1972-73 Topps NHL Playoffs Game 2 at Boston #161
Johnny Bucyk, Phil Esposito, and others · Topps · Subset / Playoffs
Player
Johnny Bucyk, Phil Esposito, and others
Set
1972-73 Topps Hockey
Year
1972
Card #
#161
Condition Grade
PSA 3 (VG) - Centering is heavily shifted to the top-left; corners show significant rounded wear; edges have visible chipping and age-related toning.
Category
Subset / Playoffs
Manufacturer
Topps
Demand Level
Moderate - Appeals primarily to Boston Bruins team collectors and vintage hockey set builders.
Valuation
Raw (Ungraded) Value
$2.00 - $5.00
Graded Value
PSA 3: $8-12, PSA 4: $15-20, PSA 5: $25-30
Comparable Sales
Recent sales for mid-grade raw copies of this specific card range from $3.00 to $6.00 plus shipping. PSA 7 or 8 examples can reach $40-60, but this specific copy does not meet that condition threshold.
Description
This 1972-73 Topps card memorializes the 1971-72 NHL Playoffs, specifically Game 2 at Boston where the Bruins defeated the Rangers 2-1. The card features an action-packed horizontally-oriented photograph within a retro rounded border, classic of the early 70s Topps design. It highlights the championship run of the 'Big Bad Bruins.'
Key Features
Features Hall of Famers like Johnny Bucyk and Phil Esposito in an action shot. Part of a popular championship subset for Bruins collectors. Features the iconic '72 design.
Authenticity Indicators
High confidence. The cardboard stock is the correct 'brownish/gray' pulp used by Topps in 1972. The ink patterns under magnification show the correct dot matrix for the era. This card is not commonly faked as it is a low-value subset card.
Flaws to Note
Severe off-center printing (heavy top and left lean). Noticeable corner rounding on all four points. Minor surface staining or 'yellowing' typical of mid-70s card stock. Edge wear along the bottom border.
Selling Guide
Where to Sell
eBay (as a low-cost Buy It Now) or COMC (Check Out My Cards). Best sold as part of a lot or to a specific vintage hockey enthusiast.
Selling Tips
Do not grade this card; the grading fee will significantly exceed the card's market value. List it with the keywords '1972 Topps Hockey Bruins Rangers Playoffs' to attract team collectors. Ship in a penny sleeve and top-loader via eBay Standard Envelope for low-cost tracking.