1973 Topps Rico Petrocelli #285
Rico Petrocelli · Topps · Base
Player
Rico Petrocelli
Set
1973 Topps Base Set
Year
1973
Card #
#285
Condition Grade
PSA 3 (VG) to PSA 4 (VG-EX). Centering appears slightly shifted top-to-bottom and left-to-right. Corners show visible softening/rounding, particularly on the top-left and bottom-right. Edges have minor chipping, and the surface shows typical aging/toning.
Category
Base
Manufacturer
Topps
Demand Level
Low/Moderate. Petrocelli has a dedicated Boston Red Sox following, but as a non-Hall of Famer in mid-grade condition, this primarily appeals to team collectors or 1973 set builders.
Valuation
Raw (Ungraded) Value
$1.00 - $3.00
Graded Value
PSA 3: $8-12, PSA 4: $12-18, PSA 5: $20-25. (Note: Grading cost exceeds current market value).
Comparable Sales
Recent eBay sales for raw copies in similar VG-EX condition range from $0.99 to $2.50 plus shipping. PSA 7 copies typically sell for approximately $35-45, while PSA 8 examples reach $75-90.
Description
A classic 1973 Topps Rico Petrocelli #285 featuring the Red Sox 3rd baseman in a defensive fielding pose. The card showcases the iconic '73 design with the silhouette logo in the bottom right corner and clean typography. The reverse side features career statistics and historical highlights.
Key Features
Boston Red Sox franchise favorite and 2x All-Star. Popular vintage set design known for its unique positional silhouettes.
Authenticity Indicators
High confidence. Correct card stock thickness for 1973 Topps. The 'dot-matrix' print pattern in the flesh tones and background sky is consistent with original period lithography. No signs of modern reproduction. Low risk of counterfeit for this specific player/year.
Flaws to Note
Softened corners on all four points; noticeable rounding on the top left. Moderate centering issues. General edge wear and slight surface discoloration/toning common for 50-year-old cardboard.
Selling Guide
Where to Sell
eBay (as a Buy It Now or low-start auction), COMC, or a local card show 'dollar bin.' Best sold as part of a Boston Red Sox team lot or a 1973 starter set to maximize shipping value.
Selling Tips
Do not grade this card, as the grading fees will be significantly higher than the final sale price. Place in a penny sleeve and top-loader for protection. Use a high-resolution scan of both front and back. List as '1973 Topps Rico Petrocelli #285 Red Sox' and offer eBay Standard Envelope shipping for $1.00 to keep the total cost attractive to budget collectors.