This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 2/14/2008
Best in class! Offered is by far the finest 1936 Joe Dimaggio R312 “Color Tint” premium on record. With an immaculate blank reverse, perfect edges, NM/MT corners, and accurate centering with an insignificant tilt, the offered RC issue of “Joltin’ Joe” has been graded SGC 84 NM and is the only example to attain NM status from both SGC and PSA. The closest competition at SGC is a pair of EX 5 copies, while PSA has awarded a pair EX/MT 6 DiMaggios with only a single NM 7 (Lombardi) from the entire 50-card set, with none higher. SGC has also only awarded a single NM 7, and that fine specimen is featured here. In his RC season of 1936, the same year as the production of this point-of-purchase premium, Joe topped 200 hits at the plate for a .323 average with 125 RBIs and recorded more assists from the outfield (22) than any other season of his storied career. Compared to his other 1936 RC issues, the World Wide Gum portrait and the Goudey Premium with Joe McCarthy, the offered R312 Premium is unsurpassed in terms of artistry. The image is as sharp as can be desired, and the alluring pastel colors exude the same palpable modern aesthetic that would later adorn images of his famously photogenic second wife. Measuring a full 4” x 5-3/8”, offered is a classic pose of “The Yankee Clipper” that arguably inspired some of his most celebrated cards. In a word, breathtaking!