Winter Auction 2018 Ending February 17
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 2/18/2018
Graded EX-MT 6 by PSA, the lone example at its tier with none graded higher. The insert cards produced for Buchner's Gold Coin Chewing Tobacco in 1887 are sometimes under-acknowledged by today's collectors. This situation is due to the generic designs that permeate the issue, as most of the images in the set do not resemble the cards' avowed subjects. This consideration doesn't affect the period mystique of the offered example featuring "Grasshopper Jim" Whitney, a right-handed pitcher for the Washington Nationals. (PSA's label mistakenly refers to "Art" Whitney, the Pittsburgh Alleghenys' third baseman. For both Whitneys, combined, fewer than a dozen PSA-graded N284 copies exist, and no other example of either player has met or exceeded the grade of PSA EX-MT 6.) This depiction of Whitney on the mound is immensely appealing. The piece boasts strong colors and a pristine surface. The corners exhibit mere touches of wear, and general evidence of handling is almost nonexistent. The back is boldly printed and completely legible, with vestiges of product toning. An ideal 19th Century "type" card, in uncommonly fresh Excellent to Mint condition.