1971-72 Topps Norm Van Lier Rookie Card #19
Norm Van Lier · Topps (T.C.G. PRTD. IN U.S.A.) · Rookie Card (RC)
Player
Norm Van Lier
Set
1971-72 Topps Basketball
Year
1971
Card #
19
Condition Grade
PSA 3 (Very Good) to PSA 4 (Very Good-Excellent)
Category
Rookie Card (RC)
Manufacturer
Topps (T.C.G. PRTD. IN U.S.A.)
Demand Level
Moderate. Van Lier is a beloved figure in Chicago Bulls and Cincinnati Royals history, and vintage rookie cards from this set remain staples for basketball collectors.
Valuation
Raw (Ungraded) Value
$15.00 - $35.00
Graded Value
PSA 3: $30-45, PSA 4: $50-70, PSA 5: $85-110
Comparable Sales
Recent eBay sales for raw copies in similar mid-grade condition range from $18 to $32. PSA 4 examples have recently sold for approximately $60, while PSA 6 examples reach $150+.
Description
The reverse side of this iconic 1971-72 Topps rookie card features a yellow biographical box and a blue-shaded personal data section. The text highlights Van Lier’s background in football and his collegiate success at St. Francis. A small cartoon with vintage trivia (The answer is Bob Cousy) sits in the bottom right corner. The vintage stock shows natural toning consistent with age.
Key Features
This is the official rookie card of 'Stormin' Norman', a 3-time NBA All-Star and defensive specialist. Part of the highly collected 1971-72 Topps basketball set, which is known for its tall boy predecessors but returned to standard size this year.
Authenticity Indicators
Authenticity confidence is High. The brown cardboard-like stock is correct for the era, and the 'T.C.G. PRTD. IN U.S.A.' print line matches known originals. The ink absorption into the fiber is consistent with 1971 printing methods.
Flaws to Note
Significant centering issues visible on the reverse, with the print shifted heavily toward the top-left edge. Rounded and fuzzy corners are present, along with noticeable edge wear and chipping on the blue ink sections. The surface shows some dark spotting or dirt consistent with long-term storage without a protector.
Selling Guide
Where to Sell
eBay is the best platform for a mid-tier vintage rookie card like this. Fixed-price listings with 'Best Offer' enabled tend to perform well for cards in this condition range.
Selling Tips
Do not grade this specific card; the centering and corner wear will likely result in a grade that does not justify the $20+ grading fee. Use high-resolution scans and mention 'Rookie Card' in the title. Ship in a penny sleeve and top-loader inside a bubble mailer.