Graded NM-MT 8 (ST) by PSA. Hall of Famer. This glamorous and rare collectible is one of fewer than fifty total examples documented in PSA's census reporting; just a dozen copies have exceeded the unqualified NM-MT 8 grading level. This is the ultimate trophy piece for the sophisticated Roberto Clemente collection and, indeed, for the entirety of the 1960s trading card era. The 1968 Topps "3-D" test issue's then-new "lenticular" technology created a spellbinding effect, transforming a subject's portrait photo into a spectacle that seemed to glow and breathe. In the case of a larger-than-life figure like Clemente, the "3-D"'s presentation is nothing less than irresistible. Compounding the mystique of this virtually never-encountered piece is its fabled rarity. The "3-D" issue was concocted by Topps as a pure experiment. A very few of the "Xograph"-trademarked items were made by Visual Panographics of New York, and it's suspected that - excepting, possibly, a tiny number sent out for test-marketing - none circulated beyond the hands of Topps executives. With respect to hobby-wide interest in one of baseball's most popular players, this was the bleakest of scenarios, and it ensured the item's perennial status as perhaps the most universally hungered-for trading card from the period. With a plastic-coated, shimmering surface, the "3-D's" must have required diligent care and attention at every step of the manufacturing process, and the offered example was clearly the beneficiary of effective quality control. Its vibrant illustration projects from within a frame of four ideally balanced, bright white margins, and its focus and detail aspects are simply pristine. On the card's blank back, the merest trace of blemish - actually, more of a faint "shading" - is revealed at the left border. The piece's overall aesthetic can be summarized by the word, "breathtaking." Near Mint to Mint condition, qualified as noted.

Accepted Forms of Payment:

American Express, Discover, MasterCard, Money Order / Cashiers Check, Personal Check, Visa, Wire Transfer

Shipping

Shipping: Costs for packaging, shipping and insurance will be added to all invoices. No lots will be shipped until full payment is received. PLEASE NOTE: All invoices greater than $1000.00 MUST be shipped via FedEx to a physical address with an adult signature requirement for insurance purposes. Items will be shipped as soon as possible after the payment has cleared. If you would like to pick your items up in person at our New Jersey location, we will waive the shipping and handling charges, however sales tax will be charged in accordance with New Jersey tax codes. If you purchase from a live auction, we do not allow in person pickup at the auction. All items will be shipped from, or picked up in New Jersey, no exceptions. Most items are sent FedEx with tracking, insurance, and signature confirmation. Extremely large or heavy items may require special shipping arrangements. If you are interested in bidding on an oversized item, we suggest calling before bidding to determine the approximate shipping cost.

by Goldin Auctions
July 31, 2015 8:30 PM CDT
9701 W Bryn Mawr Ave
Rosemont, IL, US 60018

Goldin Auctions

You agree to pay a buyer's premium of 26.5% and any applicable taxes and shipping.

View full terms and conditions

Bid Increments
From: To: Increments:
$0 $499 $25
$500 $999 $50
$1,000 $2,499 $100
$2,500 $4,999 $250
$5,000 $9,999 $500
$10,000 $19,999 $1,000
$20,000 $29,999 $2,000
$30,000 $49,999 $3,000
$50,000 $99,999 $5,000
$100,000 $199,999 $10,000
$200,000 $299,999 $20,000
$300,000 $499,999 $30,000
$500,000 $999,999 $50,000
$1,000,000 + $100,000