1971 Topps Gil Hodges Manager #209
Gil Hodges · Topps · Base / Manager Card
Player
Gil Hodges
Set
1971 Topps Base Set
Year
1971
Card #
#209
Condition Grade
PSA 3 (VG) - Corners show significant rounding and whitening; bottom right corner has a minor ding. The black borders (notorious for chipping) show visible wear and white flecks. Centering is shifted roughly 65/35 toward the bottom-left.
Category
Base / Manager Card
Manufacturer
Topps
Demand Level
Moderate to Strong. Gil Hodges collectors are dedicated, and the 1971 set is a favorite among vintage set builders despite the condition issues.
Valuation
Raw (Ungraded) Value
$10.00 - $20.00
Graded Value
PSA 2: $15-25, PSA 3: $30-45, PSA 4: $60-80
Comparable Sales
Recent raw copies in similar 'VG' condition have sold between $12 and $22. PSA 3 copies generally sell for $35-50. Sales are stable with a loyal collector base.
Description
This 1971 Topps Gil Hodges card features the legendary Mets manager in his iconic white pinstripe home uniform. The 1971 set is famous for its striking jet-black borders and facsimile signature. This card showcases Hodges in a portrait-style photo with Shea Stadium seats visible in the background.
Key Features
Hall of Fame manager/player; 1971 Topps is one of the most condition-sensitive sets ever produced due to easily chipped black borders. Hodges is a highly collectible figure for both Brooklyn Dodgers and New York Mets fans.
Authenticity Indicators
Authentic. The card exhibits the correct 'halftone' print pattern in the photo and the aged card stock typical of the early 1970s. The black ink depth and facsimile signature thickness are consistent with genuine 1971 Topps production.
Flaws to Note
Heavy black border chipping especially on tops and sides; Softened/rounded corners; Surface ink loss/white flecks on the black area; Off-center alignment towards the bottom-left edge.
Selling Guide
Where to Sell
eBay is the best platform for this card as a raw single. Heritage or PWCC are better reserved for high-grade (PSA 7+) specimens which this is not.
Selling Tips
Do not grade this card; the cost of grading will likely exceed the added value given the visible border chips. List with 'New York Mets' and 'Hall of Fame' in the keywords. Use a black background for photos to properly show the border condition.