(LOT 162)
"UNIQUE" 1959 Topps #478 Signed Roberto Clemente PSA 8 NM-MT AUTO GRADE - THE SOLE EXAMPLE ON THE PSA "POP" CHART!
Total Autographed Pop: 1; Total "Unsigned" Pop: 6,226; Var.% (Signed vs. Unsigned Pop): 0.02%
One of the rarest of all autographed Clemente Topps cards, this "Pop 1" offering is UNIQUE to the PSA census report, being the only scripted Clemente 1959 Topps card of the 6,200+ examples handled by the prestigious grading company! Reflecting a bold blue ink "Roberto Clemente" PSA 8 NM-MT script beneath his hallowed portrait pose, the card itself reveals fine "VG+" eye appeal, starting with a relatively well centered image. Superb attributes include a radiant yellow back-ground, no glaring creases on either side, and VG-EX corners. No obtrusive flaws are apparent, with the only notable blemish being an ink mark situated at the top border.

Of course, the most significant superlative is the imposing Clemente signature that places this "anomaly" as the only known 1959 Topps signed Clemente keepsake. Clemente will forever be considered one of our National Pastime's greatest Hall of Famers, with his immortal stature solidified by his tragic death at the tender age of 38; killed in a plane crash over the Atlantic Ocean on December 31, 1972 in an attempt to deliver critical supplies to Nicaragua earthquake victims. If you are assembling a signed Robert Clemente card collection, this is the SOLE option for filling the 1959 Topps #478 subject void. Indeed, synonymous with Roberto's unequivocal popularity amongst the most sophisticated hobbyists, we cannot image a finer testament for the iconic Clemente than this "one of a kind" offering that proudly stands alone on the illustrious PSA "Pop" Chart!

MIN BID $4,000