BaseballRookieKey Card
1979 Topps Ozzie Smith #116
AI confidence: high
Rookie status
This is the official rookie card of Ozzie Smith, Hall of Fame shortstop for the San Diego Padres and St. Louis Cardinals. It is one of the most iconic rookie cards from the late 1970s.
Why this card matters
Ozzie Smith's rookie card is a cornerstone of vintage baseball card collecting. Smith was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 2002 and is widely considered the greatest defensive shortstop in MLB history. This card is heavily sought after by collectors of 1970s and Hall of Fame cards alike.
Parallels & Print Runs
No parallels exist for this era
Mass produced
1979 Topps did not have parallel versions. The standard card is the only version.
Notable Variants
- ◆ No known short prints or major variants for this specific card
- ◆ Some copies exist with noticeably better centering than others due to 1970s printing inconsistencies
Population Context
This is a frequently submitted card to PSA and BGS. PSA population data shows thousands of graded copies, with the vast majority grading PSA 6 or lower due to common centering and print quality issues of the era. PSA 8 copies are moderately available but PSA 9s are scarce, and PSA 10s are extremely rare — fewer than a handful are known to exist in PSA 10.
Collector Notes
Centering is the number one issue with this card — left-to-right and top-to-bottom centering problems are extremely common. Collectors should also watch for print spots, staining, and soft corners, all typical of 1970s Topps cards. The card has a yellow border which shows wear and chipping easily. When looking for high-grade examples, clean borders with no chipping and strong centering are critical. This card is a must-have for Hall of Fame player collectors and vintage set builders alike.
PSA Population Report
Population data not yet available for this card.
Price trend
Price Trend
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AI-generated information based on training data. Population data and values are estimates — verify with PSA, BGS, or recent eBay sold listings before making financial decisions.