1917 H801-8 Boston Store #82 Joe Jackson SGC EX+ 5.5 - Highest Graded!

Sold For:

$49,200

Year:

1917

Auction:

2021 Fall

Lot #:

396

Category:

Prewar Baseball - 1910s and 1920s Cards

Graded EX+ 70 by SGC. One of only two examples ever graded at this level by SGC with none higher! Stunning example of one of the most important and elusive of all Joe Jackson cards. This is only the fifth example of this important card that we have offered in the past eighteen years. The 1917 Boston Store cards are extremely difficult to find in high grade. Like their E135 Collins-McCarthy counterparts, Boston Store cards of Jackson are rarely offered in any condition. Unlike the somewhat similar 1916 Sporting News card set, these cards were never issued as complete sets to the public. They were also produced on a slightly thinner stock that is far more susceptible to wear, with a very glossy surface that is extremely prone to creasing. Boston Store cards usually are encountered one card at a time and in low grade. To find even a common card in anything approaching mid- to high-grade is a challenge, let alone key card "Shoeless" Joe Jackson. PSA and SGC have combined to grade only thirteen examples of Jackson, in any condition, from the Boston Store set. The card features a very unusual batting pose of Jackson. It is interesting to note that this pose appears only in the Boston Store set (and related issues). Joe Jackson cards are few and far between in the card-collecting world. There are only a handful of different issues, including crudely produced strip-card issues. Even fewer picture him with the Chicago White Sox. Because Jackson is pictured in a Chicago uniform, with a great image and Black Betsy on his shoulder - and the fact that the card is infinitely rarer and far more substantial than the smaller Sporting News issue - this is arguably the ultimate Joe Jackson baseball card. Bright, crisp, and perfectly clean front and back, with strong corners, perfect contrast, and a flawless glossy surface. The important advertising reverse is boldly printed. We are very familiar with this particular card as this is the second time we have had the privilege of offering it. This card was presented as Lot 4 in REA's Fall 2015 auction (realizing $24,000) and has been consigned to this auction directly from the purchaser at that sale. This is an extraordinary world-class card rarity that would be a highlight addition to even the finest Joe Jackson or iconic-card collection. Reserve $10,000.