Joe Namath and the 1965 Topps set

[Footballdude]

The Namath RC is what is stopping me from pursuing the 65 set. Along with some of the reasons given, I also was under the impression that prices for the Namath RC stay on the high side because high grade examples are hard to find. The large size of the cards really makes even a slight diamond cut seem really bad.

[jefferyepayne]

Some cards are the perfect storm for enhanced value: iconic player, nice looking/popular set, short print. Namath fits this as does the Chicle Nagurski. T206 Wagner is of course the grand daddy of the perfect storm.

What are some other football cards you think fit this 'perfect storm' equation to some degree? While he wasn't popular, the Mayo Anonymouns/Dunlop card is in an iconic set and an error card that seems to have reduced its existing population and raised it's profile to near mythical proportions (for a football card, anyway).

jeff

[Econteachert205]

Another of those perfect storm cards would probably be the Bobby Orr rookie.

[TanksAndSpartans]

Great point about the condition issues. That's what actually led me to the post was looking at sales of mid grade examples for 2K+. I don't even follow the really high grade sales - I think some PSA 10 HOF RCs have really done well within the last year - Tony Dorsett, etc., but I don't recall the details. I have a similar theory about the 35 Chicle Bull Tosi. Theoretically, I don’t think it should sell for more than the other high numbers (Tosi arguably has the least “star power” in the set), but in a case where there aren’t enough high grade ones to go around, it makes sense for the prices of the mid and low grade examples to be bid up. Although I could also argue that high grade collectors would be patient and just wait for a better one to come along.

Interesting thing about SB III - I actually watched recently. We knew from the box score Matt Snell's numbers looked good. Watching it confirmed - he had a great game - one of those games with a lot of solid runs as opposed to breaking a couple long ones (His long was only 12). He ran hard and had several strings of 3 consecutive runs and 5 runs within 7 plays - he moved the chains and was definitely a workhorse. Interestedly, the announcers gave Namath a decent amount of credit for the runs! Maybe that was common then since the QB was calling plays. I don’t think you would hear that today though (Another 1st down for Murray - Romo is sure making great decisions. Wait, huh?). Also announcers kept on saying “red dog”. I’m pretty sure the word “blitz” wasn’t uttered once. What really was the game changer to me though was the interceptions. The Jets picked off NFL MVP Morrall 3 times and when Unitas got in and at one point (3rd qtr with the game's outcome still in doubt) it felt like he had a TD drive going, they picked him off too! And Namath - definitely left the "larger than life" persona off the field in my opinion. He seemed to take what the defense gave him, used the running backs as outlets, recognized blitzes (I mean red dogs) and threw to the open man, didn't force anything. He played a smart game, but it definitely wasn't bombs away. He connected on one long one to Sauer which was a key play in one of the FG drives and missed on maybe 1 or 2 deep passes that I recall.

Difficult to think of another perfect storm football card. Probably a good thing for my wallet Rocky Graziano from 48 Leaf boxing.

[CowboysGuide]

Maybe not exactly the example this thread is about, but the 1972 Topps Staubach RC is condition sensitive due to the centering. If you ever see a 45/55 centered example (not to mention a perfect 50/50), you can bet it will fetch a small fortune. I've seen hundreds, if not thousands of this card on eBay, and hardly any are centered better than 35/65.

[jb67]

Originally Posted by CowboysGuide

Maybe not exactly the example this thread is about, but the 1972 Topps Staubach RC is condition sensitive due to the centering. If you ever see a 45/55 centered example (not to mention a perfect 50/50), you can bet it will fetch a small fortune. I've seen hundreds, if not thousands of this card on eBay, and hardly any are centered better than 35/65.

+1

[TanksAndSpartans]

I've been offline for a few days. Glad this thread got some additional activity. Larry, thanks for adding the images - we needed those.