1977-78 Topps Hockey Stanley Cup Semifinals #261 Bruins Advance to Finals
Jean Ratelle, Rick Middleton · Topps · Base / Postseason Highlights
Player
Jean Ratelle, Rick Middleton
Set
1977-78 Topps Hockey
Year
1977
Card #
#261
Condition Grade
PSA 6 (EX-MT) - Centering is slightly heavy to the right (approx 65/35), corners show minor whitening, and there's a visible print speck on the right border.
Category
Base / Postseason Highlights
Manufacturer
Topps
Demand Level
Moderate - Popular with Boston Bruins team collectors and set builders of vintage 1970s hockey.
Valuation
Raw (Ungraded) Value
$1 - $4
Graded Value
PSA 5: $10-15, PSA 6: $18-25, PSA 7: $35-45
Comparable Sales
Raw copies typically sell for $1-3 plus shipping. PSA 8 examples usually sell in the $75-100 range, but mid-grade copies (PSA 5-6) struggle to cover the cost of grading.
Description
Attractive 1977-78 Topps Hockey card #261 celebrating the Boston Bruins' Stanley Cup Semifinals victory. Features Bruins stars Jean Ratelle and Rick Middleton in their classic black and gold uniforms. The card design includes a vibrant yellow top banner and bold red 'SEMI-FINALS' text at the bottom. The image is clear with good color saturation for the era.
Key Features
Includes Hall of Famer Jean Ratelle; iconic 1970s Topps design; key postseason highlight card for Boston Bruins team collectors.
Authenticity Indicators
Correct card stock consistency for 1970s Topps (gray/brown back); distinct halftone printing pattern; no evidence of trimming on edges. Confidence: High.
Flaws to Note
Slight right-to-left centering bias; minor corner touches on all four corners; small black print dot on the right white border; potential for light surface wear common in vintage paper stock.
Selling Guide
Where to Sell
eBay (as a Buy It Now with 'Best Offer'), COMC for long-term consignment, or local card shows in the New England area.
Selling Tips
Do not grade this card unless it appears pristine under magnification, as the grading fee will exceed the card's value. List with keywords '1977-78 Topps Hockey', 'Boston Bruins', and 'Jean Ratelle HOF'. Ship in a penny sleeve and top loader inside a reinforced envelope.