(LOT 48)
1954 Topps #1 Ted Williams PSA 8.5 NM-MT+
TEDDY BALLGAME!!! The legendary Ted Williams' ultimate dream of becoming our National Pastime's greatest all-time hitter truly became a reality since most baseball experts label the Splendid Splinter the finest batter who ever graced a baseball diamond. With that in mind, we are proud to present a Ted Williams 1954 Topps #1 card that is tantamount to his incredible batting achievements. His representation on this extraordinary PSA 8.5 NM-MT+ marvel merits the highest hobby accolades, for it currently resides as one of only seven examples at this extremely rare plateau, bested by a meager five PSA 9 specimens! It is virtually impossible to find a 70-year-old #1 card portraying the pristine qualities exhibited by this spine-tingling masterpiece. As avid collectors realize, the first card in any set would be subjected to serious damage, including rubber band marks, edge wear, fading from sunlight, soiling or any simple surface defects as a result of the card sitting on the top of the pile. PSA's illustrious population report substantiates that notion with a fractional 0.2% of the 4,900+ PSA encapsulated copies boasting an 8.5 or higher assessment.

Ultra-popular with collectors, the 1954 Topps issue included two images: a larger-sized color pose and a smaller black and white picture. Fortunately for William's enthusiasts, both of his images include the incomparable hitter holding his iconic bat with both of this offering's poses seemingly immaculate. A blemish-free deep-orange backdrop projects Ted's batting images in an almost 3D manner, with the well-centered illustration only slightly favoring the right edge between blinding white borders. Additional pack-fresh features include blisteringly sharp corner tips, fine edging, crystal-clear clarity, and impeccable surfaces, with all of these world-class attributes miraculously justifying the ultra-rare 8.5 NM-MT+ grade. Indeed, many meticulous collectors will look at this card and ponder the question: what does it take to achieve the pinnacle 9 assessment? Regardless, this museum-worthy masterpiece's current 8.5 standing certainly merits the highest hobby accolades, with this EXACT SAME Topps keepsake fetching $53K some two+ years ago in a July 2021 Memory Lane auction.

When Teddy Ballgame returned from the Korean War for the 1954 campaign (the year this card was issued), he didn't waste any time in regaining his superior form, pacing the Junior Circuit in OPS via his spectacular 1.148 figure while also posting a .345 batting average. This Boston Red Sox legend, via his myriad of world-class hitting achievements and fighter pilot war accomplishments, captivated a country and stands as the true embodiment of an American hero. It's no coincidence that The Thumper even managed to hit a home run in the last swing of his illustrious career; fitting for baseball's greatest all-time hitter. The aforementioned accolades certainly attest to Ted's legacy, and it's this reason why a myriad of high-end vintage card collectors seek to attain his most valuable artifacts. Unquestionably, it serves to reason that The Kid's myriad of superlatives justifies why this remarkable offering is a bona fide testament to Ted Williams' unequivocal legacy as the finest hitter who ever stepped into an MLB batter's box!

MIN BID $15,000

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