This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 8/19/2016
The current high bids for the cumulative group of singles, $318,951.00, is currently higher than the total for the complete set, $280,000.00 (this lot is currently winning)
Graded NM 7 by PSA. When Topps decided to challenge Bowman and enter the baseball card market, they came in with a plan of offering larger sized and uniquely formatted pasteboards that would hopefully appeal to the burgeoning card market. In retrospect, the plan was a complete success, with Topps buying out Bowman in 1956. Whether it was a calculated decision or one brought about by random chance, Topps decided that Andy Pafko would be the featured subject of card #1 of the inaugural set. Pafko was a four time all-star and a popular personality for the Brooklyn Dodgers, but he was far from consideration as one of the best in the game. Meanwhile, Bowman trotted out reigning American League MVP Yogi Berra to kick off their newest collection, the fifth since their premier edition of 1948. In the end, Topps' innovative design won out and the 1952 Topps set remains arguably the most coveted assemblage ever produced, with the 1952 Topps Andy Pafko card serving as a hallmark of the industry. One can only wonder what astronomical prices would be realized if Topps went with Mickey Mantle, Willie Mays, or Jackie Robinson as card #1, but the incredible rarity of the Pafko card in high grade and its importance to the hobby make it one of the most elite specimens that doesn't feature a Hall of Famer. When viewing a card like the offered pasteboard, visions of grandeur and fanciful illusions seem to take on a lifelike feel. To any advanced enthusiast the mere sight of this card in high grade is comparable to sightings of Santa Claus, The Easter Bunny or The Tooth Fairy: you know, something that just isn't real! This is made all the more ridiculous by the sheer fact that the offered example hails as a red-backed variation, which when viewing the PSA census reports is the far more demanding of the two variants. The offered card is supported by absolutely astounding centering that encompasses the inner image to sheer perfection. As well each of the four corners meets or easily surpasses the criteria for the opined grade, in addition the color as well as the focus are well above grade. A stunning example offered at the very top of the NM grade.