1936 V355 World Wide Gum #51 Joe DiMaggio Rookie

Sold For:

$5,875

Year:

1936

Auction:

2011 Spring

Lot #:

684

Category:

Prewar Baseball - 1930s and 1940s Cards

Graded EX 60 by SGC. One of only two examples graded at this level, with just three examples graded higher by SGC. Presented is a stunning high-grade example of Joe DiMaggio's Major League rookie card from this rare, unusual, and very substantial 1930s Canadian Goudey issue. This is an exceptional example of one of the most classic and sought-after of all Joe DiMaggio cards. We have always been particularly amused at the use of DiMaggio's long forgotten nickname ("Deadpan Joe"), which appears prominently on the back of this card. He earned this nickname during his record-setting hitting streaks in the PCL, but it didn't follow him to the majors, except here, on DiMaggio's first Big League World Wide Gum card. The card displays a crisp, perfectly focused image, and four square corners displaying only the lightest hint of even wear (predominately the bottom left and top right). The card is almost perfectly centered, just a hint to the left (approximately 45/55 L/R). The reverse is clean with bold black text printed in both English and French. This is one of the finest examples of this important card we have ever offered. Solid Excellent condition card with tremendous eye-appeal. This auction includes a complete set of all 135 cards from the 1936 World Wide Gum set presented in three lots, with the two key cards (Joe DiMaggio and Lou Gehrig) offered as separate lots, and the remaining 133 cards (a complete set minus only these two iconic key cards) offered as a third lot. This is an exceptionally attractive high-grade example of one of Joe DiMaggio's most classic cards, dating from his rookie season with the New York Yankees. The equivalent SMR value for the assigned grade is $9,000. Reserve $2,500. Estimate $5,000++. SOLD FOR $5,875