1973 Topps St. Louis Cardinals Team Card #431
Lou Brock, Bob Gibson, Joe Torre, Tim McCarver, Wayne Granger, Ted Sizemore, Rick Wise, Mike Tyson, Scipio Spinks, Alan Santorini, and others · Topps · Base / Team Card
Player
Lou Brock, Bob Gibson, Joe Torre, Tim McCarver, Wayne Granger, Ted Sizemore, Rick Wise, Mike Tyson, Scipio Spinks, Alan Santorini, and others
Set
1973 Topps Base Set
Year
1973
Card #
#431
Condition Grade
PSA 3 (VG) to PSA 4 (VG-EX). The card shows significant edge wear (whitening) on the blue borders, soft/rounded corners, and centering shifted toward the top-right. The surface appears relatively clean but shows some light pitting or dimples.
Category
Base / Team Card
Manufacturer
Topps
Demand Level
Moderate. Team cards are popular with team-specific collectors and HOF player completists, but high supply in this condition keeps the price accessible.
Valuation
Raw (Ungraded) Value
$4.00 - $8.00
Graded Value
PSA 3: $12-18, PSA 4: $22-30, PSA 5: $40-55
Comparable Sales
Raw copies in similar VG-EX condition typically sell between $5 and $10 on eBay. PSA 4 graded copies have recently sold in the $25 range. Higher grades (PSA 8+) command significant premiums ($200+) but this specimen does not meet those condition standards.
Description
This 1973 Topps card features the St. Louis Cardinals team. The front design is iconic for the era, utilizing a bright blue border and a red header containing yellow crossed bats. Below the header is a facsimile autograph montage of the 1973 roster, including legendary Hall of Famers Bob Gibson, Lou Brock, and Joe Torre. It is a classic '70s team card that captures the star power of the era's Cardinals squad.
Key Features
Features facsimile autographs of Hall of Fame legends Bob Gibson, Lou Brock, and Joe Torre. Key '73 Topps design with distinctive blue borders which are notoriously difficult to find in high grade due to easy chipping.
Authenticity Indicators
High confidence. The 'facsimile' signatures are printed in black ink as part of the card stock. The card stock shows the appropriate matte grey/brown cardboard typical of early 70s Topps issues. No signs of modern reproduction or color bleaching.
Flaws to Note
Significant whitening and chipping on all four edges of the blue border. Rounded corners. Centering is heavy toward the top and right margins. Minimal surface wear but overall 'soft' appearance consistent with a Good to Very Good grade.
Selling Guide
Where to Sell
eBay (Auction or Buy It Now), COMC, or local card shows. Due to the low value and condition, it is a great 'bin card' for a local show or a standard eBay listing using the 'eBay Standard Envelope' for cheap shipping.
Selling Tips
Do not grade this card; the cost of grading (approx. $20+) exceeds the market value of the card in a PSA 4. List it as '1973 Topps Cardinals Team #431 Gibson Brock HOF'. Use high-resolution scans to show the edge wear clearly. Ship in a penny sleeve and top-loader.