(LOT 574)
1955 Bowman #184 Willie Mays PSA 9 MINT
MINT MAYS!!!... Not even Willie Mays' spectacular catch in the 1954 World Series could compare to the "spine tingling" presence of this breathtaking PSA 9 1955 Bowman Willie Mays offering! Indeed, when Willie Mays raced to the furthest confines of the Polo Grounds some 450+ feet from home plate to snare Vic Wertz's mammoth blast with his immortal "over the shoulder" catch, he unquestionably set the bar for "Fall Classic" greatest defensive thrills. Likewise, this "ultra-rare for the grade" masterpiece has set the benchmark for this particular subject since not a single example has managed to achieve a higher grade. PSA has currently encapsulated over 1,500 '55 Bowman Mays subjects with only a meager 5 specimens (a microscopic 0.3%) managing to achieve the hallowed "Mint 9" assessment with NO "Gem Mint 10" copies listed on their illustrious "pop" chart.


Therefore, this card just happens to share the spotlight with four other examples as the finest specimen on the planet! The "Say Hey Kid" continues to be on most historians list as both the greatest centerfielder in baseball history as well as our National Pastime's foremost "5-tool" player to ever grace a baseball diamond. His 600+ round trippers, .300+ lifetime batting average, uncanny base-running ability, cannon-like throwing arm and unparalleled fielding ability all combine to substantiate that notion. It is no coincidence that advanced collectors seek his world-class cardboard keepsakes with only a handful possibly comparing to this miraculous marvel. It literally defies 62-years of potential wear, and you would almost think it was just pulled from a pack of Bowman gum. Mays' good-natured grin highlights the "TV" based image as he sets himself in fielding position to run down another batted ball. Pristine contrast, crystal clear clarity and sparkling hues all combine to emanate a seemingly "perfect" image that is well-centered between four nearly flawless wood-grain borders.

Enthusiasts are well aware that the 1955 Bowman and 1962 Topps issues are excruciatingly tough to find in "Mint 9" grades due to the consistent wear to these fragile surfaces. A gleaming obverse side surface, razor sharp corner tips and super clean blank back complete this near-perfect card that has stubbornly resisted "father time". One of the finest Willie Mays cardboard heirlooms extant, it irrefutably merits the highest hobby accolades, and along with a paltry four other examples, stands at the top of the PSA "pop" chart as the "best of the rest" pinnacle gem!

MIN BID $4,000