1971 Topps Darold Knowles #446
Darold Knowles · Topps · Base Card
Player
Darold Knowles
Set
1971 Topps Base Set
Year
1971
Card #
#446
Condition Grade
PSA 2 (Good) / Authentic Altered. Features significant top edge crease, heavy corner rounding, and signature black-border chipping.
Category
Base Card
Manufacturer
Topps
Demand Level
Low/Niche. Primarily sought by 1971 Topps set builders or Washington Senators team collectors.
Valuation
Raw (Ungraded) Value
$0.50 - $2.00
Graded Value
PSA 2: $5-8, PSA 3: $10-15, PSA 1: $1-3. Grading cost exceeds the market value for this specific card.
Comparable Sales
Raw copies in similar low-grade condition typically sell for under $1.00. Even PSA 7 copies of this specific common card only fetch $15-25, highlighting the lack of premium for lower grades.
Description
A classic 1971 Topps Darold Knowles card featuring the iconic black borders and a vibrant portrait photo of the Washington Senators pitcher. The card includes a facsimile signature across the lower half. The 1971 design is one of the most recognizable in the hobby due to its difficulty to find in high grade.
Key Features
Classic 1971 Topps black border design, Washington Senators team affiliation, facsimile signature, Darold Knowles (noted as the first pitcher to pitch in all seven games of a World Series).
Authenticity Indicators
Authenticity confidence is High. The paper stock, age-appropriate yellowing on the back (not pictured but assumed), and the characteristic wear patterns of 1971 Topps black ink matches genuine production. This is not a frequently counterfeited common card.
Flaws to Note
A major vertical crease at the top center extending into the picture; heavy corner wear and rounding on all four corners; significant 'chipping' of the black ink along the edges; surface scratches; off-center framing (biased towards right edge).
Selling Guide
Where to Sell
Best sold as part of a lot on eBay or in a 'commons' bin at a local card show. Shipping as a Single Payer Envelope (PWE) is the only way to retain any profit.
Selling Tips
Do not grade this card, as the fees will cost many times more than the card is worth. Position it as a 'filler' copy for a budget set builder. Use high-resolution photos that clearly show the top crease and edge wear to avoid returns.