1963 Topps #537 Pete Rose Rookie SGC NM/MT+ 92

Sold For:

$2,938

Year:

1963

Auction:

2008 Spring

Lot #:

736

Category:

Postwar Baseball - 1960s Cards

Graded NM/MT+ 92 by SGC. Extraordinary and absolutely stunning ultra high-grade example of Pete Rose"™s rookie card. One of card collecting's greatest classics, Rose's rookie card is the key to the 1963 Topps set, and one of the most popular of all postwar baseball cards. This is simply an incredible card and is without question one of the finest examples we have ever seen or offered at auction. It is bordering on Mint condition. Perfect centering, with bright and crisp colors, perfect pack-fresh gloss, four razor-sharp corners, and a flawless reverse. This card is a blazer! The very tiny white print dot below the second "o" of the word "Rookie" is the only flaw that kept this gem from Mint status. It was obviously deemed very close, grading between NM/MT and MINT by SGC. If we stare long and hard enough at the right of the flush-to-the-edge blue border, a hint of white can be detected along the edge, but we'd still have to consider this card as close to MINT status as possible without being awarded that grade. SGC has graded only eight 1963 Topps Roses at this level, and only four examples higher at the MINT 96 level. The SMR lists a value of $1,650 for PSA NM-MT 8 and a value of $9,500 for PSA MINT 9. This card is difficult to value: we believe it is very accurately graded, but there is a huge gap in the guide price between Nr/Mt-Mt and Mint for this card; and, as suggested by the label, it is in better than NM-MT condition, yet would not qualify for MINT. Whatever the grade or value, this is a stunning card. Reserve $500. Estimate $1,000/$2,000+. SOLD FOR $2,937.50