Goldin Elite Auction Ending May 22-23
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 5/22/2021
This lot closes on May 22nd, 2021 at 10:00 PM EDT for initial bids.
Graded NM-MT 8 by PSA. Hall of Famer. "Old Mill Cigarettes/Factory No. 25" back. Among only thirty-eight comparably categorized examples recorded in PSA's census reporting, just two copies have been placed at this impressive tier, and none has been graded higher. (The hobby's duo of PSA NM-MT 8 examples in this design are separated from their next-highest-graded counterparts by two full grading increments.) The viewer of this classic item (which is also known as the "Johnson/Pitching" version) is always prompted to wonder how many wins its subject could have amassed if he had played for a reasonably competent offensive team. During the period of the splendid T206 issue's distribution, Walter Johnson won 25 games while striking out 313 men (in 1910). From that point through 1919, he put together at least 20 wins every season, and also led the league in strikeouts in all but one of those years. His ERA climbed above the 2.00 mark only once during that run of great seasons. The incomparable Johnson's performance is always cited as a benchmark, whenever pitching greatness is discussed, and the offered card is a worthy commemorative of that singularly accomplished athlete.
This scarce and desirable T206 card of Johnson is a true "find." The borders are beautifully white and the colors in the image are clear and strong. All four corners are sharp and well-defined, and none show any discernible wear. And, even from within its encapsulation, a hint of the graceful "curl" that distinguishes a truly uncirculated T206 is pleasingly apparent to the onlooker. If pressed to find a fault with the card, say, to justify its status as a mere "8," one would be forced to acknowledge a few, very light chips on the reverse side's edge. These occur as common phenomena, and are mentioned here only for the sake of complete accuracy. Otherwise, the card's back exhibits an unbroken field of bright snow white, upon which lies a scarcer "Old Mill" advertisement printed with exceptional depth. Lovely Near Mint to Mint condition.