December 1, 2016: Sports & Americana Auction
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 12/1/2016
Offered here is a spectacular example of that unique Topps experiment from four decades ago when the Brooklyn-based behemoth decided to float the idea of a “smaller” baseball card, perhaps to save the forest woodlands or more likely simply to reduce their productions costs. The limited distribution at the time and the later enthusiastic embrace by the fledgling hobby combined to create a coveted collectible, and one found here in almost as-issued condition. This Near-Mint to Near-Mint to Mint example boasts razor-sharp corners and incredibly vivid background colors on the full-bleed borders that make the issue a condition-sensitive monster because of the concern about chipping. The set has two key cards that have already been third-party slabbed and graded – the No. 228 Brett Rookie (PSA 7) and the No. 660 Aaron (PSA 8) that offer a nice glimpse into the wider condition range. This example appears to be virtually unimprovable, save only for some top-to-bottom centering that appears occasionally, though much of it wouldn’t necessarily prompt an off-center designation. Four of the cards in the issue – No. 70 Schmidt, No. 380, No. 392 and No. 512, are noticeably cut short about 1/8 of an inch; perhaps coincidentally, four other cards are slightly oversized to a similar degree. That said, it’s difficult to imagine finding a more stunning version of this important issue.
High-Grade 1975 Topps Baseball Mini Complete Set (660)
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