Sports Memorabilia, Trading Cards, and Americana May 16'26
Lot 448:
Description
BID PER WHAT YOU SEE IN THE PHOTO, NOT THE AI GENERATED TITLES AND DESCRIPTIONS! 1982 Topps Traded Cal Ripken Jr. Rookie Card #98T Baltimore Orioles
This is a 1982 Topps Traded series baseball card featuring Hall of Famer Cal Ripken Jr., designated as card number 98T. This issue represents Ripken’s first solo appearance on a Topps card and is considered a premier rookie card from the 1980s. The card is produced on standard printed cardstock. The front features a portrait of Ripken in a batting stance wearing a Baltimore Orioles home jersey. The Topps logo is printed in the upper right corner, with the player name and team title in orange block lettering. A facsimile signature is overlaid on the lower portion of the image. The reverse side contains comprehensive major and minor league batting records for Ripken from 1978 through 1981, along with biographical details. A highlighted fact at the bottom notes that Ripken hit a home run in his first at-bat of the 1982 season. The copyright line specifies 1982 Topps Chewing Gum, Inc. Printed in U.S.A.
Dimensions: 2.5 x 3.5 inches.
Provenance / Authentication Note: This item originates from a single-owner collection assembled by a dedicated sports fan (with a strong focus on Notre Dame and New York Yankees memorabilia). The collector actively pursued autographs over many years through in-person events, including games, autograph shows, and visits to National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum during player events, as well as through direct mail requests to athletes and celebrities. The collection included supporting material such as handwritten correspondence sent to athletes (in some cases with payment enclosed), along with photographs of the collector with various signers. A portion of this same collection was featured in our March 21st auction, where multiple items were authenticated by James Spence Authentication (JSA). In regards to any items with signature(s): While this specific item(s) may not be individually submitted for third-party authentication, it originates from the same collection and shows consistency with previously authenticated pieces. As with many large autograph collections, there may be a small number of facsimile or clubhouse-style signatures present, but for the most part we have seen AUTHENTIC SIGNATURES within the collection. Based on the overall provenance and our review, we maintain a strong level of confidence in the authenticity of most items. Bidders are encouraged to review all photos carefully and bid according to their own level of comfort. No additional authentication documentation is included unless visible within the lot photos. Please reach out with any questions.
Condition report:
This card is in ungraded, raw condition and is presented in a flexible plastic sleeve within a semi-rigid top loader. The front centering is moderately shifted toward the left and bottom borders, estimated at 60/40 left-to-right and 65/35 top-to-bottom. The reverse centering is well-balanced. Corners appear relatively sharp for an uncirculated card of this era, showing only very minor touches of white visible under magnification, primarily on the lower reverse corners. Edges are clean with no significant chipping or diamond cutting. The surface displays bright, original colors with no obvious creases, wrinkles, or indentations visible through the protective holder.
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