This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 6/7/2013
It was almost a decade ago that we first heard about the PSA 9 graded John Irwin N172 Old Judge card. At that time, it was the only PSA 9 with none graded higher, and only 6 specimens from the entire N172 Old Judge series had reached the grade of PSA 9. Today it's still the only PSA 9 specimen, but the number of total MINT specimens from the set on the PSA pop report is ... well, still six! In simplest terms, this card is absolutely without equal and displays near-perfect centering as well as four superior corners that have somehow repelled the affects of age. The image of Irwin is particularly stunning, well-focused with precise registration and no signs of fading, traits that many Old Judges failed to possess when they left the factory 125 years ago. The reverse is a clean and unadulterated canvas, sidestepping the glue and paper loss problems that victimized many Old Judges when they were proudly displayed in albums by fans of the game, still in its infancy. While Irwin's career .246 batting average and 3 lifetime home runs are anything but remarkable, he will always be remembered for appearing on one of the most well-preserved cards from the 19th Century!