1983 Topps Jim Rice #220
Jim Rice · Topps · Base Card / Hall of Fame
Player
Jim Rice
Set
1983 Topps Baseball Base Set
Year
1983
Card #
#220
Condition Grade
PSA 3 (VG) to PSA 4 (VG-EX). The card shows significant top-to-bottom centering issues (estimated 80/20), surface staining/foxing (brown spots), and visible rounding on all four corners, especially the bottom right.
Category
Base Card / Hall of Fame
Manufacturer
Topps
Demand Level
Moderate/Niche. While Jim Rice is a HOF legend, this specific card was mass-produced during the 'Junk Wax' era. High demand exists only for GEM MINT (PSA 10) copies.
Valuation
Raw (Ungraded) Value
$1.00 - $3.00
Graded Value
PSA 4: $8-12, PSA 5: $15-20, PSA 6: $25-30. (Note: Grading this specific card is not recommended as the cost of grading outweighs the market value).
Comparable Sales
Raw copies in similar condition typically sell for $1.00 or less in bulk lots. PSA 9 copies regularly sell for $40-60, while PSA 10 copies can reach $350+, but this specific specimen will not attain those grades due to centering and surface wear.
Description
A classic 1983 Topps Jim Rice card featuring the iconic dual-image design. The larger action shot shows the Hall of Famer following through on a swing in his Boston Red Sox home uniform, while a smaller inset portrait photo appears in the lower left corner. The card features a white border with the team name 'RED SOX' printed vertically in blue block letters on the left side.
Key Features
Hall of Fame player (inducted 2009), iconic 1983 Topps vertical design, career stats of an AL MVP and 8-time All-Star.
Authenticity Indicators
High Confidence. The card stock shows the correct grey/tan cardboard characteristic of 1980s Topps, and the 'bubble' font and print patterns are consistent with authentic 1983 production. This card is rarely counterfeited due to high production numbers.
Flaws to Note
Extreme vertical off-centering (heavy toward the bottom), visible brown surfacing spotting (likely moisture or age-related foxing), softened and frayed corners, and a slight tilt to the image alignment.
Selling Guide
Where to Sell
eBay (as part of a lot), COMC, or local card shop 'bargain bins'. It is best sold as part of a 1983 Topps team set or a Hall of Fame player lot to maximize shipping efficiency.
Selling Tips
Do not grade this card. To maximize value, list it with several other 1980s Red Sox stars or HOFers. Use high-resolution photos to show the surface spots so buyers are aware of the condition. Ships best in a penny sleeve and top loader via eBay Standard Envelope ($0.60 - $1.00 shipping).