1978 Topps Doug Plank #264
Doug Plank · Topps · Base Card
Player
Doug Plank
Set
1978 Topps Football
Year
1978
Card #
#264
Condition Grade
PSA 3 (VG) to PSA 4 (VG-EX) range. Evidence of several soft corners, visible edge chipping, and a significant horizontal surface scratch/print line running across the face at the level of the mouth/chin on the face mask.
Category
Base Card
Manufacturer
Topps
Demand Level
Moderate. Plank has a strong cult following among Chicago Bears collectors and fans of old-school hard-hitting defensive football.
Valuation
Raw (Ungraded) Value
$1.00 - $3.00
Graded Value
PSA 4: $10.00-15.00, PSA 5: $20.00-25.00, PSA 6: $35.00-45.00
Comparable Sales
Recent raw sales for this card in similar VG condition range from $0.99 to $2.50. High-grade PSA 8 examples typically sell for $60-$80, but this card's condition precludes that valuation.
Description
This 1978 Topps Doug Plank card features the legendary hard-hitting Chicago Bears safety in his classic Riddell helmet. The design features a colorful 'BEARS' banner across the top with an orange name plate. The card captures a focused close-up of Plank in his early career with the Monsters of the Midway.
Key Features
Features an iconic member of the Chicago Bears 1985 defense (though he retired just before the Super Bowl run, he inspired the '46' defense named after his jersey number). Classic 1970s Topps design.
Authenticity Indicators
Confidence: High. The cardboard stock shows the correct grey/tan pulp texture of the 1970s era. The print pattern under magnification shows 'Ben-Day dots' consistent with period lithography. This is not a heavily counterfeited card.
Flaws to Note
There is a prominent white surface scratch or print defect running horizontally across the player's face mask. The bottom-right corner is rounded. Centering is shifted slightly toward the top-right. General edge wear consistent with vintage paper stock.
Selling Guide
Where to Sell
Best suited for eBay as a 'Buy It Now' or listed on COMC. Local Chicago sports card shows would also be a high-interest venue.
Selling Tips
Due to the visible surface damage across the face, this card is not a candidate for grading. It is best sold as a 'filler' card for a set collector or a budget-friendly addition for a Bears fan. Use high-resolution scans to show the surface scratch clearly to avoid returns.