Looking to add some valuable vintage baseball cards to your collection? Check out our list of the Most Valuable 1978 Topps baseball cards. These cards are highly sought after by collectors and fans alike. Find out which cards made the cut and what makes them so valuable.
The 1978 Topps baseball card set is one of the most popular sets ever, with more than 99% of cards graded as PSA 10 or better. The set features players in all the National League and American League teams, including some of the game's biggest stars like Eddie Murray, Pete Rose, Johnny Bench, and Robin Yount.
The 1978 Topps baseball card set was released on April 1st in the United States and Canada. The following day, it became available at hobby shops across North America.
Topps has been producing baseball cards since 1951. However, it wasn't until 1992 that they started using plastic instead of cardboard to create their cards, making them much more durable than previous issues on the market then.
The 15 Most Valuable 1978 Topps Baseball Cards
1. Eddie Murray #36
This is one of the most valuable cards from the set. In Aug 2021, a grade PSA 10 (mint condition) was sold at $44,800.
Eddie Murray was a highly successful baseball player, earning induction into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 2003. His 1978 Topps card features a portrait of him in his Baltimore Orioles uniform and is highly sought after by collectors for its aesthetic appeal and historical significance.
2. Alan Trammell Paul Molitor Rookie Shortstops #707
Molitor was an exceptional player and is also in the Hall of Fame. His 1978 Topps card features a portrait of him in his Milwaukee Brewers uniform.
Grade PSA 9 was sold at $1,695 on March 2023.
3. Jack Morris Rookie Pitchers #703
Morris was a pitcher and Hall of Famer, and his 1978 Topps card shows a portrait of him in his Detroit Tigers uniform.
Grade PSA 10 was sold at $1,588 on December 2022.
4. Alan Trammell Rookie Shortstops #707
Trammell was a highly successful shortstop and Hall of Famer, spending his entire career with the Detroit Tigers. His 1978 Topps card features a portrait of him in his Tigers uniform.
Grade PSA 9 was sold at $1,275 on January 2023
5. Lou Whitaker Rookie 2nd Basemen #704
Whitaker was a successful second baseman for the Detroit Tigers, earning a spot in the All-Star game five times during his career. His 1978 Topps card features a portrait of him in his Tigers uniform.
Grade PSA 10 was sold at $1,879 in January 2023.
6. Johnny Bench #700
This baseball card is a highly sought-after card among collectors. Johnny Bench was a legendary catcher for the Cincinnati Reds and is considered one of the greatest catchers of all time.
Grade PSA 10 was sold at $2,358 on January 2023.
7. Andre Dawson #72
Dawson was an outfielder and in the Hall of Fame, playing for several teams throughout his career, including the Montreal Expos and the Chicago Cubs. His 1978 Topps card features a portrait of him in his Expos uniform.
Grade PSA 10 was sold at $830 on January 2023.
8. Dale Murphy Rookie Catchers #708
While Dale Murphy's rookie card was released in the 1977 Topps set, he does have a 1978 Topps card that is also highly collectible. Murphy was an outfielder for the Atlanta Braves, and his 1978 Topps card features a portrait of him in his Braves uniform.
Grade PSA 10 was sold at $1,500 in December 2022.
9. Dave Winfield #530
Dave Winfield's 1978 Topps baseball card is another valuable card from the set. Winfield was an outfielder for several teams, including the San Diego Padres and the New York Yankees. His 1978 Topps card features a portrait of him in his Padres uniform.
Grade PSA 9 was last sold at $96 in March 2023.
10. Pete Rose 1978 #20
Pete Rose was a legendary player and holds the record of 4,256 hits in Major League Baseball history.
Despite his impressive career statistics and popularity among fans, Pete Rose has been banned from Major League Baseball due to allegations of betting on baseball games, which has impacted the value and significance of his baseball cards among collectors.
Grade PSA 10 was last sold at $1,404.00 in October 2022.
11. Robin Yount #173
Robin Yount is a two-time American League MVP and a Hall of Fame shortstop for the Milwaukee Brewers.
The 1978 Topps baseball card features a young Robin Yount with a classic action shot of him swinging a bat.
Grade PSA 10 was last sold at $700 in January 2023.
12. Jim Rice #670
Jim Rice's 1978 Topps baseball card is another valuable card from the set. Rice was a standout outfielder for the Boston Red Sox and was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 2009. His 1978 Topps card features a portrait of him in his Red Sox uniform.
Grade PSA 9 was last Sold at $89.88 on January 2023.
13. Carlton Fisk #270
Fisk was a catcher for the Boston Red Sox and the Chicago White Sox, and he is best known for his iconic home run in the 1975 World Series. His 1978 Topps card features a portrait of him in his White Sox uniform.
Grade PSA 10 was last sold at $585.00 on October 2022.
14. George Brett #100
Brett was a third baseman for the Kansas City Royals and was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1999. His 1978 Topps card features a portrait of him in his Royals uniform.
Grade PSA 9 was last sold at $458.29 on March 2023.
15. Nolan Ryan #400
Ryan was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1999. His 1978 Topps card features a portrait of him in his California Angels uniform.
Grade PSA 9 was last sold at $2,500 on November 2022.
Factors that determine a baseball card's value
- Condition: Cards in pristine condition often fetch higher prices than those damaged or show signs of wear and tear.
- Age and historical significance: Older cards or those associated with historically significant baseball players, events, or moments are often more valuable.
- Player popularity and performance: Cards featuring popular or Hall of Fame players in their prime will often be more valuable than those featuring lesser-known players.
- Scarcity of autographed cards: Autographed cards can also have significant value, especially if the player is deceased or has a limited number of autographed cards in circulation.
- Grading and authentication: Baseball cards are typically graded on a scale from 1 to 10. Collectors often prefer to buy graded cards that have been professionally evaluated and authenticated. Professional grading companies include:
Final Thought
Baseball cards are a tangible piece of sports history that connects fans to the players and teams they love.
These cards have been a staple of American sports culture for over a century. They have played a significant role in how we remember and celebrate our favorite players and teams.
For many collectors, pursuing rare and valuable cards is not just about the monetary value but also about the thrill of the hunt and the history behind the card.
