1971-72 Topps NBA Championship Playoff Series #137 Bucks vs Bullets
Lew Alcindor (Kareem Abdul-Jabbar), Oscar Robertson, Bob Dandridge, Earl Monroe, Wes Unseld · Topps (T.C.G.) · Base / Postseason Summary / Hall of Fame Multiple
Player
Lew Alcindor (Kareem Abdul-Jabbar), Oscar Robertson, Bob Dandridge, Earl Monroe, Wes Unseld
Set
1971-72 Topps Basketball
Year
1971
Card #
#137
Condition Grade
PSA 2 (Good) or PSA 3 (VG). Note heavy corner wear (specifically top-left rounding), visible surface scuffing/staining on the bottom right, and significant horizontal centering issues (heavily left-dominant).
Category
Base / Postseason Summary / Hall of Fame Multiple
Manufacturer
Topps (T.C.G.)
Demand Level
Moderate. While not as high-demand as the Kareem or Oscar base cards from the set, there is a steady market for vintage playoff subset cards and 1970s basketball Hall of Famers.
Valuation
Raw (Ungraded) Value
$10.00 - $25.00
Graded Value
PSA 2: $25-35, PSA 3: $40-55, PSA 4: $70-85. High-grade (PSA 8+) examples can reach $500+, but this specific card's condition is low-grade.
Comparable Sales
Recent raw sales for #137 in similar VG condition range from $12 to $22. PSA 4 examples have sold for roughly $75, while heavily worn PSA 1 examples often sell for under $15.
Description
The reverse side of the 1971-72 Topps #137 card features the 'NBA Championship Playoff Series' final statistics for the Bucks and Bullets. It highlights key performances from legends including 'Alcindor' (Kareem Abdul-Jabbar) and Oscar Robertson. The design uses a classic brown and blue color scheme with a line-art illustration of a jump ball. This is an essential subset card for Milwaukee Bucks team collectors and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar completionists.
Key Features
Includes early career stats for Lew Alcindor (Kareem Abdul-Jabbar) and Hall of Famers Oscar Robertson, Wes Unseld, and Earl 'The Pearl' Monroe. Part of the iconic 1971-72 Topps set known for its vibrant 'Trio' and 'Playoff' subsets.
Authenticity Indicators
Confidence: High. The card shows correct 1971 Topps card stock (grayish cardboard), appropriate ink absorption, and standard 'T.C.G. PRTD. IN U.S.A.' and '©1968 N.B.P.A.' copyright markings typical for the period. No signs of modern digital printing or high-gloss finishes found on reprints.
Flaws to Note
Extreme centering shift to the left (border is nearly touching on the left side). Heavy rounding and softening of all four corners, with a slight fraying/paper loss on the top left edge. Surface depicts minor staining or 'toning' consistent with long-term storage in a non-protective environment.
Selling Guide
Where to Sell
eBay (best for vintage low-grade singles) or COMC. It would also do well as part of a vintage 'bulk lot' of basketball cards on Facebook Collector Groups.
Selling Tips
Do not grade this card. The grading fees will exceed the market value of the card in this condition. Use keywords like 'Vintage Basketball', 'Kareem Abdul-Jabbar', and 'Milwaukee Bucks Champions' in the listing title. Ship in a penny sleeve and top-loader via eBay standard envelope to keep shipping costs low for the buyer.