Summer Premium Live and Catalog Auction
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 8/6/2017
Graded 35 GD+ 2.5 by SGC, the lone example validated by that company. This exceptionally rare and delicate card, picturing the immortal Cy Young, shows the Hall of Famer against a blazing red background. In an unusual marriage of promotional intents, the item is an "E" card, made by an anonymous national producer to accompany candy, that was later converted to local duty as a tobacco advertisement. Just as other E98's have been seen with stamped additions placed atop their checklist backs, this example reads, "OLD PUT - 5 ct. CIGAR," in two lines of solid, lavender characters. The quirky overprint is easily the most desirable of the several types seen in this series, and it appears on virtually all advanced wantlists. Although graded Good-plus on the basis of not-unpleasant corner wear and light wrinkling/creasing, the overall aesthetic of the piece is crisp and attractive. The card's back printing – including the highly coveted overprint – is bold, with slightly lighter stamping seen at the end of "Put." A thoroughly satisfying specimen of a true vintage rarity – and a possibly unique Cy Young example – in Good-plus condition. **As a point of reference on value, this exact card sold at auction in 2013 for more than $6,250.**