1978-79 Topps Darryl Sittler Highlights #261
Darryl Sittler · Topps · Base / Highlight Insert
Player
Darryl Sittler
Set
1978-79 Topps Hockey
Year
1978
Card #
#261
Condition Grade
PSA 5 (Excellent). The card shows noticeable centering issues (heavy favor to the right), corner softening on the bottom left/top right, and potential surface wear from being stored without a sleeve.
Category
Base / Highlight Insert
Manufacturer
Topps
Demand Level
Low to Moderate. While Sittler is a Hall of Famer, this is a highlight card rather than a base card or rookie. Demand comes mostly from team collectors or those completing full sets of the 1978-79 release.
Valuation
Raw (Ungraded) Value
$1.00 - $3.00
Graded Value
PSA 4: $5-8, PSA 5: $10-15, PSA 6: $20-25. Note: Grading costs would likely exceed the final market value of this specific card.
Comparable Sales
Recent eBay sales for raw copies of this card range from $0.99 to $2.50 plus shipping. PSA 7 copies typically sell for $30-40, but this specific copy would not reach that grade due to centering and corner wear.
Description
1978-79 Topps Darryl Sittler Highlights hockey card featuring the Toronto Maple Leafs legend. The front depicts Sittler in his blue and white Maple Leafs uniform with a yellow/red '1977-78 Highlights' banner at the top left. The caption reads 'Darryl Sittler Finds Net in 9 Straight Games.' Rounded corner design within the photo frame is characteristic of this Topps era.
Key Features
Features Hall of Famer Darryl Sittler; part of a subset commemorating his scoring streak in the previous season; vintage 1970s Topps design; collectible for Toronto Maple Leafs team sets.
Authenticity Indicators
Authenticity Confidence: High. The card shows correct ink absorption into the cardboard stock and period-appropriate typography for the late 70s Topps set. This is a low-value common/highlight card and is rarely counterfeited.
Flaws to Note
Significant right-to-left centering issues (the white border is much thinner on the right); visible softening and slight rounding of corners; minor edge chipping; potential surface dust/scratches because it is being photographed out of a protector.
Selling Guide
Where to Sell
eBay (as a PWE/standard envelope listing), COMC, or in a local card shop's bargain bin. This card is best sold as part of a Darryl Sittler player lot or a Maple Leafs team lot to maximize shipping efficiency.
Selling Tips
Do not grade this card; the cost of grading is significantly higher than the market value for a mid-grade common. Use a high-quality scan and list with 'FREE Shipping' using eBay Standard Envelope to attract set builders. Mention the Hall of Fame status in the title.