1971-72 Topps Randy Mahaffey #221
Randy Mahaffey · Topps · Base (ABA Subset)
Player
Randy Mahaffey
Set
1971-72 Topps Basketball (ABA subset)
Year
1971
Card #
221
Condition Grade
PSA 3 (VG) to PSA 4 (VG-EX). The centering is significantly shifted to the right. Corners show visible softening and rounding, particularly at the bottom left. The surface appears to have typical toning and light staining consistent with age.
Category
Base (ABA Subset)
Manufacturer
Topps
Demand Level
Low to Moderate. There is a niche market for ABA-specific collectors and Clemson alumni, but Mahaffey is not a Hall of Fame tier player who drives high-volume demand.
Valuation
Raw (Ungraded) Value
$3 - $8
Graded Value
PSA 3: $15-$25; PSA 4: $25-$35; PSA 5: $40-$50. Note: Grading costs likely exceed the potential value increase for this specific card.
Comparable Sales
Recent raw sales for common 1971-72 Topps ABA cards in mid-grade condition range from $2 to $10. Graded PSA 7s of this specific card have sold for approximately $60-$80, but this specimen will not reach that grade.
Description
Featured here is card #221 from the classic 1971-72 Topps basketball set, depicting ABA All-Star Randy Mahaffey of the Carolina Cougars. This card is part of the iconic 'Tall Boy' style era, though this specific year returned to standard sizing. The reverse features a blue and yellow color scheme with a 'Who was 1st coach of Carolina Cougars?' trivia cartoon and full ABA statistics from 1967-1971.
Key Features
Features a prominent ABA All-Star and Clemson University standout. The 1971-72 set is highly collected for its vibrant colors and historical significance as it includes both NBA and ABA players.
Authenticity Indicators
High confidence. The 'T.C.G. PRTD IN U.S.A.' copyright and the specific halftone printing pattern on the statistics table are consistent with authentic 1971 Topps card stock. No signs of modern reproduction.
Flaws to Note
Significant right-side centering bias (occurs frequently in this set). Visible corner wear/rounding on all four corners. Minor edge chipping. Natural cardboard toning (browning) on the reverse side.
Selling Guide
Where to Sell
eBay is the best platform for a single card of this value. It would also perform well in a 'pick-your-player' or 'set-filler' listing on COMC.
Selling Tips
Do not grade this card; the grading fee will be higher than the market value of the slab. List as '1971-72 Topps Randy Mahaffey #221 ABA Carolina Cougars' and mention 'Set Filler' in the title. Use a penny sleeve and top loader for shipping.