Lot # 170: 1954 Red Man Tobacco #25 Willie Mays w/Tab (PSA NM/MT+ 8.5) – “1 of 3”; Only 1 Graded Higher!

Category: 1950-1959

Starting Bid: $500.00

Bids: 14 (Bid History)

Time Left: Auction closed
Lot / Auction Closed




This lot is closed. Bidding is not allowed.

Item was in Auction "Spring Break Rarities Auction 2019",
which ran from 3/14/2019 4:00 PM to
4/6/2019 7:00 PM




(LOT 170)
1954 Red Man Tobacco #25 Willie Mays w/Tab (PSA NM/MT+ 8.5) – "1 of 3"; Only 1 Graded Higher!

This astonishing PSA NM/MT+ 8.5 1954 Red Man Tobacco #25 Willie Mays w/Tab is one of only 3 specimens at this hallowed plateau with only a sole copy graded higher! Red Man Tobacco sets were the first tobacco sets issued since the early part of the century. J. G. Taylor Spink of the Sporting News selected the players for each Red Man set which were issued from 1952-1955, with the 1954 set comprised of 54 total subjects including 25 players from each league and four player variations (the 2 managers were eliminated from the 1954 issue). The colorful cards were extremely condition sensitive because of the manner in which they were packaged, with many surviving examples missing the 1/2" perforated tab at the bottom of each card that could be redeemed for a free baseball cap.

This Willie Mays marvel provides aesthetics consistent with the obscure assessment, starting with the sparkling Mays half-body pose that defies "father-time" via its crystal-clear clarity, rich hues and tranquil powder blue background that ably assists in projecting the portrait illustration to "3-D" like quality. Additional compliments include are 90-dgree sharp corners, immaculate-like surfaces and the still attached lower tab. The world-class eye appeal is similar to the "Say Hey Kid's" legendary career that arguably ranks Mays among our National Pastime's top five all-time players. Simply stated, Willie Mays could do it all, and his unequivocal "on the field" accomplishments including 660 round trippers will surely "echo for eternity". No wonder collectors pursue his highly coveted cardboard heirlooms, with only a handful possibly boasting the remarkable qualities of this revered Red Man Tobacco offering!

MIN BID $500

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