1968 Topps Gene Alley #444
Gene Alley · Topps · Base Card
Player
Gene Alley
Set
1968 Topps Base Set
Year
1968
Card #
444
Condition Grade
PSA 2 (Good) to PSA 3 (VG). Centering is moderately off (approx 70/30 L-R). The corners show significant rounding and softening, particularly the bottom right. Verticle creases are visible on the bottom edge and surface wear is apparent.
Category
Base Card
Manufacturer
Topps
Demand Level
Low/Moderate. Primarily sought by 1968 Topps set builders or Pittsburgh Pirates team collectors. Gene Alley is a respected player but not a Hall of Famer, which limits 'superstar' demand.
Valuation
Raw (Ungraded) Value
$1.00 - $3.00
Graded Value
PSA 3: $8-12, PSA 4: $15-20, PSA 5: $25-30. Note: Grading fees significantly exceed the market value of this specific card.
Comparable Sales
Recent eBay sales for raw copies of this card in similar VG condition range from $0.99 to $2.50 plus shipping. PSA 7 copies generally sell for around $40-50, but this card will not reach that grade.
Description
Original 1968 Topps Gene Alley #444 featuring the classic 'burlap' or 'woodgrain' border design with a pink team name block. This card shows the Pittsburgh Pirates shortstop in a fielding pose, holding his glove ready. The card features a yellow pennant logo with the Pirates mascot and a bright pink bottom border.
Key Features
Gene Alley was a 2x All-Star and 2x Gold Glove winner. Part of the iconic 1968 Topps set known for its unique textured border design and circular player photos (though this is a standard landscape shot).
Authenticity Indicators
Authenticity Confidence: High. The card stock shows the appropriate brown/grey cardboard backing for 1968 Topps. The printing dots (rosettes) are consistent with period lithography. This is not a commonly counterfeited card due to its low individual market value.
Flaws to Note
Significant corner rounding, edge wear, and visible surface creasing near the bottom right and left edges. Off-center left-to-right. General surface dirt and age-related toning.
Selling Guide
Where to Sell
eBay (as a 'Buy It Now' or part of a Pirates lot), COMC, or local card shop bulk bins. It is best sold as part of a lot of 1960s commons to save on shipping.
Selling Tips
Do not grade this card, as the cost of the slab will be 5-10 times the value of the card itself. Use clear photos of the front and back. Mention 'SET FILLER' in the title to attract collectors finishing the 1968 Topps set. Ship in a penny sleeve and top loader inside a reinforced envelope.