1974 Topps Emmitt Thomas #381
Emmitt Thomas · Topps (T.C.G.) · Base Card / Hall of Fame
Player
Emmitt Thomas
Set
1974 Topps Football
Year
1974
Card #
#381
Condition Grade
PSA 5 (EX) Estimated. The centering on the reverse is noticeably shifted toward the bottom-left. Corners show visible softening and the edges exhibit minor chipping consistent with 1970s gray cardstock. Surface looks clean but potential for light wear is present.
Category
Base Card / Hall of Fame
Manufacturer
Topps (T.C.G.)
Demand Level
Moderate. Emmitt Thomas is a Hall of Famer, but as a defensive back from the 70s, he typically appeals to set builders and Chiefs franchise fans rather than high-end speculators.
Valuation
Raw (Ungraded) Value
$5.00 - $12.00
Graded Value
PSA 4: $15-20, PSA 5: $25-35, PSA 6: $45-60
Comparable Sales
Recent raw copies in similar mid-grade condition have sold for $6-$10 on eBay. Graded PSA 7s typically reach $80-100, while PSA 5s sell in the $25 range.
Description
A classic 1974 Topps Emmitt Thomas card featuring the iconic 'Football Game' scratch-off style back. The card features a cartoon illustration highlighting Thomas's clarinet playing, biographical information from Bishop College, and career interception stats through the 1973 season. The reverse shows the gray pulp cardstock characteristic of the era and the 'T.C.G. PRTD IN U.S.A.' copyright mark.
Key Features
Hall of Fame player (Inducted 2008). 1974 Topps set design. Features interactive 'Football Game' element on the reverse. Essential for Kansas City Chiefs team set collectors.
Authenticity Indicators
High confidence. The cardstock is the correct porous gray pulp used by Topps in 1974. The printing shows the correct halftoning under magnification and the 'double asterisk' variety on the copyright line is consistent with original print runs.
Flaws to Note
Centering is approximately 75/25 toward the bottom-left on the reverse. Softening on all four corners, especially the top right. Minor edge roughing. Slight oxidation/toning of the gray cardstock backing due to age.
Selling Guide
Where to Sell
eBay (highest volume for vintage), COMC (great for set builders), or localized Kansas City sports card groups.
Selling Tips
Due to the estimated grade and current market value, grading is likely not cost-effective unless it's part of a bulk submission to fill a registry set. List as '1974 Topps Emmitt Thomas HOF' to capture Hall of Fame collectors. Ship in a penny sleeve and top loader in a bubble mailer or high-quality rigid mailer.