes, due to its historical importance and iconic rookies like Ozzie Smith.

What are the most valuable cards in the 1979 Topps | Baseball Set?

The Ozzie Smith #116 rookie card leads the value charts, followed by stars like Nolan Ryan and Pete Rose.

Should I grade cards from this set?

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

How rare are unopened boxes of 1979 Topps | Baseball Set?

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

What factors influence the value of the 1979 Topps cards?

Key factors include player popularity, card condition, grading rarity, and overall market trends.

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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