1953 Topps Jackie Robinson #1 SGC Gem Mint 10. It is almost impossible to overstate just how substantial and essentia...
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Description
Population one!
1953 Topps Jackie Robinson #1 SGC Gem Mint 10. It is almost
impossible to overstate just how substantial and essential were the
contributions of Jackie Robinson to the American experiment. That
he forever changed the character of our National Pastime for the
better is self-evident, but overly simplistic. Even in the
(relative to the vast majority of the United States) racially
diverse borough of Brooklyn, Jackie Robinson would be for thousands
the first black man that they considered "one of us." They cheered
for him. They loved him. Some of the boys in the stands at Ebbets
would march as men in Selma because their hearts and minds had been
opened during warm summer afternoons in Flatbush. In short, Jackie
Robinson was baseball's greatest gift to the soul of our nation,
and arguably the most significant figure in the history of American
sports.Presented is a tribute to his enduring contribution, the honorary first card of the 1953 Topps series that has become a classic entry in the hobby. Oddly, Bowman did not include him in their 1951, 1952 or 1953 editions. This particular card presents the Dodger great in what has become one of the most recognizable portraits to grace a slab of card stock. But this is the single finest example among more than 2,400 submissions to the SGC card grading service, outpacing its closest rival by one and a half grade levels.
The outrageous grade renders any condition report moot, as SGC Gem Mint 10 is an honor bestowed only when the experts have no other alternative. Color, gloss, registration and centering are all perfect, and the corners and surfaces appear untouched by human hands. Let's also remember that the first and last cards in sets have always been particularly touch to find in high grades due to the added exposure most endured to boxes and rubber bands when organized into sets. But, just like the man it celebrates, this is a card that couldn't be undone by the threats of a dangerous world.
Guide Value or Estimate: $400,000 - up.
Auction Info
2026 February 28 - March 1 Winter Platinum Night Sports Catalog Auction #50083 (go to Auction Home page)
Bidding Begins Approx.
February
6th
Friday
Auction Dates
Feb-Mar
28th-1st
Saturday-Sunday
Proxy Bidding Begins Approx.
14 Days
Bids + Registered Phone Bidders: N/A
Lot Tracking Activity: N/A
Page Views: 13
Auction Type
Signature Internet Extended Bid: These Auctions are presented via catalog and online. Bidding is taken through our website or via phone. There are two phases of bidding during this type of auction: 1) Normal bidding: Bids are taken up until 10 PM CT the night the auction closes. 2) 30 Minute Ending: On a lot-by-lot basis, starting at 10:00 PM CT, any person who has bid on the lot previously may continue to bid on that lot until there are no more bids for 30 minutes. For example, if you bid on a lot during Normal Bidding, you could participate during Extended Bidding for that lot, but not on lots you did not bid on previously. If a bid was placed at 10:15, the new end time for that lot would become 10:45. If no other bids were placed before 10:45, the lot would close. If you are the high bidder on a lot, changing your bid will not extend the bidding during the 30 Minute Ending phase (only a bid from another bidder will extend bidding). If you are the only bidder at 10 PM, you will automatically win the lot at 10:30. Important: After normal bidding ends, you must be signed-on to the Heritage site to see the bidding option on lots where you qualify for extended bidding and you must be on an individual lot page to reflect the accurate time remaining for that particular lot.
Signature Internet Extended Bid: These Auctions are presented via catalog and online. Bidding is taken through our website or via phone. There are two phases of bidding during this type of auction: 1) Normal bidding: Bids are taken up until 10 PM CT the night the auction closes. 2) 30 Minute Ending: On a lot-by-lot basis, starting at 10:00 PM CT, any person who has bid on the lot previously may continue to bid on that lot until there are no more bids for 30 minutes. For example, if you bid on a lot during Normal Bidding, you could participate during Extended Bidding for that lot, but not on lots you did not bid on previously. If a bid was placed at 10:15, the new end time for that lot would become 10:45. If no other bids were placed before 10:45, the lot would close. If you are the high bidder on a lot, changing your bid will not extend the bidding during the 30 Minute Ending phase (only a bid from another bidder will extend bidding). If you are the only bidder at 10 PM, you will automatically win the lot at 10:30. Important: After normal bidding ends, you must be signed-on to the Heritage site to see the bidding option on lots where you qualify for extended bidding and you must be on an individual lot page to reflect the accurate time remaining for that particular lot.
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