The 1974 Topps Deckle Edge set remains one of the most scarce and intriguing issues of the modern era. Issued in very limited quantities around Massachussetts the cards comprised a 72-card set that were larger (2 7/8 x 5") and on heavier stock than the Deckle Edge set of 1969 but featuring a similar black-and-white photo with facsimile signature on the front. Backs can be found with white or gray stock (the white stock somewhat more scarce) featuring a "news clip" about the player with some "handwritten" info about the photo and when it was taken.The Standard Catalog makes reference to "proof versions with straight edges and gray or what backs" being known. We"re proud to have a large group of them featured in this auction including a good number of Hall of Famers. This card of Hall of Famer Steve Carlton has an EX-MT to NMT appearance but due to the lack of an actual deckle edge PSA will only grade this proof as "Authentic." In addition to the scarcity of the issue and the rarity of this being a proof the card also has the scarce white back.As of this writing PSA has graded just two white back Carlton proofs (and one gray back) and SGC has graded just one more proof. A very difficult-to-find proof issue from one of Topps" most scarce and desirable modern sets.