1973 Topps Fran Tarkenton #350
Fran Tarkenton · Topps · Base / Hall of Fame (HOF)
Player
Fran Tarkenton
Set
1973 Topps Football
Year
1973
Card #
#350
Condition Grade
Estimated PSA 3 (VG). Centering is heavily shifted to the left and top. All four corners show visible white wear and rounding. Edges appear rough, and there is a noticeable surface scratch/pitting on the left border of the photo area.
Category
Base / Hall of Fame (HOF)
Manufacturer
Topps
Demand Level
Moderate. Fran Tarkenton is a Hall of Famer with a dedicated fan base, but this specific card is common and suffers from significant centering issues which limits high-end collector interest.
Valuation
Raw (Ungraded) Value
$5.00 - $12.00
Graded Value
PSA 2: $10-15, PSA 3: $20-30, PSA 4: $35-45
Comparable Sales
Recent eBay sales for raw copies in similar mid-low grade condition range from $6 to $15. PSA 3 copies generally sell for $25-30, but many of those have better centering than this specific example.
Description
This 1973 Topps card features Hall of Fame quarterback Fran Tarkenton during his second stint with the Minnesota Vikings. The design features a colorful 'ribbon' motif in green and yellow with 'VIKINGS' printed in bold green text. The photo shows an in-game action shot of Tarkenton behind center, which is characteristic of the 1973 set design.
Key Features
Hall of Fame player; Iconic 1973 Topps 'football player' action photography; Vintage card from Tarkenton's legendary era with the Purple People Eaters.
Authenticity Indicators
Confidence: High. The card shows correct 1973 Topps cream-colored cardboard stock and period-accurate green/black ink. The wear pattern and edge texture are consistent with 50+ year old vintage cardstock.
Flaws to Note
Extreme left-to-right off-centering (approx 80/20); Top-to-bottom off-centering; Soft, rounded corners typical of 1970s cardboard; Minor surface wear including possible print speckling and a scratch on the inner black border.
Selling Guide
Where to Sell
eBay is the best platform for this card as a 'Buy It Now' or low-starting auction. It would also sell well in a vintage dollar bin at a local card show.
Selling Tips
Do not grade this card. The grading fees (approx $15-25) would exceed the market value of the grade received (likely a 3 or 4 due to centering). Use clear photos of both front and back. Ship in a penny sleeve and top loader inside a non-machinable envelope or bubble mailer.