Lonnie Shelton (featuring Earl Monroe)
Power Forward / Center · New York Knicks
Topps Basketball #Not visible (Estimated mid-set Topps basketball card)
Year & Era
1976-77 — Vintage Era
Card Type
Base Veteran Card
Grade
Raw — appears Good to Very Good (PSA 3-4 equivalent)
Rarity
Common base card from the mid-1970s; high print runs typical of the era, though surviving in lower grades due to poor storage.
Overall Assessment
A nostalgic 1970s vintage card displaying classic Topps design aesthetics, though hindered by standard vintage condition issues like centering bias and edge wear.
Condition Grade
Raw — appears Good to Very Good (PSA 3-4 equivalent)
Centering Assessment
Front: Heavy left-to-right bias with thick right border and thin left border, acceptable top-bottom.
Surface Condition
Moderate surface wear with visible print lines and minor scuffing on the gloss coating.
Corner Condition
Softened and slightly rounded corners with minor fraying evident on the top left and bottom right.
Edge Condition
Noticeable chipping along the top and right side borders with minor whitening showing through the dark card stock.
Print Quality
Typical 1970s Topps quality characterized by grainy photographic reproduction, registration shifts, and dull color saturation.
Estimated Value
$5 - $15 raw; graded copies in low grades command slightly more depending on set registry demand.
Comparison to Known Examples
Centering and edge wear are typical or slightly below average compared to surviving mid-grade raw copies from this set.
Authentication Tips
Look for authentic vintage cardboard stock thickness, correct back typography, and natural aging of the paper stock without modern reproduction dot patterns.
Grading Recommendation
Not recommended for professional grading unless part of a complete master set submission, due to the low estimated market value relative to grading fees.
Red Flags
No significant red flags observed; wear is natural and consistent with un-slabbed vintage cards stored loosely.
Provenance Notes
Sourced from vintage wax packs or complete factory-distributed sets of the 1976-77 Topps basketball release.
Historical Context
Lonnie Shelton was a notable physical presence in the NBA during the late 1970s and 1980s, winning an NBA championship with the Seattle SuperSonics in 1979.
Market Trends
Stable demand driven by vintage set builders and team collectors, with minimal price volatility for common player cards.
Investment Potential
Low investment return potential; primarily valued as a nostalgic piece for vintage basketball collectors and Knicks fans.
Similar Cards
1976-77 Topps basketball commons, other Lonnie Shelton cards from his Knicks and SuperSonics eras.
Display & Preservation
Store in a penny sleeve inside a rigid top loader or semi-rigid holder, kept away from direct sunlight and high humidity.
Interesting Facts
The card prominently features Hall of Famer Earl 'The Pearl' Monroe in the background action shot alongside Shelton.