This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 3/26/2009
Have you ever noticed the way a select few exceptionally GEM MINT examples from the 1968 Topps issue will sometimes pop with what appears to be a noticeably richer and more vibrant print registration, producing almost wet looking blues and skin tones? Such is the case with the offered example of card #177, the 1968 Mets Rookie Stars featuring Jerry Koosman and the godfather of the K, Nolan Ryan. I know it's hard to believe, but after 5,000 submissions to PSA, this key Hall of Fame rookie is still unsurpassed in the MINT 9 class. I can't guarantee that a GEM will ever surface, but I can say that if one does, maybe after about 5,714 submissions, I can guarantee that it will look very much like the offered example. Accurately centered with a slight inclination toward the southern edge, this noticeably high-end specimen also features sharp MINT corners joining chip-free GEM MINT edges on both the front and the susceptible yellow-printed reverse. A few characteristic microdots of pixel-sized print can be detected in the purple team circle and against the incredibly bold blue of Ryan's cap, but the remainder of the surface is nearly perfect, with no particularly glaring imperfections whatsoever. Replete with a smooth, even application of gloss, this richly registered Ryan rookie is simply one of the nicest we've ever seen here at Mile High. Very strongly encouraged. Graded PSA 9 MINT.