This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 9/12/2024
With only one example on the books at PSA in GEM MINT condition, the 1968 Topps rookie card of Nolan Ryan is and likely will always be the premier card of the series and one of the most significant examples of the post-war era. But to build a truly world-class, we feel the need to remind collectors everywhere that another debut card from the series stands as one of the truly important pasteboards of the 1960s, that of Hall of Fame catcher Johnny Bench. Few players in major league history at the catcher position combined elite offensive ability with a talent for fielding excellence than did the "Little General." As a two-time National League HR champ (he won the MVP award both times), three-time RBI leader, and the holder of 10 consecutive Gold Glove Awards, it's a little ironic that Bench's 1968 Rookie of the Year award was secured by just a single vote, not over "The Ryan Express" but over the man that shares Ryan's rookie card, Jerry Koosman. The first thing you might notice with this GEM MINT example is the blue backdrop supporting the images of Bench and fellow rookie Tompkins, completely free of any stray print that disqualifies many from GEM MINT consideration. The centering is within a degree or two of perfection and the corners and edges are dead-on GEM MINT, as is the overwhelming pigmentation and generous layer of protective gloss. A certain prize for any PSA Set Registry or rookie card collection as only 15 others have received PSA's ultimate grade.