(LOT 139)
1955 Bowman #184 Willie Mays PSA 9 MINT
MINT MAYS!!! Not even Willie Mays' spectacular catch in the 1954 World Series could compare to the "spine tingling" presence of this breathtaking PSA 9 1955 Bowman Willie Mays offering! Indeed, when Willie Mays raced to the furthest confines of the Polo Grounds some 450+ feet from home plate to snare Vic Wertz's mammoth blast with his immortal "over the shoulder" catch, he unquestionably set the bar for "Fall Classic" greatest defensive thrills. Likewise, this "ultra-rare for the grade" masterpiece has set the benchmark for this particular subject since not a single example has managed to achieve a higher grade.

PSA has currently encapsulated over 1,500 '55 Bowman Mays subjects with only a meager 5 specimens (a microscopic 0.3%) managing to achieve the hallowed "Mint 9" assessment with NO "Gem Mint 10" copies listed on their illustrious "pop" chart.
Mays' good-natured grin highlights the "TV" based image as he sets himself in fielding position to run down another batted ball. Pristine contrast, crystal clear clarity and sparkling hues all combine to emanate a seemingly "perfect" image that is well-centered between four nearly flawless wood-grain borders.

Enthusiasts are well aware that the 1955 Bowman and 1962 Topps issues are excruciatingly tough to find in "Mint 9" grades due to the consistent wear to these fragile surfaces. A gleaming obverse side surface, razor sharp corner tips and super clean blank back complete this near-perfect card that has stubbornly resisted "father time". One of the finest Willie Mays cardboard heirlooms extant, it irrefutably merits the highest hobby accolades, and along with a paltry four other examples, stands at the top of the PSA "pop" chart as the "best of the rest" pinnacle gem!

MIN BID $3,500

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MLI is offering The "Mays Fan Club Collection" - #1 on the PSA Set Registry in an alternative selling format. All Lots numbered from 132-158 will be sold individually to the highest bidder, unless Lot # 131's hammer price exceeds the hammer price of Lots 132-158 combined cumulative total. In which case, the cards would be sold as a set. Once bidding starts, the green check mark below simply designates which format has the current high bid. In case of a tie - the set wins.

Lot 131 (Set Total):  $230,000
Lot 132-158 (Individual Card Total):  $406,299