1972-73 Topps NHL Scoring Leaders Phil Esposito / Bobby Orr / Jean Ratelle #1
Phil Esposito, Bobby Orr, Jean Ratelle · Topps (licensed by NHL/NHLPA) · Base / Leader Insert / Key HOFers
Player
Phil Esposito, Bobby Orr, Jean Ratelle
Set
1972-73 Topps NHL
Year
1972
Card #
#1
Condition Grade
Estimated PSA 1.5 to 2 (Fair/Good). Centering is heavily shifted to the top-left. Significant rounded corners and edge chipping. Notable surface staining and white spotting (snow) on the black backgrounds. Lower right corner has a minor fray.
Category
Base / Leader Insert / Key HOFers
Manufacturer
Topps (licensed by NHL/NHLPA)
Demand Level
Moderate. Bobby Orr and Phil Esposito remain highly collectible, but 'Leader' cards generally command less than solo base cards or cards from earlier years. Current interest in vintage hockey is stable.
Valuation
Raw (Ungraded) Value
$15.00 - $25.00
Graded Value
PSA 1: $10-15; PSA 2: $25-35; PSA 3: $45-55. Note: Grading costs likely exceed the value of the card in this condition.
Comparable Sales
Recent eBay sales for raw copies in similar low-grade (GD/VG) condition range from $12 to $28. PSA 5 (EX) copies generally sell for $60-80, while high-grade (PSA 8+) examples can reach $300+.
Description
A classic 1972-73 Topps NHL Scoring Leaders card featuring three absolute titans of hockey: Phil Esposito, Bobby Orr, and Jean Ratelle. The card features a black and light blue color block design with player headshots and rankings from the 1971/2 season. The bottom banner in yellow and red lists 'NHL SCORING LEADERS'. An essential card for Boston Bruins and New York Rangers vintage collectors.
Key Features
Triple Hall of Famer card. Features Bobby Orr, arguably the greatest defenseman of all time, alongside Phil Esposito during their record-breaking era. Card #1 in the set, making it prone to 'rubber band wear' from collectors of that era.
Authenticity Indicators
Confidence: High. The cardboard stock shows the typical brown/gray pulp texture of 1970s Topps. The ink layering, specifically the lack of a modern 'dot matrix' pattern in the black sections, and the specific wear patterns are consistent with authentic vintage 1972 Topps stock.
Flaws to Note
Corners are significantly rounded with cardboard fiber exposure. Heavy top-left centering (OC). Surface shows 'snowing' (white print defects) common in 70s sets with black backgrounds. Notable staining/discoloration on the yellow 'NHL Scoring Leaders' banner and bottom borders.
Selling Guide
Where to Sell
eBay (Auction or Buy It Now), COMC for a slow sale, or local card shows. This card is best sold in a 'Vintage Hockey Lot' or to a budget-conscious collector looking to fill set holes.
Selling Tips
Do not grade this card; the grading fees will likely be more than the card's final market value. List it as 'Raw Vintage' with clear photos of the back. Highlight 'Bobby Orr' in the title to attract player collectors. Use a penny sleeve and top-loader for shipping.