Winter Auction 2016 Closing January 30th
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 1/31/2016
Graded EX 5 by PSA. Hall of Famer, and a notably rare "Short Print" entry.
Those many enthusiasts who maintain an interest in the beautiful gum cards of the 1930s are well-acquainted with the scarcity of 1933 Goudey card #106. They know how "impossible" it can be to find a suitable specimen (let alone a truly attractive one). They're aware of the contrived circumstances that brought about this single entry's minimal distribution, and are conditioned to experience at least a small burst of adrenalin whenever they actually see one.
A look at the PSA Population Report brings the #106 Lajoie into stark and perhaps dismaying focus. The 1933 Goudey release enjoys unflagging popularity and many hopeful collectors have set their sights on building a fully graded, 240-card assembly. Encouragingly, readers of the Report will quickly see that PSA has holdered 240 examples of card #105 Benny Friberg and 340 copies of Hall of Famer Heinie Manush's #107. With just one look at a series superstar, more than 1,050 of the #144 card of Babe Ruth are currently encapsulated. However, card #106, picturing Nap Lajoie has a stunningly low total of 82 pieces - covering all grade levels - constitutes the full measure of PSA-graded 1933 Goudey sets that can ever be made complete in today's hobby.
Fortunately, a marvelous antidote - to the disheartening collecting environment just described - is presented here. This #106 Lajoie possesses physical features that stand ready to proudly occupy the proper slot - and to visually enliven - one of the hobby's nicest sets. Shaking off very mild evidence of circulation and restricting it to the outermost edges and the (still soundly shaped) corners, the piece showcases a bright, sharply resolved image and boldness in all printed aspects. The colorful illustration is positioned toward the obverse's lower-right, but is favored with a suitably white border at each edge.
A supremely desirable card, in demonstrably short supply and featuring a highly creditable presentation ... the very definition of rarity. This is an exceptional piece, in wonderfully satisfying Excellent condition.