1886 N167 Old Judge Tim Keefe SGC EX+ 70

Sold For:

$46,400

Year:

1886

Auction:

2006 Spring

Lot #:

15

Category:

Pre-1900 Baseball Cards (1830-1899)

Graded EX+ 70 by SGC. Stunning extremely high grade 1886 N167 Old Judge of Hall of Famer Tim Keefe. This is one of the finest N167s in existence. Few nineteenth-century cards compare in rarity or significance to N167 Old Judges. These distinctive cards represent the very first series of baseball cards ever issued by Old Judge. They feature photogravure portraits based on photographs by Joseph Wood. In addition to their very distinctive look, they are also the only Old Judge series to feature advertising on the reverse. The thin stock on which N167s are printed makes them especially susceptible to tears and other damage. This is an extraordinary example of Hall of Fame pitcher Tim Keefe. Being his first card issued by Old Judge, this card would also qualify by definition to most collectors as being Keefe's rookie card. Extremely bright, crisp, and perfectly clean, both front and back, beautifully centered with four square corners and only the slightest hint of corner wear visible under magnification. We believe SGC has been very harsh on this gem. We grade this card Excellent to Mint, but whether Ex+ or Ex-Mt is most appropriate, there is no question that this is a simply spectacular example of the legendary Tim Keefe from one of the most condition-sensitive, important, and rarest issues in all of card collecting. Reserve $5,000. Estimate $10,000/$20,000+. SOLD FOR $46,400.00