Card detail
1981 Topps Joe Montana #216
A focused card page for 1981 Topps Joe Montana #216: PSA population, Hobby Score, collector voting, badges, and the context behind its place in the Joe Montana collection.
Population snapshot
Population snapshot for 1981 Topps Joe Montana #216
Tale of the tape
Hobby Score breakdown
Market history
Year-over-year price history
January sales snapshots show how PSA 10 and PSA 9 examples have moved across recent years.
| Year | PSA 10 Price | PSA 9 Price |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | $62,000 | $2,350 |
| 2023 | $66,000 (+6%) | $1,595 (-32%) |
| 2024 | $32,000 (-52%) | $2,288 (+43%) |
| 2025 | $45,000 (+41%) | $2,510 (+10%) |
| 2026 | $62,000 (+38%) | $2,640 (+5%) |
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Collector verdict
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The case
Why this card matters.
The 1981 Topps Joe Montana #216 is the only recognized rookie card of one of football's greatest quarterbacks. Montana's legacy is defined by four Super Bowl championships, three Super Bowl MVPs, and a reputation for clutch performances in the biggest moments. He led the 49ers to a dynasty in the 1980s and set the standard for postseason excellence, earning a spot in the Hall of Fame and a place among the all-time greats.
When this card was released, football cards were still sold in wax packs for just 30 cents, each pack containing a stick of gum and a handful of cards. The 1981 Topps set is loaded with stars, but Montana's rookie is the clear highlight and has become a cornerstone of vintage football collecting. High-grade examples are tough to find due to centering and print issues, adding to its appeal. For collectors, this card represents both the rise of a legend and a golden era in the football card hobby.
Card badges
Why it belongs in the conversation
Collector summary
One card, one clear verdict.
Use this page as the collector's snapshot for the card: score, scarcity, badges, voting, and the path back into the full Joe Montana collection.
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