1977 Topps Doug Plank Rookie #101
Doug Plank · Topps · Rookie Card (RC)
Player
Doug Plank
Set
1977 Topps Football
Year
1977
Card #
#101
Condition Grade
Estimated PSA 6 (EX-MT). Centering is slightly heavy to the right (approx 65/35). Top-bottom centering looks excellent. Corners show minimal wear but are not razor-sharp. Back surface shows slight toning consistent with 1970s cardboard stock.
Category
Rookie Card (RC)
Manufacturer
Topps
Demand Level
Moderate. Demand is steady among Chicago Bears team collectors and 'tough-guy' vintage football enthusiasts. Not a 'hot' card in the modern sense but a staple vintage rookie for mid-tier collections.
Valuation
Raw (Ungraded) Value
$5.00 - $15.00
Graded Value
PSA 5: $15-20, PSA 6: $30-40, PSA 7: $60-80, PSA 8: $150-200. Value jumps significantly at Mint 9 due to scarcity of high-grade vintage defensive players.
Comparable Sales
Raw copies in EX-MT condition generally sell for $8-$12 plus shipping. PSA 7 copies have recently sold in the $50-$70 range, while PSA 8 copies have seen sales between $130 and $180 depending on the eye appeal.
Description
This is the 1977 Topps Rookie Card of legendary Chicago Bears safety Doug Plank. The back of the card features the card number 101 inside a football icon, detailed player stats from 1975-1976, and a biographical 'College Corner' section highlighting his Ohio State career. The card is printed on classic gray/brown 1970s cardstock with the red and black ink typical of the 1977 set.
Key Features
Doug Plank was the namesake of the famous '46 Defense' (he wore #46) and a cult hero for Chicago Bears fans. This is his official Topps rookie card. Collectors of the 1985 Bears 'Monsters of the Midway' often seek out Plank's card as he was a precursor to that era's toughness.
Authenticity Indicators
Authenticity confidence is High. The 'fuzzy' texture of the cardboard stock, the specific font for the stats, and the typical 'dot' printing pattern in the red banners are all consistent with original 1977 Topps production. High-grade counterfeits of defensive players from this era are extremely rare as the market value does not incentivize high-end forgeries.
Flaws to Note
The card is slightly off-center to the right side on the reverse. There is a small amount of corner softening on the top-right and bottom-left. The back surface shows consistent vintage aging but no major stains, wax marks, or creases.
Selling Guide
Where to Sell
eBay is the best platform for this card, specifically using the 'eBay Standard Envelope' shipping for low-cost items. Facebook 'Chicago Bears' or 'Vintage Football' groups would also find interested buyers quickly.
Selling Tips
Since the raw value is under $20, grading is likely not cost-effective unless you believe the front is perfectly centered and leads to a PSA 8 or higher. List with keywords: '1977 Topps Doug Plank Rookie RC Chicago Bears 46 Defense'. Use high-resolution scans of both front and back.