Steve Grogan
Quarterback · New England Patriots
1988 Topps Football #Not visible
Year & Era
1988 — Junk Wax Era
Card Type
Base Veteran Card
Grade
Raw — appears Near Mint (PSA 7-8 equivalent estimate)
Rarity
High print run common from the Junk Wax Era; massive quantities exist in raw condition, making it very easy to find on the secondary market.
Overall Assessment
A classic, highly nostalgic base card from the late 1980s featuring a fan-favorite franchise quarterback, ideal for set builders and Patriots enthusiasts.
Condition Grade
Raw — appears Near Mint (PSA 7-8 equivalent estimate)
Centering Assessment
Front centering appears slightly heavy to the top and right side borders, back centering is typical of the 1988 set which frequently suffered from diamond-cut and misaligned borders.
Surface Condition
Surface shows minor gloss wear typical of 1988 Topps cards with slight light scratching visible under direct light, but no major creases or paper loss.
Corner Condition
All four corners show minor touch wear and slight softening, consistent with raw cards stored in top loaders without a penny sleeve.
Edge Condition
Edges are relatively clean with minor chipping along the borders, which is common for 1988 Topps card stock.
Print Quality
Typical 1988 Topps quality featuring classic retro borders, decent color saturation, but standard vulnerability to minor print lines and fuzzy image registration.
Estimated Value
$1.00 to $5.00 raw; graded PSA 9 copies generally sell for around $10 to $15, making professional grading economically unviable for this specific card.
Comparison to Known Examples
This copy is typical for the set—decent eye appeal with standard minor corner and centering variances common to 1988 wax packs.
Authentication Tips
Look for standard 1988 Topps characteristics including grey-backed card stock, crisp typography on the nameplate, and proper registration of the Topps logo.
Grading Recommendation
Not recommended for professional grading due to low market value versus grading fees, unless part of a complete master set submission.
Red Flags
No significant red flags observed; the card shows honest wear consistent with age and lacks signs of trimming or counterfeiting.
Provenance Notes
Originally sourced from 1988 Topps wax or rack packs distributed widely during the height of the Junk Wax Era.
Historical Context
Steve Grogan was a beloved longtime New England Patriots quarterback known for his toughness and gritty play style, leading the franchise to Super Bowl XX.
Market Trends
Stable to low-demand market typical of common veterans from the 1980s Junk Wax Era, driven primarily by nostalgic Patriots team collectors.
Investment Potential
Low investment potential for financial gain, but holds strong sentimental and nostalgic value for New England Patriots vintage PC collectors.
Similar Cards
1987 Topps Steve Grogan, 1989 Topps Steve Grogan, and other 1988 Topps Patriots base cards such as Tony Eason.
Display & Preservation
Best preserved in a penny sleeve inside a rigid top loader or semi-rigid holder, kept away from direct sunlight to prevent fading.
Interesting Facts
Grogan spent his entire 16-season NFL career with the New England Patriots and wore a multitude of protective harnesses and knee braces due to his relentless playing style.