This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 4/30/2023
In 1952, Big Klu was at the very start of a five year span in which he became the National League’s premier power hitter. From 1952 to 1956 Klu hit 187 home runs while averaging .316 for the Reds. For a time the Cincinnati strong man was thought to have a real shot at breaking Ruth’s single season home run record, but a back injury in 1956 cut short his career. This outstanding example of his 1952 Topps card has been graded a PSA NM-MT+8.5, and just looking at it one can see why it was awarded that grade. The borders are sharp and white, the colors bright and the registration tight. The 'Red Back' reverse is super clean and just a tad bit tilted. This is the only NM-MT+ 8.5 in PSA’s population and only two have been graded higher than this example -- both Mint 9, no Gem Mint 10 exists. (No 'Black Back' examples have ever achieved a grade higher than PSA NM-MT 8.)