(LOT 74)
1956 Topps #5 Ted Williams Ultra-Scarce "Gray Back" (PSA Mint 9)
How ironic it truly is to proudly offer this "rare for the grade" PSA Mint 9 1956 Ted Williams "Gray Back" marvel that along with a meager three other examples stands tall as the finest of its kind. While the much more common "white back" has significantly more Mint 9 specimens, it is this seldom seen "Gray Back" offering that rarely surfaces in the near-impossible "Mint 9" assessment. The aforementioned irony is that the "Splendid Splinter" arguably resides as our National Pastime's greatest all-time hitter, with this PSA "best of the rest" marvel sufficing as the perfect testament for his unparalleled batting prowess. Ted Williams heroic stints in two World Wars as well as his previously mentioned status as baseball's "greatest batsman" has earned "Teddy Ballgame" iconic stature second to none.

This Boston Red Sox legend, via his myriad of world-class hitting achievements and fighter pilot war accomplishments, captivated a country and stands as the true embodiment of an American hero. It is no coincidence that the "Splendid Splinter" even managed to hit a home run in the last swing of his illustrious career; sheer poetic justice at its best for baseball's greatest hitter. The aforementioned accolades certainly attest to Ted's legacy, and it is this reason why a myriad of high-end vintage card collectors seek to attain his most valuable artifacts. A cardboard subject's highest stature is achieving pinnacle "Pop" Chart status, with this breathtaking keepsake providing the technical attributes consistent with a card just pulled form a 1956 wax pack.

Ted's two classic lithographic-like poses of the iconic batter (one portrait; one batting) portray magnificent contrast, resolution and ultra-rich hues, with the entire image virtually dead-centered between four blizzard-like white borders. Glistening surfaces, pinpoint corner tips, and a super clean verso complete this breathtaking marvel that has defiantly withstood the test of time. On a pure hitting basis, Williams is generally accepted as our National Pastime's finest, and we cannot imagine a card better emulating his remarkable legacy than this undisputed highest graded example that merits a final resting place in any esteemed PSA Registered compilation!

MIN BID $5,000
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