Fall Premier Auction 2019
Wed, Nov 27, 2019 09:00PM EST - Sun, Dec 15, 2019 08:34AM EST
Timed Auction
Lot 273
1968 TOPPS TEST BASKETBALL #18 ELGIN BAYLOR PSA NM-MT 8 (HIGHEST RATED, POP 1)
Unsold
Bid Increments
| Price | Bid Increment |
|---|---|
| $200 | $25 |
| $500 | $50 |
| $1,000 | $100 |
| $3,000 | $250 |
| $5,000 | $500 |
| $10,000 | $1,000 |
| $20,000 | $2,000 |
| $30,000 | $2,500 |
| $50,000 | $5,000 |
| $100,000 | $10,000 |
| $200,000 | $20,000 |
| $300,000 | $25,000 |
| $500,000 | $50,000 |
1968 Topps Test is the unicorn of vintage basketball sets. The series of 22 cards is so rare that in all but five cases there are fewer than 10 examples of each player that have ever been encapsulated by PSA. Of those five, #1 Wilt Chamberlain has the most with 14, followed by #10 Dave Bing and #20 Jerry Sloan at 12, #12 Earl Monroe at 11 and #13 Nate Thurmond with 10.
This #18 Elgin Baylor is the best known example of the Lakers Hall of Famer in this elusive set. Graded PSA NM-MT 8, it easily beats out the PSA MT 9 (OC) which would be downgraded at least two full points for its qualifier status. Only six Baylors have been encapsulated by PSA to date. SMR values really don't hold much water for these nearly extinct, black & white photographic cards with puzzle backs. Baylor is listed at $5,500 but as intelligent collectors well know this number is often multiplies for one that stands alone as the highest rated. The holder of the #1 current and all-time rated '68 Topps Test set in the PSA registry would no doubt like to upgrade the NM 7 Baylor with the only better example known to exist.
The crystal clear image of Baylor has nearly perfect edges and corners, super clean surfaces front and back, and immaculate print quality. It is just a tad off-center horizontally (40/60), which likely prevented it from attaining a MINT 9 grade. Super clean both front and on the puzzle back.
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