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

1981 Topps Joe Montana Rookie Card #216

This is a 1981 Topps Joe Montana rookie football card, widely considered one of the most iconic sports cards of the modern era. The card features a high-action color photograph of Montana in his San Francisco 49ers uniform, dropping back to pass. Measuring approximately 2.5 by 3.5 inches, the card is constructed from typical vintage cardstock with a white border. The design elements include a distinctive double-border frame in dark green and yellow, an orange banner across the bottom featuring the player's name and position, and a small graphic of a 49ers helmet in the lower-left corner. The Topps logo is placed in the upper-left corner. Assessing the condition from the image, the centering appears slightly shifted toward the right. The corners show varying degrees of sharpness, with some potential softening visible. There are no major creases or surface abrasions immediately apparent through the plastic top-loader, which is currently protecting the item. This specific card represents the official rookie release of the Pro Football Hall of Fame quarterback, making it a cornerstone for any serious football card collection. The print quality is consistent with 1981 manufacturing standards, showing typical ink saturation and registration from the period.

Estimated Value

$450 - $650

Basic Information

Category

Sports Memorabilia/Trading Cards

Appraised On

February 2, 2026

Estimated Value

$450 - $650

Item Description

This is a 1981 Topps Joe Montana rookie football card, widely considered one of the most iconic sports cards of the modern era. The card features a high-action color photograph of Montana in his San Francisco 49ers uniform, dropping back to pass. Measuring approximately 2.5 by 3.5 inches, the card is constructed from typical vintage cardstock with a white border. The design elements include a distinctive double-border frame in dark green and yellow, an orange banner across the bottom featuring the player's name and position, and a small graphic of a 49ers helmet in the lower-left corner. The Topps logo is placed in the upper-left corner. Assessing the condition from the image, the centering appears slightly shifted toward the right. The corners show varying degrees of sharpness, with some potential softening visible. There are no major creases or surface abrasions immediately apparent through the plastic top-loader, which is currently protecting the item. This specific card represents the official rookie release of the Pro Football Hall of Fame quarterback, making it a cornerstone for any serious football card collection. The print quality is consistent with 1981 manufacturing standards, showing typical ink saturation and registration from the period.

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