1987 Topps Buddy Bell #525
Buddy Bell · Topps · Base
Player
Buddy Bell
Set
1987 Topps Base
Year
1987
Card #
525
Condition Grade
PSA 6 (EX-MT) - Centering is slightly heavy to the right (60/40), corners show light fraying/softening, and edges show typical paper fiber roughness common for this set.
Category
Base
Manufacturer
Topps
Demand Level
Low - This is considered a 'common' card from the 'Junk Wax' era, though there is niche demand for set collectors and Reds fans.
Valuation
Raw (Ungraded) Value
$0.10 - $0.50
Graded Value
PSA 7: $5-10, PSA 8: $12-20, PSA 9: $30-50 (Note: Grading cost exceeds the value for this specific card unless it is a PSA 10 candidate).
Comparable Sales
Raw copies typically sell for pennies in bulk lots; individual copies on eBay often sell for $0.99 to $1.99 with free shipping (PWE), resulting in almost no profit for the seller.
Description
This 1987 Topps Buddy Bell #525 features the iconic faux-wood grain border design. Bell is pictured in his Cincinnati Reds uniform in a ready defensive stance on the field. The card features the classic Topps logo in the bottom left and the 'Reds' team logo in a circular inset at the top left.
Key Features
Iconic 1987 wood-grain design; features 5-time All-Star and Gold Glove winner Buddy Bell toward the end of his career.
Authenticity Indicators
Genuine card stock with traditional grey-back cardboard; period-accurate printing patterns (rosette pattern under magnification); no sign of modern digital reproduction. Confidence: High.
Flaws to Note
Right-side centering bias; minor corner softening; potential surface 'snow' or print dots common in late 80s junk wax production.
Selling Guide
Where to Sell
Best sold as part of a lot on eBay, in a 'pick your card' listing, or at a local card show in a dime/quarter box. Individual sale via COMC is an option for long-tail buyers.
Selling Tips
Do not grade this card; the grading fee will be significantly higher than the market value. List as part of a 1987 Topps team set or starter lot to maximize shipping efficiency.