This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 10/1/2008
Denton "Cylclone" Young joins Tris Speaker, Mordecai Brown, Frank Chance, and Christy Mathewson as the only Hall of Famers from the illustrious T205 Gold Border issue to ever surpass the mark of NM/MT 8 from PSA. Recently graded, this glittering example epitomizes the argument for the necessity of half-grades. Accurately centered with a tolerable preference for the southern border with NM/MT+ to MINT corners and edges around a sharp and richly-struck image on a no less impressive surface. New hobbyists might find it hard to believe that only 4 PSA 9's and 4 PSA 8.5's have ever surfaced from the healthy population of nearly 19,000 T205 Gold Border submissions to PSA, but experienced collectors are well-versed in the condition sensitivity of the issue, particularly with regards to the literally glittering gold borders for which they are named. All but the finest surviving examples show considerable edge and corner wear, characterized by unsightly chipping. The featured extraordinary example, however, shows perfect MINT to GEM MINT points at the upper left and bottom right, with indiscriminate minor touches at the extreme tips of each opposite corner. The right edge does show an ever so slight (and I mean slight) wisp of white from the original cutting process, but this nominal and grade-appropriate imperfection is adequately counterbalanced by MINT to GEM MINT edges elsewhere. The surface should be lauded for its sharp image and predominant cleanliness, although a few microscopic dots can be perceived, well within the bounds of the opined evaluation, while the reverse is free of any extraneous print or tobacco stains and favors the right edge. In sum, a precisely graded PSA 8.5 NM/MT+ example of arguably the second most sought after T205 Gold Border from this celebrated set. But with no Cobb's graded above NM/MT 8, this superior Cy joins elite company as one of the single most significant Gold Borders known within the hobby. A commanding collectible offered with our highest recommendation.