This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 5/20/2011
One of the finest two examples of Johnny Evers' 1914 Cracker Jack issue ever graded by PSA, only one other NM/MT 8 specimen has made the grade, and none have ever graded higher. A powerful central image leaps to life in virtual 3-D-like fashion against a near immaculate fire engine red backdrop. The corners rate concisely at the opined grading level, each presenting upper-end characteristics but with some feather light touches, hardly perceivable without a loop, and right on target with the opined grading assessment of NM/MT 8. Edges rate mildly higher at about NM/MT+ overall, though this average is derived from three MINT to GEM MINT edges on all sides but the right, which shows a minor touch of wear and can only be called NM/MT. Remarkably, there appear to be almost no traces of caramel stains whatsoever, until a close inspection reveals the faintest sesame seed-sized dollop in the lower right border that just makes its way through the paper-thin card stock to appear on the back as well. Centering self-evidently favors the southwest, but this effect is dampened by the overall dominance of the central image and its illusory 3-D appearance. Johnny Evers is, of course, one of the least accomplished dead-ballers to make the Hall of Fame, but he did manage to win the National League Most Valuable Player award in the year of this card's issue, providing it with an added layer of appeal. As if an unsurpassed Pop 2 first-year Cracker Jack Hall of Famer isn't appealing enough on its own!