1969-70 Topps Don Nelson #82
Don Nelson · Topps · Base Card (Tall Boy)
Player
Don Nelson
Set
1969-70 Topps Basketball (Tall Boys)
Year
1969
Card #
#82
Condition Grade
PSA 3 (VG) - Corners show significant rounding especially bottom left, edges have minor chipping, surface shows age-related toning, and centering is slightly off top-to-bottom.
Category
Base Card (Tall Boy)
Manufacturer
Topps
Demand Level
Moderate - Don Nelson is a Hall of Famer primarily for coaching, but his 'Tall Boy' cards remain popular with vintage set builders and Celtics collectors.
Valuation
Raw (Ungraded) Value
$15.00 - $30.00
Graded Value
PSA 2: $10-20, PSA 3: $30-45, PSA 4: $55-70
Comparable Sales
Recent eBay sales for raw copies in similar VG condition have fluctuated between $18 and $28. PSA 3 graded copies currently trade in the $35-$50 range.
Description
Featured here is the 1969-70 Topps Don Nelson card #82. This iconic 'Tall Boy' vintage basketball card displays Nelson’s stats through the 1968-69 season with the Boston Celtics. The reverse features a peach-colored background with biographical information and a classic cartoon illustration of a player sitting on the bench with a musket, referencing his role as a key substitute for the Celtics championship era.
Key Features
Oversized 'Tall Boy' design unique to this era; features Hall of Fame coach Don Nelson during his playing days with the legendary Boston Celtics; first Topps basketball set in 12 years.
Authenticity Indicators
Authenticity confidence is High. The 'T.C.G. PRTD. IN U.S.A.' text at the bottom right is crisp. The cardboard stock is the correct fibrous, greyish-tan vintage stock used by Topps in 1969. The halftone patterns in the blue ink are consistent with era-appropriate printing.
Flaws to Note
Soft rounded corners are visible on all four sides. There is slight edge wear and minor surface discoloration consistent with age. This card is physically larger than standard cards, making it prone to creasing and corner damage, which are visible here.
Selling Guide
Where to Sell
eBay is the best platform for this card in raw condition. For a higher certified grade, COMC or a vintage-specialty auction house like Heritage would be appropriate.
Selling Tips
Do not grade this card unless you believe it can hit a PSA 6 or higher; the grading fees will likely exceed the value increase for lower grades. Use a 'Tall Boy' specific sized sleeve and top-loader for protection. Market it using keywords 'Tall Boy' and 'Boston Celtics Hall of Fame' to attract specialized collectors.