1981 Topps Joe Montana Rookie Card #216
Sports Memorabilia / Trading Cards

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.

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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