1977 Topps Art Shell #270
Art Shell · Topps · Base / Hall of Fame
Player
Art Shell
Set
1977 Topps Football
Year
1977
Card #
#270
Condition Grade
PSA 5 (EX) to PSA 6 (EX-MT) - Centering appears slightly off top-to-bottom and left-to-right. Corners show minor softening, and edges have light whitening. The surface appears clean on the reverse with no visible wax or gum stains.
Category
Base / Hall of Fame
Manufacturer
Topps
Demand Level
Moderate - Demand is driven by Raiders team collectors and Hall of Fame completionists. While Shell is a legend, offensive linemen generally have lower demand than skill positions like QBs or RBs.
Valuation
Raw (Ungraded) Value
$5.00 - $12.00
Graded Value
PSA 5: $15-20, PSA 6: $25-35, PSA 7: $50-65
Comparable Sales
Recent eBay sales for raw copies of this card range from $3 to $10 plus shipping. PSA 7 copies have sold in the $45-$60 range, while PSA 8 copies can reach over $125. The market for mid-grade 70s vintage remains steady.
Description
This is a 1977 Topps football card featuring Hall of Fame offensive tackle Art Shell of the Oakland Raiders. The card back features a salmon-colored background with Shell's stats, accomplishments, and a 'College Corner' section highlighting his time at the University of Maryland Eastern Shore. The copyright marks confirm its 1977 production by Topps Chewing Gum, Inc.
Key Features
Features Hall of Fame offensive lineman Art Shell. Art Shell was an 8-time Pro Bowler, 2-time Super Bowl champion, and later the first African American head coach in the modern NFL era. This card is part of the iconic 1977 Topps set known for its classic design and large player write-ups.
Authenticity Indicators
Authenticity confidence: High. The card stock displays the correct coarse grain and color for 1977 Topps. The 'star' symbol next to the copyright on the back and the specific font for the 'College Corner' logo are consistent with original prints. This card is not high-risk for counterfeiting compared to rookie cards of the same era.
Flaws to Note
Visible centering issues (heavy to the top and right). Likely minor corner wear consistent with a 45-year-old paper stock card. Chipping is common on these gray/tan backs, which appears present in a minor capacity on the lower edges.
Selling Guide
Where to Sell
eBay is the best platform for a single card like this. For higher volume, COMC (Check Out My Cards) is a great alternative. For immediate sale, local vintage card groups on Facebook are effective.
Selling Tips
Do not grade this card unless it is a clear PSA 8 or better, as grading fees will exceed the market value. When listing on eBay, include 'Hall of Fame' and 'Raiders' in the title. Use a penny sleeve and top-loader for shipping. Best results come from clear photos of both front and back.