1969-70 Topps Don Smith #52 (Tall Boy)
Don Smith · Topps · Base (Vintage Tall Boy)
Player
Don Smith
Set
1969-70 Topps Basketball
Year
1969
Card #
52
Condition Grade
PSA 3 (VG) - Note: Surface staining, rounded corners, and significant edge wear visible on the reverse. Centering on back is favored toward the top-left.
Category
Base (Vintage Tall Boy)
Manufacturer
Topps
Demand Level
Moderate to Niche - High demand for the set overall (containing Lew Alcindor RC), but low demand for this specific common player.
Valuation
Raw (Ungraded) Value
$5.00 - $12.00
Graded Value
PSA 2: $15.00, PSA 3: $25.00, PSA 4: $40.00
Comparable Sales
Recent sales for raw common 1969-70 Topps cards in VG condition range from $6 to $15. Graded PSA 3 copies typically sell for around $25-30 including shipping.
Description
This is a vintage 1969-70 Topps basketball card featuring Don Smith of the Milwaukee Bucks. This is a famous 'Tall Boy' issue, measureing approximately 2-1/2 by 4-11/16 inches. The reverse shows a pink background with a cartoon illustration of a crying coach and career statistics from the 1968-69 season.
Key Features
Desirable 'Tall Boy' oversized format; vintage second-year professional card; early Milwaukee Bucks franchise history.
Authenticity Indicators
Authenticity High: Correct cardboard stock texture; 'T.C.G. PRTD. IN U.S.A.' copyright marking; classic 1969-70 set typography and cartoon style. This card is rarely faked, though size can vary slightly due to original factory cuts.
Flaws to Note
Visible moisture or foxing stains along the top edge; heavy rounding on all four corners; significant edge chipping on the right side; minor surface scuffs and print defects in the pink ink area.
Selling Guide
Where to Sell
eBay is the best option for raw vintage 'Tall Boy' cards of common players. COMC is also a good secondary option for long-term consistency.
Selling Tips
Use 'Tall Boy' in the title to attract set builders. Given the condition and low value of the player, do not grade this card; the grading fee will exceed the card's market value. Ship in a dedicated oversized top loader or cardboard sandwich to prevent bending.