1971-72 Topps NBA Championship Playoff Series Game #1 #133
Lew Alcindor (Kareem Abdul-Jabbar), Oscar Robertson, Earl Monroe, Wes Unseld · Topps · Base / Playoff Highlight
Player
Lew Alcindor (Kareem Abdul-Jabbar), Oscar Robertson, Earl Monroe, Wes Unseld
Set
1971-72 Topps Basketball
Year
1971
Card #
133
Condition Grade
PSA 3 (VG) - Corners show significant rounding/softness, edges have noticeable chipping and whitening, surface exhibits possible staining and overall cardboard aging/toning. Centering is shifted towards the top-left on the reverse.
Category
Base / Playoff Highlight
Manufacturer
Topps
Demand Level
Moderate - Kareem and Robertson collectors frequently seek out playoff highlight cards, though base/highlight cards have lower demand than primary player cards.
Valuation
Raw (Ungraded) Value
$10.00 - $20.00
Graded Value
PSA 2: $15-25, PSA 3: $30-45, PSA 4: $55-75
Comparable Sales
Recent PSA 3 sales have settled in the $35-45 range. Raw copies in similar mid-grade (VG) condition typically sell for $12-18 on eBay auctions.
Description
This 1971-72 Topps card captures the box score from Game 1 of the NBA Championship Playoff Series between the Baltimore Bullets and the Milwaukee Bucks. The card front features a horizontal layout with an action photo of Abdul-Jabbar, while the reverse (shown) displays the full statistics of Hall of Famers like Lew Alcindor (post-game he changed his name to Kareem Abdul-Jabbar), Oscar Robertson, Earl Monroe, and Wes Unseld. Features the classic T.C.G. copyright and high-contrast color scheme typical of early 70s cardboard.
Key Features
Features Lew Alcindor (Kareem Abdul-Jabbar) and Oscar Robertson; details the 1971 NBA Finals where the Bucks won their first title; contains multiple Hall of Fame names in the box score; classic vintage Topps basketball design.
Authenticity Indicators
Authentic card stock with appropriate brown/gray pulp texture; correct 1968 N.B.P.A. copyright notice (common for this set); age-appropriate ink absorption into the stock. Confidence: High.
Flaws to Note
Significant corner wear and rounding visible on all four points; edge chipping and 'foxing' or toning of the card stock; possible surface grime or staining on the reverse mid-section; top-heavy centering on the back.
Selling Guide
Where to Sell
eBay (best for vintage single sales), COMC, or local card shows with vintage dealers.
Selling Tips
Do not grade this card, as the grading fees ($19+) would likely exceed the value added for a PSA 3. List as '1971 Topps #133 Milwaukee Bucks NBA Finals Game 1' to capture team and player collectors. Use a penny sleeve and top-loader when shipping to prevent further corner softening.