
David Montgomery
2022 • Panini
Prizm Football • #48
Explore the 1981 Topps Mike Hartenstine #438 Chicago Bears football card, a key piece of vintage NFL trading card history.
1981 • Topps
National Football League • Chicago Bears
Excellent
438
New
Shipping Calculated at Checkout
| Condition | Value | Comps | Source | Price Date |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Raw / Ungraded | $1.59Over the last 30 days, stored prices ranged from $1.59 to $1.60 across 3 capture days. Change between Aug 20, 2026 and Sep 5, 2026: -0.6%. Compares the same source, grade and signed status. Capture days are not completed-sale counts. | 29 | Asking prices Based on eBay Active Listings | Source observation date unavailable |
| BGS 10Guide grade mapping; not verified grader-specific sales | $65.00 | Unknown | Guide estimate Based on Aggregated Price Guide | Source observation date unavailable |
| CGC 10Guide grade mapping; not verified grader-specific sales | $30.00 | Unknown | Guide estimate Based on Aggregated Price Guide | Source observation date unavailable |
| PSA 10Guide grade mapping; not verified grader-specific sales | $49.99 | Unknown | Guide estimate Based on Aggregated Price Guide | Source observation date unavailable |
| SGC 10Guide grade mapping; not verified grader-specific sales | $30.00 | Unknown | Guide estimate Based on Aggregated Price Guide | Source observation date unavailable |
| Grade 8 guide (generic)Guide grade mapping; not verified grader-specific sales | $11.91 | Unknown | Guide estimate Based on Aggregated Price Guide | Source observation date unavailable |
| Grade 9 guide (generic)Guide grade mapping; not verified grader-specific sales | $13.00 | Unknown | Guide estimate Based on Aggregated Price Guide | Source observation date unavailable |
| Grade 9.5 guide (generic)Guide grade mapping; not verified grader-specific sales | $48.86 | Unknown | Guide estimate Based on Aggregated Price Guide | Source observation date unavailable |
The 1981 Topps Mike Hartenstine #438 card stands as a distinct artifact from the early 1980s era of NFL collecting. As card number 438 in the 1981 Topps football set, this piece captures a moment in the history of the Chicago Bears franchise during a pivotal decade for professional football. Collectors often seek this card to build comprehensive sets of the 1981 Topps release, which remains one of the most recognizable and widely distributed football card products of its time. Mike Hartenstine’s inclusion in this series highlights the depth of roster coverage that 1981 Topps provided, offering fans and researchers a tangible connection to the players on the field during that season. For those interested in Chicago Bears memorabilia, this card serves as a historical record of the team’s composition in 1981. The straightforward design and bold typography characteristic of the 1981 Topps brand make it an accessible entry point for new collectors while holding nostalgic value for veterans who remember the era. Whether you are looking to complete a personal collection of 1981 Topps football cards or add a piece of Bears history to your portfolio, this product represents a solid foundation for understanding the vintage trading card market. By focusing on catalog-accurate details and provenance, we help maintain the integrity of vintage collecting. This card is a testament to the enduring appeal of physical sports cards from the pre-digital age. It offers a unique window into the 1981 NFL season, allowing collectors to engage with the sport’s heritage in a tactile way. As you explore your options, consider how this piece fits into your broader collecting goals, whether that involves focusing on a specific team, era, or manufacturer. The 1981 Topps series continues to be a cornerstone for football card enthusiasts.
6 days ago
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Language
English
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This 1981 Topps card occupies a modest price tier within the broader football card market, reflecting its status as a standard base card from a major brand. While Mike Hartenstine holds historical significance as part of the Chicago Bears' roster during that era, the lack of special attributes keeps its valuation accessible compared to premium parallels or rookie issues. The current market presence suggests steady, low-volume interest rather than speculative trading activity.
The card is identified as a standard base issue without any noted serial numbering, short-print designations, or parallel variations. This unmodified status implies a relatively high supply within the primary market, as it was produced as part of the main set run rather than a limited subset. Consequently, the scarcity mechanics rely solely on the general availability of ungraded base cards from this specific year and brand.
As a non-rookie card from the early 1980s, this item does not benefit from the rookie-card premium that typically drives long-term value appreciation for NFL players. Collector demand is likely driven by nostalgia for the 1981 Topps set and specific interest in Chicago Bears history, rather than career trajectory milestones. Investors should view this as a low-cost entry for set completion rather than a high-growth asset.

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