This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 10/7/2009
Feast your eyes on one of the finest 1952 Topps Andy Pafko specimens in the world! Recently graded SGC 88 NM/MT 8, this improbable (indeed, nearly impossible) high-grade scarcity is 1 of just 3 in its pinnacle class at SGC (1 black, 1 red, and 1 undisclosed) from 141 submissions. PSA reports a similar statistical spread in its population report, with 9 total examples on record in the NM/MT 8 column (5 black and 4 red or undisclosed) from 712 submissions. There are no NM/MT+ 8.5 examples at either SGC or PSA, nor are there any MINT 9 examples on record at either firm. In fact, as most '52 Topps set enthusiasts already know, there exists but a single specimen that can be called (and very rightfully so) superior to the scant dozen NM/MT 8s on record, and that would be the famous PSA 10 GEM that sold for a quarter million dollars in 2007. Since then, only 2 of the aforementioned 12 NM/MT 8s have come to market, both PSA 8s, one for $95,000 in late 2007, the other for $81,000 last October. In the last two years, however, the '52 Topps set has only continued to grow in stature. A study of the continually growing list of 150+ Set Registry collections on record at PSA and SGC shows at least 20 seriously committed collectors seeking to complete assemblies in grades of NM 7 or better, and at least half of those 20 appear to be gunning for nothing but straight NM/MT 8! Unfortunately, what with the hobby's heaviest '52 Topps collectors now ardently pursuing Master Set Registries in top grades, thereby consuming multiple high-grade Pafko examples, i.e. one of each back variation, it has become mathematically impossible for each of the top 10 sets on the combined Set Registries to possess a NM/MT 8 example of the famous 1952 Topps card #1. Add to this mix those high-grade enthusiasts interested in the card for purposes other than set building, and the odds of acquiring a NM/MT 8 copy for your cherished set diminish even further. In other words, don't delay! Not only might this be your only legitimate chance to acquire a NM/MT 8 example of this hobby masterpiece, but the presented specimen boasts minimal NM/MT qualities in every scrutable facet, with several characteristics bordering on MINT! The centering is obviously sufficient for the grade, while the corners and edges range from NM/MT on the right, to NM/MT+ and perhaps even MINT on the left. The highlight, however, is unquestionably the brilliant MINT image, characterized by intensely bold colors that are completely devoid of any imperfections that wouldn't be tolerated on a significantly higher graded specimen. Here it is, friends! The high-grade '52 Topps Pafko you've been waiting your whole hobby life to call your own!