Spring 2019 Premium Auction Closing May 11
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 5/12/2019
Graded NM-MT 8 by PSA. Hall of Famer, in his Rookie Card appearance. This piece emanates from its issue's run of scarcer "High Numbers." Among a total of nearly 4,500 copies recorded in PSA’s census reporting, only about two percent have attained a higher, unqualified tier. Presented is the rookie card of Pete Rose, the elusive and condition-sensitive 1963 Topps card picturing baseball's all-time hits leader as the lower left member of an arbitrary rookie quartet. This example occupies the topmost range of aesthetic prowess, and the first of its features to catch the eye is its shimmering gloss. Illumination seems to be held on its surface, and then deliberately reflected back toward the admirer's eyes. The four, crisply defined red circles on its face project as molten, pulsating vignettes, from which the tiny player portraits burst forth. The card's yellow and blue regions offer color that is spectrum-pure and remarkably intense. Surrounding this active and immensely satisfying palette are borders of snow white, razor-sharp corners, and a top edge of deep blue. Overall, this is a masterpiece in marvelous condition, and a fantastic Rose rookie card by any perceptual measure. Near Mint to Mint condition.