(LOT 477)
1952 Topps #312 Jackie Robinson PSA 8 NM-MT
Presented here just happens to be one of the most significant "post-WW1" cards extant; a spectacular PSA NM/MT 8 '52 Topps #312 High Number Jackie Robinson that has only been bested by a mere thirteen examples on the prestigious PSA "Pop" Chart. Always a collector favorite, over the past 6-9 months Jackie's 1952 Topps subject has skyrocketed in value, with two separate PSA 9 examples fetching nearly $1 million and a PSA 8 realizing nearly $400K this past Spring. When the legendary Topps company issued their iconic 1952 Set, they seemed to save their "best for last" as the "high number" series commenced with the hobby's post-war "Holy Grail" #311 Mickey Mantle subject, immediately followed by the likewise exalted #312 Jackie Robinson. What else can we say about this iconic Cooperstown Inductee that hasn't already been already said? He won an MVP award, led the Dodgers to 6 pennants and a 1955 World Championship, stole bases, hit for average/power, fielded his position flawlessly and was as fiery a competitor the game has ever seen.

Yet, for all of his stellar accomplishments, his solidified place in baseball history will forever be correlated with being the inaugural African-American to play Major League baseball. Little did Branch Rickey and Jackie Robinson realize that their landmark 1947 signing would forever change America's National Pastime with this dynamic duo etched in the minds and hearts of millions of avid baseball fans. For all these reasons, any early cardboard artifact of the great Robinson is highly sought after by serious enthusiast, and this 1952 Topps "finest of its kind" PSA 8 marvel easily resides as one of Jackie's momentous cardboard heirlooms. Robinson's classic "bat over right shoulder" pose provides exceptional contrast and crystal-clear clarity, with his Dodger cap emanating spectacular blue hues. The robust fire-engine red background is virtually immaculate, the corners reflect blistering sharp tips, and the classic Robinson photo is extremely well-centered (near 50/50) between four super clean borders.

As meticulous hobbyists are surely aware of, a majority of 1952 Topps Jackie subjects reveal skewed images, with this masterpiece's near-perfect centering sufficing as an atypical prospect for the most meticulous enthusiast. In closing, Robinson's iconic standing stems from the embodiment of courage he displayed when he joined the Brooklyn Dodgers in 1947, breaking baseball's "color-barrier" that had unjustly suppressed a myriad of talented African-American ballplayers for 75+ years. Simply stated, his legendary status extends far beyond baseball, for his unbridled bravery ultimately supported the justified notion that "all men are created equal", with his immortal stature a sheer testament for the proud foundation America was soundly built upon. In closing, the aforementioned pricing points clearly substantiate the notion that the 1952 Topps #312 "high-number" Robinson stands tall alongside his '48 Leaf cardboard peer as one of his two most noteworthy issues, and this breathtaking PSA NM/MT 8 keepsake is truly destined to be a centerpiece attraction in any world-class compilation!

MIN BID $40,000
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