Joe Montana Rookie Card Value Guide

1981 Topps #216

By Bob Villemure • Updated August 13, 2025

Joe Montana Rookie Card Value (Updated August 2025)

Joe Montana, often celebrated as one of the greatest quarterbacks in NFL history, still commands a significant presence in the sports card market. His rookie cards remain a staple for both collectors and investors, offering both nostalgic value and robust investment potential.

# Quick-Stats Panel

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Sales Comps Data:

Over the past 30-90 days, Joe Montana's rookie card sales have shown steady demand across top marketplaces such as eBay and Goldin Auctions. -

Player Statistical Performance:

As a retired legendary quarterback, Joe Montana boasts four Super Bowl wins, three Super Bowl MVPs, and eight Pro Bowl selections. -

Market Demand:

The demand for Montana's rookie card has remained consistent, driven by both nostalgia and the enduring admiration for his career. -

Market Sentiment:

Positive sentimental value due to recent documentaries and feature articles have boosted interest in Joe Montana collectibles.

# Price Table

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

Grade	PSA	SGC
10	$20,000	$18,500
9	$5,500	$4,800
8	$2,500	$2,200
7	$1,200	$1,000
6	$750	$600
5	$500	$400
4	$300	$250
3	$200	$180
2	$100	$80
1	$50	$40

# 12-Month Trend Summary

Over the past year, the price trend for Joe Montana's rookie card has exhibited several key movements: -

Peak:

Prices peaked in January 2025 following the release of a popular documentary highlighting Montana's career. -

Dip:

A slight dip occurred in April 2025 as the market adjusted after the documentary buzz. -

Current Trajectory:

As of August 2025, prices are on a steady incline, supported by continued interest in vintage cards.

# Most Valuable Cards & Key Investments

1981 Topps Joe Montana Rookie Card (#216):

The quintessential rookie card for Montana, highly sought after by collectors.

1981 Topps Joe Montana Sticker:

While lesser-known, this sticker issue is gaining traction among niche collectors due to its relative scarcity.

1982 Topps Joe Montana:

Often seen as a secondary option for collectors priced out of the 1981 rookie card, this second-year card remains popular.

# Population Report + Scarcity Commentary

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PSA Population:

Approximately 16,000 cards across all grades. -

SGC Population:

Roughly 2,500 cards. -

Scarcity Influence:

The relative scarcity in high-grade conditions, particularly PSA 10s, ensures that demand remains high, driving up prices.

# Player Bio

Joe Montana, known as "Joe Cool," boasts an illustrious career with key milestones: -

Super Bowl Wins:

4 (XVI, XIX, XXIII, XXIV) -

Super Bowl MVPs:

3 (XVI, XIX, XXIV) -

Pro Bowls:

8 -

Passing Yards:

Over 40,000 -

Touchdowns:

273

# Best Cards to Buy Now

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Buy:

PSA 9 and PSA 10 grades of the 1981 Topps Joe Montana Rookie Card, given their potential for appreciation and demand stability. -

Sell:

Lower grade cards (PSA 3 and below) if looking to consolidate and invest in higher-grade cards. -

Hold:

PSA 8 grades, as they offer a balance between affordability and potential appreciation.

# Conclusion

Joe Montana's rookie cards remain a valuable asset for both collectors and investors. With consistent demand and an illustrious career, investing in high-grade cards can provide substantial returns over time.

# User Questions and Answers

FAQs

How accurate are these values?

These estimates are based on recent sales data from sources like 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), Panini Prizm.

How do I know if my card is worth grading?

Check for centering, corners, edges, and surface quality.

What does PSA 10 mean?

PSA 10 is Gem Mint—virtually perfect.

Why is the Joe Montana rookie card so valuable?

Due to Montana's legendary NFL career and the card's relative scarcity in top condition.

How does market sentiment affect card prices?

Positive market sentiment, often driven by media and nostalgia, can increase demand and prices.

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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