Gene Upshaw

1981 Topps Gene Upshaw #219 value & prices

Looking up the 1981 Topps Gene Upshaw #219? You're in the right place: this page tracks its market value across every major grade, starting around $1.77 raw, with live eBay listings to compare against.

Grading has a major impact on value: an ungraded copy is worth around $1.77, a PSA 9 around $13.23, a PSA 10 (Gem Mint) around $158.37 and a pristine BGS 10 around $206.00. That's roughly a 89× premium for a gem-mint copy over raw — one of the clearest signals that condition-sensitive buyers dominate this card's market.

See the full grade ladder and current eBay listings above. Collectors use Ripbin to scan, value and trade cards like the Gene Upshaw.

Collector's notes

The junk-wax era means supply is high, but that cuts both ways: raw copies are affordable entry points, while flawless graded examples stand out precisely because so many copies exist in lesser condition.

The football hobby centers on rookies and stars, with flagship sets drawing the most graded submissions.

Is it worth grading?

With raw copies near $1.77 and top grades reaching $158.37, grading a sharp copy of this card can clearly pay for itself — the spread comfortably covers a typical ~$25.00 grading fee. The catch: only submit copies with strong centering, clean corners, and unmarked surfaces, because anything below a 9 usually erases the math.

When choosing a grader, PSA slabs typically resell fastest, BGS rewards truly pristine copies, and SGC/CGC offer faster turnarounds — compare each label's value in the grade table above.

Smart buying guide

The fastest way to gauge the real market for this card is to scan the live eBay listings above: look at the spread between auction and Buy-It-Now prices, and check sold history before paying top dollar.

Selling? List smart: photograph corners and surface clearly, state the condition honestly, and price against the grade table above. Or scan it into your Ripbin locker and let bids come to you.