Joe Greene 1971 Topps 245 Card Value Guide

#245

By Bob Villemure • Updated August 13, 2025

Joe Greene 1971 Topps 245 Card Value (Updated August 2025)

In the world of sports card collecting, Joe Greene's 1971 Topps rookie card (#245) remains a treasured gem for fans and collectors alike. As of August 2025, let's explore its current market value, trends, and why it holds a significant place in the collectibles market.

# Quick-Stats Panel

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Recent Sales Comps:

Analyzing top marketplaces such as eBay and Goldin Auctions, Joe Greene's 1971 Topps 245 card has seen varied transactions. Over the last 30-90 days, the card's value has shown moderate stability with slight fluctuations due to market demand. -

Player Statistical Performance:

While Joe Greene is retired, his legendary career with the Pittsburgh Steelers, including four Super Bowl wins, continues to drive interest. -

Market Demand and Sentiment:

Sentiment remains positive, bolstered by Greene's iconic status in NFL history and the enduring popularity of vintage football cards.

# Price Table

Below is a table showing the 30-day average sale prices for Joe Greene's rookie card across PSA and SGC grades:

Grade	PSA	SGC
10	$15,000	$13,500
9	$8,000	$7,250
8	$4,500	$4,000
7	$2,800	$2,500
6	$1,700	$1,500
5	$900	$850
4	$500	$450
3	$300	$275
2	$200	$180
1	$100	$90

# 12-Month Trend Summary

Over the past year, Joe Greene's rookie card experienced a notable peak in January due to increased interest from a documentary release. This was followed by a slight dip in March, attributed to a general market correction. Currently, the trajectory is on an upward trend, thanks to renewed interest from both nostalgia-driven collectors and new collectors discovering vintage football cards.

# Most Valuable Cards & Key Investments

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1971 Topps #245 (Rookie Card):

The crown jewel for Joe Greene collectors, offering the highest appreciation potential. -

1972 Topps #447:

A second-year card that holds historical importance and is sought after for completing vintage sets. -

1973 Topps #230:

Valued for its challenging high-number series, making it a valuable pickup for serious set collectors.

# Population Report + Scarcity Commentary

According to PSA, there are approximately 1,500 graded copies of Joe Greene's rookie card, with only 10 graded PSA 10. The scarcity of high-grade versions contributes significantly to the card's high value, as collectors vie for the best-preserved specimens.

# Player Bio

Joe Greene, also known as "Mean Joe Greene," is a Pro Football Hall of Famer who played defensive tackle for the Pittsburgh Steelers from 1969 to 1981. During his career, he was a 10-time Pro Bowler, five-time First-Team All-Pro, and a pivotal member of the Steelers' famous "Steel Curtain" defense. His legacy continues to resonate with football fans and collectors.

# Best Cards to Buy Now

Buy/Sell/Hold Outlook:

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Buy:

Joe Greene's 1971 Topps rookie card remains a strong buy for vintage card collectors, given its historical value and consistent demand. -

Sell:

Consider selling if you hold a PSA 9 or 10, given the current high market prices and potential for future market corrections. -

Hold:

Lower-grade cards should be held for potential appreciation as interest in vintage cards grows.

Collector’s Recommendation:

Joe Greene's legacy as a football icon and the scarcity of top-grade cards make the 1971 Topps 245 a prudent addition to any collection. For long-term investors, holding onto high-grade cards will likely yield fruitful returns as the market for vintage memorabilia continues to mature.

# Conclusion

In conclusion, Joe Greene's 1971 Topps rookie card is a cornerstone piece for any serious football card collection. Its historical significance, coupled with Joe Greene's revered status, ensures its continued appeal. As the market evolves, staying informed about trends and population data will be crucial for maximizing investment returns.

# User Questions and Answers

FAQs

How accurate are these values?

These estimates are based on recent sales data from reputable marketplaces such as eBay and Goldin Auctions.

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 highly regarded.

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 with no visible flaws; the highest grade a card can receive.

Why is Joe Greene's card valuable?

Joe Greene's card is valuable due to his legendary NFL career and the rarity 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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