As is well-known among hobbyists the 1958 Hires Root Beer issue is both popular and plentiful when found without the 3 1/2" tab printed at the bottom of the card. The tab which advertised a fan club membership kept the card in place in its cardboard soda carton and was typically removed by young collectors. The cards are much more scarce with the tab even more so in high grade. While the 1958 Hires cards are not particularly attractive depicting a photo of the subject as viewed through a "knothole " presumably in an outfield fence they remain tremendously popular among hobbyists. Presented here is the rare anomaly - a high-grade specimen featuring the set's key card of Hall of Fame outfielder Willie Mays in high grade. This is in fact the only example graded NM/MT 88 by SGC with just one graded higher. The card exhibits sharp edges and corners a crisp image and just a hint of edge wear particularly in the lower-left corner of the card itself at the black border and the perforation. An outstanding example of a card that will always be in high demand among collectors of 1950s cards particularly tougher regional issues. Population Data SGC Population: 14 total graded 1 at this level 0 higher PSA Population: 49 total graded 5 at this level 2 higher