This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 1/22/2010
Unmatched in its NM/MT+ 8.5 class at PSA and surpassed by a scant 7 superior specimens on record at both SGC and PSA combined, presented is one of the top 10 examples of Lou Gehrig's iconic 1933 Goudey card #92 in the hobby. Well over 1,000 total examples have been submitted to the combined firms, and the featured gem is just the third such example to grade NM/MT+ 8.5. The obverse appears near perfectly centered with impeccable MINT points for corners and MINT+ to GEM MINT razors for edges. Like the unblemished corners and edges, the image registration borders on perfection as well, producing pixel-perfect details in the all-important areas of Gehrig's face and hands. Not only are all the various color layers of the image accurately registered, but they also exude tremendously bold and near perfectly preserved hues. The robin's egg blue backdrop shows absolutely no traces of extraneous print but does show mildly imperfect saturation throughout, which is perfectly typical of the issue, particularly on examples with more porous or pulpy card stocks. While this may not jive with a GEM MINT opinion, we certainly don't mind this characteristic Goudey feature on a MINT example, which leaves us in a bit of a predicament, unable to confidently identify any non-MINT features indicative of the NM/MT+ 8.5 assessment of the offered piece. The only possible hindrances to a MINT opinion of the obverse are the way both Gehrig's bat and the left edge of the batter's box extend into the obverse margins, which also exhibit very mild age toning. On the back, we perceive similarly mild traces of toning as well as some hardly perceptible bleed-through of the obverse image. It is our opinion, however, that none of these subtle qualities impact the overall grade substantially enough to disqualify higher consideration. In other words, not only has the offered "Iron Horse" masterpiece been graded among the top 10 highest-evaluated specimens in the hobby, but it appears to have just missed a MINT 9 opinion, at least for now! Showcasing various MINT to GEM MINT qualities and bordering on MINT consideration overall, the term "high-end" just doesn't seem to do this card any justice. Call it sublime, or call it superior if you want, but these terms still don't convey the message. In fact, no words will ever suffice for this masterpiece Gehrig collectible, which is sure to leave even the most discriminating collector speechless in the wake of its scintillating near perfection.