1933 R319 Goudey #106 Napoleon Lajoie PSA VG-EX+ 4.5

Sold For:

$162,000

Year:

1933

Auction:

2024 Summer

Lot #:

947

Category:

Prewar Baseball - 1930s and 1940s Cards

Graded VG-EX+ 4.5 by PSA. This might be the finest VG-EX+ 4.5 PSA graded 1933 Goudey #106 Lajoie in the world! Extremely strong example of this legendary rarity that was assigned a technically accurate grade of VG-EX+, but that without question has the appearance of Excellent or better condition. Bright, clean, and fresh, both front and back, with perfect colors and flawless registration. This is a stunning example, with no print lines or other printing flaws, and outstanding centering. In fact, only the slightest hint of corner wear keeps this gem from an EX-MT appearance. The card has been downgraded due to a light crease on the left edge. This is a great-looking card! The 1933 Goudey #106 Lajoie, of course, was not actually printed until 1934. When the 1933 set was issued, no #106 card was produced. #106 Lajoie was printed in 1934, and was available only by mail to those few dedicated collectors who took the time to write to Goudey to complain that they could not find #106 to complete their 1933 Goudey sets. The 1933 Goudey set is universally recognized as the most important of all 1930s gum-card issues. #106 Lajoie is the most significant and valuable of all 1930s cards and is widely regarded as one of the three most important of all baseball cards (the others being the famous T206 Wagner and Plank). This is an exceptional example in an extremely desirable grade. Bright, clean, fresh, and crisp with brilliant colors, and with an overall appearance significantly stronger than its technically accurate assigned grade of Vg-Ex+ condition. Opening Bid $10,000.