(LOT 3)
1925 Exhibit Supply Co. Lou Gehrig's Rookie Card PSA 3
The past three years have produced some remarkable pricing spikes for baseball's legendary rookie cards including the likes of Babe Ruth, Mickey Mantle, Willie Mays, Henry Aaron, Roberto Clemente, Sandy Koufax and so many more Cooperstown Inductees. Incredible as it may seem, over a 36 to 48-month period, pricing points have realized 500% escalations in some cases with the 1952 Topps Mantle leading the charge. True, for many years, one could easily rationalize that these cardboard antiquities were super undervalued versus other high-end collectibles such as fine art and coins, especially considering inaugural cards of baseball's grandest stars represent a strong foundation for America's National Pastime. For some unknown reason and for quite some time, one particular baseball immortal's rookie card seemed to get "lost" in this monumental pricing surge; the inaugural Lou Gehrig 1925 Exhibit Supply Co. issue that irrefutably represents the "TRUE" rookie subject of the iconic "Iron Horse".

Indeed, this rather scarce Gehrig gem virtually seemed to "slip through the cracks" until it finally made some extremely loud noise when an SGC 30/2 example fetched approximately $36K in an auction earlier this year. It now certainly appears that the Gehrig 1925 Exhibit rookie issue is ready to place its indelible mark on the hobby along with other inaugural issues, justifying why Memory Lane is proud to present a superb PSA 3 example of this highly coveted keepsake. Atypical versus other star rookie cards, this inaugural Gehrig marvel is one of only 49 TOTAL specimens FOR ALL GRADES listed on the COMBINED PSA & SGC census reports; a truly sparse number compared to other high-end rookie cards. As an example, there are 32 PSA 8 1952 Topps Mantles that are now exceeding $500,000 in value, and one would expect that Lou Gehrig's rookie card in ANY GRADE should sell for at least "half" that amount considering there are only 17 additional examples for all grades versus the '52 Topps PSA 8 Mantle subject.

Furthermore, low grade Babe Ruth rookies are now exceeding $100,000, and with approximately 110 total Ruth rookies for all grades, one would think a Gehrig rookie with less than half the Ruth Rookie population would likewise realize higher pricing points. Indeed, it appears to be simple common sense that at this point in time, the Gehrig rookie just may be the hobby's most undervalued and shrewd purchase with regard to investment potential. This PSA 3 example just happens to be one of only 3 at this plateau, with a PSA 6 residing as the highest graded example; substantiating the Gehrig rookie card's ultra-condition sensitivity as well as its monumental potential value that hasn't even scratched the surface! The incomparable legacy of Henry Louis Gehrig can be traced back to his Columbia University playing days where Gehrig dominated as both a standout pitcher and slugging first baseman.

Catching the attention of renowned New York Yankee scout Paul Krichell, on April 28, 1923 Gehrig hit one of the longest home runs ever seen at Columbia's South Field; a mammoth 450-foot blast that sailed completely out of the ball park, prompting Krichell to sign Gehrig to a Yankee contract only two days later. While Gehrig would be called up to the majors before the end of the season, he would see limited time as a pinch hitter in both the 1923 and 1924 seasons, accumulating only 38 official at-bats in those two seasons. It would be the 1925 season (the year his inaugural Exhibit Supply card was issued) that the "Iron Horse" would enjoy his first breakout season, batting .295 and walloping 20 home runs in nearly 500 plate appearances.

Now considered one of the game's fearsome sluggers, Gehrig would embark on one of the most formidable careers in baseball history. The classic batting image portrays Gehrig completing his mammoth swing as he connects on what is most likely another mighty blast; exhibiting fine "gray" contrast and superb resolution. Accounting for the grade is even corner wear and some negligible scattered "snow" on the obverse side, none of which compromises the superb central image aesthetics. The lower left text box reveals a bold and vivid "HENRY L. GEHRIG – Infield – New York, A.L." text, and clean blank back is the final compliment to this seldom-surfacing Gehrig rookie card. As a critical side note, PSA has recently reviewed this card to validate its 1925 release date via the irrefutable FULL GRAY hued surface, as opposed to 1926 Gehrig Exhibit Supply Co. cards depicting a somewhat "blue-tinted" surface.

Bottom line is virtually never does the opportunity arise to capture a Lou Gehrig rookie card, especially compared to the seemingly infinite number of Mantle's, Clemente's and Aaron's (just to mention a few) that surface in every auction. Any original collectible of Gehrig is widely sort after within the collecting community due to his unequivocal legacy, let alone one that stands as his unquestionable inaugural cardboard heirloom. Tragically, Gehrig's incredible career was cut short by the deadly "ALS" disease (now more commonly known as Lou Gehrig's disease) that took his life at the tender age of 37.

Yet, with all of his "on the field" accomplishments, he will always be best remembered for his 2,130-consecutive game streak, accounting for his sacred "Iron Horse" nickname. Furthermore, his incomparable farewell "Luckiest Man On The Face Of The Earth" speech at Yankee stadium on July 4, 1939 will forever stand as our National Pastime's "Gettysburg Address". He was the quiet hero, simply going about his business with a steadfast purpose that the mention of his hallowed name inspires a still tranquility amongst his vast following. It is for all of these reasons that now is the time to seize this extremely obscure PSA 3 Lou Gehrig 1925 Rookie card before its ultimate value justifiably soars to a stratospheric level!

MIN BID $10,000

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