This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 12/8/2017
It's one of the most elusive baseball cards ever distributed and its creation came about under very dubious circumstances to say the least. Though it's considered to be one of the great icons in the baseball card world, the tale of the Goudey Napoleon Lajoie card began with the production of the 1933 Goudey series, a 240-card set that was actually only 239 cards: card #106 was never issued. Knowing collectors would be determined to complete the set, Goudey exploited their clients in an effort to keep the money rolling in. It didn't take long for Goudey's little ploy to be discovered and the missing card #106 was created the next year, but distributed only to collectors that formally complained in writing. Offered is an enticing PSA 4 example of one the hobby's most coveted rarities, a card that few collectors have ever seen in person much less own. The perimeter and surface quality are in line with the grade but the astute centering makes this particularly appealing for any advanced collector aiming to nab a '33 Lajoie at the VG/EX level. The central image is surreal, a sharp and well-registered rendering that many a collector has only encountered in various books and publications about the world's scarcest sports cards. It's been several years since a '33 Lajoie was offered for public sale at this grade level, and it might be many years before the next one comes along, so you know what to do!