“Discover the Top 5 1972 Topps Baseball Cards for Avid Collectors”

Jordan Hartwell

Published: February 5, 2026 8:20 AM ET

Collectors of baseball cards often seek out the most iconic sets from history. The 1972 Topps Baseball card set is a prime example, renowned for its striking psychedelic design and extensive checklist of 787 cards. This collection features legendary players and rookie talents, establishing itself as a favorite among enthusiasts.

Discover the Top 5 1972 Topps Baseball Cards for Avid Collectors

Below is an overview of five highly coveted cards from this iconic set, along with their market values and distinguishing features:

Hank Aaron #299: Generally trades between $300 and $1,000 in PSA 8 condition. A PSA 10 example achieved a remarkable $32,400 at auction in 2022.
Roberto Clemente #309: Recognized as Clemente’s final base card, it has maintained a value exceeding $20,000 in PSA 10 condition since 2022.
Carlton Fisk/Cecil Cooper/Mike Garman (RC) #79: This rookie card has seen sales from $950 to $1,855 in 2025.
Tom Seaver #445: In PSA 8 condition, this card usually trades between $100 and $350. PSA 9 examples often surpass $1,000.
Willie Mays in Action #50: This action card averages around $2,000 in PSA 9 condition, while PSA 10 versions exceed $10,000.

The Legacy of Roberto Clemente

Roberto Clemente’s card is particularly significant, capturing a moment before his historic 3,000th career hit on September 30. This card holds emotional weight, especially since Clemente tragically died shortly after in a plane crash while aiding earthquake victims in Nicaragua. Out of more than 2,500 graded examples, only 25 have achieved PSA 10 status, underscoring its rarity due to common centering issues.

Tom Seaver’s Iconic Performance

Tom Seaver is featured in a card that showcases his legendary performance following a phenomenal 1971 season. He finished that year with a 20-10 win-loss record and a league-leading 1.76 ERA. In 1972, he continued to excel, posting a 21-12 record. His card captures him in action against a vibrant blue sky, embodying his legacy with the New York Mets.

The 1972 Topps Set’s Influence on Collecting

The 1972 Topps set has significantly shaped the expectations of baseball card collectors. It was the first to introduce the “In Action” subset, featuring over 70 action shots of star players. This set also included unique elements such as “Boyhood Photos” and “Awards” cards. Its vibrant colors and bold designs mirror the early 1970s, forever solidifying its status in baseball card history.

For collectors and enthusiasts alike, the 1972 Topps Baseball cards signify more than just notable athletes; they represent a transformative era in sports collecting that continues to resonate today. Visit Filmogaz.com for more insights into the world of sports memorabilia and collecting.