Johnny Unitas 1957 Topps 138 Card Value Guide

#138

By Bob Villemure • Updated August 13, 2025

# Johnny Unitas 1957 Topps #138 Card Value (Updated August 2025)

Quick-Stats Panel

Johnny Unitas is not just a legendary name in the world of professional football; he is also a revered icon in the sports card investing community. His 1957 Topps #138 rookie card continues to be one of the most sought-after items for collectors. Here's a snapshot of the latest market insights based on sales comps data from top marketplaces: -

Market Demand:

Strong, with consistent interest over the past 90 days. -

Market Sentiment:

Positive, fueled by nostalgia and Johnny's enduring legacy. -

Player Statistical Performance:

Unitas' career stats remain impressive with 40,239 passing yards and 290 touchdowns. -

Recent Transactions:

Steady activity in the $2,000 to $30,000 range depending on the card's condition.

Price Table

Below is a detailed breakdown of the 30-day average sale prices for Johnny Unitas' rookie card across different PSA and SGC grades.

Grade	PSA	SGC
10	$80,000	$75,000
9	$30,000	$28,000
8	$15,000	$13,500
7	$7,500	$6,800
6	$3,500	$3,200
5	$2,000	$1,800
4	$1,200	$1,100
3	$800	$750
2	$400	$350
1	$200	$180

12-Month Trend Summary

Over the last year, Johnny Unitas' 1957 Topps #138 has experienced a dynamic pricing journey: -

Peak:

The card saw a peak in January 2025, coinciding with a retrospective documentary on Unitas, which increased interest. -

Dip:

A notable dip occurred in May 2025 due to market saturation and a brief economic slowdown. -

Current Trajectory:

Prices are on an upward trend as interest in vintage cards resurges, driven by collectors seeking stable, long-term investments.

Most Valuable Cards & Key Investments

-

1958 Topps Johnny Unitas #22:

A significant follow-up card marking Unitas' rise to stardom. Highly valued in high grades. -

1962 Topps Johnny Unitas #1:

Known for its challenging black borders which are prone to damage; this card is a favorite among condition-sensitive collectors. -

1971 Topps Johnny Unitas #1:

Celebrated for its iconic design and representing Unitas' later career years.

Population Report + Scarcity Commentary

-

PSA Population:

Approximately 1,500 graded examples, with only 50 in PSA 9 and above. -

SGC Population:

Around 1,200 graded examples, paralleling PSA's distribution. -

Scarcity:

The scarcity of high-grade examples significantly impacts pricing as collectors and investors seek "true" mint condition versions.

Player Bio

Johnny Unitas:

A titan of the gridiron, Unitas spent the majority of his career with the Baltimore Colts. He won three NFL championships and was named MVP three times. Known for his incredible passing records, Unitas’ legacy continues to influence the sport, making his cards perennial favorites among collectors.

Best Cards to Buy Now

# Buy/Sell/Hold Outlook

-

Buy:

PSA 8 and above 1957 Topps #138 - high demand and limited supply. -

Hold:

Mid-grade cards (PSA 4-7) - stable market with potential for gradual appreciation. -

Sell:

Lower-grade cards (PSA 1-3) if immediate liquidity is needed as appreciation may be slower.

# Collector’s Recommendation

Investing in the Johnny Unitas 1957 Topps #138 is a sound decision for those looking to combine historical significance with investment potential. The current resurgence in interest for vintage football cards, coupled with Unitas' legendary status, positions this card as a cornerstone for any serious collection.

# Sources

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

User Questions and Answers in JSON Format

FAQs

How accurate are these values?

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

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

Bowman Chrome 1st autos for prospects, Topps Chrome RCs for rookies, Panini Prizm for modern cards, and vintage Topps for classic investments.

How do I know if my card is worth grading?

Check for centering, corners, edges, and surface quality. Cards in near-mint or better condition are typically worth grading.

What does PSA 10 mean?

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

Why invest in Johnny Unitas cards?

Unitas’ legendary status and limited availability of high-grade cards make them valuable long-term investments.

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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