1977 Topps Garry Templeton Rookie Card #161
Garry Templeton · Topps Chewing Gum, Inc. · Rookie Card (RC)
Player
Garry Templeton
Set
1977 Topps Base Set
Year
1977
Card #
161
Condition Grade
Estimated PSA 4 (Very Good-Excellent). Card is heavily off-center (OC) toward the left and bottom on the reverse. Notable edge wear on the right side and softening corners are visible through the top loader.
Category
Rookie Card (RC)
Manufacturer
Topps Chewing Gum, Inc.
Demand Level
Low/Niche. Templeton is a solid '70s and '80s era favorite for Cardinals and Padres team collectors, but his market is limited to set builders and vintage specialists.
Valuation
Raw (Ungraded) Value
$0.50 - $2.00
Graded Value
PSA 3: $5-8, PSA 4: $10-15, PSA 5: $20-25. Note: Grading costs strictly exceed current market value for this specific example.
Comparable Sales
Recent raw sales for this card in similar mid-grade condition range from $0.99 to $2.50. High-grade (PSA 9) examples can reach $50, but current centering issues prevent this specific card from reaching those levels.
Description
This is the 1977 Topps Garry Templeton Rookie Card, number 161. The card back features a light green and cream color scheme with full major and minor league statistics from 1974-1976. It includes a 'Padres' Owner Ray Kroc' cartoon on the top left and a short biography highlighting his selection to the TOPPS Rookie All-Star Team.
Key Features
Official Rookie Card of 3-time All-Star and 2-time Silver Slugger Garry Templeton. This card features the iconic 1977 Topps design and includes his minor league stats with the St. Petersburg and Tulsa teams.
Authenticity Indicators
Authenticity confidence: High. The cardboard stock shows the correct grey/tan pulp texture for the 1977 era and the 'PRTD. IN U.S.A.' text is clear with the characteristic period-correct typography. This card is rarely counterfeited due to its common status.
Flaws to Note
Significant centering issues on the reverse (miscut/diamond cut lean). Visible whitening on all four corners. Chip/nick on the right edge of the card back. Minor surface debris inside the holder may indicate light surface wear.
Selling Guide
Where to Sell
Best sold on eBay as a 'Buy It Now' or as part of a 1977 Topps team set/lot. It could also find a buyer in a cheap 'dollar bin' at a local card show.
Selling Tips
Do not grade this card, as the cost of grading ($19+) far outweighs the $1-2 market value. Use keywords like '1977 Topps Templeton RC' and 'Cardinals Rookie'. Offer low-cost shipping in a plain white envelope (PWE) to make the price attractive to set builders.