1972 Topps John Riggins Rookie Card #13
John Riggins · Topps (T.C.G.) · Rookie Card (RC), Hall of Famer (HOF)
Player
John Riggins
Set
1972 Topps Football
Year
1972
Card #
13
Condition Grade
PSA 3 (VG) to PSA 4 (VG-EX). The centering is heavily shifted toward the top-right. Corners show significant rounding/wear, and edges show minor chipping particularly on the right side.
Category
Rookie Card (RC), Hall of Famer (HOF)
Manufacturer
Topps (T.C.G.)
Demand Level
Strong. Hall of Fame rookie cards from the early 70s represent a stable blue-chip investment in the hobby. Demand remains high from both Jets and Washington fans.
Valuation
Raw (Ungraded) Value
$75.00 - $125.00
Graded Value
PSA 3: $80-110, PSA 4: $130-170, PSA 5: $200-250
Comparable Sales
Recent eBay sales for raw copies in similar 'Very Good' condition range from $85 to $115. Graded PSA 4 copies have recently settled around the $150 mark.
Description
Authentic 1972 Topps John Riggins Rookie Card (#13) featuring his debut season stats with the New York Jets. This card showcases the iconic dual-colored back typical of the 1972 set with a biographical blurb about his college record at Kansas and his first professional season rushing stats (769 yards).
Key Features
Hall of Fame Rookie Card of one of the greatest running backs in NFL history. High historical significance as the only recognized rookie card for Riggins. Part of the highly sought-after 1972 Topps vintage set.
Authenticity Indicators
Correct blue-green and navy ink contrast on card stock; 'PRTD. IN U.S.A.' and 'T.C.G.' copyright present; appropriate card stock texture and aging/toning. Confidence: High.
Flaws to Note
Significant top-to-bottom and left-to-right centering bias (OC/Off-Center). Visible rounding and soft fibers on all four corners. Minor edge wear and surface toning consistent with vintage age. No visible creases, which is a positive.
Selling Guide
Where to Sell
eBay is the best platform for a mid-grade raw vintage card like this. Consignment through MySlabs or PWCC is an option if graded, but for raw sales, eBay's reach is superior.
Selling Tips
Do not grade this card unless you believe the surface is completely flawless; the centering will severely limit the numerical grade to a 3 or 4. List with 'HOF Rookie' in the title. Ship in a penny sleeve inside a top loader and use a bubble mailer with tracking (Ground Advantage).