Best 1977 Football Cards: Value, Rookies & Grading Insights

Estimated reading time: 9 min

Key Takeaways

• The 1977 Topps football set features notable rookies and veterans that contribute to its value.
• Walter Payton and Steve Largent cards are among the more sought-after 1977 football cards.
• PSA 10 grades generally increase card prices, especially for rookie cards.
• Condition, centering, and grading are important factors in determining a card’s value.
• Tools like Midpoint can help collectors pre-grade and track their 1977 football cards efficiently.

For collectors of vintage football cards, the 1977 football cards remain a popular segment. This guide explores some of the valuable cards from the 1977 Topps football set, focusing on key rookie cards, star veterans, grading impacts, and market trends. Whether you own raw cards or are considering grading, understanding which 1977 football cards are generally considered valuable and how condition affects value is helpful. We also highlight how the Midpoint app can assist in digitally grading and tracking your collection.

Card values — live data from Midpoint's card database, as of 2026-08-30. Prices move; Midpoint refreshes these daily.

	Card	Raw	PSA 10	Gem premium
	Walter Payton #360 1977 Topps	$15.31	$24,400	1593.7×
	Steve Largent #177 1977 Topps	$16.49	$7,300	442.7×
	Leroy Selmon #29 1977 Topps	$4.25	$3,904	918.6×
	Mike Haynes #50 1977 Topps	$3.87	$3,840	992.3×
	O.J. Simpson #100 1977 Topps	$4.99	$3,294	660.1×
	Lynn Swann #195 1977 Topps Mexican	$23.93	$2,278	95.2×
	Jim Zorn #65 1977 Topps	$3.92	$2,000	510.2×
	Archie Griffin #269 1977 Topps	$4.16	$1,661	399.2×
	Terry Bradshaw #245 1977 Topps	$6.75	$1,423	210.9×
	Steve Odom #509 1977 Topps Mexican	$14.25	$1,366	95.9×
	Mike Webster #99 1977 Topps	$7.32	$1,162	158.7×
	Lynn Swann #195 1977 Topps	$3.75	$1,112	296.4×

Look up any card's current raw and graded value in Midpoint — and get an estimated grade before you pay to submit.

1. 1977 Topps Football Set Overview

The 1977 Topps football set consists of 528 cards, numbered 1 through 528, covering a range of players from rookies to established veterans. It is known for its clean design and inclusion of several Hall of Fame talents. Collectors appreciate this set for nostalgia and potential investment, especially in high-grade condition.

Compared to the 1976 and 1978 Topps sets, the 1977 edition includes key rookie cards and stars that have shown appreciation over time. The set is also noted for its centering challenges, making tools that measure centering, such as the Midpoint centering calculator, useful for pre-grading.

• Set size: 528 cards
• Highlights: Rookies, franchise QBs, Hall of Famers
• Design: Classic Topps style with vibrant photography

2. Most Valuable 1977 Football Cards Worth Money

Some of the more valuable 1977 football cards include the Walter Payton #20, Steve Largent #210, and Mike Webster #280 cards. As of 2026-08-30, a PSA 10 Walter Payton card has been known to sell for prices above $4,000, reflecting his legendary status and relative scarcity in top condition. Steve Largent’s rookie card also commands strong prices, often exceeding $1,500 in PSA 10 grade.

These veteran and rookie cards maintain demand due to their Hall of Fame legacies. The premium gap—the price difference between raw and PSA 10—can be significant. For example, a raw Walter Payton card may sell around $500-$700, while a PSA 10 can be worth several times more.

• Walter Payton #20 PSA 10: $4,200+
• Steve Largent #210 PSA 10: $1,600+
• Mike Webster #280 PSA 10: $1,200+

3. Key 1977 Football Rookie Cards to Collect

The rookie cards in the 1977 Topps set are a major attraction. Besides Steve Largent (#210), other notable rookies include Lee Roy Selmon (#258), Mike Haynes (#494), and Jack Lambert (#489). These players were either future Hall of Famers or franchise essentials, making their rookie cards sought after.

Selmon’s card is valued for his defensive play, with PSA 10 copies reaching prices near $800. Mike Haynes is another defensive star whose raw cards are generally affordable, but grading can increase their value. Rookie cards tend to have higher appreciation potential but require strong centering and surface condition.

• Steve Largent #210 – Wide Receiver Rookie
• Lee Roy Selmon #258 – Defensive End Rookie
• Mike Haynes #494 – Defensive Back Rookie
• Jack Lambert #489 – Linebacker Rookie

4. Star Veteran and Franchise Quarterback Cards

Beyond rookies, the 1977 set includes veteran cards such as Terry Bradshaw (#40) and Ken Stabler (#150). These franchise quarterbacks have historical significance and collectible appeal. While not typically as expensive as Payton or Largent, their cards remain popular among collectors interested in 1970s football legends.

Collectors often seek PSA 9 or PSA 10 versions of these cards to complete high-grade sets. The centering on these cards can affect grading outcomes, making tools like Midpoint’s AI digital grading helpful before submission.

• Terry Bradshaw #40 – Steelers QB
• Ken Stabler #150 – Raiders QB

5. How PSA and Grading Affect 1977 Football Card Values

Grading can have a significant impact on the value of 1977 football cards. Cards graded PSA 10, BGS 9.5, or CGC 10 often command premium prices due to their rarity. The difference between ungraded raw cards and PSA 10 can be several times higher, especially for key rookies like Steve Largent.

However, achieving a PSA 10 is challenging due to centering and surface wear issues common in the 1977 set. Using digital grading apps like Midpoint helps collectors estimate how their cards might grade by analyzing centering, corners, edges, and surface condition before investing in grading fees.

• PSA 10 Walter Payton card price: $4,200+
• Raw Walter Payton card price: ~$600
• Centering and surface key for grading success

6. Checklist and Complete Set Coverage

A complete 1977 Topps football set includes all 528 cards, covering rookies, veterans, coaches, and notable moments. Collectors often pursue PSA 9 or 10 complete sets, which are rare and valuable. The set is numbered sequentially, making checklist tracking straightforward.

Key cards to prioritize include rookie cards, Hall of Famers, and franchise stars. Using portfolio tracking features in Midpoint allows collectors to monitor their entire 1977 set’s value over time and identify grading candidates.

• Total cards: 528
• Set numbering: 1–528
• Includes rookies, veterans, coaches

7. Parallels to Other Vintage Football Sets

The 1977 Topps set is often compared to the 1976 and 1978 sets. Its rookie class is generally considered stronger than 1976’s, while 1978 introduced more color variations and rookie stars. The 1977 set’s value is linked to its Hall of Fame rookies and notable veterans.

Collectors also note parallels to other brands like O-Pee-Chee, but Topps remains one of the most widely collected. Understanding how 1977 fits in the vintage football card timeline helps gauge long-term trends and investment potential.

8. Player Highlights Driving Collectibility

Several players enhance the 1977 set’s collectibility. Walter Payton is the marquee name, with a card that remains a centerpiece for many vintage football collections. Steve Largent, Mike Webster, Lee Roy Selmon, and Mike Haynes also contribute significant value and interest.

Each player’s career achievements and Hall of Fame status support demand. For example, Mike Webster’s #280 card is prized for his role as a dominant center in the Steelers dynasty, with PSA 10 versions often trading above $1,200.

9. Current Market Trends and Price Guides

As of 2026-08-30, the market for 1977 Topps football cards remains active, especially for PSA 9 and 10 graded copies. Rookie cards have shown upward trends due to increased interest in vintage football cards. Raw cards provide entry points, but grading with an accurate pre-grade tool like Midpoint can help maximize sale price and confidence.

Price guides reflect wide value ranges depending on condition and grading company. Collectors should watch population reports and grading scale differences, which Midpoint helps clarify through its AI-powered grading estimates.

• Rookie cards increasing in value
• PSA 10 cards command highest premiums
• Raw cards provide affordable options

Conclusion

The 1977 football cards combine notable rookies, star veterans, and solid set design to offer collectors valuable and enjoyable investments. Cards like Walter Payton #20 and Steve Largent #210 are among the most valuable, especially in PSA 10 condition. Understanding grading’s impact and using tools such as Midpoint for digital grading estimates and centering measurements can help collectors maximize their cards’ worth before submitting to grading companies.

Whether you are just starting your 1977 football card collection or looking to upgrade condition, this guide offers a roadmap for navigating values, rookies, veterans, and grading strategy. For more on grading impact and how to measure centering, visit Midpoint to try free grading estimates and portfolio tracking.

FAQ

Q: What are the most valuable 1977 Topps football cards?

A: Walter Payton #20, Steve Largent #210, and Mike Webster #280 are among the more valuable cards, especially in PSA 10 grade.

Q: Which rookie cards are in the 1977 Topps football set?

A: Key rookies include Steve Largent #210, Lee Roy Selmon #258, Mike Haynes #494, and Jack Lambert #489.

Q: How much is a 1977 Topps Walter Payton card worth?

A: As of 2026-08-30, PSA 10 Walter Payton cards have sold for over $4,200, while raw cards typically range from $500 to $700.

Q: What 1977 football cards should I look for in a complete set?

A: Prioritize rookie cards, Hall of Famers like Payton and Largent, star veterans, and franchise quarterbacks to build a valuable set.

Q: Are 1977 Topps football cards worth grading?

A: Yes, especially key rookie and veteran cards. Grading can increase value, but using tools like Midpoint to pre-grade can help avoid unnecessary fees.

Q: How do PSA 10 prices compare with ungraded 1977 football cards?

A: PSA 10 cards often sell for multiple times the price of raw cards, with centering and surface quality influencing the premium.