What's the difference between graded and raw 1968 1968 Topps #177?

Graded copies of the 1968 1968 Topps #177 are sealed in PSA, SGC, or BGS holders with an assigned condition grade on a 1–10 scale; raw copies are ungraded and the buyer assesses condition directly. Graded copies typically command a premium because the holder authenticates and grades the card in one step — but for raw cards, the upside is condition-judgment that beats the grader's eye. Source: https://www.psacard.com/services/grading

Is my 1968 1968 Topps #177 a reprint?

Reprints exist for nearly every popular pre-1980 baseball card (including the 1968 1968 Topps Mets 1968 Rookie Stars (Jerry Koosman / Nolan Ryan)). Originals show period-appropriate cardstock thickness, an offset-printing dot pattern visible under a 10× loupe, and back-design fidelity matching the era's printing process. If the card has modern gloss, sharp uncreased corners on a card that should show 76+ years of age, or paper that feels too white and crisp, treat it as a reprint until verified by a professional grading service. Source: https://www.psacard.com/services/authentication

1968 1968 Topps Mets 1968 Rookie Stars (Jerry Koosman / Nolan Ryan) #177

Q: How much is a 1968 1968 Topps Mets 1968 Rookie Stars (Jerry Koosman / Nolan Ryan) #177 worth?

As of 2044, Rawcomps has tracked 0 raw-condition sales for the 1968 1968 Topps #177 Mets 1968 Rookie Stars (Jerry Koosman / Nolan Ryan). Condition, original ownership provenance, and presence of an original wrapper or pack provenance all materially shift the market when sales do appear. Source: https://www.psacard.com/auctionprices

Collector history

Things most collectors don't know

Ryan was the 'and Koosman' for the first 5 years of this card's life. Koosman was the better-known rookie in 1968 — he went 19-12 with a 2.08 ERA that year. Ryan went 6-9. The card was a Koosman rookie that happened to also have Ryan on it; the resale story didn't flip until 1973.
The 'burlap' border is actually a fine cross-hatch halftone, not a texture print. Period copies under 10x loupe show a regular dot grid; reprints typically use a smooth tan flood — a free authenticity tell most fakers miss.
This is the most counterfeited 1960s card after the '52 Mantle. Ryan's record-breaking run from 1973-1993 created a 30-year demand spike that long outlasted period inventory. PSA estimates 1 in 4 raw copies they receive is either trimmed, recolored, or outright reprinted.
The Mets traded Ryan to the Angels in 1971 for Jim Fregosi. This is widely cited as one of the worst trades in baseball history — but it's also the reason a 1968 Mets dual-rookie even exists as a single card. Topps subsetted the 'Rookie Stars' format that year specifically because they were short on guaranteed-contract photos.
The back's cartoon biographical panel ages worse than the front. The yellow ink in the cartoon fades on light exposure; the red ink doesn't. Cards with a faded yellow but bright red back have been displayed front-down — a strong signal the front is well-preserved even on otherwise low-grade copies.

Condition signals to watch

Burlap-border wear — the textured tan border absorbs handling marks; even VG copies look rough.
Centering — 1968 Topps is a famously well-centered set; this card breaks that rule. Off-center copies are routine.
Print register — the player photo blue-channel often shifts; a "clean" register is a tell on high-grade copies.

Editorial notes updated 2026-05-24