Ken Stabler
Quarterback · New Orleans Saints
1983 Topps Football #Not visible
Year & Era
1983 — Vintage Era
Card Type
Base Veteran Card with In-Person Autograph
Grade
Raw — appears Good to Very Good (PSA 3-4 equivalent)
Rarity
Common base card from a high-print vintage set, though elevated by the late Ken Stabler's signature.
Overall Assessment
A wonderful piece of nostalgic football memorabilia featuring a beloved Hall of Fame quarterback in his twilight New Orleans Saints uniform, enhanced by a vintage hand-signed autograph despite moderate condition wear.
Condition Grade
Raw — appears Good to Very Good (PSA 3-4 equivalent)
Centering Assessment
Front is noticeably heavy on the right side and bottom, with a very thin left border.
Surface Condition
Moderate surface wear with visible scuffing, minor indentations, and an in-person signature in black marker across the middle.
Corner Condition
All four corners show noticeable rounding, softening, and fraying consistent with vintage handling and storage without a sleeve.
Edge Condition
Edges show light chipping, minor rough cuts, and slight whitening along the borders.
Print Quality
Typical 1983 Topps standard featuring soft vintage photographic focus, standard color saturation, and typical border alignment issues.
Estimated Value
$15 - $30 raw depending on autograph authentication
Comparison to Known Examples
This copy suffers from below-average centering and rounded corners compared to well-preserved mint specimens, which is common for raw vintage cards kept in scrapbooks or boxes.
Authentication Tips
Verify the card stock against known 1983 Topps specifications (matte, non-glossy cardboard) and have the signature authenticated by a reputable third-party authenticator like PSA/DNA or JSA.
Grading Recommendation
SGC or PSA. However, due to condition issues, grading may not be cost-effective unless the signature receives a high authentication grade.
Red Flags
No signs of trimming, but the signature must be authenticated separately as in-person or through-the-mail autographs are not factory-certified.
Provenance Notes
Sourced typically from vintage wax packs, rack packs, or childhood collections from the early 1980s.
Historical Context
Ken 'The Snake' Stabler led the Oakland Raiders to a Super Bowl XI victory, was the 1974 NFL MVP, and was posthumously inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2016.
Market Trends
Stable demand for Hall of Fame quarterbacks like Ken Stabler, though heavily dependent on autograph authentication status.
Investment Potential
Hold. Stable collectibility tied to his Hall of Fame legacy, but primarily valued as a nostalgic piece rather than a high-end financial investment.
Similar Cards
1974 Topps Ken Stabler, 1976 Topps Ken Stabler, 1982 Topps Ken Stabler
Display & Preservation
Store in a standard penny sleeve inside a rigid top-loader or magnetic holder, away from direct sunlight and high humidity to prevent further cardboard degradation.
Interesting Facts
Stabler finished his legendary career playing his final two seasons (1982-1984) with the New Orleans Saints, making this one of his final active-player cards.