Signed 1925 Exhibits Lou Gehrig Rookie PSA/DNA NM-MT 8

Sold For:

$42,000

Year:

1925

Auction:

2018 Fall

Lot #:

1488

Category:

Autographed Baseballs/Flats/Photos

Presented is an incredible 1925 Exhibit card of Lou Gehrig, boldly signed by Gehrig in black fountain to the left of his image. PSA/DNA has encapsulated the card and graded the signature NM-MT 8. The company has also certified the card as "Authentic." This Exhibit card, dating from Gehrig's first full season with the Yankees in 1925, is extremely significant as it is universally recognized as his rookie card. While all Gehrig signed cards are rare, a signed rookie Exhibit card is rarer still and one of the most desirable Gehrig-signed items imaginable. This is just the second signed example of this iconic card we have ever seen (we believe that one example within the Population Report is actually a misidentified 1926 card). Exhibit cards were issued annually between the years 1921 and 1966. Signed examples dating from the 1920s, especially those of prominent Hall of Famers, are scarce and have always been highly prized by collectors. This particular card was offered in a 1995 sports auction conducted within the pages of Sports Collectors Digest. Our consignor's father purchased the card for a very modest sum to add to his small collection of New York Yankees memorabilia, and the card has been carefully saved in their possession for more than two decades until consigning it to REA for authentication and auction. A copy of the 1995 SCD announcing the auction results and picturing this card is included. The card, which is in Poor to Fair condition overall, displays a number of flaws, including chips and edge tears, creases, abrasions, ink marks on and in the area of Gehrig's face, surface paper loss on the reverse, and tape application on the reverse. This is an extraordinary Gehrig signed piece and one that would be an extremely significant highlight in even the most advanced card or Hall of Fame autograph collection. Reserve $5,000. Estimate (open).