Graded by PSA VG-EX 4. Collectors love the N172 Old Judge issue for many reasons, one of which was the use of real photos in interestingly posed 'action' shots. While most cards in this hobby are graded and collected based upon condition of corners, edges, creasing and other handling factors, the N172 (and N173) cards are collected due to their print and image quality. Luckily for this auction, our consignor 'cherried' his N172s based upon the superb image quality each possesses.
This Billy Hamilton might be graded PSA VG-EX 4, and the technical aspects certainly warrant this evaluation, however the image of Hamilton pre-swing at a ball hanging from a string is crystal clear, a virtual 10 on the picture quality scale. This example is well centered side to side, and while closely cropped at the bottom edge, the all-original factory cut along the bottom does not engage the printed material below the image. Light toning on the reverse is mentioned for the sake of accuracy.
With only a handful of Billy Hamilton cards available to the hobby, this is Hamilton’s first of only a handful of cards issued. A stunning example of this Hall of Famer’s rookie card.
