Lot # 619: 1960 Hemmets Journal #23 - Cassius Clay/Muhammad Ali Rookie Card PSA 8 NM-MT

Category: Other Sports

Starting Bid: $2,000.00

Bids: 12 (Bid History)

Time Left: Auction closed
Lot / Auction Closed




This lot is closed. Bidding is not allowed.

Item was in Auction "Spring 2017 Holy Grail Rarities Auction",
which ran from 4/21/2017 4:00 PM to
5/6/2017 7:00 PM




(LOT 619)
1960 Hemmets Journal #23 - Cassius Clay/Muhammad Ali Rookie Card PSA 8 NM-MT

CLAY ROOKIE!!!... Presented here is seldom surfacing inaugural trading card of the immortal Cassius Clay/Muhammad Ali in a spectacular PSA 8 holder. Hand cut from a panel of four cards representing prominent 1960 Olympics athletes, PSA has only graded 6 other examples at this elevated plateau with a paltry 2 specimens graded higher! The mere mention of Muhammad Ali's sanctified name conjures up vivid memories of one of the globe's greatest athletes ever. The legendary boxer's legacy is second to none, standing tall right alongside fellow sports icons such as Babe Ruth, Pele, Michael Jordan, Jim Thorpe, Tom Brady and Secretariat (just to mention a few) as the most revered sports celebrities in world history.

The "trash talking" legend won the WBA heavyweight title three times (1964, 1974, 1978), holding the title for nearly 12 years combined; was named "fighter of the year" 6 times by Ring Magazine; ranked as the greatest athlete by Sports Illustrated; voted "sports personality of the century" by BBC; and is widely acclaimed the greatest heavyweight boxer ever! No wonder he was nicknamed "The Greatest", with his iconic nickname not only linked to his unparalleled boxing skills, but his overall impact to monumental issues such as the "1960's Civil-Right's Movement, Religious views, and the Vietnam War.

His unfortunate death on June 3, 2016 due to complications relating to his debilitating Parkinson's disease was deeply felt across the globe, for it virtually seemed that nothing could ever silence this incomparable icon. As the collecting community is well aware of, no trading card could ever stand as a more formidable testament than the athlete's inaugural card, with this obscure Cassius Clay 1960 offering destined to find a secure place in any world-class rookie gathering. This remarkable heirloom depicts a breathtaking Cassius Clay image long before the "brash & bold" boxing great would change his name to Muhammad Ali for strict religious reasons.

Portraying vivid clarity and vibrant hues, the rich olive green background resides between four blinding white borders, reflecting near-perfect registration. The verso reveals clear black text affixed to a relatively clean surface, the final exclamation point for this highly coveted rookie gem that synonymous with Ali's unbridled standing, resides as his "greatest" cardboard keepsake!

MIN BID $2,000

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