Joe Montana
Football (Sports Card) • 1981 Topps
Card Type
Player Card / Rookie
Set & Number
1981 Topps - 216
Rarity
Rookie Card
Edition & Language
Base • English
Condition & Value Assessment
Condition Grade
Lightly Played (LP)
Estimated Market Value
$100.00 - $250.00 (Raw); Graded values vary wildly by score ($1,000+ for PSA 8+).
Recent Sales
Raw copies in similar off-center condition sell between $120 and $200. PSA 5 or 6 examples typically fetch $300-$500 depending on eye appeal.
Condition Details
The card exhibits significant off-center alignment (heavy toward the bottom/left). There is visible softening on the corners and edge wear consistent with age. Surface appears generally clean through the plastic holder, but the centering is the primary detractor.
Grading Recommendation
Recommended if authentic. While the centering issues will prevent a high technical grade (likely PSA 4 to 6 range), grading is essential for this specific card to authenticate it and protect its value, as it is one of the most counterfeited cards in the hobby.
Card Description
Front features Joe Montana in his San Francisco 49ers home jersey. Back contains college and pro stats along with biographical information. This is Joe Montana's widely recognized rookie card.
Notable Features
Highly collectible Rookie Card (RC). Iconic 1981 Topps design with team logo 'helmet' at the bottom right and the player name in a colored ribbon.
Authentication Notes
The rosette printing pattern on the jersey and the clarity of the Topps logo are key indicators. Due to the high value of high-grade examples, many reprints exist. This specific card shows characteristic signs of aging and paper stock consistent with 1981 cardboard.
Scanned: 2026-03-06T22:53:26.095047