1992 Topps Tim Costo #253
Tim Costo · Topps · Base
Player
Tim Costo
Set
1992 Topps Baseball Base Set
Year
1992
Card #
#253
Condition Grade
PSA 7 (Near Mint). Centering appears slightly heavy to the right (approx 60/40); top-left corner shows minor fraying/softening. Surface exhibits minor white specking/print defects common to the 1992 stock.
Category
Base
Manufacturer
Topps
Demand Level
Low. This card is from the 'Junk Wax Era' of massive overproduction. Costo did not achieve Hall of Fame or superstar status, meaning demand is limited to Reds team collectors or 1992 set builders.
Valuation
Raw (Ungraded) Value
$0.10 - $0.50
Graded Value
PSA 8: $5.00 - $12.00, PSA 9: $15.00 - $25.00, PSA 10: $45.00 - $65.00
Comparable Sales
Recent raw sales range from $0.10 to $0.99 usually in bulk lots or 'pick your card' listings. PSA 10 copies occasionally sell for $40-$50 to registry set collectors, but mid-grade versions (PSA 8 or lower) often go unsold.
Description
This 1992 Topps Tim Costo #253 card features the Cincinnati Reds outfielder/first baseman in his road pinstripe uniform. The 1992 design is iconic for its colorful borders and white card stock, moving away from the traditional brown chipboard of previous decades. This specific card captures Costo mid-stride, featuring the classic Topps '92 logo in the upper right.
Key Features
Classic early 90s Topps design; Tim Costo was a highly touted prospect and former 8th overall draft pick (1990); Reds team collectible.
Authenticity Indicators
Authenticity Confidence: High. Correct card stock thickness for 1992 Topps; standard dot matrix printing pattern visible under magnification; no signs of trimming. This card is not commonly counterfeited due to low market value.
Flaws to Note
Slight right-side centering bias; soft top-left corner; minor edge chipping on the reverse side; typical 1990s mass-production print dots in the background image.
Selling Guide
Where to Sell
eBay (as part of a team lot or set), COMC (Check Out My Cards), or local card shop bulk bins. Selling as a single item is usually not cost-effective due to shipping fees.
Selling Tips
Do not grade this card unless it is a guaranteed PSA 10, as the grading fee far exceeds the market value. Best sold as part of a 1990s Cincinnati Reds lot or a complete 1992 Topps set. Use eBay Standard Envelope for cheap shipping if sold individually.