The Most Valuable 1980 Topps Baseball Cards: PSA 10 Prices and the Significance of Each Card

The 1980 Topps Baseball card set holds a special place in the hearts of collectors. Featuring 726 cards, it was the last Topps set to be issued in a single series and includes the iconic Rickey Henderson rookie card, one of the most valuable baseball cards of the 1980s. From legendary players to key rookies, this set is packed with cards that continue to fetch significant sums in high-grade PSA 10 condition. In cases where recent PSA 10 sales data is limited, the most recent sale is provided to give a clearer perspective on value. Let's dive into the most valuable cards from the 1980 Topps set and explore why they are so coveted among collectors.

1. Rickey Henderson #482 (Rookie)

Most Recent PSA 10 Sale: $135,483.60 (February, 2024)
Estimated PSA 9 Value: $1,800
PSA 10 Population: 25
Significance: This is one of the most iconic rookie cards of the 1980s and marks the beginning of Rickey Henderson’s Hall of Fame career. Henderson is widely regarded as the greatest leadoff hitter and base stealer in MLB history, and his 1980 rookie card has become a grail for collectors due to its extreme scarcity in PSA 10 condition.

2. Nolan Ryan #580

Most Recent PSA 10 Sale: $20,130 (April, 2025)
Estimated PSA 9 Value: $400–$450
PSA 10 Population: 39
Significance: A key card of the legendary strikeout king, this card features Nolan Ryan during his time with the Angels. Ryan’s dominance on the mound, coupled with his longevity, makes his cards highly sought after by collectors.

3. George Brett #450

Estimated PSA 10 Value: $2,500–$5,000
Estimated PSA 9 Value: $75–$125
PSA 10 Population: 100
Significance: George Brett was one of the most consistent hitters of the late 1970s and 1980s, earning three batting titles and a Hall of Fame induction. His 1980 Topps card captures him during a peak period in his storied career. 

4. Pete Rose #540

Estimated PSA 10 Value: $1,900–$2,000
Estimated PSA 9 Value: $60–$75
PSA 10 Population: 94
Significance: Pete Rose remains a fan favorite and his cards continue to command attention, especially in PSA 10 condition. This card highlights Rose during his years with the Phillies, where he helped secure the 1980 World Series title. 

5. Jim Palmer #590

Most Recent PSA 10 Sale: $1,742 (February, 2019)
Estimated PSA 9 Value: $45–$60
PSA 10 Population: 5
Significance:  A three-time Cy Young Award winner, Jim Palmer was the ace of the Baltimore Orioles throughout the 1970s. His 1980 Topps card is a low-population gem in high grade, making it a prime target for collectors.

6. Reggie Jackson #600

Estimated PSA 10 Value: $1,300–$1,500
Estimated PSA 9 Value: $80–$100
PSA 10 Population: 113
Significance: Reggie Jackson, known as 'Mr. October' for his World Series heroics, was a clutch performer and fan favorite. His 1980 card captures him in his Yankees uniform, a pivotal period in his Hall of Fame career. 

7. Ozzie Smith #393

Estimated PSA 10 Value: $1,100–$1,500
Estimated PSA 9 Value: $55–$70
PSA 10 Population: 96
Significance: The 'Wizard of Oz' dazzled fans with his incredible defensive skills at shortstop. Ozzie Smith's 1980 card remains a popular choice among collectors seeking early career cards of the Hall of Fame shortstop.

8. Steve Carlton #210

Estimated PSA 10 Value: $1,100
Estimated PSA 9 Value: $50
PSA 10 Population: 18
Significance: A four-time Cy Young Award winner, Steve Carlton was one of the most dominant pitchers of the 1970s and early 1980s. His 1980 Topps card showcases him during his prime with the Philadelphia Phillies.

9. Robin Yount #265

Estimated PSA 10 Value: $1,000
Estimated PSA 9 Value: $40
PSA 10 Population: 31
Significance: Robin Yount, a two-time MVP, was the face of the Milwaukee Brewers for two decades. His 1980 Topps card remains a favorite among collectors due to its low population in gem mint condition.

10. Dave Parker #310

Most Recent PSA 10 Sale: $926 (December, 2023)
Estimated PSA 9 Value: $80
PSA 10 Population: 20
Significance: A formidable power hitter and two-time batting champion, Dave Parker was a standout during his years with the Pittsburgh Pirates. His 1980 Topps card is a testament to his offensive prowess and charismatic personality on and off the field. 

11. Ted Simmons #85

Estimated PSA 10 Value: $800–$900
Estimated PSA 9 Value: $45–$50
PSA 10 Population: 32

12. Willie Stargell #610

Estimated PSA 10 Value: $816.98 (September, 2019)
Estimated PSA 9 Value: $50–$70
PSA 10 Population: 12

13. Eddie Murray #160

Estimated PSA 10 Value: $800
Estimated PSA 9 Value: $35–$40
PSA 10 Population: 64

14. Gary Carter #70

Estimated PSA 10 Value: $750–$800
Estimated PSA 9 Value: $35–$40
PSA 10 Population: 26

15. Willie McCovey #335

Estimated PSA 10 Value: $550–$600
Estimated PSA 9 Value: $40–$50
PSA 10 Population: 40

16. Mike Schmidt #270

Estimated PSA 10 Value: $450–$600
Estimated PSA 9 Value: $45–$50
PSA 10 Population: 214

17. Jack Morris #371

Estimated PSA 10 Value: $550
Estimated PSA 9 Value: $50
PSA 10 Population: 23

18. Johnny Bench #100

Estimated PSA 10 Value: $450–$550
Estimated PSA 9 Value: $55–$65
PSA 10 Population: 94

19. Rod Carew #700

Estimated PSA 10 Value: $300–$500
Estimated PSA 9 Value: $25–$30
PSA 10 Population: 131

20. Alan Trammell #232

Most Recent PSA 10 Sale: $487 (November, 2023)
Estimated PSA 9 Value: $30–$40
PSA 10 Population: 35

21. Jim Rice #200

Estimated PSA 10 Value: $400–$475
Estimated PSA 9 Value: $50
PSA 10 Population: 58

22. Tom Seaver #500

Estimated PSA 10 Value: $350–$425
Estimated PSA 9 Value: $25–$35
PSA 10 Population: 74

23. Dale Murphy #274

Estimated PSA 10 Value: $300–$400
Estimated PSA 9 Value: $40
PSA 10 Population: 145

24. Dave Stieb #77 (Rookie)

Estimated PSA 10 Value: $300–$400
Estimated PSA 9 Value: $60–$80
PSA 10 Population: 61

25. 1979 Highlights (Pete Rose) #4

Estimated PSA 10 Value: $350–$375
Estimated PSA 9 Value: $35–$45
PSA 10 Population: 49

26. Steve Garvey #290

Estimated PSA 10 Value: $350
Estimated PSA 9 Value: $30–$40
PSA 10 Population: 86

27. Braves Team (Mgr. Bobby Cox) #192

Estimated PSA 10 Value: $300–$350
Estimated PSA 9 Value: $100
PSA 10 Population: 9

28. Andre Dawson #235

Estimated PSA 10 Value: $300–$350
Estimated PSA 9 Value: $30–$35
PSA 10 Population: 44

29. Paul Molitor #406

Estimated PSA 10 Value: $250–$350
Estimated PSA 9 Value: $25–$35
PSA 10 Population: 99

30. Lou Whitaker #358

Most Recent PSA 10 Sale: $313 (January, 2024)
Estimated PSA 9 Value: $45–$55
PSA 10 Population: 39

31. Carl Yastrzemski #720

Estimated PSA 10 Value: $250–$300
Estimated PSA 9 Value: $35–$40
PSA 10 Population: 152

32. Dennis Eckersley #320

Estimated PSA 10 Value: $200–$300
Estimated PSA 9 Value: $25–$30
PSA 10 Population: 57

33. 1979 Highlights (L. Brock, C. Yastrzemski) #1

Most Recent PSA 10 Sale: $294 (March, 2024)
Estimated PSA 9 Value: $60
PSA 10 Population: 39

34. Fred Lynn #110

Estimated PSA 10 Value: $150–$250
Estimated PSA 9 Value: $25–$35
PSA 10 Population: 45

35. Strikeout Leaders (J. R. Richard, N. Ryan) #206

Estimated PSA 10 Value: $200–$225
Estimated PSA 9 Value: $25–$35
PSA 10 Population: 96

36. Carlton Fisk #40

Estimated PSA 10 Value: $150–$200
Estimated PSA 9 Value: $40–$50
PSA 10 Population: 99

37. Joe Morgan #650

Estimated PSA 10 Value: $150–$200
Estimated PSA 9 Value: $25–$30
PSA 10 Population: 143

38. Don Sutton #440

Estimated PSA 10 Value: $150–$200
Estimated PSA 9 Value: $25–$30
PSA 10 Population: 42

39. Rollie Fingers #651

Estimated PSA 10 Value: $100–$150
Estimated PSA 9 Value: $25
PSA 10 Population: 107

40. Dave Winfield #230

Estimated PSA 10 Value: No Data Available
Estimated PSA 9 Value: $75–$125
PSA 10 Population: 2

Final Thoughts

The 1980 Topps Baseball card set is a classic collection that continues to captivate baseball card enthusiasts. With iconic rookie cards like Rickey Henderson's and enduring legends like Nolan Ryan and Pete Rose, this set represents a time when collecting was as much about the players as the hobby itself. As PSA 10 values soar, these cards remain a key target for investors and nostalgic collectors alike.