1971 Topps #195 1970 N.L. Playoffs Game #1 Ty Cline
Ty Cline, Tommy Helms, Lou Brock · Topps · Base / Postseason Highlight
Player
Ty Cline, Tommy Helms, Lou Brock
Set
1971 Topps Base Set
Year
1971
Card #
#195
Condition Grade
PSA 3 (VG) - Centering is decent at roughly 60/40, but corners show significant softening and rounding, particularly at the top left. The black borders (notorious for wear) show chipping and white edging. Surface appears okay but black borders likely hide some minor scratches.
Category
Base / Postseason Highlight
Manufacturer
Topps
Demand Level
Moderate - While Ty Cline is not a Hall of Famer, set builders and Cincinnati Reds enthusiasts actively seek 1971 Topps cards in decent condition because the black borders are so difficult to find without wear.
Valuation
Raw (Ungraded) Value
$2.00 - $5.00
Graded Value
PSA 2: $8-12, PSA 3: $15-20, PSA 4: $25-35
Comparable Sales
Recent eBay sales for raw copies in VG condition range from $1.50 to $4.50. PSA 7 copies (much higher grade) sell for around $60-80, but this card will not reach that tier due to corner wear.
Description
This is a 1971 Topps 1970 N.L. Playoffs Game #1 highlight card (#195) titled 'Cline Pinch-Triple Decides It!'. It features a horizontal black-border design typical of the 1971 set, with a pink-tinted action photograph showing a play at third base involving Cincinnati Reds player Ty Cline and St. Louis Cardinals fielders. The card captures the intense atmosphere of the 1970 postseason with its classic retro aesthetic.
Key Features
Iconic and highly sensitive black-border design; Part of the 1971 Topps high-demand vintage set; Postseason highlight subset featuring the Cincinnati Reds 'Big Red Machine' era.
Authenticity Indicators
Card stock thickness and age-appropriate browning on back (if visible) are key. The 1971 set is rarely counterfeited in low-value common/subset cards like this. Confidence: High.
Flaws to Note
Significant white chipping on all four black edges; rounded/soft corners particularly prominent on the left side; top border is slightly thinner than bottom; characteristic 'snow' or white print dots visible in the black ink sections.
Selling Guide
Where to Sell
eBay (low price point), COMC (best for vintage commons), or as part of a 1971 Topps lot on Facebook groups/marketplace.
Selling Tips
Do not grade this card; the cost of grading ($19+) far exceeds the realized value of a PSA 3. List it as '1971 Topps 195 NL Playoffs' and use clear photos on a white background to make the black borders stand out. Ships best in a penny sleeve and top-loader via eBay standard envelope for $0.60-$1.00.