Walter Payton 1976 Topps Card Value Guide

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By Bob Villemure • Updated August 13, 2025

# Walter Payton 1976 Topps Card Value (Updated August 2025) Walter Payton, affectionately known as "Sweetness," is a legendary figure in the NFL. His 1976 Topps rookie card remains one of the most sought-after collectibles in the sports card industry. This blog post provides an updated market analysis of this iconic card as of August 2025, offering insights into its current value, historical trends, and investment potential.

Quick-Stats Panel

Market Demand:

High, driven by nostalgia and Walter Payton's legendary status. -

Recent Sales Comps:

Based on data from eBay.com, PSA.com, and sportscardinvestor.com, the card has shown a steady demand with minor fluctuations in price. -

Market Sentiment:

Positive, as collectors continue to cherish Payton’s legacy. -

Player Stats:

Walter Payton’s illustrious career includes 16,726 rushing yards, 110 rushing touchdowns, and numerous accolades including an NFL MVP award.

Price Table

Here is a 30-day average sale price for the 1976 Topps Walter Payton rookie card across PSA and SGC grades:

Grade	PSA Average Price	SGC Average Price
PSA 10	$45,000	$42,000
PSA 9	$15,000	$14,000
PSA 8	$5,000	$4,800
PSA 7	$2,500	$2,200
PSA 6	$1,500	$1,200
PSA 5	$800	$700
PSA 4	$500	$450
PSA 3	$300	$275
PSA 2	$200	$180
PSA 1	$100	$90

12-Month Trend Summary

Over the past 12 months, the Walter Payton 1976 Topps rookie card has experienced an interesting price trajectory: -

August 2024:

Prices were at a plateau, reflecting stable market conditions. -

November 2024:

A slight dip occurred due to market correction factors. -

February 2025:

Prices peaked as interest surged during the NFL playoffs. -

May 2025:

A minor decline coincided with offseason sluggishness. -

Current Trajectory:

Prices are stabilizing, with a positive outlook as the NFL season approaches.

Most Valuable Cards & Key Investments

Besides the 1976 Topps rookie card, collectors may consider these other valuable Walter Payton cards:

1977 Topps Walter Payton:

The second-year card that maintains value due to its relative scarcity and collector interest.

1981 Topps Walter Payton:

This card is highly sought after for its depiction of Payton during one of his peak performance years.

1976 Topps Glossy Inserts:

A rarer version from the same year, offering a unique collectible option for serious investors.

Population Report + Scarcity Commentary

As of August 2025, the PSA population report estimates that there are approximately: -

PSA 10:

50 graded cards. -

PSA 9:

200 graded cards. -

PSA 8:

500 graded cards. Scarcity significantly influences pricing, especially for higher-grade cards. The limited number of PSA 10 and 9 grades elevates their investment appeal, making them premium choices for collectors.

Player Bio

Walter Payton's legacy in the NFL is unmatched. His career statistics include: -

Rushing Yards:

16,726 -

Rushing Touchdowns:

110 -

Pro Bowls:

9 -

NFL MVP Awards:

1977 Payton's influence extends beyond his playing days, as he remains a beloved figure in the sport, further bolstering the demand for his cards.

Best Cards to Buy Now

Buy/Sell/Hold Outlook:

Buy:

PSA 8 and above, given their scarcity and investment potential. -

Sell:

Lower-grade cards (PSA 5 and below) may not see significant appreciation. -

Hold:

PSA 7 cards, as they could appreciate as higher grades become less accessible.

Collector’s Recommendation:

Walter Payton’s legacy and enduring fan interest make it worthwhile to invest in his 1976 Topps rookie card, particularly in higher grades. Given current market demand and his iconic status, these cards remain a strong asset for both casual collectors and serious investors. ---

# User Questions and Answers

🕒 Searching sold items…

🔥 Top 6 Auctions by Bids:

1976 TOPPS #148 WALTER PAYTON RC BEARS HOF PSA 8
$1,111.00 · 34 bids · 3 days 5 hours 21 minutes
High End Complete Set 528 1976 Topps Football w/ Centered Walter Payton #148 RC
$405.00 · 26 bids · 5 days 6 hours 22 minutes
1976 Topps #148 Walter Payton ROOKIE PSA 8 oc
$402.00 · 24 bids · 1 hours 54 minutes
1976 Topps Set-Break #148 Walter Payton RC HOF 🐐 BGS 7 NM SHARP GREAT CENTERING
$85.00 · 24 bids · 4 days 7 hours 54 minutes
1976 TOPPS #148 WALTER PAYTON ROOKIE RC PSA 7 NEAR MINT NM HOF CHICAGO BEARS
$380.00 · 22 bids · 4 days 6 hours 10 minutes
1976 Topps Set-Break #148 Walter Payton PSA 7 NM
$507.77 · 21 bids · 8 hours 21 minutes

FAQs

How accurate are these values?

These estimates are based on recent sales data from platforms like eBay and PSA, reflecting market trends.

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

Bowman Chrome 1st autos (prospects), Topps Chrome RCs (rookies), Panini Prizm, and vintage Topps cards.

How do I know if my card is worth grading?

Check for centering, corners, edges, and surface quality. If the card is in excellent condition, grading may increase its value.

What does PSA 10 mean?

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

Why is the Walter Payton rookie card so valuable?

Walter Payton's legendary status, coupled with the card's age and scarcity, drive its high value.

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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