1981 Topps Joe Lavender #474
Joe Lavender · Topps · Base
Player
Joe Lavender
Set
1981 Topps Football
Year
1981
Card #
#474
Condition Grade
Estimated PSA 6 (EX-MT). The centering is heavily shifted toward the top-right (approx 70/30). Corners show slight whitening/softening. Surface appears clean but typical vintage card stock texture is visible.
Category
Base
Manufacturer
Topps
Demand Level
Low/Niche. Demand is primarily limited to Washington team set collectors or fans of 1980s defensive players. Joe Lavender is a respected player but not a Hall of Fame member.
Valuation
Raw (Ungraded) Value
$0.50 - $2.00
Graded Value
PSA 5: $8-12, PSA 6: $15-20, PSA 7: $30-40. (Note: Grading fees far exceed market value)
Comparable Sales
Raw copies typically sell for $0.99 to $1.50 plus shipping. Graded copies are rarely found in the current market due to low demand, but PSA 8 examples usually sell for under $25.
Description
A classic 1981 Topps football card featuring Washington Redskins cornerback Joe Lavender. The card showcases the iconic 1981 design with a secondary color banner for the team name and a circular position icon. Joe Lavender is depicted in his Redskins helmet and signature glasses, a look that makes this card a favorite among niche vintage collectors.
Key Features
Vintage 1980s Topps design; features a two-time Pro Bowler and Super Bowl VII/XVII champion; notable for Lavender's distinctive eyeglasses worn during play.
Authenticity Indicators
High confidence. The printing exhibits the standard 1981 Topps 'dot matrix' patterns, authentic card stock thickness, and correct color hues for the era. This is not a commonly counterfeited card.
Flaws to Note
Significant centering issues with the image shifted toward the top and right borders. Minor soft corners on the bottom left. The card stock shows age-appropriate darkening/toning on the edges.
Selling Guide
Where to Sell
Best suited for eBay (as a low-cost 'Buy It Now' with PWE shipping), COMC, or as part of a 1981 Topps team set/bulk lot. Local card shop bulk bins.
Selling Tips
Do not grade this card; the cost of grading is significantly higher than the potential return. Sell it as part of a 'Washington Redskins Team Lot' to maximize interest. Use 'PWE' (Plain White Envelope) shipping to keep costs down for the buyer.