We have made the decision to break up an EXTRAORDINARY 1963 Topps set - the #4 Master Set on the PSA Set Registry. The 1963 set is a particularly difficult set to complete in high grade due to Topps' poor quality control in the era which resulted in considerable print defects. The large and colorful border at the bottom simultaneously lends a distinctive design element and a condition challenge, as they are extremely susceptible to chipping and wear. 

The example offered here is card #446, Whitey Ford, graded NM-MT 8. During his MLB career, Whitey Ford had 10 World Series victories, more than any other pitcher. Ford also leads all starters in World Series losses (8) and starts (22), as well as innings, hits, walks, and strikeouts. The last of his 10 wins came during Game 1 of the 1962 World Series, but Ford had a very strong 1963, leading the league with 24 wins and finishing 3rd in MVP voting.

His 1963 Topps card shows a portrait of The Chairman Of The Board in his home, Yankee Stadium, the sun shining on his face. Four nice corners and edges here, with centering just slightly east on the canvas. Registration is slightly off on the green bottom border and orange circle inset, with some light color loss at the bottom corners of that green area, common to the set.

Even still, only 16 of the more than 1,300 examples graded by PSA have ever received a higher grade than the NM-MT 8 offered here.