Steve Atwater
Safety (Strong Safety) · Denver Broncos
Topps Finest #59
Year & Era
1996 - Early Modern Era
Card Type
Base (with protective peel)
Grade
6 (EX-MT) estimated
Rarity
Common; high print run during the 1990s chrome boom.
Overall Assessment
A nice piece of 90s nostalgia for a Broncos fan or Atwater completionist, but the poor centering and corner wear keep it in the 'bargain bin' category.
Condition Grade
6 (EX-MT) estimated
Centering Assessment
Appears significantly off-center toward the bottom and slightly left; the border spacing is uneven.
Surface Condition
Fairly preserved by the protective film, though the peel shows heavy scratching and bubbling. Surface beneath likely higher grade.
Corner Condition
Top left corner shows visible rounding; other corners appear soft under current lighting.
Edge Condition
Minor chipping visible on the left edge; typical for foil-based card stock from the mid-90s.
Print Quality
High-quality chromium finish; typical 1996 Finest printing with decent color saturation but prone to greening/fading over time.
Estimated Value
$1.00 - $5.00
Comparison to Known Examples
This copy is below average due to significant centering issues and visible corner wear.
Authentication Tips
Look for the embossed 'Finest' logo and the thickness of the chromium stock. Real versions have a distinct heavy weight compared to paper counterfeits.
Grading Recommendation
Not recommended for professional grading. The cost of grading exceeds the market value of the card.
Red Flags
No significant red flags regarding authenticity; however, the card shows significant 'fading' or silvering common for this set.
Provenance Notes
Distributed in hobby and retail packs; often found in original collections from the 1990s.
Historical Context
Atwater was a key member of the Broncos' Super Bowl XXXII and XXXIII championship teams and is a member of the Pro Football Hall of Fame.
Market Trends
Stable for Hall of Fame veterans, but value is concentrated in rare 'Refractor' parallels rather than base cards.
Investment Potential
Low. As a base card of a defensive player, appreciation is limited compared to rookie cards or refractors.
Similar Cards
1996 Topps Chrome Steve Atwater, 1996 SkyBox Premium Steve Atwater.
Display & Preservation
Keep in a penny sleeve and top-loader. If the silvering/fading worsens, keep out of direct sunlight/UV.
Interesting Facts
The 'Protective Coating' was a controversial feature when introduced; collectors often debated whether leaving it on or peeling it off preserved value better.