1974 Topps Al Kaline #215
Al Kaline · Topps · Base / Hall of Fame
Player
Al Kaline
Set
1974 Topps Base Set
Year
1974
Card #
#215
Condition Grade
PSA 5 (Excellent) to PSA 6 (EX-MT). While surface looks clean, top-bottom centering is heavy toward the bottom (approx 70/30), and top-left corner shows slight softening.
Category
Base / Hall of Fame
Manufacturer
Topps
Demand Level
Moderate. Al Kaline 'Mr. Tiger' has a dedicated fan base and Hall of Fame collectors consistently seek out clean specimens of his later-year cards.
Valuation
Raw (Ungraded) Value
$10.00 - $20.00
Graded Value
PSA 5: $25-35; PSA 6: $45-60; PSA 7: $90-110
Comparable Sales
Recent raw EX-MT copies have sold between $12 and $18. PSA 6 copies typically hammer around $50. PSA 8 copies jump significantly to $250+.
Description
Featured here is a 1974 Topps Al Kaline baseball card, number 215. This classic vintage card captures the Detroit Tigers legend in a defensive profile shot in his home whites. The 1974 design features a distinct 'ribbon' style team nameplate at the bottom right and the city at the top left. The card showcases the HOFer near the end of his illustrious 22-season career.
Key Features
Hall of Fame player; penultimate player card (1974 was his final season); iconic 1974 Topps design containing 'Detroit' and 'Tigers' on opposing corners.
Authenticity Indicators
Authenticity Confidence: High. The card shows correct 1974 grey/brown fiber cardstock, the characteristic 'Topps' print dither in the red banners, and appropriate age-related toning on the back (implied). This set is rarely counterfeited in mid-grade condition.
Flaws to Note
Centering is noticeably shifted toward the bottom border. The top-left corner shows a hint of rounding/softening. The right edge has minor factory rough-cut characteristics common for 1974 Topps stock.
Selling Guide
Where to Sell
eBay is the best platform for this specific card due to the high volume of vintage set builders. A Large card show would also be a good venue for a raw sale.
Selling Tips
Avoid grading this card unless you believe it can hit a PSA 8 (it likely won't due to centering). Sell it raw using high-resolution scans of both front and back. Use keywords like 'Vintage', 'Hall of Fame', and 'Detroit Tigers'.