(LOT 426)
1939 Play Ball #26 - Joe DiMaggio (PSA Mint 9) – None Graded Higher!
There are a myriad of baseball immortals enshrined in Cooperstown including the likes of Ruth, Gehrig, Cobb and Wagner whose unparalleled contributions to our National Pastime substantiate why a seemingly infinite number of hobbyists scramble to obtain any cardboard artifact from their storied past. While these historical icons are among baseball's grandest players, nobody could possibly surpass the National popularity and admiration bestowed upon the legendary "Yankee Clipper", Joe DiMaggio. Throughout his playing days and post-retirement years, "Joltin'" Joe's overall persona was perceived with magnificent awe and respect, as he represented the ultimate embodiment of a National hero. Synonymous with Babe Ruth, his name is renowned across the globe, and his legend will forever hold a place in the hearts of baseball purists. One of his most sought-after per-1940 cardboard relics is "Joe D's" 1939 Play Ball #26 subject, presented here in an absolutely miraculous PSA Mint 9/holder. PSA's illustrious "Pop" Chart indicates that of the nearly 1,500 encapsulated copies, only twelve other examples have achieved the hallowed "Mint 9" assessment with NONE graded higher. Indeed, synonymous with "Joltin' Joe's" unparalleled legacy, this museum worthy masterpiece proudly joins a handful of other specimens as the finest of its kind!

One of the card's critical highlights is the fine centering that only slightly favors the right edge, for it is no secret that the 1939 Play Ball DiMaggio has always been one of his toughest cards to locate with a well-positioned image. The remaining aesthetics are likewise breathtaking and consistent with any "pack-fresh" card achieving a PSA Gem Mint 10 grade, starting with the imposing DiMaggio portrait pose that emanates near-perfect contrast and clarity. Scintillating corner tips could literally serve as paper cutters, and the immaculate-like surfaces have stubbornly defied "father-time" over the past 82 years. Atypically, the verso does not reveal any noteworthy gum stains, complimenting the obverse side via its stunning array of near-perfect attributes including bold/jet black print and a clean gray surface. To reiterate, no other PSA encapsulated 1939 Play Ball DiMaggio has bested this supreme offering that was issued during the season the Yankee Clipper would lead the Yankees to their fourth consecutive world championship. In 1969, DiMaggio was voted baseball's "greatest living player", an extraordinary honor ironically similar with this '39 Play Ball's extraordinary "best of the best" attributes!

MIN BID $10,000
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