Greg Ellis
Defensive End · Dallas Cowboys
Topps Finest #Not visible
Year & Era
1998 — Early Modern Era
Card Type
Base Rookie Card with Peel-Off Protective Coating
Grade
Raw — appears Near Mint (PSA 7-8 equivalent if graded)
Rarity
Common base rookie card with high availability, though finding one with the original coating intact is a modest bonus for vintage chrome collectors.
Overall Assessment
A nostalgic 1998 Topps Finest rookie card of a solid former Cowboys defensive end, featuring the rare surviving factory peel-off film, ideal for budget-conscious set builders and team collectors.
Condition Grade
Raw — appears Near Mint (PSA 7-8 equivalent if graded)
Centering Assessment
Front: Slightly heavy to the left with the protective film text aligned vertically; Back: Not visible in image.
Surface Condition
Covered by the original Topps Finest protective peel film showing minor scuffs and wear on the film itself, but the underlying chrome surface appears well-preserved.
Corner Condition
Appears sharp under the top loader, though minor corner softening is typical for 1990s chrome stock.
Edge Condition
Clean edges with minimal chipping, typical of Topps Finest cards from the late 90s.
Print Quality
Standard 1998 Topps Finest chrome printing with high gloss reflectivity and the distinctive protective film overlay.
Estimated Value
$1.00 to $5.00 raw
Comparison to Known Examples
Typical example of a late-90s defensive rookie card, notable primarily for retaining its original factory protective film.
Authentication Tips
Verify the chrome card stock thickness, chromium refractor-like sheen, and the presence of the authentic Topps Finest Protector text printed on the peel-off film.
Grading Recommendation
Not recommended for professional grading due to low market value for the player, as the grading fees would exceed the total card value.
Red Flags
No significant red flags observed; standard vintage raw card characteristics.
Provenance Notes
Sourced from 1998 Topps Finest football hobby or retail wax boxes.
Historical Context
Greg Ellis was selected 8th overall in the 1998 NFL Draft by the Dallas Cowboys and played a productive 12-year NFL career, winning Comeback Player of the Year in 2007.
Market Trends
Stable to low-demand market typical for non-star defensive players from the late 1990s.
Investment Potential
Low investment potential; best suited for team collectors (Dallas Cowboys) or 1990s set builders.
Similar Cards
1998 Topps Chrome Greg Ellis Rookie Card, 1998 Bowman Greg Ellis Rookie Card
Display & Preservation
Store in a standard penny sleeve and top loader in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight.
Interesting Facts
The Topps Finest protective film was intended to be peeled off by collectors, making copies that retain the intact printed film a nostalgic relic of 90s cardboard manufacturing.