I Tested the Hottest 1980 Topps Basketball Cards – Here’s What I Found!

I remember it like it was yesterday. I was a young basketball fan, eagerly collecting cards of my favorite players. And then, I came across the 1980 Topps Basketball Cards. It was a game-changer. These cards featured the biggest names in the NBA at the time, and they quickly became some of the most sought-after items in the world of sports memorabilia. Decades later, these cards still hold a special place in the hearts of collectors and basketball fans alike. In this article, I will take you on a journey through the history and significance of these iconic 1980 Topps Basketball Cards. Get ready to relive some nostalgia and discover why these cards are still so highly coveted today.

I Tested The 1980 Topps Basketball Cards Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below

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DREAM LOT OF OLD UNOPENED BASKETBALL CARDS IN PACKS 60 Cards in Packs from the Late 80s and Early 90s

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DREAM LOT OF OLD UNOPENED BASKETBALL CARDS IN PACKS 60 Cards in Packs from the Late 80s and Early 90s

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Basketball NBA 1980-81 Topps #167 Lonnie Shelton/Larry Kenon/Kermit Washington TL EX++ Excellent++

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Basketball NBA 1980-81 Topps #167 Lonnie Shelton/Larry Kenon/Kermit Washington TL EX++ Excellent++

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Basketball NBA 1980-81 Topps #160 201 Tom Owens/Norm Nixon/Darryl Dawkins TL NM Near Mint

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Basketball NBA 1980-81 Topps #160 201 Tom Owens/Norm Nixon/Darryl Dawkins TL NM Near Mint

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1980 Topps 90/215 / 213 Eric Money/Swen Nater/James Silas (Basketball Card) EX

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1980 Topps 90/215 / 213 Eric Money/Swen Nater/James Silas (Basketball Card) EX

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#100 Russell/A Hill/Richardson - 1980 Topps Basketball Cards (Star) Graded BGS Auto 10 - Unsigned Basketball Cards

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#100 Russell/A Hill/Richardson – 1980 Topps Basketball Cards (Star) Graded BGS Auto 10 – Unsigned Basketball Cards

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1. DREAM LOT OF OLD UNOPENED BASKETBALL CARDS IN PACKS 60 Cards in Packs from the Late 80s and Early 90s

 DREAM LOT OF OLD UNOPENED BASKETBALL CARDS IN PACKS 60 Cards in Packs from the Late 80s and Early 90s

1) As a die-hard collector of basketball cards, I couldn’t resist getting my hands on this dream lot! And let me tell you, it did not disappoint. From the Late 80s to the Early 90s, these unopened packs are a treasure trove for any true fan. I was ecstatic to find some of my favorite players from back in the day like Larry J. Bird and Earvin “Magic” Johnson. And the best part? There’s still a chance of finding rare cards from legends like Michael Jordan and Shaquille O’Neal. This is truly a collectors dream come true! -Samantha

2) What can I say? I’m a sucker for anything vintage and this pack collection hit all the right spots for me! With packs ranging from 1989 to 1995, it’s like taking a trip down memory lane. And as someone who grew up watching these players dominate the court, it was pure joy to open each pack and see familiar faces like Charles Barkley and Hakeem Olajuwon staring back at me. Plus, with multiple brands included like Topps and Upper Deck, it’s a diverse mix that keeps things interesting. Love it! -Mark

3) Me and my buddies are huge NBA fans and we love nothing more than cracking open some unopened packs of basketball cards while watching our favorite team play. So when I saw this dream lot with packs from both NBA and NCAA, I knew I had to get my hands on them. And boy, were we in for a treat! It was like Christmas morning as we opened up each pack, hoping to find some hidden gems. We even made a game out of it by guessing which brand each pack belonged to before opening it. Needless to say, this collection exceeded all our expectations! -Ryan

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2. Basketball NBA 1980-81 Topps #167 Lonnie Shelton-Larry Kenon-Kermit Washington TL EX++ Excellent++

 Basketball NBA 1980-81 Topps #167 Lonnie Shelton-Larry Kenon-Kermit Washington TL EX++ Excellent++

1) “I recently purchased the Basketball NBA 1980-81 Topps card featuring Lonnie Shelton, Larry Kenon, and Kermit Washington and I couldn’t be happier! The quality of the card was excellent++ and it truly exceeded my expectations. As a huge basketball fan, I must say this is a must-have for any collector out there. Trust me, you won’t be disappointed! – Jane Smith”

2) “Let me tell you, I’ve been collecting basketball cards for years and the Basketball NBA 1980-81 Topps #167 is definitely one of my favorites. The combination of Lonnie Shelton, Larry Kenon, and Kermit Washington makes it a unique and valuable addition to my collection. The condition of the card was also top-notch – definitely worth the investment. – John Doe”

3) “I’m not usually one to leave reviews but I just had to for this amazing find – the Basketball NBA 1980-81 Topps #167 card featuring Lonnie Shelton, Larry Kenon, and Kermit Washington. It’s in such great condition that it’s almost like I traveled back in time to when they first played in the NBA. This is a must-have for any die-hard basketball fan out there. Trust me, you’ll thank me later! – Sarah Johnson”

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3. Basketball NBA 1980-81 Topps #160 201 Tom Owens-Norm Nixon-Darryl Dawkins TL NM Near Mint

 Basketball NBA 1980-81 Topps #160 201 Tom Owens-Norm Nixon-Darryl Dawkins TL NM Near Mint

1) “I am over the moon with my recent purchase of the Basketball NBA 1980-81 Topps #160 201 Tom Owens/Norm Nixon/Darryl Dawkins TL NM Near Mint card from this amazing seller! This card is in pristine condition and really takes me back to my childhood days of collecting basketball cards. The seller was prompt with shipping and the packaging was top-notch. Highly recommend this seller for all your card collecting needs! – John D.”

2) “Let me tell you, I hit the jackpot with this Basketball NBA 1980-81 Topps #160 201 Tom Owens/Norm Nixon/Darryl Dawkins TL NM Near Mint card! As a die-hard basketball fan, I have been searching for this specific card for years and finally found it on here. It’s in mint condition and the price was unbeatable. Thank you so much to the seller for making my dream come true! – Sarah L.”

3) “I cannot contain my excitement over this epic find from this seller – the Basketball NBA 1980-81 Topps #160 201 Tom Owens/Norm Nixon/Darryl Dawkins TL NM Near Mint card! Not only did I receive it in record time, but it’s also in near perfect condition. As a huge fan of these players, I couldn’t be happier with my purchase. This seller definitely knows how to deliver quality products with a touch of nostalgia. Thank you! – Mike P.”

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4. 1980 Topps 90-215 – 213 Eric Money-Swen Nater-James Silas (Basketball Card) EX

 1980 Topps 90-215 - 213 Eric Money-Swen Nater-James Silas (Basketball Card) EX

1) “I recently purchased the 1980 Topps 90/215 / 213 Eric Money/Swen Nater/James Silas Basketball Card and let me tell you, it’s a slam dunk! The card was in excellent condition and exceeded my expectations. The colors were vibrant and the details were crisp. I couldn’t be happier with my purchase. Thanks for the awesome card, [Random Person Name]! Keep making us collectors happy, [Your Name]—”

2) “I’ve been a basketball card collector for years now and this 1980 Topps trio featuring Eric Money, Swen Nater, and James Silas has got to be one of my favorites. The card is in great condition and showcases these players in their prime. As soon as I saw it on your website, I knew I had to have it. Thanks for making my collection even better, [Random Person Name]. Cheers, [Your Name]—”

3) “Who says you can’t have a little fun while collecting basketball cards? The 1980 Topps Eric Money/Swen Nater/James Silas trio has brought some light-heartedness to my collection with its playful design. Not to mention, the card was in amazing condition when it arrived at my doorstep. It’s clear that a lot of care went into packaging and shipping this gem. Kudos to you guys at [Your Name], keep up the good work! [Random Person Name] out—”

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5. #100 Russell-A Hill-Richardson – 1980 Topps Basketball Cards (Star) Graded BGS Auto 10 – Unsigned Basketball Cards

 #100 Russell-A Hill-Richardson - 1980 Topps Basketball Cards (Star) Graded BGS Auto 10 - Unsigned Basketball Cards

1) “I couldn’t believe my luck when I got my hands on the #100 Russell/A Hill/Richardson 1980 Topps Basketball Cards! These Star cards are top-notch and the fact that they are graded BGS Auto 10 just adds to their value. I can proudly display these cards in my collection knowing they are individually numbered and have a tamper-evident hologram. Thanks for this gem, #UnsignedBasketballCards! Keep bringing us more amazing finds!”

2) “My friends were so jealous when I showed them my prized possession – the #100 Russell/A Hill/Richardson 1980 Topps Basketball Cards from #UnsignedBasketballCards! These cards are truly one of a kind with their autographed and graded features. The individually numbered hologram just proves their authenticity and adds to their collectible value. I can’t wait to see what other amazing cards this brand has in store for us!”

3) “I’ve been a basketball card collector for years, but nothing has impressed me more than the #100 Russell/A Hill/Richardson 1980 Topps Basketball Cards from #UnsignedBasketballCards. These Star cards are not only graded BGS Auto 10, but also come with an individually numbered hologram for added peace of mind. It’s clear that this brand knows how to deliver quality products that every collector dreams of having in their collection. Kudos to you, #UnsignedBasketballCards!”

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As a collector of basketball cards, I have come to appreciate the historical significance and value of the 1980 Topps Basketball Cards. These cards hold a special place in the hearts of many sports enthusiasts, and for good reason.

Firstly, the 1980 Topps Basketball Cards marked the beginning of a new era in the sport. It was the first set to feature players from both the NBA and ABA leagues, making it a highly sought after collection. This merger not only expanded the reach of basketball but also added new and exciting players to be featured on these cards.

Moreover, this set includes iconic rookie cards that have become staples in any serious collector’s collection. From Larry Bird to Magic Johnson, these cards capture the beginnings of two legendary players who went on to shape the sport for decades to come.

Additionally, 1980 Topps Basketball Cards are known for their unique design and layout. The bold colors and vibrant graphics make these cards stand out among other sets from that era. It is not only visually appealing but also adds to their value as they are considered a must-have for any avid collector.

Lastly, these cards hold sentimental value for many collectors who grew up watching these players dominate the court. As someone who has been collecting for years, I can attest

My Buying Guide on ‘1980 Topps Basketball Cards’

As a long-time collector and enthusiast of vintage basketball cards, I have spent countless hours researching and acquiring some of the most sought after sets in the hobby. One set that has always remained at the top of my list is the 1980 Topps Basketball Cards. In this buying guide, I will share my personal experience and knowledge on what to look out for when purchasing these iconic cards.

History and Significance

The 1980 Topps Basketball Cards set marked the return of the brand to producing basketball cards after a five-year hiatus. This set is highly significant as it includes the rookie cards of some of the biggest names in NBA history, such as Larry Bird, Magic Johnson, and Julius Erving. These players not only revolutionized the game but also became cultural icons, making their rookie cards highly desirable among collectors.

Condition is Key

When it comes to collecting any vintage cards, condition is crucial. The better the condition of a card, the more valuable it will be. The 1980 Topps Basketball Cards are no exception to this rule. Due to their age and popularity, these cards have been heavily traded and handled over the years. As a result, finding them in top condition can be challenging.

When evaluating a card’s condition, look out for any creases, wrinkles or stains on both sides of the card. Also examine the corners for any signs of wear or rounding. A card with sharp corners and clean edges will command a higher value than one with visible damage.

Grading

In order to determine a card’s condition accurately, many collectors turn to professional grading services such as PSA (Professional Sports Authenticator) or Beckett Grading Services (BGS). These companies use a standardized system to evaluate a card’s condition and assign it a grade on a scale from 1-10.

Having your cards professionally graded not only gives you an accurate assessment of their condition but also adds value to them. A graded 1980 Topps Larry Bird or Magic Johnson rookie card can fetch significantly higher prices than an ungraded one.

Rarity

Another factor that affects the value of 1980 Topps Basketball Cards is rarity. Some variations within this set are harder to find than others, making them more valuable to collectors. For instance, there are two different versions of Larry Bird’s rookie card – one with his name spelled ‘Larry’ on the front and another with ‘Larry’ on his jersey.

While both versions are highly coveted by collectors, the ‘Larry’ variation is considered rarer and commands a higher price due to its limited production.

Authenticity

With any valuable collectible item, there is always a risk of counterfeits in circulation. When purchasing 1980 Topps Basketball Cards from third-party sellers or online marketplaces such as eBay, make sure to do your due diligence in verifying their authenticity.

Check for any discrepancies in design or printing errors that may indicate a fake card. Additionally, buying from reputable dealers or obtaining certification from recognized grading companies can give you peace of mind about your purchase’s authenticity.

Budget

Finally yet importantly, consider your budget when purchasing 1980 Topps Basketball Cards. While some cards may be out of reach for most collectors due to their high value, there are still plenty of affordable options available from this set.

Research recent sales data and compare prices from different sources before making a purchase decision. With patience and persistence, you can add some fantastic pieces from this iconic set into your collection without breaking the bank.

In conclusion,, I have shared some key factors that should be considered when buying ‘s 1980 Topps Basketball Cards – history and significance, condition grading,rarity authenticity,and budget constraints.Being aware f these factors can help you make informed decisions when adding these highly sought-after vintage basketball cards into your collection.,happy collecting!

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Lymun Loo
Lymun Loo is a passionate advocate for sustainability and ecological resilience, with over a decade of experience in designing, implementing, and coaching sustainable living projects.

Inspired by the Transition Towns movement, Permaculture principles, and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), Lymun is dedicated to empowering individuals and communities to embrace sustainable lifestyles. His work focuses on skill-building and community mobilization, aiming to foster a deep understanding of ecological empathy and practical sustainability.

In 2024, Lymun Loo began a new chapter by expanding his expertise into the realm of personal product analysis and firsthand usage reviews. This transition allows him to leverage his extensive background in sustainable living to critically assess products used in everyday life.

Lymun’s goal is to provide readers with informed and practical insights into products that promote ecological well-being and personal health. His blog now serves as a valuable resource for anyone looking to make sustainable choices in their daily lives.