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Joe Montana hasn’t played a down in over 25 years, but his impact on football—and the card market—continues to resonate. His 1981 Topps rookie card remains a pillar of the football collecting world, and recent sales show that demand hasn’t let up.

Often referred to as "Joe Cool," Montana helped usher in a new era for the NFL during the 1980s, leading the San Francisco 49ers to four Super Bowl titles and becoming a cultural icon in the process. His rookie card, which pictures him mid-throw in a pristine red-and-gold jersey, has become one of the most recognizable football cards of all time.

Only 115 copies have earned a PSA 10 grade, and four of those changed hands in the past three months. Prices have climbed nearly 17%, with the most recent gem mint sale reaching $48,800. For comparison, a PSA 10 Montana fetched $4,075 back in 2005—making for a staggering 1,097% increase over the last two decades.

The PSA 9 population is significantly higher at over 2,100, but that hasn’t slowed interest. The most recent PSA 9 sold for $2,035, up 11% in just the past three months. Back in 2010, the same card could be picked up for around $300, marking a 578% gain over the past 15 years.

Even more common PSA 8 examples—of which there are nearly 10,000—still command respectable prices. Recent sales have hovered between $290 and $431, with the most recent sale landing at $329. However, PSA 8s have dipped slightly over the past quarter, falling 5%.

Despite the high populations in lower grades, Montana's influence and enduring popularity continue to fuel interest in his rookie card, especially at the top of the grading scale. For longtime collectors and new fans alike, his 1981 Topps remains a defining piece of football history.