In 1999, the strikeout king of baseball, Nolan Ryan was elected into the Hall of Fame. With a long successful career, Ryan has become one of the most noted baseball players of all time.
He was able to dominate every game he played in and amassed a record 7 no-hitters throughout the course of his career. Fans still search for some of his best cards to add to their collections today as a result.
Below are 10 of the best and most valuable Nolan Ryan Baseball Cards that you can admire, trade, and add to your collection.
1. 1993 Finest Nolan Ryan #107 Refractor Baseball Card
PSA Value- $9,442
The 1993 Finest Nolan Ryan #107 Refractor Card is one of the most valuable cards in the set. Nolan Ryan’s MLB career came to an end in 993, and the refractor card depicts the pitcher poised to throw one of his well-known fastballs.
With over 100 of these cards submitted to PSA, only 8 of them were granted a grade of 10. None of which has ever been sold. It’s extremely difficult to obtain highly graded versions of this card, but when you do, they’re very expensive.
2. 1976 Topps Nolan Ryan #330 Baseball Card
Value- $17,500
This card features bright colors of pink and yellow which is an incredible contrast to the black background and the less than cheery expression adorned on Ryan’s face.
This card is extremely valuable among collectors as only 10 cards have been declared a PSA Grade 10.
With less than 1500 of these cards being autographed by the star player, their value of it only increases.
3. 1972 Topps Nolan Ryan #595
Value- $7,900
This is one of the more affordable Ryan cards, meaning its average price is below 5 digits. However, in 2021 a PSA Grade 10 1972 Topps Nolan Ryan #The 595 Baseball Card was auctioned for over $45,000.
The pitcher is included on the 1972 Topps card during his rookie season with the Angels. It is a close-up of Nolan Ryan wearing a cap with the old Angels insignia rather than a full-body action photo.
It is even more valuable as Topps never produced another set with this color scheme and font after 1972.
4. 1978 Topps Nolan Ryan #400 Baseball Card
Value- $13,600
If you want a jewel in the world of trading cards, this 1978 Topps Nolan Ryan #400 cards is the one to find. It depicts the player preparing for a pitch while giving his smoldering stare into the camera.
With only 3 of these cards being awarded a PSA Grade 10, it is extremely rare and can be bought for a very large price.
5. 1968 Topps Nolan Ryan Rookie #117 Baseball Card
Value- $600,000
This is one of the most valuable Nolan Ryan cards on the circuit. It is the only rookie card of the pitcher playing for the Mets and is worth an incredible $600,000.
However, it does have its faults. Ryan shares the card with a fellow pitcher meaning the card has to be aligned horizontally. Bringing the visual appeal of the card down significantly.
6. 1970 Topps Nolan Ryan #712 Baseball Card
Value – $600,000
Always wondered what the money shot looks like for a baseball player? The 1970 Topps Nolan Ryan #712 card shows Ryan standing with his mitt and the Met field behind him. It is an incredible image that highlights why these cards are so valuable.
In 2021, one of these cards was auctioned for a whopping $132,000 and with only 3 of these cards in existence, it is a surprise that it didn’t go for more.
7. 1969 Topps Nolan Ryan New York Mets #533 Baseball Card
Value- $900,000
The best Nolan Ryan card after the 1968 rookie card is the 1969 Topps version. Although it isn’t his official rookie card, it still has a lot of worth.
Nolan Ryan is posing by himself for the first time on a genuine card. in contrast to his rookie card, which he shares with another player.
If you want Nolan Ryan to be the only player on the card, get this one. It’s not a legitimate rookie card, so keep that in mind. D
8. 1974 Topps Nolan Ryan #20 Baseball Card
Value- $7,500
Nolan Ryan was possibly at the pinnacle of his power in 1974. Despite being a member of the All-Star squad for the previous two seasons, he was not selected for the team this year, but everyone knew he was still among the league’s top players.
There are a few cards still in circulation that make the card even more valuable.
9. 1971 Topps Nolan Ryan #513 Baseball Card
Value- $7,500
Two aspects set it apart from the majority of other Ryan cards from his formative years: first, there is an autograph in the center of the picture.
The actual image of Ryan is the other. It’s one of the few pictures of him really doing anything, as opposed to other pictures where he just poses.
This card has gone for as much as $26, 300 making it a highly sought-after card.
10. 1973 Topps Nolan Ryan #220 Baseball Card
Value- $334,894
While the brightly colored 1972 cards are highly valuable, 1973 is one of the most popular cards from Ryans’s time as a California Angel.
The card’s layout is also incredibly appealing. This card is a classic because it has one of the best designs from the 1970s despite its simplicity.
Final Thoughts
While Nolan Ryan retired in the early 90s, his legacy lives on through trading cards. And it is an expensive legacy.
From his special rookie card to images of him in action, you can add to your collection if you are willing to pay the right price.
After his incredible career, Ryan has become one of the most well-known players in the world of baseball. His trading cards are extremely valuable and can go for quite the price at auction.
Above are 10 of the most valuable Nolan Ryan baseball cards there are!
He bought me my first baseball mitt, and taught me everything I know about baseball. When he came over one day with my first ever baseball card, I was absolutely elated. We started collecting them together, and getting excited whenever we went somewhere that sold them.
Here, I hope you find all of the information that you need to build your own amazing baseball card collection with friends, family and loved ones, and you too can find happiness in getting all of your favorite cards!
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