(LOT 5)
Roberto Clemente 1968 Topps 3-D Test Issue (PSA Gem Mint 10)
Two years before Kellogg's began its run of popular 3-D baseball cards, Topps "threw its hat into the ring" by experimenting with a similar 3-D test issue including 12 subjects. A thick "ribbed" plastic coating was laminated over a sharp player image and fuzzy stadium background. This combination provided the illusion of depth perception as the card was moved or tilted. Due to extremely limited distribution, these cards are ultra- scarce and demand a significant premium in today's market.

The set's most desirable and valuable subjects is the incomparable Roberto "Bob" Clemente, presented here in a "PERFECT" PSA Gem Mint 10 and one of only 6 Gem Mint 10 examples! The back of this card is the Stamped Variation which reads, "This is an experimental XOGRAPH card produced as a limited edition. Not for public circulation or distribution. Not for resale. To be returned to: Visual Panographics, Inc. 488 Madison Avenue, New York, New York." Extremely RARE card offered here. It is not an overstatement to claim that legendary Hall of Fame right fielder Roberto Clemente is worshiped by the Hispanic baseball community at a similar level that Jackie Robinson was to all African Americans.

In fact, both their iconic legacies extend far past their racial heritage since both players were, simply stated, two of the greatest performers in Major League baseball history! Clemente's accomplishments are seemingly endless, including a .317 lifetime batting average, 3,000 career hits, the 1966 regular season MVP award, four batting titles, 12 consecutive gold glove awards, and if that isn't enough, in 1971 he won the World Series MVP when he virtually single handedly dominated the Baltimore Orioles in both the batter's box and right field.

Yet, as is the case with the immortal Lou Gehrig, he will best be remembered for his tragic death when, after the 1972 season, his plane crashed carrying supplies to assist earthquake victims in Nicaragua. Every technical attribute of the card merits the near impossible "Gem Mint 10" assessment including flawless surfaces, a complete razor-sharp perimeter and imposing Roberto Clemente image. Perfection at its best, this immaculate "10" offering resides as the consummate Clemente cardboard collectible for even the most sophisticated collector!

MIN BID $15,000