1970-71 Topps ABA Charlie Williams #158
Charlie Williams · Topps (under T.C.G. copyright) · Base Card
Player
Charlie Williams
Set
1970-71 Topps ABA
Year
1970
Card #
158
Condition Grade
PSA 3 (VG) - Corners show significant rounding especially top-left and bottom-right, edges are worn, centering is shifted slightly top-heavy, and surface shows age-related toning.
Category
Base Card
Manufacturer
Topps (under T.C.G. copyright)
Demand Level
Low to Moderate; primarily sought after by ABA set builders and Pittsburgh sports historians.
Valuation
Raw (Ungraded) Value
$3.00 - $8.00
Graded Value
PSA 2: $10-15, PSA 3: $18-25, PSA 4: $30-40
Comparable Sales
Recent eBay sales for raw copies of this card in similar VG condition range from $4.00 to $9.00. PSA 7 copies typically sell for $50-60, but this specimen is well below that grade.
Description
Historical 1970-71 Topps ABA card featuring Guard Charlie Williams. This 'tall boy' style card (though usually oversized, this shows the standard back) features a yellow and blue reverse with career pro statistics from the Pittsburgh Pipers and Minnesota Pipers. The back includes a biographical blurb and a 'Who were Minnesota Pipers' 3 coaches in '68-'69?' cartoon trivia question.
Key Features
Early ABA (American Basketball Association) card; Williams was an All-League guard and a key figure in the Pipers' 1968 championship; iconic 1970 design with unique cartoon trivia.
Authenticity Indicators
High confidence. Correct cardstock thickness and porous texture for 1970; appropriate ink bleed on the back text; copyright '©1970 T.C.G. PRTD. IN U.S.A.' is present; the distinct 'upside down' answer for the trivia is a standard feature.
Flaws to Note
Significant corner wear with softening and rounding on all four edges; edge chipping visible on the tan cardstock; moderate surface dirt/toning common for this age; top/bottom centering is roughly 65/35.
Selling Guide
Where to Sell
eBay is the best platform for this specific card level to reach set builders. A sports card-specific Facebook group for vintage or ABA collectors would also be appropriate.
Selling Tips
Do not grade this card; the grading fees ($19+) exceed the card's market value in this condition. Use keywords like 'ABA', 'Vintage Basketball', and 'Pittsburgh Pipers'. Ship in a penny sleeve and top-loader inside a reinforced bubble mailer or via eBay Standard Envelope for low-cost tracking.