The ascension of Jackie Robinson onto the hobby's Mount Rushmore of value and desirability is a welcome one. His well-documented greatness and grace under pressure paved the way for wholesale changes in American attitudes, values and beliefs about racial equality, not only in sports but in society as a whole. Suffice to say that the tightrope Robinson successfully walked was one that no other athlete has experienced, before or since. Today, few American athletes are more revered.

Presented here is one of the ultimate Jackie Robinson collectibles - a beautifully-autographed example of his desirable 1949 Bowman card. Well-centered and clean, the autograph has been applied carefully across the center, underneath Robinson's face, along with a familiar "Best wishes" salutation. The signature remains strong enough to have garnered a grade of MINT 9 from PSA/DNA. The boldness of the signature, coupled with its contrast against the white background of Robinson's jersey, the ink matching the Dodger blue alongside it, ranks it among the finest signed Jackie Robinson cards we have ever seen.

The card image itself is clean and well-centered, with tremendous print registration in an issue that is often lacking in this area.  The card itself has received an AUTHENTIC grade from PSA, pointing out the alteration of a very slight trim. Corner wear is otherwise natural and honest, at the VG+ level. One of just nine examples assessed by PSA/DNA, this is undoubtedly one of the finest, a rival to the example that sold for $360,000 at auction in 2024 in terms of aesthetics, if not grade.

One of two mainstream issues considered to be Robinson's rookie card, this is a superb example. Clean and colorful, the signature was carefully applied so as to be legible, not interfering with Robinson's image or with the team name printed on his jersey. Part of a gorgeous, nearly-complete signed set that has been tucked away for some time, this is certainly one of Robinson's most desirable cards and certainly one of his most rare. An incredibly important signed rookie card of the player who may be the most important of American athletes.  A true hobby rarity.