1971-72 Topps Mike Barrett #162
Mike Barrett · Topps (under T.C.G. license) · Base / Vintage Basketball
Player
Mike Barrett
Set
1971-72 Topps Basketball
Year
1971
Card #
162
Condition Grade
PSA 3 (VG) to PSA 4 (VG-EX) - Estimated. The card shows significant edge wear, rounding at the corners (bottom right especially), and visible surface foxing/staining on the reverse. Centering is shifted moderately toward the bottom right.
Category
Base / Vintage Basketball
Manufacturer
Topps (under T.C.G. license)
Demand Level
Low to Moderate. Collectors primarily seek this set for Hall of Famers like Kareem Abdul-Jabbar or Julius Erving. Barrett is a common/semi-star from this era.
Valuation
Raw (Ungraded) Value
$3.00 - $8.00
Graded Value
PSA 3: $15-20, PSA 4: $25-35, PSA 5: $45-55. Note: Grading costs usually exceed the value of this specific card.
Comparable Sales
Recent sales for mid-grade raw copies of this card range from $2.50 to $6.00 plus shipping. PSA 6 (EX-MT) copies generally sell for around $70-80, but this specimen will not reach that grade due to corner wear.
Description
A vintage 1971-72 Topps basketball card featuring Mike Barrett of the Virginia Squires. This regular-sized issue followed the 'Tall Boy' era and features the iconic late-60s/early-70s Topps design including player bios, stats, and a cartoon illustration on the reverse regarding team history.
Key Features
Vintage ABA representation. Features the 'Bird Man' Mike Barrett, a member of the 1968 Olympic Gold Medal team and an ABA All-Star.
Authenticity Indicators
Authentic. The card stock shows the correct greyish/brown cardboard backing typical of early 70s Topps. The 'T.C.G. PRTD. IN U.S.A.' print line is crisp. Confidence is High.
Flaws to Note
Corners are significantly rounded with fuzzy edges. Noticeable surface oxidation and browning (toning) on the back. Chipping along the top and bottom borders. Centering is approximately 65/35 toward the bottom-right corner.
Selling Guide
Where to Sell
eBay (as a Buy It Now with 'Best Offer' enabled) or Sportlots. It is best suited for a vintage set-builder looking to fill a gap.
Selling Tips
Do not grade this card; the fees for authentication and shipping will likely be triple the card's market value. List it with high-resolution photos of both sides and use 'PWE' (Plain White Envelope) shipping for $1.00 to keep the total cost attractive to low-end vintage collectors.