1972 Topps Roberto Clemente #309
Roberto Clemente · Topps · Base Card / Hall of Fame
Player
Roberto Clemente
Set
1972 Topps Base Set
Year
1972
Card #
#309
Condition Grade
PSA 3 (VG) to PSA 4 (VG-EX). The card is heavily off-center (approx 80/20 top-to-bottom), shows significant corner softening/rounding, and visible surface scuffing on the top right border.
Category
Base Card / Hall of Fame
Manufacturer
Topps
Demand Level
Strong. Roberto Clemente remains one of the most collected players in the hobby. Vintage HOFers in this price range have constant liquidity.
Valuation
Raw (Ungraded) Value
$60.00 - $95.00
Graded Value
PSA 3: $80-110, PSA 4: $135-165, PSA 5: $210-250
Comparable Sales
Recent eBay sales for raw copies in similar 'VG' condition range from $70-$120. PSA 4 copies have recently sold for approximately $150.
Description
This is an iconic 1972 Topps Roberto Clemente card featuring the distinctive psychedelic 'tombstone' arch design. The photo captures the legendary Hall of Famer in his classic Pittsburgh Pirates home jersey holding a baseball. The card features a vibrant orange and blue border with stars in the upper corners and bold block lettering typical of the early 70s aesthetic.
Key Features
Features Hall of Fame legend Roberto Clemente; iconic 1972 arch design; one of the final active-career cards produced before his tragic passing in December 1972.
Authenticity Indicators
High confidence in authenticity. The cardboard stock shows the correct greyish-brown pulp consistency of the era; the 'halftone' print pattern on the image is consistent with 1970s lithography; no signs of modern glossy reprint techniques.
Flaws to Note
Severe top-to-bottom centering issues (the top white border is much thicker than the bottom); softened corners with some minor fraying; visible brown surface speckling on the white borders; general surface wear consistent with age.
Selling Guide
Where to Sell
eBay is the best platform for this card in raw condition to reach the widest audience of vintage collectors. Alternatively, a local card vintage specialist.
Selling Tips
Do not grade this card. The centering and corner wear will likely result in a grade that does not justify the current PSA/SGC grading fees and wait times. Sell it as 'Raw - Mid Grade' and provide high-resolution scans of the back to show the stats.