1969-70 Topps Earl Monroe Rookie Card #56
Earl "The Pearl" Monroe · Topps · Rookie Card (RC), HOF Legend
Player
Earl "The Pearl" Monroe
Set
1969-70 Topps Basketball
Year
1969
Card #
#56
Condition Grade
PSA 2 (Good) or Authentic. Note: Heavy paper loss/scuffing on the top right edge, visible creasing on the right mid-border, and rounded corners.
Category
Rookie Card (RC), HOF Legend
Manufacturer
Topps
Demand Level
Moderate-Strong. As a Hall of Fame rookie card from a highly collected vintage set, there is always a floor for even low-grade examples.
Valuation
Raw (Ungraded) Value
$60 - $100
Graded Value
PSA 1: $50-70, PSA 2: $85-120, PSA 3: $140-180
Comparable Sales
Recent eBay sales for raw, low-grade (Fair/Good) examples range from $55 to $95. PSA 2 graded examples typically sell for approximately $110, while PSA 4s jump to the $250+ range. This card's paper loss keeps it at the lower end of the spectrum.
Description
Classic 1969-70 Topps 'Tall Boy' rookie card of Hall of Famer Earl Monroe. This iconic oversized card features the legendary Baltimore Bullets guard in a red warm-up jersey against a yellow oval backdrop. The design is framed by various basketball action sketches in the corners. This specific example shows considerable vintage wear, reflecting its history as a part of a 1960s collection.
Key Features
Official Rookie Card of 'The Pearl'; Hall of Fame player; Iconic 'Tall Boy' design (2-1/2" by 4-11/16"); Key card in the 1969 Topps set, which was Topps' first major basketball return since 1957.
Authenticity Indicators
High confidence genuine. The characteristic card stock texture and the specific bleed of the red ink on 'BALTIMORE' are consistent with 1969 Topps printing processes. The wear pattern is natural for the age. Note that reprints usually have 'cleaner' whites and lack the distinct paper fiber visible in the chips of this card.
Flaws to Note
Significant chip/paper loss on the top right corner; heavy rounding on all four corners; vertical crease on the right border extending into the graphic; general surface soiling and edge wear; centering is tilted slightly to the right.
Selling Guide
Where to Sell
eBay (Auction or Buy It Now with 'Best Offer') is best for this condition. Due to the visible damage, high-end auction houses like Goldin or Heritage would likely not accept it, but it is perfect for any vintage basketball enthusiast on a public marketplace.
Selling Tips
Do not grade this card unless you want it protected for a personal collection; the grading fees from PSA/SGC would likely exceed the value increase. List it as '1969 Topps Earl Monroe RC #56 - Worn/Vintage Condition'. Use a rigid 'Tall Boy' specific top loader for shipping to prevent further edge damage.