Lot # 256: “Unique for the Grade” 1956 Topps #181 Billy Martin PSA 10 GEM MINT - “Pop 1”; Highest Graded Example!

Category: 1950-1959

Starting Bid: $2,500.00

Bids: 26 (Bid History)

Time Left: Auction closed
Lot / Auction Closed




This lot is closed. Bidding is not allowed.

Item was in Auction "Summer 2022 Auction",
which ran from 8/18/2022 12:00 PM to
9/10/2022 7:00 PM




(LOT 256)
"Unique for the Grade" 1956 Topps #181 Billy Martin PSA 10 GEM MINT - "Pop 1"; Highest Graded Example!

Similar to his remarkable managerial prowess are the world-class features of this incredible PSA 10 Gem Mint 1956 Topps #181 Billy Martin offering that stands alone on the illustrious PSA "Pop" Chart as the finest of its kind. Considered by many as one of the greatest managers in MLB history, the fearless field general managed the Yankees to a World Championship in 1977, while also leading the 1969 Twins and 1971 Tigers to first place finishes in their respective divisions. Martin got the most out of the least, with his championship managerial style most likely rubbing off from his four World Series titles as a formidable Yankees second sacker in the 1950s (1951-53; '56).

Justifying this well-deserved "Gem Mint 10" assessment are the two unimprovable Martin images as he portrays a stoic portrait pose as well as an in-action illustration at second base. Immaculate resolution and brilliant hues elevate the image to an unparalleled level, with the entire illustration extremely well centered between four blinding white borders. The naked eye cannot detect a single surface blemish on either side, and the pristine perimeter includes four blistering sharp corners that could possibly draw blood. A fine second-baseman throughout his 11-year career, Martin's fine diamond exploits are always overshadowed by his world-class managerial stature. However, this "unique for the grade" highest-graded Billy Martin gem has not been overshadowed by a single example, besting all of the other 1,600+ PSA inferior examples and earning a final resting place at the summit of the PSA "Pop" Chart!

MIN BID $2,500

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