(LOT 84)
1939 R334 Play Ball #26 Joe DiMaggio PSA 8 NM-MT
Along with Babe Ruth, no baseball player could possibly surpass the 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. One of his most sought-after pre-1940 cardboard relics is "Joe D's" 1939 Play Ball #26 subject, presented here in an outstanding PSA NM-MT 8 holder. PSA's illustrious "Pop" Chart indicates that of the nearly 1,500 encapsulated copies, only fourteen other examples have managed to achieve a higher assessment! Most significantly, the card's defining highlight is the fine centering that only slightly favors the left edge, for it is no secret that the 1939 Play Ball DiMaggio has always been one of his toughest cards to locate with a well-positioned image.

The remaining aesthetics are likewise breathtaking and consistent with most "pack-fresh" cards, starting with the imposing DiMaggio portrait pose that emanates near-perfect contrast and clarity. Scintillating corner tips could literally serve as paper cutters, and the immaculate surfaces have stubbornly defied "Father-Time" over the past 82 years. Atypically, the verso does not reveal any glaring blemishes, with only a microscopic gum stain situated directly to the left of his November 25, 1914 birth date. To reiterate, only 0.9% of the total PSA encapsulated copies have bested this world-class offering that was issued during the season the Yankee Clipper would lead the Bronx Bombers to their fourth consecutive world championship, with this PSA 8 gem effectively "turning back the clock" to an era when the Yankee Clipper was establishing himself as baseball's most dominate player!

MIN BID $3,500
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