March Premium Auction Ending April 3, 5 & 6
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 4/3/2021
Graded MINT 9 by PSA. Hall of Famer, in his Rookie Card appearance. Among nearly 3,400 copies recorded in PSA's census reporting, just two examples have been placed at a higher tier. With fullest assurance, Topps' decision to develop and distribute basketball cards again in 1969 pivoted on the arrival of Lew Alcindor. The youngster had gained national acclaim when he was still in high school (New York's Power Memorial). While there, the media adored him as the only hopeful who could right the NBA's unfair imbalance exacted by "The Stilt." Fans, writers (everybody, except Chamberlain) anxiously awaited his availability from UCLA. The blessed event arrived prior to the onset of the NBA's 1969/70 season, and the 7' 1" phenom took the floor for the struggling Milwaukee Bucks. The professional game was promptly revolutionized by his coming, and would remain on that plane until Jordan's debut (who also single-handedly induced a card maker to re-enter the industry). This card #25, then, was anticipated to be the artillery piece winning the siege against a reluctant customer – and it did. Essentially, it is this image that Topps holds reverent in their succeeding decade of basketball card success. There's no way better to celebrate this milestone in history than by attaining a card such as this. The unaided eye can't detect a single objection to this Alcindor rookie. In every respect – centeredness, corners, clarity and purity of surface – the piece stands above criticism. Exemplary Mint condition.