The Most Valuable Baseball Cards of 1972

The 1972 Topps baseball set is one of the most colorful and distinctive issues in hobby history. At 787 cards, it was the largest Topps set to date, marking the company’s continued ambition to capture the full scope of the game. What sets it apart visually is the groovy, psychedelic design with bold team names arched across the top in bubble letters, framed in bright, eye-catching borders. The look reflects the early ’70s pop culture aesthetic, making the cards instantly recognizable to collectors. Though condition challenges remain due to centering and print defects, the 1972 set has endured as both a nostalgic favorite and a cornerstone of serious collections.

Here at Remarkable Artworks we think value is in the eye of the beholder. If you want to learn more about the display to the right, click the button.

Pete Rose - $66,600

One of the foundational pieces of the Cincinnati “Big Red Machine” of the 1970s, Pete Rose was in the middle of his storied career in the early 70s. While not officially in the Hall of Fame, the all-time hit king is recognized as one of the best to ever play the game.

Make it stand out

Red Sox Rookies - $55,200

While Carlton Fisk, future Hall of Famer and home-run waving hero of Game 6 of the 1975 World Series, is the star of this card, the other players were no slouches. Cecil Cooper was a 5-time all-star, a 2-time golden glove winner, and a 2-time American League RBI leader. Mike Garman was an effective relief pitcher who played 12 years for 5 different major league teams. While the Red Sox were not pare of the deal, it is perhaps noteworthy that one of those trades happened to include Bill Buckner in the deal, a future Red Sox player/villian.

Reggie Jackson - $50,400

Here we see the future “Mr. October” right before the A’s win their first of three consecutive World Series.’ Reggie didn’t get to play in the 1972 World Series due to an injury he sustained in the last game of the championship series, but his World Series heroics of 1974, 1977, and 1978 are legendary. Add to the heroics a larger-than-life personality and you get the makings of one of the greatest and most famous players in the last 50 years.

Nolan Ryan - $45,500

There is no baseball player of over the last 50 years with greater demand for his baseball cards than Nolan Ryan. Known as the faster pitcher in baseball well into his later career years, Ryan pitched an unbelievable 7 career no-hitters. There is no pitcher in the last 75 years who put awe in batters like Ryan.

Hank Aaron - $32,400

In 1972, Hank Aaron further solidified his legacy as one of baseball’s all-time greats. Playing in his 19th season, he hit 34 home runs, bringing his career total to 673, just 41 shy of Babe Ruth’s iconic record. Though the Braves finished fourth in their division, Aaron’s performance in 1972 kept the anticipation high for his inevitable run at Ruth.

Honorable Mention

Pirate World Champions - $13,800

Full of Hall of Famers and coming off of a World Series victory, the Pirates team card deserves to be mentioned here. While the cards for a few other stars, notably Tom Seaver, Willie Mays, Roberto Clemente, and Rod Carew, have fetched more money, it is rare for a team card to be one of the most valuable cards.