1971-72 Topps John Barnhill #172
John Barnhill · Topps · Base
Player
John Barnhill
Set
1971-72 Topps Basketball
Year
1971
Card #
#172
Condition Grade
PSA 3 (VG) - Note: Significant top-right corner softening and top-left corner wear. Centering is shifted slightly toward the top/right. Surface shows some age-related toning.
Category
Base
Manufacturer
Topps
Demand Level
Low to Moderate; Primarily sought after by set builders completing the 1971-72 Topps run or ABA historians.
Valuation
Raw (Ungraded) Value
$3.00 - $8.00
Graded Value
PSA 2: $10-15, PSA 3: $18-25, PSA 4: $30-40
Comparable Sales
Recent raw sales for common players in this condition range from $2.50 to $6.00 plus shipping. PSA 4 examples of common players in this set typically sell for $30-35.
Description
A classic 1971-72 Topps Basketball card featuring Denver Rockets guard John Barnhill. This card features the iconic 'psychedelic' bubble lettering for the city name on top and a vibrant yellow background. The portrait shows Barnhill in his white Rockets jersey with blue and orange trim.
Key Features
Features a player from the ABA era (Denver Rockets); Part of the iconic 1971-72 'Tombstone' design set which is highly collected by vintage basketball enthusiasts.
Authenticity Indicators
High confidence. The card stock thickness, characteristic 'fuzzy' halftone print pattern in the yellow background, and natural age-toning are consistent with 1970s Topps production. Not a high-value target for counterfeiting.
Flaws to Note
Softening/rounding on all four corners, specifically the upper right. Noticeable edge wear on the right side. Minor surface staining/foxing on the white borders. Top-to-bottom centering is poor (top heavy).
Selling Guide
Where to Sell
eBay (as a Low-Start Auction or Buy It Now), COMC for consignment, or a local card show in a 'dollar bin' or vintage box.
Selling Tips
Due to the low value and condition, grading is not recommended as the cost of grading exceeds the card's value. List with high-resolution photos of the front and back. Ship in a penny sleeve and top-loader using the eBay Standard Envelope for cheap, tracked shipping ($0.60 - $1.10).