1974 Topps Rico Petrocelli #285
Rico Petrocelli · Topps · Base
Player
Rico Petrocelli
Set
1974 Topps
Year
1974
Card #
#285
Condition Grade
PSA 5 (EX) - Centering is significantly shifted to the right (approx 75/25), with evidence of corner softening and minor edge wear particularly on the bottom edge.
Category
Base
Manufacturer
Topps
Demand Level
Moderate - Popular with Red Sox team collectors and set builders, but Petrocelli is a common star rather than a Hall of Famer.
Valuation
Raw (Ungraded) Value
$1.00 - $3.00
Graded Value
PSA 4: $4-6, PSA 5: $8-12, PSA 6: $15-20
Comparable Sales
Recent eBay sales for raw copies in similar mid-grade condition range from $0.99 to $2.50. PSA 5 graded copies typically hammer between $8 and $12 when including shipping.
Description
This 1974 Topps card features Boston Red Sox third baseman Rico Petrocelli. The card boasts the iconic colorful 1974 design with 'RED SOX' in large block letters and a blue '3rd BASE' banner in the top right. A facsimile signature is printed across the lower chest of the player's jersey. The photo depicts Petrocelli in the classic Red Sox home uniform with a red cap.
Key Features
Features a Red Sox fan favorite and 2x All-Star; classic 1974 Topps vertical design; facsimile signature on card front.
Authenticity Indicators
Authenticity confidence is High. The card stock shows the correct gray/brown fibrous pulp on the edges typical of 1974 Topps; the '3rd BASE' banner shows authentic ink layering and the color palette matches known originals. This card is not frequently counterfeited due to low market value.
Flaws to Note
Significant right-side centering issues (OC); soft/rounded corners appearing on all four edges; minor chipping on the bottom edge; slight surface dullness typical of 1970s cardboard stock.
Selling Guide
Where to Sell
Best sold on eBay as a 'Buy It Now' with a Best Offer option, or as part of a bulk Red Sox lot. It is also suitable for COMC (Check Out My Cards) or local card shop 'dollar boxes'.
Selling Tips
Grading is not recommended as the cost of grading exceeds the market value of the card at this grade level. To maximize value, list with high-resolution scans of the front and back. Use keywords like 'Vintage Red Sox' and '1974 Topps Set Filler'. Ship in a penny sleeve and top loader inside a reinforced envelope.