(LOT 63)
1952 Topps #312 Jackie Robinson PSA 7 NM
'52 JACKIE!!! This magnificent PSA 7 NEAR-MINT 1952 Topps #312 Jackie Robinson easily suffices as one of the most exalted post-WWII cards on the planet. A bona fide "blue-chip" cardboard blazer, over the past several years Jackie's legendary 1952 Topps subject has skyrocketed in value, with two separate PSA 9 examples fetching nearly $1 million and a PSA 8 realizing nearly $400k in 2021. When the illustrious Topps Gum Co. issued their iconic 1952 Set, they seemed to save their best for last as the high-number series commenced with the hobby's post-war Holy Grail #311 Mickey Mantle subject, immediately followed by the likewise exalted #312 Jackie Robinson.

Robinson's storied past is loaded with a series of exclamation points including an NL MVP award, leading Brooklyn to six pennants and a 1955 World Championship, stealing bases, hitting for both average/power, flawlessly fielding his position, and being one of the fiercest all-time competitors. Yet, for all of his world-class accomplishments, his solidified place in baseball history will forever be correlated with being the inaugural African-American to play Major League baseball. Little did Branch Rickey and Jackie Robinson realize that their landmark 1947 signing would forever change America's National Pastime with this dynamic duo etched in the minds and hearts of millions of avid baseball fans. For all these reasons, any early cardboard artifact of the great Robinson is highly sought-after by serious enthusiast, and this 1952 Topps PSA 7 offering truly resides as one of Jackie's momentous cardboard heirlooms.

Robinson's classic "bat over right shoulder" pose provides exceptional contrast and crystal-clear clarity, with his Dodger cap emanating spectacular blue hues. The robust fire-engine red background is virtually immaculate, the corners reveal right-angled formations consistent with the grade, and the classic Robinson photo exhibits near-perfect side-to-side centering with a hint of favoritism towards the lower edge. As meticulous hobbyists are surely aware of, a majority of 1952 Topps Jackie subjects reveal skewed images, with this masterpiece's excellent centering between four blizzard-like borders residing as an atypical collecting prospect. While there is a modest factory issued upper edge "angle cut", the pack-fresh surfaces and above mentioned image quality all lend themselves to overall eye appeal that exceeds the already highly coveted PSA 7 assessment.

In closing, Robinson's iconic standing stems from the embodiment of courage he displayed when he joined the Brooklyn Dodgers in 1947, breaking baseball's color-barrier that had unjustly suppressed a myriad of talented African-American ballplayers for 75+ years. Indeed, his legendary status extends far beyond baseball, for his unbridled bravery ultimately supported the justified notion that "all men are created equal", with his unparalleled stature a sheer testament for the proud foundation America was soundly built upon. The previously discussed pricing points clearly substantiate the notion that the 1952 Topps #312 high-number Robinson stands tall alongside his '48 Leaf cardboard peer as one of his two most noteworthy issues, with this museum worthy masterpiece one of the finest looking PSA 7 NM '52 Topps Jackie's extant!

MIN BID $7,500
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