1977 Topps Football Pat Tilley Rookie Card #412
Pat Tilley · Topps · Rookie
Player
Pat Tilley
Set
1977 Topps Football
Year
1977
Card #
#412
Condition Grade
Estimated PSA 6 (EX-MT). The centering is shifted significantly to the right (approx 70/30). Some mild corner touches are visible, and the edges show typical rough-cut factory traits from the era. The surface appears clean on the reverse with no visible wax stains.
Category
Rookie
Manufacturer
Topps
Demand Level
Low to Moderate. While not a high-profile Hall of Famer, Tilley possesses a dedicated fan base among Cardinals franchise collectors. Demand is highest for high-grade specimens (PSA 9 or 10), which are very rare for this set.
Valuation
Raw (Ungraded) Value
$1.00 - $3.00
Graded Value
PSA 5: $10-15, PSA 6: $15-25, PSA 7: $30-45
Comparable Sales
Raw copies typically sell for $1.50 to $2.50 on eBay. Mid-grade PSA 6-7 copies occasionally sell for $20-$40, though volume is low as few people grade this specific card unless it is a Gem Mint candidate.
Description
This is a 1977 Topps Pat Tilley Rookie Card #412. The reverse features a tan cardstock typical of the 1977 set, displaying his 1976 'Punt Return Record' and biographical information from his time at Louisiana Tech. The card features the 'College Corner' subset graphic and the trademark 1977 Topps pink and black color scheme on the back.
Key Features
This is the official rookie card for Pat Tilley, a mainstay wide receiver for the St. Louis Cardinals who was a Pro Bowler in 1980. It is a key card for St. Louis Cardinals team collectors and 1977 set builders.
Authenticity Indicators
High confidence in authenticity. The cardboard stock has the correct grey/tan pulp texture. The printing shows the characteristic dot pattern of vintage Topps lithography. The 'PRTD IN U.S.A.' text and copyright date are crisp.
Flaws to Note
Significant right-side centering bias. The top-right corner shows slight rounding/whitening. Minor paper fibers visible on the edges (factory rough cut). No visible creases or heavy staining.
Selling Guide
Where to Sell
eBay (as a Buy It Now with Best Offer), COMC for long-term inventory, or as part of a lot of 1977 Topps cards in Facebook vintage football groups.
Selling Tips
Due to the low value of the raw card and the centering issues, grading is NOT recommended as the cost ($20+) would exceed the market value. List this with 'Low PWE Shipping' (Plain White Envelope) to attract buyers looking to complete their sets cheaply.