1971-72 Topps Basketball Jim Eakins #197
Jim Eakins · Topps (under T.C.G. license) · Base Card / ABA Subset
Player
Jim Eakins
Set
1971-72 Topps Basketball
Year
1971
Card #
197
Condition Grade
PSA 3 (Very Good) - Centering is decent, but there is significant corner wear, edge fraying, and visible surface dirt/toning.
Category
Base Card / ABA Subset
Manufacturer
Topps (under T.C.G. license)
Demand Level
Low - Jim Eakins is a common player rather than a Hall of Famer/Star, and the card is in low-mid grade condition.
Valuation
Raw (Ungraded) Value
$1.00 - $3.00
Graded Value
PSA 2: $10-15, PSA 3: $18-25, PSA 4: $30-40 (Grading costs likely exceed card value)
Comparable Sales
Raw copies of this specific card in similar condition typically sell for $1-2 plus shipping. Higher grade (PSA 8+) copies of this card sell for $50+, but this specific card does not meet that condition threshold.
Description
A vintage 1971-72 Topps basketball card featuring ABA Center Jim Eakins. The reverse side features a biographical blurb, career pro statistics covering his time with Oakland, Washington, and Virginia, and a classic Topps 'cartoon' illustration at the bottom right. The card is printed on traditional grey cardstock common for the era.
Key Features
Features stats from the ABA (American Basketball Association); Includes biographical info from his time at BYU; Classic 1970s Topps design.
Authenticity Indicators
Correct 1970 copyright 'T.C.G.' footer; period-accurate grey cardboard stock with fibrous texture; characteristic ink bleeding on text edges. High confidence of authenticity.
Flaws to Note
Soft and rounded corners; significant edge chipping along all four sides; surface staining/browning (toning) consistent with age; possible surface scuffs not visible in low light.
Selling Guide
Where to Sell
eBay (as a Buy It Now/Best Offer), COMC, or a bulk vintage basketball lot at a local card show.
Selling Tips
This card is not a candidate for professional grading as the fees would far outweigh the market value. Best sold as part of a set-builder lot or a 'Common' ABA lot to a specialty collector. Use clear photos of both sides if selling individually.