Bob Trumpy
Tight End · Cincinnati Bengals
Topps Football ##255
Year & Era
1974 — Vintage Era
Card Type
Base Veteran Card
Grade
3 (VG) estimated
Rarity
Common; high print run with a healthy surviving population on the secondary market.
Overall Assessment
A classic piece of 1970s football history. While the condition prevents it from being a high-value collector's item, it remains a must-have for Bengals fans and vintage Topps enthusiasts.
Condition Grade
3 (VG) estimated
Centering Assessment
Front: Approximately 65/35 Left-to-Right; Top-to-Bottom appears 60/40. The card is shifted towards the right side.
Surface Condition
Very Good; visible surface wear, possible minor creasing/veining near the top-left, and typical age-related dullness.
Corner Condition
Fair to Good; significant rounding visible on all four corners, with the top-right corner showing the most fiber exposure.
Edge Condition
Fair; notable chipping and roughness along the left and top edges, consistent with heavy storage in boxes without sleeves.
Print Quality
Standard 1970s Topps quality; slightly muted colors and typical grainy photo registration.
Estimated Value
$1.00 - $5.00 USD (Raw)
Comparison to Known Examples
Lower than average condition; many high-grade examples of this card exist in 'near-mint' state.
Authentication Tips
Verify card stock is non-glossy gray/brown cardboard; check for the specific 'pinking' of the Bengals banner which is hard to replicate.
Grading Recommendation
Recommended Raw / SGC if authenticated; professionally grading this specific copy with PSA is likely not cost-effective due to condition.
Red Flags
No significant red flags observed; wear patterns are consistent with authentic 1974 Topps cardboard stock.
Provenance Notes
Commonly found in 1974 Topps wax packs and cello packs; part of the 528-card base set.
Historical Context
Bob Trumpy was a 4-time Pro Bowler and a key early star for the Bengals franchise before becoming a legendary sports broadcaster.
Market Trends
Stable; steady demand from Bengals team collectors and 1974 set builders, but low growth potential for mid-grade commons.
Investment Potential
Low; primarily a nostalgic or architectural piece for a set builder rather than a financial investment.
Similar Cards
1974 Topps cards of Ken Anderson or Isaac Curtis; other 1970s Tight End stars like Riley Odoms or Charlie Sanders.
Display & Preservation
Recommend a PVC-free penny sleeve and top-loader to prevent further corner rounding and edge chipping.
Interesting Facts
Trumpy was one of the first 'receiving-first' tight ends, averaging over 22 yards per catch in his 1968 rookie season.