1974 Topps Cecil Cooper #481
Cecil Cooper · Topps · Base
Player
Cecil Cooper
Set
1974 Topps Base Set
Year
1974
Card #
#481
Condition Grade
PSA 5 (EX) - Centering is significantly shifted to the right (approx 70/30). Top-left and bottom-right corners show visible softening. Surface appears clean but edges show minor white chipping consistent with vintage stock.
Category
Base
Manufacturer
Topps
Demand Level
Low to Moderate. There is a steady market for 1970s Red Sox team sets and collectors of Cecil Cooper (who was a star for the Brewers), but it is not a high-ticket investment piece.
Valuation
Raw (Ungraded) Value
$1.00 - $3.00
Graded Value
PSA 4: $5-8, PSA 5: $10-15, PSA 6: $18-25. Note: Grading costs for this specific card likely exceed the market value.
Comparable Sales
Recent eBay sales for raw copies of this card in similar condition range from $0.99 to $2.50 plus shipping. PSA 8 copies (much higher grade than this) typically sell for $35-$50.
Description
Featured is a 1974 Topps Cecil Cooper #481 card. This card features the Boston Red Sox first baseman/designated hitter in his iconic 1970s Red Sox uniform with the classic Fenway Park stadium background. The 1974 Topps design is known for the colored banners at the bottom and the small player silhouette icon in the lower-left corner.
Key Features
Features a 5-time All-Star and 2-time Gold Glove winner in his early career with the Red Sox. Iconic vintage 1974 design which is often collected for its unique aesthetic. Affordable entry-point vintage card for Boston team collectors.
Authenticity Indicators
Authenticity confidence is High. The card displays the correct cardboard stock texture for 1974 Topps, including the 'softer' porous edges and dull finish. The red and yellow ink saturation in the bottom banners matches period-correct printing standards. This card is rarely counterfeited due to its common value.
Flaws to Note
Obvious rightward centering (O/C). The bottom edge shows slight diamond cutting (not perfectly square). Corner wear is evident on all four corners under close inspection. Possible surface speckling in the card's blue sky portion.
Selling Guide
Where to Sell
Best suited for eBay as a 'Buy It Now' with 'Best Offer' or as part of a lot. Could also be sold in a 'dollar bin' at a local card show or on marketplace platforms like Mercari to avoid high listing fees.
Selling Tips
Do not grade this card, as the fees will far outweigh the final value. Highlight the 'Boston Red Sox' team name and 'Vintage 1974' in the title. Ship using eBay Standard Envelope for $0.60 to keep shipping costs attractive for a low-value item.