
1981 Topps Joe Montana Rookie Card #216
This is a vintage 1981 Topps football trading card featuring San Francisco 49ers legendary quarterback Joe Montana, widely considered his official rookie card. The card displays a standard 2.5 by 3.5 inch dimension with a white border and a distinctive green inner frame. The image depicts Montana in his early career white 49ers jersey with the number 16 prominently visible as he prepares for a pass. The bottom of the card includes a yellow and red nameplate design characteristic of the 1981 Topps set. Regarding condition, the card appears to be housed in a clear plastic binder sleeve. Notable observations include a slight centering shift toward the top-right, which is common for this high-demand issue. The corners exhibit some minor softening, particularly at the bottom left. The surface gloss seems intact, though some micro-scratches may be present on the sleeve surface rather than the card itself. This item represents one of the most significant and sought-after sports cards from the 1980s era, symbolizing the beginning of the 49ers' dynasty. The quality of the printing shows the standard lithographic process of the early 1980s, with vibrant reds and greens.
AI-Generated Appraisal Disclaimer
Estimated Value
$450 - $650
Basic Information
Category
Sports Memorabilia / Trading Cards
Appraised On
January 14, 2026
Estimated Value
$450 - $650
Item Description
This is a vintage 1981 Topps football trading card featuring San Francisco 49ers legendary quarterback Joe Montana, widely considered his official rookie card. The card displays a standard 2.5 by 3.5 inch dimension with a white border and a distinctive green inner frame. The image depicts Montana in his early career white 49ers jersey with the number 16 prominently visible as he prepares for a pass. The bottom of the card includes a yellow and red nameplate design characteristic of the 1981 Topps set. Regarding condition, the card appears to be housed in a clear plastic binder sleeve. Notable observations include a slight centering shift toward the top-right, which is common for this high-demand issue. The corners exhibit some minor softening, particularly at the bottom left. The surface gloss seems intact, though some micro-scratches may be present on the sleeve surface rather than the card itself. This item represents one of the most significant and sought-after sports cards from the 1980s era, symbolizing the beginning of the 49ers' dynasty. The quality of the printing shows the standard lithographic process of the early 1980s, with vibrant reds and greens.
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