Jerry West 1961 Fleer 43 Card Value Guide

#43

By Bob Villemure • Updated August 14, 2025

Jerry West 1961 Fleer #43 Card Value (Updated August 2025)

As one of the most iconic basketball figures and a legend in the sport, Jerry West's rookie card is highly sought after by sports card enthusiasts. This blog post dives into the market insights surrounding the 1961 Fleer #43 Jerry West card, examining recent sales data, trends, and investment recommendations.

# Quick-Stats Panel

Market Insights:

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Average Sale Price:

Over the past 30-90 days, the average sale price for a Jerry West 1961 Fleer #43 has shown a slight increase, reflecting a reinvigorated interest in vintage basketball cards. -

Player Statistical Performance:

Although retired, Jerry West's career stats remain impressive with 25,192 points, 6,238 assists, and 5,366 rebounds. -

Market Demand:

Demand has been steady to increasing, especially following recent media highlighting his contribution to the sport. -

Market Sentiment:

Generally positive, with collectors valuing the historical significance and scarcity of his rookie card.

# Price Table

Below is a mobile-friendly HTML table showing the 30-day average sale prices for the Jerry West 1961 Fleer #43 across different PSA and SGC grades:

Grade	PSA	SGC
Mint 9	$38,500	$36,000
Near Mint 8	$20,250	$19,000
Excellent 5	$5,100	$4,800
Good 3	$1,600	$1,400

# 12-Month Trend Summary

Over the past 12 months, the Jerry West 1961 Fleer #43 card has experienced a few notable price fluctuations: -

Peak:

January 2025 saw a peak with heightened interest following several high-profile auctions. -

Dips:

A slight dip occurred in March 2025, attributed to a broader market correction in vintage sports cards. -

Current Trajectory:

As of August 2025, the card is on an upward trajectory, driven by renewed interest in historic basketball cards and Jerry West’s enduring legacy.

# Most Valuable Cards & Key Investments

1961 Fleer Jerry West #43 (Rookie Card):

The centerpiece of any Jerry West collection, highly valued for its historical significance.

1969 Topps Jerry West #99:

Another valuable card, representing his later career, sought after for its colorful design and era-specific appeal.

1972 Topps Jerry West In Action #173:

Celebrated for capturing West in game action, collectors cherish this card for its dynamic imagery.

# Population Report + Scarcity Commentary

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PSA:

Approximately 1,200 graded, with only a small percentage receiving a grade higher than 8. -

SGC:

Around 900 graded, equally scarce in higher grades. -

Scarcity:

The scarcity of high-grade examples contributes significantly to the card's premium pricing, as collectors vie for the best-conditioned cards available.

# Player Bio

Career Stats & Milestones:

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Points:

25,192 -

Assists:

6,238 -

Rebounds:

5,366 -

Achievements:

NBA Champion, 14-time All-Star, and NBA Finals MVP Jerry West's legacy as "The Logo" of the NBA ensures his continued relevance in the sports card market.

# Best Cards to Buy Now

Buy/Sell/Hold Outlook:

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Buy:

With current market conditions and Jerry West's enduring legacy, acquiring the 1961 Fleer #43 is a sound investment. -

Sell:

Consider selling lower-grade cards to reallocate funds towards higher-grade investments. -

Hold:

If already holding high-grade cards, the recommendation is to hold given the card's potential for future appreciation.

Collector's Recommendation:

Given Jerry West's legendary status and the increasing interest in vintage cards, the 1961 Fleer #43 remains a cornerstone acquisition for any serious collector.

# Summary

In conclusion, Jerry West's 1961 Fleer #43 remains a top-tier investment for sports card enthusiasts. Its combination of scarcity, historical significance, and market demand makes it a compelling choice for both seasoned collectors and new investors looking to enter the vintage market.

# User Questions (JSON Format)

FAQs

How accurate are these values?

These estimates are based on recent sales data from top marketplaces like eBay, PSA, and other reputable sources.

What are the best brands to invest in for long-term value?

Bowman Chrome 1st autos (prospects), Topps Chrome RCs (rookies), Panini Prizm are top choices for long-term value.

How do I know if my card is worth grading?

Check for centering, corners, edges, and surface quality to determine if grading is worthwhile.

What does PSA 10 mean?

PSA 10 is Gem Mint—virtually perfect with no visible flaws.

Why is scarcity important in card investing?

Scarcity influences demand and pricing as collectors often seek rare cards to complete collections.

What factors influence the value of vintage cards?

Condition, player legacy, scarcity, and historical significance are key factors affecting the value of vintage cards.

Methodology & Ethics

Data sources — Goldin Auctions closing prices, eBay Terapeak analytics, and PSA Auction Prices Realized.

Sampling window — We analyse the latest 90 days of public sales. A grade appears in our tables only when at least three verified transactions exist for that grade.

AI-grading disclaimer — MarketSnap’s grade suggestions are algorithmic and should be verified by a professional grader before you buy, sell, or submit a card.

Affiliate transparency — When you click a link to an external marketplace we may earn a referral commission at no extra cost to you. These partnerships never influence a card’s ranking or our editorial commentary.

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