1972 Topps Lyle Alzado Rookie #106
Lyle Alzado · Topps · Rookie Card
Player
Lyle Alzado
Set
1972 Topps Football
Year
1972
Card #
#106
Condition Grade
PSA 1 (Poor) to PSA 1.5 (Fair)
Category
Rookie Card
Manufacturer
Topps
Demand Level
Moderate. Lyle Alzado has a cult following and is a key figure in 1970s/80s NFL history. His rookie card is always in demand for set builders and Raiders/Broncos fans, though current condition limits the buyer pool to 'filler' collectors.
Valuation
Raw (Ungraded) Value
$15 - $30
Graded Value
PSA 1: $25-45, PSA 2: $50-70, PSA 3: $80-110
Comparable Sales
Recent sales of raw 1972 Alzado rookies in similar low-grade/creased condition range from $12 to $28. Mid-grade (PSA 5-6) examples routinely sell for $200-$350, highlighting the significant value gap between this specimen and higher-grade copies.
Description
This is a 1972 Topps Rookie Card featuring Denver Broncos defensive end Lyle Alzado. The card features the classic 1972 high-purple border design with the 'BRONCOS' team name in bold block letters at the top. The image shows a young Alzado in a light blue jersey with white numbers. As the first card of an iconic NFL 'bad boy', this is a significant piece of football history.
Key Features
This is the official rookie card of legendary defensive lineman Lyle Alzado. Alzado was a 2x All-Pro and a Super Bowl champion, known for his intense and intimidating play style. This specific 1972 set is highly collected for its vibrant, psychedelic-era colors and borders.
Authenticity Indicators
Authenticity confidence is High. The paper stock shows correct age-appropriate oxidation and the 'fuzzy' fiber wear typical of 1970s Topps cardboard. The 'halftone' print pattern in the skin tones is consistent with 1972 Topps manufacturing. While Alzado is popular, this specific card is rarely counterfeited compared to high-value superstars like Joe Namath.
Flaws to Note
The card exhibits severe condition issues: heavy corner rounding and fraying, significant edge wear with paper loss at the bottom-right corner, and a major vertical crease/tear visible on the bottom-left edge. The centering is heavily shifted toward the bottom and left. The surface appears to have scuffing and staining.
Selling Guide
Where to Sell
eBay is the best platform for this specific card. Due to the low condition, it would perform best in an 'Auction' format starting at $0.99 or as a 'Buy It Now' with 'Best Offer' enabled to capture interest from budget-conscious collectors.
Selling Tips
Do not grade this card; the grading fees will exceed the market value of the slab due to the low grade (PSA 1-1.5). Ship in a penny sleeve and top-loader inside a bubble mailer (ground advantage) or as an eBay Standard Envelope to keep costs low. Use keywords like 'Lyle Alzado RC', '1972 Topps Football', and 'Denver Broncos Rookie'.