Hidden Gem Card of the Week: 1971 Topps Thurman Munson #5
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The vintage card market is full of iconic rookies, but a second-year card can sometimes outshine the original.
This week’s Hidden Gem Card of the Week is the 1971 Topps Thurman Munson #5, which has steadily grown in popularity and value among collectors.
Why Is This Card A Hidden Gem?
1. The Iconic Photo
Unlike Munson’s 1970 Topps rookie card (where he shares a boring photo with one Dave McDonald), the 1971 Topps #5 Munson card showcases a stunning action shot of Munson in full catcher’s gear, making a play at the plate. This dynamic image adds to its appeal, making it one of the era’s most recognizable vintage baseball cards. Notably, the All-Star rookie trophy in the corner of the card, to celebrate Munson’s AL ROY achievement, adds to the visual appeal.
2. Condition Sensitivity & Rarity in High Grades
One of the biggest reasons this card is a hidden gem is its scarcity in high grades. The 1971 Topps set is notorious for its black borders, and the cards are extremely prone to chipping and wear. In the early ’70s, kids were still flipping cards in bike spokes, and no one had card savers or penny sleeves to protect their cards.
As a result:
- There are no Gem-Mint PSA 10 copies
- PSA 9 population: Only five exist.
- Even PSA 8s are hard to find in pristine condition.
- Lower-grade versions remain accessible, but finding a high-grade copy is a challenge.
3. Thurman Munson’s Legacy
Munson was the heart and soul of the Yankees during the 1970s. A two-time World Series champion, 1976 AL MVP, and one of the greatest catchers of his era, his tragic death in a plane crash in 1979 only added to his legendary status. Yankees fans and collectors hold Munson in high regard, keeping demand for his cards strong. Now, some postulate that Munson deserves a HOF nod, but unfortunately, his short playing career will likely keep him out of the Hall, in my opinion.
| Statistic | Value |
|---|---|
| Batting Average | .292 |
| Home Runs | 113 |
| Runs Batted In | 701 |
| Hits | 1,558 |
| On-Base Percentage | .346 |
| Slugging Percentage | .410 |
| On-Base Plus Slugging (OPS) | .756 |
| Stolen Bases | 48 |
4. Investment Potential
The 1971 Topps Munson #5 is a prime investment card for several reasons:
- Rarity in High Grades – It has strong long-term value given how tough it is to find this card in mint condition.
- Yankees Collectability – The Yankees are one of the most collected teams in the hobby, and Munson remains a fan favorite.
- Hall of Fame Speculation – Many believe Munson should be inducted into the Hall of Fame. If that ever happens, expect a surge in demand.
- Market Trends—The most recent sale of a PSA 9 copy was for nearly $200K in 2022, while mid-grade copies still hold solid value. I like the investment potential for a PSA 8 copy, with only 130 copies graded by PSA. The average price has hovered around $6K but given the scarcity, I think its a solid investment.
Where to Find the 1971 Topps Thurman Munson #5
If you want to add this legendary card to your collection, eBay is a great place to start. Prices will vary depending on the condition, but well-centered, high-grade copies with clean borders command a premium.
If you want to take a chance, search eBay for ungraded copies to get graded. But, be careful of any cards that may have been touched up with a black marker, a common fix to the easily chipped 71 Topps cards.
Check eBay Listings for the 1971 Topps Thurman Munson #5
Thurman Munson’s 1971 Topps card is an all-time classic. But is it a better investment than his rookie?
Let us know what you think in the comments!
