You’ve probably heard the stories of attic finds turning into retirement funds. When it comes to "Captain Comeback," that’s not just a dream—it’s a reality for a handful of collectors. But honestly, most people digging through old shoeboxes are looking at the wrong things.
Roger Staubach isn't just another Hall of Fame quarterback. He’s the guy who coined the term "Hail Mary." He’s a Heisman winner, a Naval Academy legend, and the face of the Dallas Cowboys during their most iconic era. Because he served in the Navy for four years before joining the NFL, his "rookie" year didn't happen until 1972. That delay created a massive bottleneck in the hobby.
The 1972 Topps Rookie Card: The Holy Grail
If you’re asking about a Roger Staubach card worth real money, you’re almost certainly talking about the 1972 Topps #200. This is the one. It’s got that classic 70s vibe with the arched "Cowboys" text at the top and Staubach looking ready to scramble.
Pricing on this thing is all over the place. Why? Because condition is king. A "raw" card you find at a garage sale might look okay to you, but to a professional grader, it’s probably a PSA 4 or 5.
Let’s look at the actual numbers from early 2026. A PSA 8 (Near Mint-Mint) is currently hovering around $2,000 to $2,300. That’s a solid chunk of change. But if you somehow have a PSA 9? You’re looking at $18,000 to $22,000. And a PSA 10? Those are so rare—only four exist in the world—that they can fetch north of $25,000 at a high-end auction like Heritage or Goldin.
It's kinda wild when you think about it. The difference between a "pretty good" card and a "perfect" card is basically the price of a new car.
Don't Forget the "In Action" Card
A lot of people get confused by the 1972 Topps #122 "Pro Action" card. It’s also from his rookie year, so people call it a rookie card. Technically, it is. But the hobby doesn't treat it with the same respect as the #200 base card.
The #122 shows Roger mid-play, which is cool, but the value is way lower. You can grab a decent PSA 7 or 8 of the "In Action" card for under $100. It’s the perfect "budget" rookie for someone who wants a piece of history without clearing out their savings account.
Why Your Card Might Be Worth Less Than You Think
I hate being the bearer of bad news, but there are a few things that kill the value of these cards instantly:
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- Centering: 1972 Topps were notorious for being cut poorly. If the image is shifted way to the left or right, even if the corners are sharp, the grade will plummet.
- Surface Wax: These cards came in packs with a slab of pink bubble gum. Over decades, the sugar and oils from that gum can stain the card. Collectors call it "wax staining," and it’s a value killer.
- The "Reprint" Trap: In 2012, Topps released a "Rookie Reprint" series. They look almost identical to the 1972 original but have a modern glossy finish and different copyright dates on the back. These are worth maybe $5.
The Second-Year Value Spike
Normally, second-year cards are the "forgotten" children of the hobby. Not with Staubach. His 1973 Topps #475 is a beautiful card. It’s his first solo card after his Super Bowl VI win, and the demand is surprisingly high.
A high-grade 1973 Staubach can still pull in $500 to $1,000 if it’s a PSA 9. Even the mid-grades stay steady around $50-$80. It’s a very "liquid" card, meaning you can sell it in about five minutes on eBay because Cowboys fans are everywhere.
Later Years and Modern "Hits"
Once you get into the late 70s, the prices drop. A 1979 Topps #400 (his final year card) is a great piece of memorabilia, but unless it's literally perfect, it’s a $20 to $40 item.
But wait! There’s a whole other world of Roger Staubach cards. Modern Panini sets like Flawless, Impeccable, and National Treasures feature "on-card" autographs and jersey swatches.
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A 2023 or 2024 Panini Flawless dual autograph with Roger and Dak Prescott or Troy Aikman can easily sell for $1,500. Collectors love these because the signature is guaranteed authentic, and the cards are often numbered to only 5 or 10 copies.
How to Check Your Specific Card
If you’re holding a card right now and wondering what it's worth, don't just look at eBay "Listings." People can list a ham sandwich for a million dollars; it doesn't mean it’ll sell.
You need to look at Sold Items.
- Go to eBay.
- Search "1972 Topps Roger Staubach 200."
- Filter by "Sold Items" on the left sidebar.
- Look for cards that match the condition of yours.
If your card isn't graded (meaning it’s not in a hard plastic slab from PSA, SGC, or BGS), it is almost certainly going to sell for the "Raw" price, which for a decent rookie is usually between $200 and $500.
Actionable Next Steps
If you think you have a high-value Roger Staubach card, here is exactly what you should do:
- Do Not Clean It: Seriously. Don’t try to wipe off dust or "improve" it. You’ll likely scratch the surface and ruin the value.
- Penny Sleeve and Top Loader: Get it into a soft sleeve and then a hard plastic "top loader" immediately. This stops any further damage.
- Check for Alterations: Take a magnifying glass and look at the edges. If they look too white or "fuzzy," it might be a reprint. If the edges are perfectly sharp like a laser cut, be suspicious—someone might have "trimmed" it to make it look better, which makes the card worthless to serious collectors.
- Consider SGC for Faster Turnaround: While PSA is the gold standard for resale value, SGC (the guys with the black tuxedo slabs) is often faster and cheaper for vintage football. If you just want to know if it’s real and get a fair grade, they are a great option.
Whether you're selling or just curious, remember that Staubach's legacy is set in stone. He’s one of the few players whose cards actually trend upward over decades because the "America's Team" nostalgia never really fades. Keep it safe, keep it dry, and keep it out of the sun.