(LOT 159)
"Unique for the Grade" 1947-'66 Exhibits – Willie Mays "Portrait" (PSA Gem Mint 10) - The SOLE PSA "Gem Mint 10" Example for BOTH the Portrait & Batting Versions!
One of the outstanding highlights of the "Mays Fan Club Collection" is this irrefutable SOLE PSA Gem Mint 10 Willie Mays "Portrait" 1947-'66 Exhibit. Indeed, PSA has encapsulated approximately 120 "Portrait" versions with this "unique for the grade" gem the only example that has managed to merit the perfect "10" assessment by PSA's meticulous graders. Furthermore, the "batting version has been handled by PSA roughly 150 times, with NONE of them achieving the "Gem Mint 10" grade. Issued over a 20-year period by the Chicago based Exhibit Supply Company, the colossal 1947-1966 exhibit compilation consists of roughly 336 subjects including all of its many variations.

As is the case with virtually all post-1950 sets, one of the most valuable and coveted cards are the two various "Say Hey Kid" subjects that could actually suffice as additional Willie Mays "rookie cards" considering the inaugural release date of these exhibits were the 1947 calendar year (Mays exhibits possibly released in 1951?). As stated above, it appears the "portrait" version is somewhat scarcer than the "batting" variation, yet regardless of which one is more obscure, the prevalent issue here is that this offered Mays portrait exhibit carries the "unique for the grade" Gem Mint 10 assessment.

Substantiating the hallowed "10" are the breathtaking aesthetics that portray an immaculate portrait pose of a smiling Mays who is donning his period-style "GIANTS" home jersey. The sparkling sepia-tone hues, crystal clear clarity, perfect contrast, pristine surfaces and pinpoint corners all combine to further support the "one of a kind" "10 assessment" that similar to Mays' unparalleled "5-tool" skill sets, knows not a single peer in the hobby!

MIN BID $1,750

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