1991 Topps Pat Tabler #396
Pat Tabler · Topps · Base
Player
Pat Tabler
Set
1991 Topps Base
Year
1991
Card #
#396
Condition Grade
PSA 6 (EX-MT). Centering is noticeably shifted to the right (approx 65/35). Visible chipping and white wear on the top and bottom edges. Corners show minor softening. Surface has standard vintage gloss but likely minor micro-scratches from storage.
Category
Base
Manufacturer
Topps
Demand Level
Low. This is a common card from the 'Junk Wax' era, produced in massive quantities. Demand is primarily limited to Mets team collectors or those completing the 792-card base set.
Valuation
Raw (Ungraded) Value
$0.05 - $0.25
Graded Value
PSA 8: $5-10, PSA 9: $15-25, PSA 10: $40-60 (Value predominantly tied to set registry collectors; grading cost exceeds market value for this specific grade).
Comparable Sales
Individual raw copies typically sell for $0.99-$1.50 with free shipping on eBay, essentially covering the cost of the stamp and envelope. Bulk lots of 1991 Topps usually sell for approximately $5-$10 per 500-count box.
Description
A classic piece of 1991 Topps Baseball, this card features New York Mets infielder Pat Tabler in a follow-through batting stance. The card utilizes the iconic 40th Anniversary Topps logo in the upper left corner and features the colorful 1991 border design with the Mets team name in stylized script at the bottom right.
Key Features
Includes the Topps '40 Years of Baseball' commemorative logo. Features a solid journeyman player known as 'Mr. Clutch' for his high career batting average with the bases loaded.
Authenticity Indicators
High confidence authentic. Uses standard 1991 gray-backed cardstock. No signs of being a reprint as this card is not a high-value vintage target. Printing rosettes are consistent with 1990s offset lithography.
Flaws to Note
O/C (Off-center) favoring the right border. Visible white 'snow' or chipping on the blue bottom border. Edge wear on the top white cardstock. Substantial print dotting in the background image characteristic of the 'junk wax' era production quality.
Selling Guide
Where to Sell
Best sold in bulk lots on eBay, at a local card show in a 'dollar bin' (or 10-cent bin), or via COMC for long-tail sales to set builders.
Selling Tips
Do not grade this card; the cost of grading ($19+) far outweighs the market value. It is best used as a 'filler' for a 1991 Topps set. If selling individually, use a plain white envelope (PWE) to keep shipping costs below the value of the card.