Pete Rose 1970s Baseball Cards Overview: Topps, Food Issues & Scarcity

Darryl P. Nov 28, 2025 5:41pm 8 views

Subtitle: A Look at the Iconic Cards from Pete Rose's 1970s Era

Meta Description: Explore the diverse range of Pete Rose baseball cards from the 1970s, including Topps, food issues, and rare collectibles. Discover the value and rarity of these vintage cards.

Content:

What’s New

Known as "Charlie Hustle," Pete Rose remains Major League Baseball's all-time hit leader with 4,256 hits accumulated over a span of 24 seasons. The 1970s were pivotal for Rose, not just for his performance on the field but also for the diverse array of baseball cards produced. This decade saw a rise in collectible cards, featuring traditional Topps issues and unique food product collaborations such as Kellogg's and Hostess. Rose’s cards from this era are still in high demand among collectors, with values varying significantly based on their rarity and condition.

Configuration at a Glance

  • Topps released annual base sets with Pete Rose cards each year from 1970 through 1979.
  • Specialty cards included releases from Kellogg’s, Bazooka, Milk Duds, Hostess, O-Pee-Chee, and a variety of disc sets.
  • Some years featured unique multi-player and leader cards, such as batting leaders and All-Star selections.
  • Hand-cut and test issues (Bazooka, Hostess, Deckle Edge) add an element of scarcity and value.
  • The majority of cards from this period do not include autographs or memorabilia, as these features became standard in later decades.

Key Inserts & Parallels

  • 1970 Topps #61 NL Batting Leaders (Pete Rose/Bob Clemente/Cleon Jones) - a multi-player leader card.
  • 1971 Bazooka Numbered Test #32 and Unnumbered #5 - hand-cut test issues.
  • 1971 Milk Duds #60 Pete Rose DP - a card from a food issue.
  • 1973 Topps Candy Lids #44 - a test issue with a distinctive round design.
  • 1974 Topps Deckle Edge #16 - features a black and white, scalloped edge design.
  • 1975 Hostess #29, Hostess Panels, and Hostess Twinkie - food issue cards, hand-cut.
  • 1976 disc cards (Blankback, Buckman, Carousel, Crane, Dairy Isle, Isaly, Orbakers, Red Barn, Safelon) - round, disc-shaped cards.
  • 1976 Safelon Superstar Lunch Bags #10 - a novelty issue featuring multiple players.
  • 1977 disc cards (Burger Chef, Chilly Willie, Customized, Dairy Isle, Detroit Caesars, Holiday Inn, MSA, Pepsi Glove, Saga, Wendy’s, Zip’z) - company-branded disc issues.

Autographs & Relics

During the 1970s, autograph and memorabilia cards were uncommon. All Pete Rose cards from this period are non-autographed and non-relic. Collectors focus on base cards, leader cards, and specialty issues from food and promotional products. The value and rarity hinge on print runs, condition, and special editions like test issues and hand-cut cards.

Collector Notes

  • Pete Rose cards from the 1970s present a wide spectrum of traditional and food/promotional issues, offering variety for collectors.
  • Condition plays a crucial role in determining value, especially for hand-cut and test issues such as Bazooka, Hostess, and Deckle Edge cards.
  • Topps cards from the 1970s often face centering and cutting challenges, making high-grade examples particularly valuable.
  • Food and disc issues are typically hand-cut and might have uneven edges or factory imperfections.
  • The 1975 Topps #320 Rose is notably popular for its design and value range.
  • Specialty and regional releases (discs, lunch bags, candy lids) are less frequent and can command higher prices depending on their rarity and condition.
  • Most cards from this decade do not feature autographs or relics, as these additions were introduced in later periods.
  • Prices vary widely: some cards are available for under $10, while rarities and high-grade cards can reach several hundred or even thousands of dollars.

Source: https://www.sportscardportal.com

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Darryl P.

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