1978-79 Topps Darryl Sittler Highlights #261
Darryl Sittler · Topps (licensed by NHL/NHLPA) · Insert/Subset (Record Breaker/Highlights)
Player
Darryl Sittler
Set
1978-79 Topps NHL Hockey
Year
1978
Card #
#261
Condition Grade
PSA 5 (EX) - Centering is slightly off-center (approx 65/35 left-to-right). Corners show visible rounding and softening. Edges have some minor chipping and a rough factory cut on the right. Surface shows some print snow/speckling common for this era.
Category
Insert/Subset (Record Breaker/Highlights)
Manufacturer
Topps (licensed by NHL/NHLPA)
Demand Level
Moderate - Darryl Sittler remains a favorite among Toronto Maple Leafs fans and vintage hockey collectors, though 'Highlight' subsets generally command less than base cards.
Valuation
Raw (Ungraded) Value
$1.00 - $3.00
Graded Value
PSA 4: $5-8, PSA 5: $10-15, PSA 6: $20-25
Comparable Sales
Recent eBay sales for raw copies of this card in similar EX condition range from $0.99 to $2.50 plus shipping. Graded PSA 7 copies typically sell for $40-50, but this card would likely not achieve that grade.
Description
This 1978-79 Topps Hockey card features Toronto Maple Leafs legend Darryl Sittler. The card is part of the '1977-78 Highlights' subset, specifically commemorating his achievement of finding the net in 9 straight games. Sittler is depicted in his classic blue and white Maple Leafs uniform on the ice. The card features retro rounded corners in the photo frame and bold red and yellow banner text at the top.
Key Features
Features Hall of Fame center Darryl Sittler; Iconic Toronto Maple Leafs collectible; Highlights a major scoring streak of the era; Classic 1970s Topps design.
Authenticity Indicators
High confidence authentic. The card stock shows the correct greyish-brown pulp composition on the back; the 'rough cut' on the side is a standard indicator of O-Pee-Chee/Topps production from this era; ink saturation and registration are consistent with 1978 print tech.
Flaws to Note
Corners are significantly softened particularly the top left and bottom right; Right edge has a rough 'fuzzy' cut; Centering is shifted towards the left border; Minor print defects (snow) in the dark background area of the photo.
Selling Guide
Where to Sell
eBay is the best platform for this specific card due to the high volume of vintage hockey buyers. It would also perform well in a COMC consignment port or at local Ontario-based card shows.
Selling Tips
Due to the low value and mid-range condition, grading is not recommended as fees will exceed the card's value. List as 'Raw' with high-resolution photos of the front and back. Use eBay Standard Envelope for cheap $1.00 shipping to maximize buyer interest. Keyword title: 1978-79 Topps Darryl Sittler Highlight #261 Leafs HOF.