(LOT 582)
1968 Topps #177 Nolan Ryan Rookie PSA 9 MINT
MINT RYAN ROOKIE!!!... The classic 1968 Topps Nolan Ryan Rookie card that similar to many other high profile Hall of Fame 1950's/'60's rookie cards is currently "hotter than a pistol". Incredibly, "Mint-9" values have literally soared "through the roof", with a recent PSA Mint 9 specimen fetching a staggering $72,000! The most sophisticated collectors are actively pursuing this hallowed grade since only a SINGLE PSA Gem Mint 10 example currently exists on the prestigious PSA "Pop" chart. Presented here just happens to be one of those highly coveted PSA Mint 9 Nolan Ryan rookie cards that has only been bested by that sole "10" copy! Synonymous with this card's unbridled pinnacle stature is Hall of Famer Nolan Ryan's place in baseball history with the fire-balling right-hander the record holder for lifetime strikeouts (5,386) and no-hitters (7). His reputation as one of the game's immortals was solidified when he was voted as the starting pitcher on baseball's team of the century. Likewise, this Ryan offering, aesthetically brilliant, and save one specimen, standing as the "best of the rest" should be included near the top of a list of "cards of the century"! Every primary quality is pristine including image contrast, coloring, print registration, edging, pinpoint corners, etc. Most impressive, however, is the atypical virtually perfect centering, with skewed images characteristically plaguing this most condition sensitive issue. The final exclamation point is a verso that, similar to its obverse side brethren, reveals its original "pack-fresh: qualities. Along with the iconic Mantle, Mays, Aaron and Clemente inaugural cards, this Nolan Ryan museum worthy marvel currently resides as one of the most coveted rookie keepsakes, with an abundance of elite enthusiasts anxiously awaiting to capture it for their world-class gatherings!

MIN BID $12,500