Summer Live and Premium 2018
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 8/2/2018
Graded GEM MT 10 by PSA. Hall of Famer. This is one of two examples at its tier among a total of thirty copies recorded in PSA's census reporting. This very scarce item from the vintage Fan Craze "Art Series" features a crystal-clear portrait of the superstar hurler. During the interim between the monumental 1887 N172 Old Judge series and the 1909-11 T206 White Border issue, there was a lack of significant baseball card sets produced. The 1906 Fan Craze set helped to bridge that gap, and the issue features some of the earliest collectibles known for many of its subjects. The series' attractive, almost stately portraits, set against pure white backgrounds, reflect the poignant photography of the great Carl Horner; his black-and-white portraits, including the one seen here with its striking similarity to the famous T206 depiction, are immediately recognizable to collectors. The Fan Craze items were intended to be handled in the course of a game, and, consequently, they often show considerable wear. The offered card remains a splendid example, however, with a blazing photo and wonderful visual appeal. Its vibrant blue back is most striking, with the bright and unmistakable Fan Craze design brilliantly displayed. As a point of reference on value, a lesser-conditioned example of this card in PSA MINT 9 condition sold for $4,200 in Goldin Auctions' Spring 2017 sale (Lot #3). According to current market pricing, PSA GEM MT 10 specimens can be expected to sell for healthy multiples (typically 6-10 times) of prices realized for PSA MINT 9 examples. Here's a truly elite Young keepsake, in unimprovable Gem Mint condition.