(LOT 122)
1968 Topps #177 Nolan Ryan Rookie Card PSA 9 MINT - "Only One Graded Higher!
Similar to many other high-profile Hall of Fame 1950s & '60s inaugural cards, the classic 1968 Topps Nolan Ryan Rookie subject is currently "hotter than a pistol". Incredibly, "Mint-9" values have literally soared "through the roof", with a recent PSA Mint 9 specimen fetching a staggering $72,000! The most sophisticated collectors are actively pursuing this hallowed grade since only a SINGLE PSA Gem Mint 10 example currently exists on the prestigious PSA "Pop" chart. Presented here just happens to be one of those highly coveted PSA Mint 9 Nolan Ryan rookie cards that has only been bested by that sole "10" copy! Incredibly, of the 12,700+ PSA encapsulated examples, only a microscopic-like 0.5% have managed to achieve the "Mint 9" assessment. Synonymous with this card's unbridled pinnacle stature is Hall of Famer Nolan Ryan's place in baseball history with the fire-balling right-hander the record holder for lifetime strikeouts (5,386) and no-hitters (7).

His reputation as one of the game's immortals was solidified when he was voted as the starting pitcher on baseball's team of the century. Likewise, this aesthetically brilliant Ryan offering should be included near the top of a list of "cards of the century". Sharing the card with southpaw teammate Jerry Koosman, every critical attribute is virtually impeccable including image contrast, robust hues, print registration, edging, pinpoint corners, etc. Most impressive, however, is the atypical near-perfect centering, with skewed images characteristically plaguing this condition sensitive issue. The final exclamation point is a verso that, similar to its obverse side brethren, reveals its original "pack-fresh" qualities. Along with the iconic Mantle, Mays, Aaron, Clemente and Koufax inaugural cards, this Nolan Ryan museum worthy marvel currently resides as one of the most coveted post-WWII rookie card keepsakes, destined for a final resting place in one of the most esteemed collections on the planet!

MIN BID $15,000
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