Mike Nelms

1981 Topps Mike Nelms #252 value & prices

Mike Nelms #252 from 1981 1981 Topps is a card collectors search for regularly. Current market value sits near $1.51 for an ungraded copy.

Graded copies command a clear premium — an ungraded copy is worth around $1.51, a PSA 9 around $27.36, a PSA 10 (Gem Mint) around $141.93 and a pristine BGS 10 around $185.00. That's roughly a 94× 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 Mike Nelms.

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 $1.51 and top grades reaching $141.93, 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.

PSA remains the most liquid grading label in the hobby, while BGS (with its Black Label 10) and modern entrants CGC and SGC have growing followings — the table above shows how each label prices for this card.

Smart buying guide

Before buying a Mike Nelms #252, compare several live listings — prices for the same card can vary widely depending on condition, seller reputation, and whether an auction is ending soon. The live eBay listings above update throughout the day.

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.