1974 Topps Fred Biletnikoff #490
Fred Biletnikoff · Topps (under the T.C.G. logo) · Base Card / Hall of Fame
Player
Fred Biletnikoff
Set
1974 Topps Football
Year
1974
Card #
490
Condition Grade
PSA 5 (Excellent) / PSA 6 (EX-MT) - Centering is slightly biased left-to-right; corners show minor softening; edges appear clean; surface looks free of major wax or gum stains often found in this set.
Category
Base Card / Hall of Fame
Manufacturer
Topps (under the T.C.G. logo)
Demand Level
Moderate - Raiders fans and Hall of Fame collectors maintain steady demand for Biletnikoff. While not a 'hot' rookie card, vintage Raiders stars sell consistently.
Valuation
Raw (Ungraded) Value
$10.00 - $25.00
Graded Value
PSA 5: $25-35, PSA 6: $45-60, PSA 8: $150-200
Comparable Sales
Recent eBay sales for raw copies range from $8 (Fair) to $30 (NM). Graded PSA 7s have recently sold for $75-$90, while PSA 9s can command over $600.
Description
A vintage 1974 Topps Fred Biletnikoff card (#490), legendary Oakland Raiders wide receiver and Hall of Famer. The back features a mustard-yellow and tan design with 1973 and career stats, a biographical cartoon noting his performance in the 1968 AFL Championship, and the interactive 'Football Game' element at the bottom. This card captures the Super Bowl XI MVP during the peak of the Madden-led Raiders era.
Key Features
Features a Hall of Fame player (inducted 1988). The 1974 set is known for its classic design and the 'Football Game' interactive back. High-grade examples for this specific card are increasingly difficult to find due to centering issues common with 1970s Topps football sets.
Authenticity Indicators
The characteristic light brown/gray 'cardboard' stock is consistent with 1974 Topps production. The printing on the back uses the correct 'dot' matrix pattern of the era. The 'T.C.G. PRTD. IN U.S.A.' logo is authentic and correctly placed. Confidence: High.
Flaws to Note
Slight left-to-right centering bias (approx. 65/35). Minor corner softening on the bottom left and top right. Minor light edge wear visible on the light brown card stock.
Selling Guide
Where to Sell
eBay is the best platform for a raw card. COMC is excellent for sending 'as-is' for fixed-price sales. For high-grade authenticated versions (PSA 8+), Heritage or Goldin auctions may be appropriate.
Selling Tips
Do not grade this card unless you believe it is a PSA 8 or higher; the grading fee will outweigh the value of a mid-grade return. When listing, use keywords like 'Hall of Fame', 'HOF', 'Oakland Raiders', and 'Vintage'. Photograph the card outside of a sleeve for clarity, then immediately store it in a penny sleeve and top-loader.