(LOT 82)
1937 V300 O-Pee-Chee #118 Joe DiMaggio "2nd-Year" Issue PSA 5 EX
One of the scarcest 1930s issues is the 1937 O-Pee-Chee die-cuts. Designated as V300 by the American Card Catalog, the 1937 O-Pee-Chee "die-cuts" measure approximately 2-5/8" x 2-15/16" and appear to be an interesting combination of the '34 Goudey, 1934-36 Batter-Up & 1937 O-Pee-Chee Baseball Stars sets. Printed in black & white, player images were die-cut approximately near the center of the card in order that the top portion could be folded back to create a stand-up card. Along with the Bob Feller rookie card, the set's most valuable and coveted subject is the iconic Yankee Hall of Fame centerfielder Joe DiMaggio, with the Yankee Clipper's '37 O-Pee-Chee his bona fide "2nd-Year" issue. Seldom surfacing in any grade, offered here in a stellar PSA EX 5 example, one of only 30 PSA encapsulated examples of which a mere four exist at this mid-grade plateau! No baseball player could possibly boast the national popularity and admiration bestowed upon the legendary "Yankee Clipper", Joe DiMaggio.

Throughout his playing days and post-retirement years, "Joltin'" Joe's overall persona was perceived with magnificent awe and respect, as he represented the ultimate embodiment of a National hero. His 56-game hitting streak in 1941 just may be baseball's greatest record, to the point that a song was written about Joe that same season personifying everything he meant to the game. A rarely seen black & white DiMaggio "batting" image depicts outstanding contrast and crystal clear clarity, set against a relatively clean baseball diamond with no obtrusive flaws are evident. Notable faults include even corner wear consistent with the grade, and some modest soiling along the left edge. The verso's brief "bio", reflected in both English and French, depicts bold typography, set against a faintly toned gray background. Indeed, "Joe D." seldom looks better than in this super obscure 1937 O-Pee-Chee that qualifies as one of the tougher DiMaggio cardboard keepsakes to capture in any grade, and one that unquestionably resides as one of his earliest baseball card issues!

MIN BID $2,500
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