(LOT 133)

The 1962 Topps set clearly ranks as one of the most condition-sensitive sets in our illustrious hobby, justifying why this 100% complete 613 subject Master Set posting an extraordinary 9.630 Set Rating stands as one of the finest sets on the planet!  When these woodgrain bordered cards were issued in early 1962, it established a new plateau for total subjects with its 598 “basic” card size and 613 subjects for a “master set” both record highs at that point in time.  Measuring approximately 2-1/2” x 3-1/2”, this colossal gathering incorporates several highly coveted sub-sets and innovations including a desirable 10-card run of Babe Ruth; a 9-card run of “in-action players (including Mantle); high-number “short-prints”; and the first set to ever issue multi-player rookie cards.  While not considered additional variations between the 598 basic and 613 master, the ’62 Topps set’s 2nd Series (110-196) reflects 94 “Green Tint” version cards with the images portraying a slight green tinted hue.  A vast number of these “green tint” cards depict lower “pop” numbers than the standard subjects and remarkably, this offered set includes 56 or 60% of these green tinted versions!  Their low-population stature is substantiated by the fact that 35 or 63% reflect lower PSA “pop” counts than the regular issues, with an incredible 53 of the 56 cards reflecting PSA Mint 9 assessments. 

 STATISTICAL HIGHLIGHTS

Currently ranked as the #2 Set on the illustrious PSA Set Registry, its remarkable 9.63 Set Rating including “Top Pop Bonuses” and 8.86 Weighted G.P.A are simply incomprehensible figures, especially considering the extreme condition sensitivity of the 1962 Topps woodgrain borders.  To place the 9.63 rating in perspective, the overall GPA of the 215,000+ 1962 Topps cards on PSA Population report is roughly 6.83 (at the time this was written), with this spectacular offering besting the overall “pop” by a staggering 2.8 grades!  That in itself justifies the miraculous task to assemble such a high-grade 1962 Topps compilation.  Its laundry list of statistical marvels seems virtually infinite-like, with a few of the amazing figures listed as follows:

All 613 cards depict assessments of PSA NM/MT 8 or higher with 16 Gem Mint 10’s, a remarkable 524 PSA Mint 9’s; 21 PSA NM/MT+ 8.5’s and 52 PSA NM/MT 8’s.  To place these figures in perspective, approximately 88% of the set has been graded Mint 9 or higher; a statistical achievement that ranks as one of the most extraordinary accomplishments a single set builder could ever hope to achieve.

Its magnificent array of Mint 9’s and Gem Mint 10’s result in 480 or 78% of the 613 cards being the HIGHEST GRADED examples!   That in itself may be the most miraculous accomplishment of all.  Of those 480 “None Graded Higher”, 20 are “Pop 1”; 32 are “Pop 2”; 39 are “Pop 3”, 51 are “Pop 4” and 42 are “Pop 5”.  Most significant, however, are the 20 “Pop 1” cards that reside as the SOLE HIGHEST GRADED specimens on the PSA Population report with those 20 museum worthy masterpieces and their respective grades listed as follows:  #22 Checklist (Mint 9); #46 Baldschun (Gem Mint 10); #70 Killebrew/HOF (Gem Mint 10); #88 Houk (Gem Mint 10); #134 Hoeft-Green Sky (Mint 9); #138 Ruth/HOF/The Famous Slugger (Mint 9); #148 Post (Mint 9); #159 Reniff (NM/MT+ 8.5); #190 Moon No Cap (Mint 9); #196 Fox (Mint 9); #217 Alston/HOF (Gem Mint 10); #229 McFarlane (Gem Mint 10) #252 Francis (Gem Mint 10); #284 Amaro (Mint 9); #329 Bolin (Mint 9); #367 Checklist/353-429 (Mint 10); #409 Pirates Team (Gem Mint 10); #437 Moore (Gem Mint 10); #457 Clinton (Gem Mint 10); #583 Osborne (Gem Mint 10)  -  Therefore, based on this list of 20 “Pop 1’s, 11 of the 16 Gem Mint 10 cards offered as separate lots in this auction are true “1 of 1”, highest graded specimens!

The 16 “Gem Mint 10 cards” represent 15% of the total 107 “Gem Mint 10’s” listed on the PSA “Pop” chart.  The 524 “Mint 9’s” represent nearly 10% of the 5,300+ total PSA Mint 9’s. 
 
As previously stated, the set includes 56 “Green Tint” variations, of which 53 or 95% are graded “Mint 9”!

We cannot even begin to imagine the painstaking chore our esteemed consignor endured for the past 27 years to capture some of the finest 1962 Topps examples for his world-class compilation.  Unquestionably this endeavor not only involved filling checklist voids, but a continuous upgrading process that eventually led to 88% of the set reflecting “Mint 9/Gem Mint 10” assessments.  Meticulously choosing his subjects, anyone can see that these cards offer some of the finest visually appealing aesthetics imaginable, a near-impossible achievement for one of the foremost condition-sensitive sets extant.  Brilliant images, gleaming surfaces, blistering sharp corners, and in most instances fine centering all substantiate the pinnacle-like grades.  To coin the modest phrase “from soup to nuts”, this exalted gathering has it all, with EVERY CARD appearing as if they were just pulled from a 1962 wax pack at the local candy store.  Irrefutably, it stands as a sheer testament to our consignor’s relentless pursuit of perfection, with 88% of the set residing in “Mint” or better condition.  One of the most remarkable set building accomplishments in the hobby, Memory Lane now offers the advanced collector a “once in a lifetime” opportunity to make it your own via a simple bid, taking advantage of its previous owner’s 27-year “labor of love”!

NOTE: For a complete list of all 613 cards and their respective grades and “Pop” figures, you can go to the PSA Set Registry and view the CURRENT Memory Lane #2 set.  As previously stated, following this complete set offering are all 613 subjects being offered as separate lots, with the highest bid amount ultimately determining if the set sells as a total compilation or as individual cards. 

MLI is offering an Extraordinary 1962 Topps Complete 613-Subject PSA Graded Master Set in an alternative selling format. All Lots numbered from 134-468 will be sold individually to the highest bidder, unless Lot # 133's hammer price exceeds the hammer price of Lots 134-468 combined cumulative total. In which case, the cards would be sold as a set. Once bidding starts, the green check mark below simply designates which format has the current high bid. In case of a tie - the set wins.

Lot 133 (Set Total):  $220,000
Lot 134-468 (Individual Card Total):  $237,964