Roger Staubach
Quarterback · Dallas Cowboys
1972 Topps ##200
Year & Era
1972 — Vintage Era
Card Type
Base Rookie Card
Grade
4 (VG-EX) estimated
Rarity
Common for the set, but extremely high demand as it is the most iconic rookie card of the 1970s. High-grade (PSA 8+) copies are rare due to centering issues.
Overall Assessment
This is a respectable, mid-grade example of one of the 'Big Three' football rookie cards of the 1970s. While it has surface flaws, the centering is quite good for the issue, making it an excellent 'budget' HOF rookie for a serious collector.
Condition Grade
4 (VG-EX) estimated
Centering Assessment
Front: Approximately 65/35 Left-to-Right; Top-to-Bottom appears roughly 60/40. The card is noticeably shifted to the right border.
Surface Condition
Fair to Good. Multiple visible surface scratches, a significant scuff mark or print defect near the player's front knee, and some light staining/foxing on the white borders.
Corner Condition
Moderate soft corners. The bottom right and top right corners show visible rounding and fraying consistent with a mid-grade vintage specimen.
Edge Condition
Visible wear along the right and bottom edges, including minor chipping of the card stock and typical factory-cut roughness for 1972 Topps.
Print Quality
Average for 1972. The image clarity is decent, but the set is notorious for poor centering and 'green tint' variations in some print runs.
Estimated Value
$250 - $450 raw (depending on specific inspection); SGC 4/PSA 4 copies typically sell for $400 - $600.
Comparison to Known Examples
This copy has better-than-average centering for the 1972 set (which often has 90/10 centering), but the surface damage and corner softening limit it to mid-grade status.
Authentication Tips
Check for correct card stock thickness/color (should be gray-toned back) and 'halftone' print patterns under magnification. Beware of modern reprints that lack the fiber texture.
Grading Recommendation
SGC or PSA. SGC is highly preferred for vintage football, while PSA fetches the highest premiums for high-grade examples. Grading is essential due to the high volume of fakes and for protection.
Red Flags
No significant signs of trimming observed from the angle, but the light-colored scuff across the lower leg should be inspected to ensure it is not a tear or paper loss.
Provenance Notes
Originally distributed in Topps wax packs, cellos, and rack packs in 1972. This card survived the 'junk wax' era by over a decade, surviving as a crown jewel of vintage collections.
Historical Context
Roger 'Captain Comeback' Staubach is a 2x Super Bowl Champion and 6x Pro Bowler. This card was released after his first Super Bowl win, despite him being 30 years old at the time due to Naval service.
Market Trends
Stable to Upward. Staubach is a 'blue-chip' investment player. His rookie card remains a staple of every serious HOF collection and generally tracks with the broader vintage market.
Investment Potential
Excellent Long-Term. As a top-10 all-time QB and the leader of 'America's Team,' his rookie card is historically insulated from major market crashes.
Similar Cards
1972 Topps Terry Bradshaw (Year 2), 1971 Topps Terry Bradshaw RC, 1976 Topps Walter Payton RC.
Display & Preservation
Should be in a PVC-free penny sleeve and a rigid top-loader at minimum. A semi-rigid Card Saver 1 is required for grading submissions.
Interesting Facts
The photo was taken by Steve Harris, as indicated on the bottom border. Staubach was the first player to win both the Heisman Trophy and Super Bowl MVP.