1976 Star Trek trading card 3 is Dr. “Bones” McCoy. Not only is it one of the rarer cards in the 1976 Topps Star Trek set, but it’s also very difficult to find one with good centering due to its placement in the sheet before cutting. As I’m writing this article, PSA has yet to find and grade one in GEM MINT condition. In fact, there are only 4 PSA 9 MINT cards out there in existence, and no one is willing to give them up. If one of these sell, you’ll see it go for big money, I’m sure.
The Front of 1976 Star Trek Trading Card 3
The front of the card features Doctor McCoy in his blue surgeon attire. The picture is basically a head-shot from his shoulders and up. The title is Dr. “Bones” McCoy.
The Back of the McCoy Card
The back of the card is numbered 3 on the top left-hand side with the “Captain’s Log” reading the following:
Dr. Leonard “Bones” McCoy is senior medical officer aboard the U.S.S. Enterprise. Perhaps the Captain’s closest friend (at least, he runs a close second to the unearthly Mr. Spock!). McCoy is called on whenever some strange new virus or infection strikes the ship, or when the bold men of the Enterprise encounter any unusual medical phenomena that needs diagnosing!
At the bottom right side of the card, like many, you’ll find a plug for Star Trek, the Motion Picture.
What’s it Worth?
So what’s this 1976 Star Trek trading card 3 worth? Considering its rarity, the higher grades are going to be quite valuable. As I mentioned earlier, PSA has yet to find one in GEM MINT (PSA 10) condition and only 4 MINT (PSA 9) cards exist. The last one that sold, went for over $1,000 back at the beginning of 2012, and that was before these cards shot up in price in 2013.You are unlikely to convince one of the owners to give them up very easily. Money is what will talk here if you really want one.
You might be lucky enough to score one in NM-MT (PSA 8). Plan on spending around $40 to $50 on one of these; maybe even lower depending on the seller. It’s tough to call the price on these because I don’t see a lot of these sell on the public auctions.
One in NM (PSA 7) condition will probably run you about $25 to $35 while one in EX-MT (PSA 6) condition would be about $20 to $25.
As you can see, these cards are priced very different from the rest of the set, due to the card’s challenges with proper centering, good condition, and availability. Here’s a quick look at approximate values at a quick glance:
- PSA 10 GEM MINT – $1,800
- PSA 9 MINT – $1,250
- PSA 8 NM-MT – $35
- PSA 7 NM – $25
- PSA 6 EX-MT – $15
- PSA 5 EX – $9
- PSA 4 VG-EX – $6
- PSA 3 VG- $4
- PSA 2 GOOD- $3
- PSA 1 POOR- $2
Without a doubt, this is the most valuable card in the collection, due to it’s rarity in high grade conditions. If you’re interested, take a look at some of the other most valuable 1976 Star Trek cards.
Buying and Selling
This card tends to sell more privately than it does on public auctions due to its rarity and because many of the collectors of this set are familiar with each other. Check out eBay, but if you can’t find what you’re looking for, let me know. I’m a buyer and seller of the 1976 Star Trek trading card 3 and would be happy to help either way.
Other Cards to Consider
Other cards from this set that you might enjoy would be Card 2 (Kirk) or Card 4 (Science Officer Spock).