"1978 Topps #500 Franco Harris ALL-PRO HOF Steelers HIGH NUMBER Immaculate"

"Description

You're viewing an increasingly scarce 1978 Topps ALL-PRO card featuring Franco Harris, legendary Hall of Fame running back and architect of the ""Immaculate Reception""! This vintage treasure captures one of the greatest players from the most dominant dynasty in NFL history.

The distinctive orange/peach borders that frame the Steelers cards in this 1978 Topps set are notoriously condition-sensitive, making ANY surviving examples increasingly difficult to find in today's market. Most have been damaged beyond recognition or discarded over the past 45+ years!

This card showcases a Hall of Fame legend specifically designated as ""ALL-PRO"" with the prestigious purple banner and red stars that Topps reserved exclusively for the NFL's most elite performers. These special designations have become increasingly valued by sophisticated collectors.

What makes this card particularly significant is that it's a coveted HIGH NUMBER card (#500) - traditionally among the most difficult to find in the entire set. High numbers were printed in smaller quantities and are aggressively pursued by set builders across the collecting community.

The card specifically documents Franco's remarkable achievement as only the 3rd player in NFL history to rush for over 6,000 yards in his first six seasons. These statistical milestones make this card a true piece of football rushing history.

Cards featuring members of the legendary 1970s Steelers dynasty are experiencing a dramatic surge in collector interest following Franco's untimely passing in December 2022. This tragic loss has created a profound sense of urgency among serious Steelers collectors.

Condition

This card presents in honest Good condition - a genuine survivor that has escaped the typical fate of orange-bordered cards that often suffer extreme damage. Finding any orange-bordered high number cards from this period that haven't been completely destroyed is becoming increasingly challenging!

The corners show significant wear and rounding, especially on the upper corners, which is consistent with cards of this vintage that were actually collected and enjoyed rather than immediately stored away. These signs of authentic vintage status tell the story of this card's journey through collecting history.

The orange/peach border shows edge wear and whitening - an extremely common condition issue with the notoriously fragile colored borders of the 1978 Topps cards. Orange borders show damage much more readily than other colors from this set.

The centering appears reasonably well-centered, which is consistent with production standards of the era. Factory quality control was far less stringent in the 1970s than with modern card productions.

The front surface retains good clarity with Harris clearly visible in his distinctive profile pose showcasing his iconic beard. Despite some visible surface wear, the image remains clear - a testament to the quality of the original printing.

The card back shows good preservation with all text and statistics remaining legible - allowing you to appreciate the biographical information highlighting his remarkable 6,000-yard achievement and impressive physical abilities.

Card Details

• Card Number: #500 in the 1978 Topps Football set - a desirable high number

• Player: Franco Harris - Hall of Fame running back and Pittsburgh Steelers legend

• Special Designation: ALL-PRO - Highlighted with purple banner and red stars

• Team: Pittsburgh Steelers - Featured during their historic dynasty that won 4 Super Bowls

• Position: Running Back (RB) - One of the most dominant power runners in NFL history

• Statistical Milestone: One of only 3 players in NFL history to rush for 6,000+ yards in first 6 seasons

• College: Penn State - Adding crossover appeal to college football collectors

• Draft Status: First-round selection by the Steelers in 1972

• Historic Significance: Author of the ""Immaculate Reception"" - the most famous play in NFL history

• Design Elements: Distinctive orange/peach borders that frame the Steelers cards in the 1978 Topps set

• Manufacturer: Topps Chewing Gum, Inc. - The premier trading card company of the era

Rarity

While Topps produced significant quantities of their 1978 football cards, the relentless march of time has rendered well-preserved orange-bordered cards increasingly scarce. The vast majority have been lost to time, damage, or poor storage conditions.

High number cards like #500 were traditionally printed in smaller quantities, making them inherently more difficult to locate than lower numbers in the set. This production pattern has created genuine scarcity in today's market.

Orange/peach-bordered cards from this era are notoriously condition-sensitive, with the colored edges quickly showing wear, chipping, and fading. Finding specimens without catastrophic border damage becomes more difficult with each passing year.

ALL-PRO designated cards have shown particularly strong demand as collectors increasingly focus on acquiring cards that document players at their absolute peak performance years. This focused collector interest has steadily removed the best examples from circulation.

The combination of condition-sensitive orange borders, high number status, ALL-PRO designation, Hall of Fame player, and Steelers dynasty connection creates a ""perfect storm"" of collector appeal that transcends multiple collecting categories. This crossover appeal significantly reduces the available supply.

Collector's Note

The market for vintage Franco Harris cards has seen explosive growth since his sudden passing in December 2022, as collectors and fans rush to acquire tangible connections to this irreplaceable NFL legend. This fundamental shift in the market has driven prices steadily upward for all Franco Harris items.

Orange-bordered vintage cards have experienced particularly strong price appreciation as condition-conscious collectors recognize their extreme susceptibility to damage. This growing awareness has created tremendous demand for surviving examples that haven't been destroyed.

This is potentially your ONLY CHANCE to acquire this increasingly elusive vintage card before prices for authentic 1978 Topps football high numbers continue their upward trajectory! The passing of Franco Harris has created unprecedented demand for his collectibles.

High number cards from vintage sets have shown particularly strong appreciation as advanced collectors recognize their relative scarcity. This card represents a must-have addition for any serious Steelers collection or Hall of Fame running back showcase!

This card represents a perfect centerpiece for any Pittsburgh Steelers team collection, Hall of Fame running back compilation, ALL-PRO player documentation, or 1978 Topps set build. Its historical significance makes it a guaranteed conversation starter in any football display!

Buy multiple cards and pay only ONE low shipping cost!

Don't Wait - Act Now!

The window of opportunity to acquire authentic vintage cards of Franco Harris at reasonable prices has dramatically narrowed following his tragic passing. More collectors and fans are seeking tangible connections to his legendary career with each passing day.

Don't miss this rare opportunity to own a genuine piece of Pittsburgh Steelers dynasty history featuring one of the most beloved and accomplished running backs in NFL history! When it's gone, finding another orange-bordered high number example of this vintage Topps card could take months or years of searching!"

 _gsrx_vers_1723 (GS 9.9.3 (1723))

Condition: Ungraded

Item specifics

Offered by Gosla Antiques & Collectibles, purveyors of antiquities, curiosities and collectible wares. Dispatched from Pennsylvania, United States, with tracking.