(LOT 331)
Amazing 1916 M101-4 #91 Walter Johnson Sporting News Ad Back w/Near-Perfect Centering PSA 7 Near-Mint – "POP 2"; Only 2 PSA Examples Graded Higher!
One of the most prestigious members of the 1916 M101-4 Sporting News set is the iconic Hall of Fame Charter Member Walter Johnson, and it is his miraculous M101-4 Sporting News ad back subject that is offered here in an extremely "rare for the grade" PSA 7 NM holder. Joined by only a single other example at this hallowed plateau, it has been bested by a paltry two other M101-4 Sporting News specimens on the illustrious PSA "Pop" Chart! It should be noted that while PSA's population report lists three 7s, two 8s and one 8.5 under the M101-4 Sporting News category, it has been documented that one "7" and one "8" actually reflect blank backs (not a Sporting News ad back), resulting in both of those grade classes being overstated by one. Aside from the world-class grade, of utmost significance is the virtually dead-on 50/50 centering of Johnson's iconic image, with nearly all of these subjects revealing skewed illustrations.

Indeed, locating a well-centered Johnson M101-4/5 card is synonymous to finding "a needle in a haystack", with nearly all M101 subjects plagued by the off-positioning of their black & white images. Walter Johnson's accomplishments are virtually insurmountable, explaining why most baseball experts nominate him as the greatest pitcher who ever toed a rubber. 417 lifetime wins, 3,508 strikeouts, a lifetime 2.17 ERA, and an incredible 110 shutouts (including 38 1-0 wins) certainly substantiate this notion. A crystal clear "hands over head" pitching image of Johnson graces the obverse side, set against a classic stadium backdrop as Johnson prepares to unleash another blazing fastball. As previously stated, the iconic pose is positioned between four bright white borders in nearly perfect fashion, with the sparkling surfaces and right-angled corners substantiating the sanctified grade. Stubbornly defying "father-time" over the past 106 years, our utmost compliments to its previous owners for preserving this timeless marvel in its current breathtaking condition. Via its ultra-rare assessment and remarkable centering, we cordially invite you to jump aboard this "Big Train" gem and ride it directly to the winner's circle!

MIN BID $2,000
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