1972 Topps Dave Elmendorf Rookie Card #109
Dave Elmendorf · Topps · Rookie Card (RC)
Player
Dave Elmendorf
Set
1972 Topps Football
Year
1972
Card #
109
Condition Grade
PSA 2 (Good) to PSA 3 (VG). Centering is heavily shifted to the top-left on the reverse. Corners are soft and rounded with visible cardboard fraying. Edges show significant wear and whitening. Surface appears to have staining or foxing on the card stock.
Category
Rookie Card (RC)
Manufacturer
Topps
Demand Level
Low. Elmendorf was a solid player (All-Pro in '78), but as a defensive back from the 70s who is not in the Hall of Fame, demand is limited to Rams team collectors, Texas A&M alumni, or set builders looking for budget fillers.
Valuation
Raw (Ungraded) Value
$1.00 - $3.00
Graded Value
PSA 2: $5-10, PSA 3: $12-18, PSA 4: $25-35 (Grading not recommended based on value vs. cost).
Comparable Sales
Recent raw sales for low-grade copies of this card range from $0.99 to $2.50 plus shipping. PSA 8 (NM-MT) copies typically sell for $50-$70, but this card would not achieve that grade due to corner wear and centering.
Description
This is the reverse side of the 1972 Topps Dave Elmendorf rookie card. It features a horizontal layout with a biographical write-up detailing his collegiate success at Texas A&M and his status as a top NFL rookie in 1971. The back includes his 1971 Los Angeles Rams interception records, a cartoon illustration highlighting his scholarship, and the classic green and blue 1972 Topps design motifs.
Key Features
True Rookie Card for Dave Elmendorf; Notable 'Dual Sport' mention on back regarding professional offers from the Red Sox and Yankees; Part of a popular vintage set known for high-action photography on the front.
Authenticity Indicators
Authenticity confidence is High. The card shows correct 1972 Topps 'chip-board' style stock, proper green/blue ink saturation for the period, and natural 'hair' fraying on the corners consistent with vintage paper. The 'T.C.G. PRTD. IN U.S.A.' copyright marking is accurate for the release.
Flaws to Note
Significant centering issues (OC), rounded/fuzzy corners, and noticeable edge chipping. The card stock shows aging with light spotting/staining on the reverse side. No visible creases, but general wear is consistent with a low-grade vintage survivor.
Selling Guide
Where to Sell
eBay (as a 'Buy It Now' with 'Best Offer'), COMC, or a bulk vintage lot on Facebook marketplace. High-end auction houses would not accept this card in this condition.
Selling Tips
Do not grade this card; the cost of grading ($19+) far exceeds the market value of the card in this condition. Sell as 'Raw' and list as '1972 Topps Dave Elmendorf RC #109'. Use a penny sleeve and top-loader for shipping. Best sold as part of a 1972 Topps lot or a Rams team set to maximize collector interest.