1972 Topps Ted Simmons #651
Ted Simmons · Topps · Base Card (High Number Series)
Player
Ted Simmons
Set
1972 Topps Base Set - High Number Series
Year
1972
Card #
#651
Condition Grade
Authentic / Poor (Hand-Cut/Altered/Damaged)
Category
Base Card (High Number Series)
Manufacturer
Topps
Demand Level
Moderate (Collector Filler)
Valuation
Raw (Ungraded) Value
$5.00 - $15.00
Graded Value
PSA 1 (MC/Altered): $10-$20. Note: This card will likely receive an 'Authentic-Altered' designation rather than a numeric grade due to the hand-cut dotted edges.
Comparable Sales
Authentic factory-cut 1972 Topps #651 in Mid-grade (PSA 5/6) sells for $45-$75. Low-grade/damaged raw copies with similar staining and creases generally sell for under $15 due to the severe condition issues.
Description
Features Hall of Fame catcher Ted Simmons in his St. Louis Cardinals uniform. This card is from the elusive 'High Number' series (644-787) of the 1972 Topps set. This specific example appears to be a 'hand-cut' card, likely from a vintage sheet or strip, evidenced by the visible dotted border lines on the top and bottom edges.
Key Features
Hall of Fame player; Desirable 1972 High Number series which had lower production runs than earlier series; Iconic 'tombstone' arch design with psychedelic-style team lettering.
Authenticity Indicators
Confidence: High. The cardboard stock aging, color palette (Cardinals red), and specific 1972 font styles are consistent with original prints. The 'dotted line' indicates this was likely clipped from a panel or sheet rather than being a factory-cut pack-pulled card.
Flaws to Note
Extreme miscut/hand-cut edges with visible perforation lines; severe horizontal creases across the center; significant surface staining/soiling on the bottom border; heavy corner rounding and edge wear.
Selling Guide
Where to Sell
eBay (as an auction or low-priced BIN), COMC, or person-to-person in vintage baseball card forums/Facebook groups.
Selling Tips
Be 100% transparent about the 'hand-cut' nature and the creases. Use the keyword 'Hall of Fame' and 'High Number'. Because of the damage, it is best suited for a 'budget' set builder or a Ted Simmons player collector looking for an affordable filler.