This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 1/22/2010
Graded PSA 8 NM/MT. Offered is a delightfully presentable copy of "Mr. Cub's" notoriously challenging 1954 Topps rookie issue, easily one of the single most condition sensitive key HOF rookie issues ever produced by Topps. Standard for the issue, the obverse centering on the presented specimen reveals a preference for the top border, but this typical characteristic appears be the only convincingly grade-appropriate condition throughout. The corners and edges appear to exceed NM/MT on the front, easily NM/MT+ but not quite MINT. From the back, however, both the corners and edges do indeed appear MINT, a remarkable anomaly for the issue, as does the entire back surface, which is so immaculate and well-printed that it actually appears closer to GEM MINT. The front surface is equally as impressive in both the accuracy and intense profundity of its image, while the susceptible yet, in this case, sanitary, white background shows qualities consistent with, at worst, the NM/MT+ department. Some very faint and scattered print can be observed on the top, bottom, and left sides of Ernie's portrait, while the surprisingly accurate image itself is largely unaffected. Delightfully accurate and uncommonly sharp: a perfect candidate for any high-grade collection.