(LOT 105)
Extremely Rare 1958 Menko JCM3Oa #4560 Jackie Robinson - Doyusha Hand Cut PSA 1.5 FR – POP 2; Only 3 PSA Examples Graded Higher!
SCARCE JACKIE!!! One of Jackie Robinson's rarest cards is his 1958 Menko JCM30a #4560 Doyusha hand-cut issue, presented here in an eye-pleasing PSA 1.5 holder. Extremely rare, this is one of only nine total encapsulated examples on the combined PSA and SGC census reports, with only three PSA specimens besting this elusive marvel. Its ultra-condition-sensitivity is substantiated by the highest graded PSA copy reflecting a 3.5 assessment, with both SGC examples dubbed Authentic. Issued by the Japanese Doyusha Company in 1958, it comes as no surprise that Jackie Robinson resides as the only American ballplayer of the total 53 known subjects. Tantamount to Babe Ruth being issued in many Japanese sets due to his immense popularity and legendary 1934 Tour of Japan, Jackie's celebrated stature was likewise global, widespread across both oceans due to his unparalleled standing as Major League Baseball's inaugural African-American MLB player, with the unbridled courage displayed by him and Branch Rickey in 1947 truly echoing for eternity.

Robinson toured Japan after his final 1956 campaign, and he left such an indelible mark on the Japanese faithful that the renowned Doyusha Co. utilized one of his barnstorming half-bust portrait images for his 1958 Menko #4560 issue. Of significant note, the English translation for the Japanese text inadvertently lists this card as Chico Barbon, as well as reflecting Barbon's statistics on the verso. Most importantly, the imposing image is clearly the immortal Jackie Robinson, with the Cooperstown inductee's awe-inspiring pose portraying impeccable clarity and vibrant hues. The rosy pink-toned setting only exhibits some general surface wear, and no obtrusive flaws are evident on either side. Accounting for the somewhat harsh assessment is even corner wear, as well as some scattered etching along the upper edges.

The verso exhibits some negligible toning and diminutive soiling spots, none of which detract from its overall eye-pleasing quality. It was only some 18 months ago that an inferior PSA 1 sold for $29K in a public auction, and considering the spiraling uptick of Jackie's rarest cards as well as this offering's superior grade, we cannot even begin to estimate its true value. What we do know with 100% certainty is that it proudly boasts a virtually unmatched paucity level versus its Jackie Robinson cardboard peers, rarely surfacing for the taking in any country!

MIN BID $7,500
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