The 1970s marked the golden age of basketball, with stars like Kareem Abdul-Jabbar and Julius Erving revolutionizing the game. This pivotal era witnessed an evolution in play style and the art of basketball card collecting. Below, we take a closer look at hoop history and break down the five most valuable 1970s basketball cards collectors have ever seen.

1970 Topps #75 Lew Alcindor (Kareem Abdul-Jabbar)

The 1970 Topps #75 card, featuring Lew Alcindor (now known as Kareem Abdul-Jabbar), is a treasure trove for collectors, symbolizing a monumental era in basketball. Abdul-Jabbar was the most hyped basketball prodigy in history, and his rookie card was, and remains to this day, as valuable as any in the sport’s history. Its immense value lies in its rarity and in capturing the genesis of Abdul-Jabbar’s legendary career, making it a must-have for enthusiasts looking to hold a piece of sports history.

1970-71 Topps #123 Pete Maravich

This card captures Maravich in his Atlanta Hawks jersey, a rare find among his various team representations. The rarity factor certainly contributed to its high-demand status, but the “Pistol Pete” persona drives the real frenzy among collectors.

1972-73 Topps #195 Julius Erving

Jumping off a page that echoes waves of color, this Erving card symbolizes Dr. J’s leap from the ABA to the NBA. Known for its vibrant aesthetic and the ‘fro that takes center stage, this card graces the collections of the most die-hard Erving and Philadelphia card collectors.

1975 Topps #254 Moses Malone

The Chairman of the Boards was just a rookie straight out of high school before calling his shots with the Philadelphia 76ers and their “fo-fo-fo” championship run. Moses Malone’s 1975 Topps #254 card shines as a beacon of his early promise and unmatched talent, capturing the essence of a legend in the making.

1975-76 Topps #254 George Gervin

This Iceman card features a cool blue backdrop accentuating Gervin’s calm and collected on-court demeanor. Considered one of the best pure scorers in the game’s history and one of its coolest players, the Iceman and his cards always have a strong market among collectors.

Tips for Prospective Collectors

Those starting their foray into 1970s basketball card collecting should remember that education is your best friend. Knowing a card’s history, legends, and rarity will help you make informed decisions. Explore diverse sources of information, from online forums to specialized catalogs, and consider consulting veteran collectors.

Find Valuable and High-Quality Vintage Basketball Cards at JRI Cards!

JRI Cards is the place to go if you want to get your hands on hoop history and the most valuable 1970s basketball cards! Our basketball box breaks include vintage cards from all eras, including the high-flying days of the NBA and the ABA decades ago. Buy a card online and watch us unveil it on our live broadcast today.