This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 6/16/2017
The current high bids for the cumulative group of singles, $125,406.00, is currently higher than the total for the complete set, $105,439.00 (this lot is currently winning)
The presented example of the famous card #311 from the groundbreaking 1952 Topps issue has been graded PSA 4.5 VG/EX+. A superlative example for its opined grade, the offered specimen boasts an extremely sharp perimeter and a noticeably bold and clean interior balanced by a self-evident centering bias for the right edge for an average grade of VG/EX+ 4.5 that clearly misrepresents a number of the card's more pleasing qualities. Well-formed EX/MT to NM corners join NM to NM/MT edges around a well-printed image with just a few hardly perceptible condition concerns, including some minor soiling around the extreme perimeter of the borders. Importantly, there are absolutely no traces of wrinkling or minor surface indentations, so common to the issue. Nor are there any noticeable print imperfections or wax stains. The reverse, in fact, is so immaculate and perfectly centered that it wouldn't be a stretch to call it GEM MINT. A superior example for the grade with strong EX/MT to NM and better qualities in every scrutable facet save for its self-evident centering concern for the east edge. A collector's top choice and a commanding selection for any advanced Set Registry. "The Commerce Comet" in all his youthful glory, many people mistake this 1952 Topps issue for his rookie card, which most collectors know is actually his 1951 Bowman issue. But the 1952 Topps issue is important for other reasons. Although technically a double-print of the 1952 Topps Second Series, these "high numbers" (311-407) were produced too late in the season to generate any serious consumer interest, forcing Topps to eventually dump the extra inventory off the coast of New Jersey, where it now sleeps with the fishes. Another reason the 1952 issue is so important is that it marks "The Mick's" ascension to the New York City spotlight, as Joe D. would famously "go away" from baseball that year, making room for the young phenom to patrol the expansive Bronx pastures. And one final reason the 1952 Topps card #311 is such a heavy hitter in the hobby is because, and there's really no question about this, it's just one heck of a pretty card, especially when it's as clean and well-preserved as the offered specimen.