Description: The 1972 Topps Football High Number series is highly regarded among collectors for its rarity and difficulty to find in good condition. Here's an overview of why these cards, particularly the Rayfield Wright #316 Rookie Card, are sought after: Why 1972 Topps High Numbers Are Rare 1. Production and Distribution: The 1972 Topps Football set was released in three series, with the high-number cards (numbers 264351) being the third and final series. Historically, the final series of sports card sets often had lower production runs because they were released late in the season when consumer demand had waned. Retailers might have ordered fewer of these late-series cards, contributing to their scarcity. 2. Condition Sensitivity: The cards are printed on lower-quality stock compared to earlier series, making them prone to wear, chipping, and other damage. Many cards from the high-number series feature dark borders, which easily show edge wear and corner flaws. 3. Distribution Geography: High-number series were not distributed as widely in certain regions of the U.S., making them harder to acquire for many collectors. Centering Issues Cards from the 1972 Topps set are notorious for poor centering due to inconsistent quality control during printing. Misalignment and off-center cuts are common, making well-centered copies, especially in higher grades, much more valuable. Rayfield Wright #316 Rookie Card Significance: Rayfield Wright, nicknamed "The Big Cat," is a Pro Football Hall of Famer and one of the greatest offensive tackles in NFL history. His rookie card is iconic and highly desirable. Challenges in High Grade: As part of the high-number series, it shares the rarity associated with this group. Centering issues are particularly pronounced on this card, as are condition flaws like corner wear and print defects. An SGC 8.5 NM-MT+ grade reflects a well-preserved example, which is especially scarce for this card. Value Due to the combination of Rayfield Wright's Hall of Fame status, the card's high-number rarity, and centering challenges, high-grade examples command significant premiums in the market. Collectors seeking to complete a high-grade 1972 Topps Football set often find the high-number cards, especially Wright's, to be among the most challenging to acquire.
Price: 729.95 USD
Location: Princeton, West Virginia
End Time: 2025-01-02T02:10:44.000Z
Shipping Cost: N/A USD
Product Images
Item Specifics
Return shipping will be paid by: Buyer
All returns accepted: Returns Accepted
Item must be returned within: 30 Days
Refund will be given as: Money Back
Sport: Football
Type: Sports Trading Card
Set: 1972 Topps
ERA: Modern (1970-Now)
Original/Reprint: Original
Manufacturer: Topps
Year Manufactured: 1972
Features: Base Set, HOF,Rookie
Team: Dallas Cowboys
Player/Athlete: Rayfield Wright
Card Number: 316
Season: 1972