Masterpieces & Uncommon Commons XXII
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on:
7/17/2009
From 1910 thru 1919, Coupon Cigarettes release three distinct tobacco card series that utilized similar players images from ths classic T206 Tobacco “Monster Set”. Known for their various sizes that were typically smaller than a T206 subject, the final Coupon Series was distributed in 1919 only within the Louisiana Region, making these cards much scarcer than their T206 counterparts. One of the most prestigious subjects of the Coupon set is the immortal Charter Hall of Fame member Walter Johnson, and it his miraculous PSA 8 specimen that we are proud to offer. How rare is this card? Simply stated, only 4 other examples have been encapsulated by PSA, with only one other at this tier and NONE graded higher! That is correct, you are now afforded the opportunity to own the highest graded T213 Walter Johnson Coupon Cigarette Type 3. Furthermore, there is also NO PSA Type 1 or 2 Walter Johnson cigarette card at this tier or higher, designating this spectacular specimen as the highest graded PSA Coupon Johnson on the planet! To own any pre-WWI cardboard artifact of the “Big Train” (as he was most commonly referred to) is every vintage collector’s goal, let alone the highest graded Johnson Coupon Cigarette Type 3 example. Johnson’s accomplishments are virtually insurmountable, explaining why most baseball experts nominate him as the greatest pitcher who ever lived. 417 lifetime wins, over 3,500 strikeouts, a lifetime 2.17 ERA, and an incredible 110 shutouts (including 38 1-0 wins!) certainly substantiate this notion. More importantly, Johnson personified the pure innocence correlated with ‘turn of the century’ baseball as evidenced by his kindness and sense of fair play. He succeeded the great Christy Mathewson as the game’s consummate professional and was idolized by thousands of aspiring young ballplayers. That is why it is virtually unfathomable to come across an opportunity to own one of Walter Johnson’s highest graded “type’ cards in existence! Johnson’s classic “hands at chest” pose is un-improvable with striking color and vivid contrast, encompassed by a bold royal blue background. The borders are clean white, and slightly centered towards the upper left. Still, due to the Coupon Cigarette’s smaller size, centering concerns are unwarranted since a diminutive portion of border space prevents aesthetically poor eye appeal issues. The edging and corners are razor sharp, with the slightest toning situated near the lower right corner. No major surface blemishes are evident, and the reverse side “Coupon Cigarette Factory No. 3” print remains bold and vivid. Considering all of the brilliant technical qualities presented in this museum worthy masterpiece, now is the time to come on board with the “Big Train” and claim ownership of what just may be his most eclectic and breathtaking cardboard high grade gem.
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