This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 6/10/2010
Graded MINT 96(9) by SGC. The offered example is one of just 7 copies that has been graded MINT 9 by SGC with none graded higher. The offered example is without hesitation one of the finest copies of this card that we have ever had the privilege of offering. Perfectly centered with pure white borders defining the interior color from the MINT edges. Each of the four corners appears pack fresh with no evidence of prior handling or wear at any of the points. The color is a spectacular combination of deep sunny-yellow with a dark green nameplate. The surface is ablaze underneath a scintillating covering of gloss that multiplies the already astounding registration and focus. Both the front and reverse is splendidly printed without any stray print to be encountered. In 1955, Koufax was the proverbial bonus-baby, but his career did not begin as anticipated. Bouts of wildness offset his God-given ability to throw a baseball. Finally, Koufax put it all together beginning a five-year run which compares to any in Major League history, before he was prematurely forced to retire due to a arthritic left elbow. Koufax fought through injuries to be allowed to pitch, but still put his faith first. In the 1965 World Series, he refused to pitch on Yom Kippur, following the lead of Hank Greenberg 31 years earlier. The three aspects of sports card desirability are here: Hall of Fame player, a rookie card and highest condition available. This card is a stunning example of this key Hall of Fame rookie card in astounding MINT condition.