Topps Bruce Smith Appraisal

1986 Topps Bruce Smith Rookie Card #161

This is a 1986 Topps football card featuring Buffalo Bills Hall of Fame defensive end Bruce Smith, widely recognized as his definitive rookie card. The card features a distinctive green border accented by diagonal white stripes, a hallmark of the 1986 Topps design. The central image shows Smith in his blue Buffalo Bills jersey and a sideline jacket. Physical characteristics include standard 2.5 by 3.5-inch cardboard stock with a matte finish. Notable features include the Topps logo in the upper left corner, the player name in a red box at the bottom, and the team name 'BILLS' on a diagonal blue banner. Regarding condition, the card is housed in a magnetic 'one-touch' hard plastic holder which protects the surface. Visible inspection suggests relatively sharp corners for the era, though the centering appears slightly shifted toward the right border. The green borders of this specific set are notoriously prone to showing white 'chipping' wear, which appears minimal here. This card is a vital piece of 1980s sports memorabilia, representing the NFL's all-time sack leader during his first professional season.