1970-71 Topps Norm Van Lier Rookie Card #153
Norm Van Lier · Topps · Rookie Card (RC), Base
Player
Norm Van Lier
Set
1970-71 Topps Basketball
Year
1970
Card #
#153
Condition Grade
PSA 3 (VG) - Estimate based on heavy corner wear, top-left soft corner, visible surface marks, and top-heavy centering (70/30).
Category
Rookie Card (RC), Base
Manufacturer
Topps
Demand Level
Moderate. Van Lier has a dedicated following among 70s basketball fans and Chicago Bulls/Cincinnati Royals team collectors, though he is not a Hall of Fame member (currently).
Valuation
Raw (Ungraded) Value
$10.00 - $20.00
Graded Value
PSA 2: $10-15, PSA 3: $25-30, PSA 4: $40-50
Comparable Sales
Recent raw sales for this card in VG condition range from $12 to $18. PSA 3 copies have recently sold for approximately $28. Higher grades like PSA 7 reach $150+.
Description
Featured here is the 1970-71 Topps Rookie card of legendary defender Norm 'Stormin' Norman' Van Lier. This vintage 'tall boy' style card features the iconic psychedelic blue lettering and a vibrant red background. Van Lier is shown in his Cincinnati Royals uniform holding a basketball.
Key Features
Official Rookie Card of 3x NBA All-Star and 8x All-Defensive team member; Rare 'Tall Boy' oversized card format (2-1/2" by 4-11/16"); High-numbered card from the second series set which is generally harder to find.
Authenticity Indicators
Authenticity confidence: High. The card shows correct porous cardboard stock of the era, the 'bubble' font matches known samples, and the red ink shows appropriate halftone patterns. These are rarely counterfeited in low-to-mid grades.
Flaws to Note
Soft and rounded corners (especially top-left), slight edge chipping on the right side, vertical centering is shifted toward the top, and there is a visible indentation/marking near the top-left edge of the blue lettering.
Selling Guide
Where to Sell
eBay (as an auction or 'Buy It Now') or COMC. It is also a great candidate for vintage basketball Facebook groups or local card shows with vintage-focused dealers.
Selling Tips
Due to the odd size (2-1/2" x 4-11/16"), ensure you use a specifically sized 'Tall Boy' top-loader and sleeve for shipping. Do not grade this specific copy as the grading fees would likely exceed the value of the card in this condition.