(LOT 57)
1959 Home Run Derby Complete 20-Card PSA Graded File Copy Set!
In an effort to publicize the ultra-popular 1959 Home Run Derby contest, American Motors issued a 20-card set with each subject measuring approximately 3-1/4 x 5-1/4. The Derby television series was broadcasted on a weekly basis, with baseballs finest long ball sluggers competing against each other. Extremely eclectic, these black & white blank-backed cards seldom surface for the taking, justifying why this complete 20-card PSA graded File Copy set stands as the most remarkable Home Run Derby compilation in the hobby. What is truly amazing about this set is that virtually all of the cards present themselves in near-mint or better condition, emanating aesthetics far beyond their assigned grades.

Indeed, at a first glance these 20 subjects appear to have been issued yesterday via their glistening surfaces, crystal clear images, right-angled corners, and razor-sharp edging. While their technical assessments range between 1 /MK, the reason for a majority of the lesser grades are microscopic-like staple holes barely visible to the naked eye. The reason for these negligible holes results from this offering being considered a Pre-Production or File Copy inner office set that assumingly had the cards stapled to a memo of some kind. This is certainly a scenario where the simple right to own a copy coupled with the cards brilliant aesthetics supersedes the technical assessments.

So true, because all of the technical flaws are nearly invisible to the naked eye with each card portraying eye appeal consistent with the needs of any meticulous enthusiast. As is the case with most 1950s sets, the most valuable and coveted subject is the immortal Mickey Mantle, with the 20-card checklist including 9 Hall of Famers. An absolutely spectacular offering, compiling all 20 subjects for the 1959 Home Run Derby set is an excruciating chore, let alone capturing this complete and extremely rare File Copy offering that presents itself as a once in a lifetime opportunity for any sophisticated collector!

To reiterate, while the PSA assessments are rendered virtually irrelevant due to the sets pre-production nature, for purposes of full disclosure, listed below are all 20 cards and their respective PSA grades:

Aaron/HOF (5/MK); Allison (1); Banks/HOF (1); Boyer (1); Cerv (1/MK); Colavito (1); Hodges (1/MK); Jensen (4/MK); Kaline/HOF (1), Killebrew/HOF (1); J.Lemon (1); Mantle/HOF (1); Mathews/HOF (1); Mays/HOF (1/MK); Post (1/MK); F.Robinson/HOF (1); Mark Scott-HOST (1); Snider/HOF (1); Stuart (1); Triandos (1)

MIN BID $2,500
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