The Legacy of Johnny Unitas Football Cards
Johnny Unitas, an undisputed titan of football, left an indelible mark not just on the field but also in the world of sports memorabilia. His football cards, spanning various designs and eras, serve as a captivating timeline of both the player’s illustrious career and the evolution of sports card aesthetics.
From his iconic 1957 Topps rookie card to the later editions, each card is a piece of history, chronicling the journey of a legend. Dive into the captivating world of Unitas’ football cards and discover their significance, design intricacies, and value in the ever-thriving collector’s market.
➡️ Top 50 NFL Football Rookie Cards of All Time
Without any further ado, let’s jump into this list!
#15
1970 Topps Johnny Unitas #180
PSA 9 Value: $647
1970 Topps Johnny Unitas Population Report
PSA has graded 1,233 of the 1970 Topps Unitas cards. Out of these, 3 achieved a gem mint 10 rating, 64 were rated as mint 9, and 283 were evaluated as near mint to mint 8. The 1970 Topps set is renowned for its timeless design, brimming with visual allure and featuring an array of Hall of Fame talents.
1970 Topps Johnny Unitas Football Card Value
While this card captures a period in Unitas’s career when his prowess was waning, it doesn’t command the high prices of cards representing emerging stars. Still, high-quality versions of this card are sought after. A PSA 9 version, for instance, was auctioned on eBay in September 2021 for $647. Cards graded as PSA 6 or 7 typically range between $75 – $150.
For those seeking a more affordable option, ungraded cards are available at lower prices, varying based on their condition.
#14
1969 Topps Johnny Unitas #25
PSA 9 Value: $1,482
1969 Topps Johnny Unitas Population Report
PSA has evaluated 2,197 of the 1969 Topps Johnny Unitas card #25. Of these, only one achieved the gem mint 10 status, 51 were rated as mint 9, and 542 were graded near mint to mint 8. What stands out is the sheer number of near-mint-to-mint cards, especially since this card features full-bleed edges with striking colors.
The 1969 set was split into two series. The first series, cards #1-132, come without borders, while the second series, cards #133-263, feature white borders. Surprisingly, the borderless cards aren’t necessarily easier to find in higher grades. This is evident when you consider the Fran Tarkenton #150 card, of which over 600 have been assessed, and none have secured a gem mint 10 grade.
1969 Topps Johnny Unitas football card value
The ’69 Johnny Unitas card boasts a greater market value than its 1970 counterpart. A PSA 9 from the ’69 set recently sold for $1,482, almost three times the value of a similar grade from the 1970 set. PSA 8 versions of the card go for roughly $250. For those on a budget, ungraded cards are available, ranging from $15 to $60 based on their condition.
#13
1969 Topps Johnny Unitas #100
PSA 9 Value: $1,290
1968 Topps Johnny Unitas Population Report
PSA’s population report lists 935 of the 1968 Topps Johnny Unitas cards. This is a relatively low number compared to other cards previously discussed. Of these, just one has achieved gem mint status, 49 are in mint condition, and 206 are graded as near mint to mint.
1968 Topps Johnny Unitas Football Card Value
In October 2022, Goldin Auctions sold a PSA 9 card for $1,290. Meanwhile, PSA 8 versions typically range between $340 and $450, making them the highest-valued nm-mt cards from our list so far.
1968 marked the year when Topps secured the rights to feature both NFL and AFL players in their collection. This fact might drive more collector interest in the future. However, the current market for this set remains undervalued, with prices for many players lagging behind those of other sets. Now might be a good time for collectors to snag some of these cards before they potentially rise in value!
#12
1967 Philadelphia Johnny Unitas #23
PSA 8 Value: $546
1967 Philadelphia Football Card Set
1967 marked the final year Philadelphia Gum produced its football card set, which is often viewed as the least appealing among collectors. The designs come off as overly dated, and many player photos look faded. The yellow borders of the 1967 cards are particularly prone to chipping and wear, making it one of Philadelphia’s least aesthetically pleasing sets.
Despite featuring football legends like Johnny Unitas (#23), Dick Butkus (#28), Mike Ditka (#29), Gale Sayers (#35), Bart Starr (#82), Fran Tarkenton (#106), and Paul Hornung (#123), the set doesn’t captivate many collectors.
1967 Philadelphia Johnny Unitas Football Card Value
PSA has evaluated 501 of the ’67 Philadelphia Unitas cards: none achieved gem mint status, 3 were mint 9, and 70 were near mint to mint. In February 2023, a PSA 8 version fetched only $546, further emphasizing the set’s diminished appeal. However, for those looking for budget-friendly vintage cards, the 1967 Philadelphia collection offers an affordable entry point.
#11
1966 Philadelphia Johnny Unitas #180
PSA 8 Value: $577
1966 Philadelphia Johnny Unitas Football Card Value
PSA has assessed 407 of the 1966 Philadelphia Johnny Unitas card #24. Of these, none achieved gem mint status, 4 were rated as mint, and 47 were categorized as near mint to mint. In July 2023, a PSA 8 version was sold for $577.
The scarcity of mint examples makes it difficult to pinpoint their precise value. Yet, a notable sale occurred when PWCC Auctions sold one of the four mint copies for an impressive $13,132. Collectors can acquire raw, ungraded copies for a range of $15-$30, based on their condition.
#10
1965 Philadelphia Johnny Unitas #180
PSA 8 Value: $266
1965 Philadelphia Football Card Set
1965 marked the sophomore release of the Philadelphia football card set, notably featuring the rookie card of Gale Sayers. This year also debuted Philadelphia Gum’s inclusion of the NFL logo on their set, a proud display of their exclusive agreement with the NFL—consequently, Topps was left with only AFL players.
1965 Philadelphia Johnny Unitas Football Card Value
To date, PSA has graded 589 of Johnny Unitas #12 cards. None achieved a gem mint status, 23 were mint, and 112 were classified as near mint to mint. Collecting these PSA-graded cards is relatively budget-friendly; a PSA 8 was auctioned in February 2023 for $266, while PSA 7 cards are available for around $150. Acquiring such high-grade cards is akin to obtaining cards directly fresh from the pack!
#9
1964 Philadelphia Johnny Unitas #180
PSA 9 Value: $660
1964 Philadelphia Football Card Set
1964 marked the debut year of Philadelphia Gum’s venture into the football card market. As they squared off against Topps, they secured an exclusive licensing agreement with the NFL, leaving the AFL to align with Topps.
Even though Philadelphia Gum was a newcomer in the card-collecting world, their vintage football set still holds significant value, especially for cards in mint condition or superior. Icons of the game like Jim Brown, Johnny Unitas, Mike Ditka, Bart Starr, and Fran Tarkenton are exclusively found in this set due to licensing arrangements.
1964 Philadelphia Johnny Unitas Football Card Value
PSA has graded 1,187 copies of Johnny Unitas’s card #12 from the 1964 Philadelphia set. Among these, none achieved gem mint status, 57 were rated mint, and 291 were graded as near mint to mint. In November 2022, a PSA 9 example fetched $660, while PSA 8 versions hover around the $200 mark.
Featuring an unflattering pose of Unitas hunched over, this card arguably offers the least appealing image of him across all sets, resulting in its more modest price point.
#8
1963 Topps Johnny Unitas #1
PSA 9 Value: $26,400
1963 Topps Johnny Unitas Population Report
PSA has assessed 717 copies of Johnny Unitas’s 1973 Topps card. From this collection, not a single one achieved gem mint status, while 4 were rated as mint, and 46 fell into the near mint to mint category. The card’s yellow and border design is notably prone to chipping and damage, often resulting in diminished grades.
Centering is another prevalent issue with this card. The 1973 Topps football card set stands out as one of the tougher vintage football sets to grade optimally.
1963 Topps Johnny Unitas Football Card Value
This grading challenge played a part in a PSA 9 Johnny Unitas example fetching a hefty $26,400 at a Heritage Auctions sale in January 2022. Meanwhile, PSA 8 samples consistently sell in the $2,100-$2,500 range and PSA 7s are priced around $350.
As 1973 marked the last year Topps produced sets before Philadelphia secured exclusive rights for NFL players, the set also holds unique historical significance.
#7
1962 Topps Johnny Unitas #1
PSA 9 Value: $7,500
1962 Topps Football Card Set
The 1962 Topps football card set is distinctive for several reasons. Firstly, the use of black ink on the card borders makes mint-condition cards from this set exceptionally rare, perhaps the rarest of all. Out of the whopping 34,070 cards from this set that PSA assessed, a mere 342 were deemed to be in mint 9 condition – a staggeringly low figure.
Another distinguishing feature is the horizontal layout of all the cards, which was not a typical design choice for Topps during that period. Furthermore, each card showcases dual images: a player portrait paired with a black and white in-action shot, placed above the player’s name, position, and team. This set is a testament to Topps’ innovative spirit during that era, and their experiments surely made an impact.
1962 Topps Johnny Unitas football card value
For Johnny Unitas’ card #1 from this set, PSA has graded 832 copies. Remarkably, none have been rated as gem mint or mint, emphasizing the set’s rarity. A scant 24 cards were determined to be in near mint to mint condition. One of these elite 24 fetched $7,500 in a Heritage Auctions sale in January 2022. Meanwhile, cards graded at PSA 7 command prices starting from $750.
#6
1961 Fleer Johnny Unitas #30
PSA 9 Value: $2,639
1961 Fleer Johnny Unitas football card value
During the early 1960s, Fleer and Topps were competing for supremacy in the football card industry. Topps managed to obtain exclusive licensing rights for NFL players, leading Fleer to focus on the AFL, which culminated in the distinct 1961 Fleer set.
Within this set, PSA has graded 461 of Johnny Unitas’s cards, with 2 achieving gem mint status, 26 graded as mint, and 84 falling into the near mint to mint category. Heritage Auctions sold a PSA 9 example in May 2023 for $2,638. Meanwhile, PSA 8 examples typically sell for around $1,100.
#5
1961 Topps Johnny Unitas #1
PSA 9 Value: $5,509
1961 Topps Johnny Unitas football card value
The 1961 Topps set features a timeless design populated with Hall of Famers such as Jim Brown, Bart Starr, Bobby Layne, Y.A. Tittle, and Chuck Bednarik, among others. PSA has graded 952 Johnny Unitas cards from this collection; however, none achieved gem mint status. 16 of them received a mint 9 grade, while 125 earned a near mint to mint 8 rating. A PSA 9 card fetched $5,409 at a May 2023 auction. On the other hand, PSA 8 graded cards typically trade for approximately $570.
#4
1960 Topps Johnny Unitas #1
PSA 8 Value: $2,160
1960 Topps Johnny Unitas Football Card Set
The 1960 Topps Johnny Unitas card captures him gazing straight into the camera. While it might not showcase his best portrait, its inclusion in the 1960 set ensures high-grade versions command impressive prices. Out of the 1,198 Unitas #1 cards graded by PSA, none achieved a gem mint 10 rating, and only one reached a mint 9. A mere 55 cards achieved a near mint to mint grade, making them sought-after pieces.
1960 Topps Johnny Unitas Football Card Value
Goldin Auctions, in October 2022, auctioned a PSA 8 for an impressive $2,160, the top price for a PSA 8 in that set. Jim Brown’s card follows closely, fetching $1,140. For those looking for more affordable options, lower-grade versions are available on platforms like eBay, especially appealing as they represent the dawn of a new decade.
#3
1959 Topps Johnny Unitas #1
PSA 9 Value: $18,600
1959 Topps Football Card Set
The 1959 Topps set is a favorite among vintage football card aficionados, boasting a design that showcases players in yearbook-style close-up shots against a singular color backdrop. This keeps the focus squarely on the players.
Another standout design choice is the use of alternating colors for players’ names, a feature not common in most Topps sets. The white borders surrounding the colored background present challenges in finding cards with perfect centering.
1959 Topps Johnny Unitas Football Card Value
Of the Unitas #1 cards from this set, PSA has graded 1,356. Surprisingly, none have achieved a gem mint status. Only 7 earned a mint grade, with 89 grading as near mint to mint.
In December 2018, one of those rare PSA 9 examples fetched a staggering $18,600, a notable price for that period. For those on a budget, lower-grade samples range in price: from $35 for a PSA 1 to a more moderate $423 for a near mint PSA 7.
#2
1958 Topps Johnny Unitas #22
PSA 9 Value: $8,300
1958 Topps Football Card Set
The 1958 Topps set, featuring Johnny Unitas’s second-year card, is distinguished by its impeccable design. This set is characterized by vibrant colors, attractive player portraits, and prominently displayed player names, team names, and positions.
The white borders that frame these elements further enhance the card’s visual appeal. Adding to the allure of this set is the presence of legendary running back Jim Brown, one of the best players in the game.
1958 Topps Johnny Unitas Football Card Value
PSA has graded a total of 1,512 Johnny Unitas cards from this set. Among these, none have achieved gem mint condition, while 8 have been graded as mint, and 73 as near mint to mint.
The rarity of high-grade cards in this set became apparent when a PSA 9 sold for $8,300 back in 2017. Currently, PSA 8 examples sell between $2,000-$3,000 while PSA 7s sell between $400-$550.
#1
1957 Topps Johnny Unitas RC #138
PSA 9 Value: $92,062
1957 Topps Football Card Set
The 1957 Topps football card set is a hidden gem in the vast realm of sports cards. Its standout feature is the dual-photo layout of rookie players, harmoniously paired with contrasting, vivid background colors. The card doesn’t stop at the front, though. Flip it over, and it presents comprehensive player statistics, captivating bios, and even a cartoon.
As the years unfold, there’s potential for the 1957 Topps collection to rise in esteem, possibly rivaling the fame of the iconic 1952 Topps baseball card set. Only time will tell, but its value and artistry are undeniably enduring.
1957 Topps Johnny Unitas Rookie Card Value
PSA has graded 4,120 of the 1957 Topps Johnny Unitas rookie cards. Of those submitted, none are in gem mint condition, 8 are in mint condition, and 190 are in near mint to mint condition. One of the eight PSA 9 examples sold at auction in October 2018 for $92,062, while a PSA 8 sold in May 2023 for $15,943.
Conclusion
Throughout the annals of football card history, Johnny Unitas stands as a beacon of both athletic prowess and collectible significance. From his 1957 Topps rookie card to subsequent releases in the following years, the trajectory of Unitas’ cards paints a vivid picture of changing design preferences and market valuations.
The 1957 Topps rookie card is particularly noteworthy, embodying a blend of dual-photo layouts, contrasting colors, and detailed player histories, creating a timeless masterpiece that’s often underappreciated. This set could eventually rival iconic baseball sets, like the 1952 Topps, in terms of significance and value.
As the years progressed, design variations, from border intricacies to full-bleed illustrations and color palettes, all played a part in the appeal of the Unitas cards. Regardless of the year or the particular set, Unitas’ cards consistently maintained value, primarily due to his legendary stature in the sport.
High-grade examples, especially from the early years, are scarce, often fetching impressive sums when they appear in auctions. As with many vintage cards, condition greatly influences the value. Despite some designs being more beloved than others, or some years having more submissions for grading, every Unitas card is a part of football card lore.
In conclusion, the market for Johnny Unitas cards serves as a testament to his enduring legacy. Whether one is drawn to the impeccable design of the 1958 Topps or the historical relevance of his 1957 rookie card, each piece is a snapshot of a bygone era of football, as well as the storied career of one of its greatest icons. For collectors and enthusiasts, the allure of Unitas’ cards will likely persist, making them a staple in the realm of sports memorabilia.
From a young age, Matt dove deep into sports card valuation, turning to esteemed price guides like Beckett and Tuff Stuff. Eventually he extended to Pokémon, Magic: The Gathering, and Yu-Gi-Oh!. With a vision to sustain and nurture the hobby he loved, Matt established the ‘Graded Card Investor’ YouTube channel and website. He aims to foster a healthy community and offer invaluable insights to those entering the world of sports cards and TCGs. His depth of understanding, from the card market’s 2020 pinnacle to its 1990s valleys, is consistently fortified by meticulous research.
