Masterpieces and Uncommon Commons XXVIII
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on:
7/30/2010
The 1910 E93 Standard Caramel Candy cards including 30 subjects are considered one of the most popular candy issues in the hobby, and like most “E” cards, mid-grade examples are extremely tough to find. Adding to their desirability are the different player images depicted on the obverse side, similar to E98’s, but widely unique as opposed to some of the classic candy and tobacco issues including E90-1, E92, E95, E96, E101, E102, E106, T206, T216, etc….the list goes on and on. Unquestionably, as with most pre-WWI cardboard issues, the set’s most coveted and valuable subject just happens to be the immortal Hall of Fame charter member Tyrus Raymond Cobb, and it his spectacular E93 specimen that is presented here in an immaculate PSA 7 holder. Virtually never surfacing in this stratospheric grade, of the 56 PSA encapsulated examples, only a single other copy exists at this lofty tier with a mere 3 graded higher. In other words, a lopsided 91% of the total Cobb E93 cards graded by SGC carry inferior grades to this exalted offering!
High grade Ty Cobb candy cards are synonymous with his incomparable place in baseball history with both meriting Cooperstown status. The “Georgia Peach” easily accomplished that when in 1936 when he was included as one of the Hall of Fame’s five charter members along with Ruth, Wagner, Mathewson and Johnson. Most baseball historians agree that his incredible record of owning the highest lifetime batting average of .367 may never be surpassed. Cobb stroked 4,191 hits, stole 892 bases and led the American League in batting a remarkable 12 seasons including an unfathomable 9 consecutive seasons from 1907 thru 1915. Furthermore, had not the great Tris Speaker bested him in 1916 (Speaker’s .386 surpassed Cobb’s .371), the fiery Cobb would have claimed 13 consecutive batting titles! No one more than “Shoeless” Joe Jackson would attest to Cobb’s remarkable hitting prowess. In 1911, Jackson stroked an incredible .408, but was bested by Cobb’s best average ever, a remarkable .420 figure. If that wasn’t enough, the following 1912 season Jackson followed up his super .408 season by hitting a stratospheric .395, only to be bested again by Cobb’s .410 average, his second consecutive season exceeding the .400 mark! No wonder the “Georgia Peach” is widely considered the best “5 tool” player in baseball history, with all of the above justifying why virtually every elite enthusiast actively seek his high-end rarities.
Only a handful of cards could possibly surpass the overall brilliance of this seldom surfacing near mint masterpiece depicting Cobb in a unique fielding image also included on his popular E94 and E98 candy cards. The iconic pose, left arm outstretched as he catches another fly ball, is absolutely perfect, depicting an awe-inspiring array of grey colored hues with Cobb wearing his classic “turn of the century” vintage style sweater. The breathtaking orange background elevates the Cobb image to a peak level, so flawless that the “Georgia Peach” is practically projected in 3-D fashion. Atypical for this E93 issue is the “dead-on” 50/50 centering that is usually the technical stigma for most of the remaining E93 Cobb’s. The perimeter consists of four dazzling white borders, super strong square corners and razor sharp edging. The reverse side 30 player checklist is also unblemished, reflecting bold, well registered typography that is set against a bright white surface. Incredible as it may seen, this offering actually portrays overall aesthetics BEYOND the assigned grade, with any first glance likely to associate this card with a virtually pristine example. Undeniably, this Ty Cobb jewel suffices as one of the finest E93 specimens circulating in the hobby, “pack-fresh” in practically every conceivable way and worthy of an esteemed place in any “World Class” collection!
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