This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 1/22/2010
Long-considered one of the single most challenging E93 Standard Caramel cards to encounter in top grades is none other than the "Cap" of the 1909 World Series Champion Pittsburgh Pirates, Hall of Fame player-manager, Fred Clarke, offered here in head-spinning NM 7 condition from the caramel specialists at SGC. The only example in its grade at the Parsippany-based grading authority, with none higher and just one near-competitor beneath it, with one competitor in its class at PSA and just one higher in each the NM/MT 8 and NM/MT+ 8.5 categories. Microscopic NM to NM/MT wear to the very tips of each corner combines with a self-evident NM centering preference for the right, bone-white border to counterbalance NM/MT or better edges and a striking NM/MT+ to MINT image of the accomplished veteran wielding a mighty war stick. Some characteristic, pixel-sized, white microdots can be observed, primarily concentrated in Clarke's dark sleeves, but the remainder of the obverse, while not perfect, is certainly impressive enough to be considered MINT, as are the stark white borders framing the image. The only other facet contributing to the accurate assessment of NM from SGC is some negligible blue ink on the reverse, no doubt a result of stacking. An immensely impressive example of an iconic caramel issue showcasing the reigning 1909 World Series hero, who, despite his .211 average in the 1909 Fall Classic, still hit both of Pittsburgh's home runs, more than any other player from either team, and also collected more RBI than any other player from either team. So feared was the Bucs' leader, in fact, that in Game 7 he set a World Series single-game record by walking 4 times, in addition to his 2 runs, 2 stolen bags, and 4 putouts. His World Series slugging success as a player, coupled with his general renown as the manager of the great Honus Wagner, no doubt made this dainty caramel relic one of the most coveted candy cards in the world in 1910, which helps to explain its perceived scarcity in top grades.