Roger Staubach
Quarterback · Dallas Cowboys
1978 Dallas Cowboys Police / Light Up A Life #12
Year & Era
1978 — Vintage Era / Oddball Regional
Card Type
Police Issue Regional Set
Grade
4 (VG-EX) estimated
Rarity
Moderately rare. As a regional police issue distributed primarily in the Dallas area, it has a much lower print run than 1978 Topps.
Overall Assessment
A charming piece of Cowboys history and a great addition for a Staubach completist. Its strength is its regional rarity, while its weakness is the visible surface and corner wear.
Condition Grade
4 (VG-EX) estimated
Centering Assessment
Front: Approximately 60/40 Top-to-Bottom, 55/45 Left-to-Right. Generally decent for this type of regional issue.
Surface Condition
Visible scratches and light scuffing on the photo area. Noticeable glare in the image makes it hard to see fine details, but some cloudiness is present.
Corner Condition
Corners show soft wear and rounding, particularly at the top right and bottom right. No sharp points remain.
Edge Condition
Minor chipping and light roughness along the right edge. Bottom edge has some slight discoloration.
Print Quality
Standard for 1970s regional sets. Lower resolution photography compared to national brands; colors are somewhat muted/faded.
Estimated Value
$15 - $40 (Raw). Graded copies in high grade (PSA 8+) can reach $150+, but this copy's condition limits value.
Comparison to Known Examples
This copy is below average for the set; many were preserved in sets, but this one shows significant handling and surface wear.
Authentication Tips
Check for correct card stock (white vs cream). Genuine copies have specific paper fiber patterns under magnification and lack the 'dot matrix' pattern found in modern reprints.
Grading Recommendation
SGC or PSA. SGC is often preferred for vintage 'oddball' sets due to their expertise and the aesthetic of the black tuxedo slab.
Red Flags
No significant red flags observed; the wear patterns appear consistent with authentic 1970s card stock and age.
Provenance Notes
Distributed by Dallas area police officers and various sponsors like 'Light Up A Life' to promote safety and community relations.
Historical Context
Roger 'Captain Comeback' Staubach was the face of 'America's Team' in the 70s, leading the Cowboys to two Super Bowl titles.
Market Trends
Staubach remains a 'Blue Chip' vintage target. While his major rookie (1972) drives the market, these 70s oddball issues are gaining popularity as affordable alternatives.
Investment Potential
Low to Moderate. While it is a Staubach, the mid-grade condition of a non-rookie regional card typically results in price stability rather than rapid appreciation.
Similar Cards
1978 Topps Staubach, 1979 Topps Staubach, any Dallas Cowboys Police sets from 1977-1980.
Display & Preservation
Place in a PVC-free penny sleeve and a top loader. Keep away from direct sunlight to prevent further fading of the photo.
Interesting Facts
The 'Light Up A Life' logo on the bottom right was a specific charitable campaign often associated with these safety-themed police card sets.