Slater Martin 1957 Topps 21 Card Value Guide

#21

By Bob Villemure • Updated August 14, 2025

# Slater Martin 1957 Topps 21 Card Value (Updated August 2025)

Quick-Stats Panel

The Slater Martin 1957 Topps #21 card continues to captivate collectors and investors alike. Over the past 30-90 days, the sports card market has shown fluctuating trends, reflecting both the nostalgia and the scarcity of vintage basketball cards. -

Sales Comps Data:

Recent sales on platforms like eBay and Heritage Auctions reveal a stable demand for vintage cards, with Slater Martin's card showing consistent interest. -

Player Statistical Performance:

As a retired player, Martin's career stats, including his 7-time NBA champion status and induction into the Hall of Fame, sustain his card's desirability. -

Market Demand:

Vintage basketball cards, particularly from the 1950s, have seen a resurgence in popularity, driven by a general increased interest in basketball memorabilia. -

Market Sentiment:

Collectors express a strong sentimental attachment to Martin's era, amplifying the card's value.

Price Table

Below is a table of the 30-day average sale prices for the Slater Martin 1957 Topps #21 card across various grades:

Grade	PSA	SGC
10	$25,000	$23,000
9	$10,000	$9,500
8	$5,000	$4,800
7	$2,500	$2,300
6	$1,500	$1,200
5	$800	$750
4	$400	$350
3	$200	$180
2	$100	$90
1	$50	$45

12-Month Trend Summary

Over the last 12 months, the value of Slater Martin's 1957 Topps card has experienced several notable fluctuations. The card saw a peak in value early in the year, driven by a surge in interest for vintage basketball memorabilia. Mid-year brought a slight dip, attributed to market corrections and the seasonal nature of card collecting. Currently, the trend line indicates a gradual upward trajectory as collectors prepare for the winter sports card conventions, where vintage cards typically gain attention.

Most Valuable Cards & Key Investments

In addition to the Slater Martin 1957 Topps #21 card, collectors should consider:

1950 Bowman #49 Slater Martin:

As his rookie card, the 1950 Bowman remains extremely valuable, representing the beginning of his illustrious NBA career.

1952 Wheaties Panels:

These rare panels that feature Martin are sought after for their historical significance and unique design.

Population Report + Scarcity Commentary

The PSA population report indicates approximately 200 graded examples of Slater Martin's 1957 Topps #21 card, with only a handful achieving the pristine grades of 9 or 10. SGC reports similar numbers, reinforcing the card's scarcity. This limited supply amplifies the card's desirability among vintage collectors, who value both the rarity and historical significance of such cards.

Player Bio

Slater Martin, a cornerstone of early NBA history, played for the Minneapolis Lakers, New York Knicks, and St. Louis Hawks. His career highlights include: - 7-time NBA Champion - 5-time NBA All-Star - Induction into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 1982 His legacy as a defensive stalwart and team leader continues to hold significant interest for collectors.

Best Cards to Buy Now

# Buy/Sell/Hold Outlook

Buy:

Given the current market conditions and the enduring legacy of Slater Martin, the 1957 Topps #21 card is a solid buy, particularly in higher grades. -

Sell:

Consider selling lower-grade cards if the market sees a sudden spike in demand. -

Hold:

Mid-grade cards should be held onto, as their value may appreciate over time, especially as Martin's legacy continues to be celebrated.

# Collector’s Recommendation

For both serious investors and casual collectors, investing in Slater Martin's 1957 Topps card offers a chance to own a piece of basketball history. With steady demand and the card's classic appeal, it serves as both a financial and sentimental asset.

User Questions and Answers

# Sources

- eBay.com - PSA.com - sportscardinvestor.com

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FAQs

How accurate are these values?

These estimates are based on recent sales data from eBay and other top marketplaces, analyzed over the last 30-90 days.

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

Bowman Chrome 1st autos (prospects), Topps Chrome RCs (rookies), and Panini Prizm are considered valuable for long-term investment.

How do I know if my card is worth grading?

Check for centering, corners, edges, and surface quality to determine if your card is worth grading.

What does PSA 10 mean?

PSA 10 is Gem Mint—virtually perfect in all aspects.

Why is Slater Martin's card valuable?

Slater Martin's card is valuable due to his significant contributions to NBA history and the scarcity of high-grade 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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