(LOT 42)
1952 Topps #314 Roy Campanella PSA 8.5 NM-MT+ - POP 1!
POP 1 CAMPY!!! The ultimate prestige of a 1952 Topps high-number Hall of Famer cannot be overemphasized, with Mickey Mantle (#311), Jackie Robinson (#312) and Roy Campanella (#314) paving the way for these super-coveted cardboard mementos. Historically speaking, had it not been for hundreds of 1952 Topps high-number vending cases being dumped into the Atlantic's murky waters off of the coasts of New Jersey, the incredible mystique of the '52 Topps High-Number Series would have never been born. Yet, the reality of these cards standing tall as some of the hobby's pinnacle post-WWII cardboard keepsakes literally shines forth as a beacon of light, with their seemingly uncontested popularity the main driver of their redefined value. Indeed, high-grade examples of the Mantle and Robinson have soared to stratospheric heights, with an SGC 9.5 Mantle fetching a record-setting $12.6 million and two Robinson PSA 9s approaching $1 million each. We would expect this rising value trend to continue, with high-grade '52 Topps Roy Campanella subjects likewise expected to join the party. In fact, the sole PSA 8.5 Campanella sold for over $31K roughly 18 months ago, with no sales reported for PSA 9 MINT examples over the past five to six years.

That said, presented here just happens to be that single PSA 8.5 Roy Campanella 1952 Topps specimen that has only been bested by a meager eight PSA examples! Esteemed collectors truly understand the significance of finding any high-grade '52 Topps Cooperstown inductee, especially when the player stands as one of our National Pastime's greatest all-time catchers. The Dodger's immortal HOF catcher is well represented with an incredible portrait image of the three-time MVP winner, emanating crystal-clear clarity, superb contrast, and encompassed by a radiant yellow background. Most significantly, the image depicts near-perfect 50/50 centering, uncharacteristic for any '52 Topps Campanella since most subjects reveal severely skewed illustrations. Four blisteringly sharp corner tips, razor-sharp edging, blinding white borders, and pristine surfaces are the final exclamation points for this brilliant pack-fresh offering that has stubbornly defied the past 71 years. Winner of three MVP awards in a brief but outstanding career, Campy defined the embodiment of courage and, along with Jackie Robinson, was the inspirational leader of the great 1950s Brooklyn Dodger teams.

His unparalleled leadership qualities ably assisted Brooklyn in capturing their first and only world championship in 1955, when they finally bested their cross-town rival, the New York Yankees. Unfortunately for Campanella, his esteemed career was abruptly cut short due to his tragic car accident on January 28, 1958, leaving Campanella paralyzed for life. Although Campy would never play in a Los Angeles uniform, his heartbreaking fate has prompted an unequivocal sentiment and desirability for his cardboard jewels, with his popularity increasing profoundly. One of a kind for the grade, this world-class masterpiece stands alone at the 8.5 assessment level, surpassed by a paltry six PSA 9s and two PSA 10s. One of the most significant Campy cards on the planet, we can only assume its lofty assessment will continue to warrant serious pricing spikes, similar to the 1952 Topps high-number Mickey and Jackie issues that appear to know no bounds!

MIN BID $7,500

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