1972-73 Topps Jean Ratelle NHL All Star #122
Jean Ratelle · Topps · Base / Hall of Famer / All-Star
Player
Jean Ratelle
Set
1972-73 Topps Hockey
Year
1972
Card #
#122
Condition Grade
PSA 3 (VG) - Centering is heavily shifted to the top and right. Significant surface scratching is visible across the top-middle and upper-right of the image. Corners show noticeable rounding and softening, particularly the bottom left and top right. Edges exhibit minor chipping.
Category
Base / Hall of Famer / All-Star
Manufacturer
Topps
Demand Level
Moderate - Jean Ratelle is a legendary Hall of Famer, and while this isn't his rookie card, it is a staple for team and vintage hockey collectors.
Valuation
Raw (Ungraded) Value
$3.00 - $8.00
Graded Value
PSA 2: $10-15, PSA 3: $18-25, PSA 4: $35-45
Comparable Sales
Recent raw sales for similar condition copies range from $4.00 to $7.00. PSA 4 copies have sold in the $40 range, but this specific card’s heavy surface scratching and centering would likely result in a lower technical grade.
Description
A vintage 1972-73 Topps Jean Ratelle hockey card celebrating his selection as a 2nd Team All-Star Center for the 1971-72 season. The card features an action shot of the Rangers' legend with a distinctive yellow and black banner design. The vertical text on the left border highlights his All-Star status, and the star icon on the right designates his position and team honor.
Key Features
Hall of Fame player (Jean Ratelle), iconic early 70s Topps design, All-Star subset designation, high vintage appeal for Rangers collectors.
Authenticity Indicators
Authentic. Features the correct period-accurate card stock, lithographic dot pattern consistent with 1970s Topps production, and appropriate ink bleed on the yellow banner. This card is not commonly counterfeited due to its abundance and relatively low value in mid-grade.
Flaws to Note
Major centering issues (top-heavy and right-leaning), visible surface scratches in the upper half of the card, rounded corners, and age-related edge wear. The centering alone would likely cap the grade even if the surface were clean.
Selling Guide
Where to Sell
eBay is the best platform for this specific card using an auction or 'Buy It Now' with 'Best Offer' enabled. It would also sell well in a bulk 'vintage hockey' lot.
Selling Tips
Due to the condition flaws, grading this card is not financially recommended as the grading fees would exceed the market value. List it with high-resolution photos of the front and back. Use keywords like 'Vintage', 'HOF', 'Rangers', and 'All-Star'.