(LOT 5)
1952 Topps #312 Jackie Robinson PSA 8 NM-MT
PSA 8 JACKIE!!! Presented here just happens to be one of the most exalted post-WWII cards extant: an outstanding PSA 8 NM-MT 1952 Topps #312 high-number Jackie Robinson that has only been bested by a mere thirteen examples on the illustrious PSA Pop Chart. Always a collector favorite, Jackie's 1952 Topps subject has skyrocketed in value, with two separate PSA 9 examples fetching nearly $1 million and a PSA 8 realizing nearly $400K. When the legendary Topps company 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.

What else can we say about this iconic Cooperstown inductee that hasn't already been said? He won an MVP award, led the Dodgers to six pennants and a 1955 World Championship, stole bases, hit for average and power, fielded his position flawlessly and was as fiery a competitor as the game has ever seen. Yet, for all of his stellar 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 enthusiasts, and this 1952 Topps PSA 8 marvel easily 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 reflect blistering sharp tips, and atypically with most '52 Robinsons, the classic image reveals near-perfect centering between four somewhat off-white borders, reflecting only a smidge of partiality towards the right edge. Preventing a higher assessment is the lower right corner, which exhibits some extremely modest wear near its original utmost tip as well as some scattered border toning, yet the remaining attributes surely justify the world-class grade that seldom surfaces for the taking.

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. The aforementioned 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 prominent issues, with this sensational PSA 8 heirloom destined to become a main attraction in any superior 1952 Topps or Jackie gathering!

MIN BID $20,000

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