1988 Topps Tom Browning #198
Tom Browning · Topps · Base
Player
Tom Browning
Set
1988 Topps Base Set
Year
1988
Card #
#198
Condition Grade
PSA 7 (Near Mint). The card has noticeable top-to-bottom centering issues (bottom heavy) and left-to-right centering bias. The top-left corner shows slight rounding and minor white chipping on the left edge.
Category
Base
Manufacturer
Topps
Demand Level
Low/Niche. Demand is primarily driven by Cincinnati Reds team set collectors or fans of 1980s nostalgia. It is widely available in large quantities.
Valuation
Raw (Ungraded) Value
$0.05 - $0.25
Graded Value
PSA 8: $5.00 - $10.00; PSA 9: $15.00 - $25.00; PSA 10: $45.00 - $60.00
Comparable Sales
Raw copies typically sell for pennies in bulk lots. Recent eBay sales for single raw copies range from $0.99 to $1.50 with free shipping. PSA 10 examples occasionally reach $50, but PSA 7 or 8 grades rarely sell for more than the cost of shipping.
Description
A classic 1988 Topps card featuring Cincinnati Reds pitcher Tom Browning. The card showcases the iconic '88 design with an orange-and-white striped border and the team logo in a stylized circle at the bottom right. Browning is captured mid-pitch in his pinstriped Reds home uniform.
Key Features
Tom Browning is famously known for throwing the twelfth perfect game in MLB history on September 16, 1988. This card was released during that historic season. While not a rookie card, it remains a favorite for Reds team collectors.
Authenticity Indicators
High confidence. This card features the correct 'brick' texture on the back cardboard and standard Topps 1988 ink saturation. This is a common card from the 'junk wax' era and is not a target for counterfeiting.
Flaws to Note
Significant centering issues: the bottom border is much thicker than the top. Minor corner wear on the top left. The white cardstock of this era is prone to 'toning' or yellowing over time.
Selling Guide
Where to Sell
Most effectively sold in a bundle or 'team lot' on eBay. Low-value cards like this are often best for 'Common' bins at local card shops or COMC (Check Out My Cards) where bulk inventory thrives.
Selling Tips
Do not grade this card; the grading fees far exceed the market value. Group it with other 1980s Reds players (like Barry Larkin or Eric Davis) to increase appeal to a team collector. Use 'PWE' (Plain White Envelope) shipping to keep costs down for the buyer.