The Most Valuable 1978 Topps Baseball Cards: PSA 10 & PSA 9 Prices and the Significance of Each Card
The 1978 Topps baseball card set is a vivid time capsule of late-70s Major League Baseball—a colorful blend of rising rookies, established legends, and team dynasties captured in cardboard. With its bright design, memorable photography, and strong Hall of Fame presence, the set continues to captivate collectors decades later.
But when it comes to identifying the most valuable cards from the set, there’s a unique challenge: PSA 10s are incredibly rare. Many key cards have populations in the single digits or low double digits, which makes PSA 10 price data too inconsistent for reliable ranking. That’s why we’re focusing this list on PSA 9 values—a more stable and meaningful benchmark for collectors and investors alike.
From Nolan Ryan's dominant presence to Eddie Murray’s rookie debut and a rare dual Hall of Fame shortstop card, these are the top 1978 Topps baseball cards ranked by their estimated PSA 9 value—each one with a legacy that still resonates in the hobby today.
1. Nolan Ryan #400
Estimated PSA 9 Value: $1,500–$1,900
Most Recent PSA 10 Sale: $14,899 (April, 2019)
PSA 10 Population: 3
Significance: Nolan Ryan’s 1978 Topps card captures the fireballer in his prime with the California Angels. Known for his longevity and all-time strikeout record, Ryan is one of the most collected pitchers in baseball history. The extreme rarity of PSA 10s adds further allure to this already iconic card, but even PSA 9s command a premium due to Ryan’s enduring popularity and Hall of Fame legacy.
2. Rookie Shortstops (Molitor, Trammell) #707
Estimated PSA 9 Value: $1,000–$1,300
Most Recent PSA 10 Sale: $25,100 (May, 2024)
PSA 10 Population: 30
Significance: This card features Paul Molitor and Alan Trammell, both of whom would go on to have Hall of Fame careers. Molitor, known for his versatility and pure hitting, finished with over 3,000 hits and helped lead the Blue Jays to a World Series title in 1993. Trammell, a lifelong Detroit Tiger, was a cornerstone of the franchise throughout the '80s and won the 1984 World Series MVP.
3. Eddie Murray #36 (Rookie)
Estimated PSA 9 Value: $1,000–$1,200
Most Recent PSA 10 Sale: $39,600 (March, 2023)
PSA 10 Population: 19
Significance: The Eddie Murray rookie card is a pillar of 1970s baseball collecting. As one of only six players in MLB history with both 500 home runs and 3,000 hits, Murray’s consistent excellence over two decades makes this rookie one of the era’s most important. His 1978 Topps debut remains a coveted piece in Hall of Fame collections.
4. Reds Team #526
Estimated PSA 9 Value: $350–$450
Most Recent PSA 10 Sale: $1,270.21 (January, 2025)
PSA 10 Population: 10
Significance: This card commemorates the tail end of the Cincinnati Reds’ Big Red Machine dynasty. With stars like Pete Rose, Johnny Bench, and Joe Morgan powering the lineup, the 1978 Reds team card represents the final years of one of baseball’s most dominant franchises. It appeals to collectors who value team legacy and era-defining excellence.
5. George Brett #100
Estimated PSA 9 Value: $350–$450
Most Recent PSA 10 Sale: $10,830 (July, 2022)
PSA 10 Population: 10
Significance: George Brett, known for his fiery competitiveness and one of the greatest swings in baseball history, was already a star by 1978. This card highlights Brett at the height of his career with the Kansas City Royals and is a favorite among collectors due to its classic pose and Brett’s Hall of Fame stature.
6. Dave Parker #560
Estimated PSA 9 Value: $300–$400
Most Recent PSA 10 Sale: $2,236 (July, 2024)
PSA 10 Population: 11
Significance: Nicknamed “The Cobra,” Dave Parker was one of the most feared hitters of the late '70s and early '80s. A two-time batting champ and 1978 NL MVP, Parker’s charisma and power at the plate made him a standout. His 1978 card is a snapshot of his peak and a popular pick for collectors who appreciate hard-nosed stars.
7. Reggie Jackson #200
Estimated PSA 9 Value: $225–$300
Most Recent PSA 10 Sale: $9,100 (October, 2024)
PSA 10 Population: 24
Significance: Mr. October himself, Reggie Jackson had already established his postseason legend by 1978. His time with the Yankees defined an era, and this card reflects his superstar status in New York. With high eye appeal and strong demand from Yankees fans, it remains a staple of 1970s Topps.
8. Rod Carew #580
Estimated PSA 9 Value: $200–$275
Most Recent PSA 10 Sale: $2,691.19 (May, 2020)
PSA 10 Population: 6
Significance: Rod Carew was in the midst of a Hall of Fame career, and his 1978 season would be his final one with the Minnesota Twins. A seven-time batting champ by this point, Carew was one of the purest hitters in baseball history. This card is cherished for its clean design and representation of a beloved legend.
9. Rookie 2nd Basemen (Whitaker) #704 (Rookie)
Estimated PSA 9 Value: $150–$175
Most Recent PSA 10 Sale: $3,300 (September, 2024)
PSA 10 Population: 61
Significance: Lou Whitaker's rookie card shares space with other second base prospects, but it’s Whitaker who stands out. A key member of the Tigers’ 1984 World Series team and one of the most underrated infielders of his generation, his rookie is gaining traction among modern collectors pushing for his overdue Hall of Fame induction.
10. Carl Yastrzemski #40
Estimated PSA 9 Value: $100–$125
Most Recent PSA 10 Sale: $2,325 (June, 2024)
PSA 10 Population: 19
Significance: By 1978, Carl Yastrzemski was a living legend for the Boston Red Sox. This card captures him towards the end of his illustrious career, having already passed 3,000 hits and solidifying his legacy in Fenway lore. Collectors prize this card for its nostalgic value and connection to one of the game’s greats.
11. Johnny Bench #700
Estimated PSA 9 Value: $100–$125
Most Recent PSA 10 Sale: $911.25 (April, 2025)
PSA 10 Population: 63
12. Rookie Catchers (Parrish) #708 (Rookie)
Estimated PSA 9 Value: $100–$125
Most Recent PSA 10 Sale: $1,400.02 (September, 2024)
PSA 10 Population: 88
13. Andre Dawson #72
Estimated PSA 9 Value: $100
Most Recent PSA 10 Sale: $641 (May, 2025)
PSA 10 Population: 78
14. Thurman Munson #60
Estimated PSA 9 Value: $80–$100
Most Recent PSA 10 Sale: $2,475 (September, 2023)
PSA 10 Population: 46
15. Mickey Rivers #690
Estimated PSA 9 Value: $75–$100
Most Recent PSA 10 Sale: $3,000.14 (August, 2024)
PSA 10 Population: 7
16. Rookie Pitchers (Morris) #703 (Rookie)
Estimated PSA 9 Value: $75–$100
Most Recent PSA 10 Sale: $990 (April, 2025)
PSA 10 Population: 116
17. Nolan Ryan #6
Estimated PSA 9 Value: $75–$100
Most Recent PSA 10 Sale: $2,005 (August, 2023)
PSA 10 Population: 22
18. Chris Speier #221
Estimated PSA 9 Value: $50–$100
Most Recent PSA 10 Sale: $2,609 (June, 2024)
PSA 10 Population: 3
19. Pete Rose #20
Estimated PSA 9 Value: $70–$90
Most Recent PSA 10 Sale: $1,283 (May, 2025)
PSA 10 Population: 155
20. Mike Schmidt #360
Estimated PSA 9 Value: $60–$90
Most Recent PSA 10 Sale: $1,374 (March, 2025)
PSA 10 Population: 66
21. Willie McCovey #34
Estimated PSA 9 Value: $75
Most Recent PSA 10 Sale: $4,049 (September, 2024)
PSA 10 Population: 9
22. Reggie Jackson #7
Estimated PSA 9 Value: $75
Most Recent PSA 10 Sale: $720 (July, 2024)
PSA 10 Population: 25
23. Pete Rose #5
Estimated PSA 9 Value: $60–$75
Most Recent PSA 10 Sale: $416 (September, 2024)
PSA 10 Population: 28
24. Joe Morgan #300
Estimated PSA 9 Value: $60–$75
Most Recent PSA 10 Sale: $1,220.39 (October, 2024)
PSA 10 Population: 18
25. Jim Kaat #715
Estimated PSA 9 Value: $55–$75
Most Recent PSA 10 Sale: $565 (September, 2024)
PSA 10 Population: 18
26. Rick Burleson #245
Estimated PSA 9 Value: $50–$75
Most Recent PSA 10 Sale: $473.88 (June, 2024)
PSA 10 Population: 10
27. World Series (Reggie Jackson) #413
Estimated PSA 9 Value: $60–$70
Most Recent PSA 10 Sale: $659 (September, 2024)
PSA 10 Population: 34
28. Dave Winfield #530
Estimated PSA 9 Value: $45–$65
Most Recent PSA 10 Sale: $1,399 (March, 2025)
PSA 10 Population: 27
29. Jim Rice #670
Estimated PSA 9 Value: $40–$65
Most Recent PSA 10 Sale: $861 (April, 2023)
PSA 10 Population: 18
30. Robin Yount #173
Estimated PSA 9 Value: $40–$60
Most Recent PSA 10 Sale: $579 (March, 2025)
PSA 10 Population: 94
31. Jim Palmer #160
Estimated PSA 9 Value: $40–$50
Most Recent PSA 10 Sale: $398 (March, 2025)
PSA 10 Population: 80
32. Lou Brock #1
Estimated PSA 9 Value: $40–$50
Most Recent PSA 10 Sale: $280 (November, 2024)
PSA 10 Population: 29
33. Tom Seaver #450
Estimated PSA 9 Value: $35–$50
Most Recent PSA 10 Sale: $301 (May, 2025)
PSA 10 Population: 172
34. Strikeout Leaders (P. Niekro, N. Ryan) #206
Estimated PSA 9 Value: $35–$50
Most Recent PSA 10 Sale: $364.50 (April, 2025)
PSA 10 Population: 81
35. Gary Carter #120
Estimated PSA 9 Value: $35–$45
Most Recent PSA 10 Sale: $676 (May, 2025)
PSA 10 Population: 46
36. Steve Garvey #350
Estimated PSA 9 Value: $35–$45
Most Recent PSA 10 Sale: $246.49 (May, 2025)
PSA 10 Population: 135
37. Lou Brock #170
Estimated PSA 9 Value: $30–$45
Most Recent PSA 10 Sale: $255 (April, 2025)
PSA 10 Population: 107
38. Willie Stargell #510
Estimated PSA 9 Value: $30–$40
Most Recent PSA 10 Sale: $364.50 (April, 2025)
PSA 10 Population: 110
39. Steve Carlton #540
Estimated PSA 9 Value: $30–$40
Most Recent PSA 10 Sale: $499.99 (January, 2025)
PSA 10 Population: 91
40. Carlton Fisk #270
Estimated PSA 9 Value: $30–$40
Most Recent PSA 10 Sale: $449.99 (May, 2025)
PSA 10 Population: 67
41. Dennis Eckersley #122
Estimated PSA 9 Value: $25–$30
Most Recent PSA 10 Sale: $244 (May, 2025)
PSA 10 Population: 72
Final Thoughts
The 1978 Topps baseball set is filled with stars, rookies, and memorable designs. Because of the ultra-low population of PSA 10s for many of these cards, we ranked them based on PSA 9 values—the most dependable measure of market value and collector demand. From Hall of Fame rookies to fan-favorite legends, these cards are time capsules of a golden baseball era, and they continue to rise in esteem among hobbyists and investors alike.
