1983 Topps Bobby Valentine Signed #187
Bobby Valentine · Topps · Base Card / Aftermarket Autograph
Player
Bobby Valentine
Set
1983 Topps Base
Year
1983
Card #
#187
Condition Grade
Estimated PSA 6-7 (EX-MT) for the card, potentially 8 or 9 for the autograph; Centering is slightly left-heavy, corners show minor softening.
Category
Base Card / Aftermarket Autograph
Manufacturer
Topps
Demand Level
Moderate; appeals mainly to New York Mets fans, managerial autograph collectors, and set completionists. Valentine is a polarizing but popular figure in baseball history.
Valuation
Raw (Ungraded) Value
$15.00 - $35.00 (Value derived primarily from the autograph, as the base card is common).
Graded Value
PSA 8 Dual Cert: $60-$85, PSA 7 Dual Cert: $40-$55, PSA 6 Dual Cert: $30-$40.
Comparable Sales
Raw 1983 Topps base cards are negligible in value ($0.50-$1.00); signed vintage common cards of Valentine typically sell for $15-$40 depending on the signature boldness and card condition.
Description
This 1983 Topps Bobby Valentine card features a profile shot of the Mets coach in his pinstripe jersey. The card was hand-signed in blue felt-tip marker (aftermarket). The design features the classic 1983 Topps dual-image style (though Valentine only has one photo here) with the team name 'METS' in a banner at the bottom and a small circular player logo.
Key Features
Hand-signed blue ink autograph by former Mets/Rangers manager and MLB player Bobby Valentine; Iconic 1983 Topps design; Niche appeal for Mets collectors and autograph seekers.
Authenticity Indicators
The signature matches known Bobby Valentine exemplars (v-loop, trailing 'e'). Card stock shows correct age-appropriate wear and Topps' 1983 lithographic grain. Confidence: High (Signature appears consistent with in-person examples).
Flaws to Note
Slight left-to-right centering bias; minor corner wear visible on the top right; some surface ink streaking on the 'B' of the signature (common with sharpie on vintage glossy/semi-gloss card stock).
Selling Guide
Where to Sell
eBay is the best platform for aftermarket autographs of this price tier; COMC is a good secondary option if you have a larger batch of signed cards.
Selling Tips
Do not grade the card alone; if you choose to grade, use a service like PSA/DNA or Beckett for 'Dual Authentication' (authenticating both the card and the autograph). List with keywords like 'Signed', 'Auto', 'Autograph', and 'Mets Manager'. Use a high-resolution scan to show the ink quality.