1976 FANS #172 SYLVESTER STALLONE ROOKIE CARD PSA NM-MT MINT 8(OC) HIGHEST KNOWN GRADE

1976 FANS #172 SYLVESTER STALLONE ROOKIE CARD - PSA GRADED NM-MT MINT 8(OC) - HIGHEST KNOWN GRADE ULTRA-RARE!

This is the first-ever rookie card of Sylvester Stallone - issued exclusively in Spain in 1976 by Ediciones Este as part of the "Heroes de la TV" series. It features an early image of Stallone in a black tuxedo against a bold pink background, released just before the explosive success of Rocky (1976). Graded NM-MT 8(OC) by PSA, this is the highest recorded grade of the card in the world.

The official Stallone rookie card - produced the same year as Rocky’s release and after 50 years, is impossible to find in this kind of condition.

CARD DETAILS

• Produced By: Ediciones Este (Spain)
• Edition: 1976 FANS #172: Héroes de la TV
• Front: Full-color image of Sylvester Stallone in a black suit on a pink background, taken from his first Academy Awards appearance for Rocky (1976)
• Back: Spanish-language cardback with bold “FANS” header and card number “Nº 172,” identifying Stallone as the lead actor in Rocky. Includes a printed correction notice stating that this card replaces a prior version featuring James Caan, underscoring the transition to Stallone’s rising fame following the release of Rocky. (Note that his first name is misspelled as "Silvester").
• Card Size: 2.5 x 3.5 inches
• Slab Size: 5.25 x 3 inches
• Authentication: PSA Certification #91839727
• Graded: NM-MT 8(OC)

NM-MT (Near Mint-Mint) cards may show slight off-white borders, minimal fraying at one or two corners, or a very minor printing imperfection. Centering is approximately 65/35 to 70/30 on the front and 90/10 or better on the reverse. When the grade says (OC), that means the card has been marked Off Center due to a visible shift in image alignment.

QUALITY ASSESSMENT

A clean, sharp example with strong eye appeal and outstanding color vibrance. The centering earns the OC qualifier due to slight horizontal offset, but edges remain crisp with minimal corner wear. The bright pink background and full-body portrait pop inside the slab, showcasing an unmistakable snapshot of Stallone just before he became a global icon.

The back features bold blue Spanish text printed on tan stock, offering a rare European perspective on Stallone's rise to fame. It translates: "Sylvester Stallone. Born in New York on July 6, 1946. He became famous for his role in 'Rocky,' a part he wrote himself. The role had originally been intended for James Caan." This note highlights the casting history of Rocky and includes a known printing error where Stallone’s first name is spelled "Silvester" There are no stains, smudges, or surface flaws.

The condition, combined with its historical importance as Stallone’s rookie card, makes this a keystone piece for serious collectors.

PSA CERTIFICATION

• Professionally graded by PSA, one of the most trusted names in card grading
• Tamper-evident PSA label with unique serial number
• Instantly verifiable in PSA's online certification database www.psacard.com/cert
• Permanently slabbed in a PSA certified case for premium display quality and long-term protection

A must-have for any serious Rocky collector, autograph enthusiast, or investor looking to ride the rising value of Sylvester Stallone autographs and memorabilia. This is more than just Stallone's rookie card - it's a tangible piece of cinematic history from when Rocky (1976) became a cultural phenomenon. This is a centerpiece-level investment was sourced from the Collection of Charlie Owen—an elite archive of rare Rocky memorabilia, widely recognized as housing the world’s largest and most complete Rocky toy collection.

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