(LOT 96)
1968 Topps #177 Nolan Ryan Rookie Card (PSA Mint 9) - Only One Graded Higher!
MINT HOF ROOKIE!!! The classic 1968 Topps Nolan Ryan Rookie card, that similar to many other high-profile Hall of Fame 1950's and '60's inaugural cards, is currently "hotter than a pistol". The most sophisticated collectors are actively pursuing the hallowed "9 MINT" grade since only a single PSA 10 Gem Mint 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" specimen. Incredibly, of the 13,000+ PSA encapsulated examples, only a microscopic-like 0.5% have managed to achieve the sanctified "9 Mint" assessment. Synonymous with this card's unbridled stature is Hall of Famer Nolan Ryan's place in baseball history with the fire-balling right-hander the undisputed 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 aesthetically brilliant Ryan offering, save one specimen, stands as the "best of the rest" and should be included near the top of a "cards of the century" list. Sharing the card with southpaw teammate Jerry Koosman, virtually every primary quality is pristine including image contrast, sparkling hues, superior print registration, razor sharp edging, pinpoint corners, and a gleaming obverse-side surface. Most significant is the atypical near-perfect centering that reveals only a microscopic-like favoritism towards the left edge, with skewed images characteristically plaguing this condition sensitive subject. 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 museum worthy marvel currently resides as one of the most coveted rookie keepsakes, with two 1968 Topps PSA 9 Mint Ryan subjects selling for a staggering $126K & $137K in the Fall of 2021!
MIN BID $25,000
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