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 #268, Dom Demeter, graded MINT
9. A nice kneeling pose allows a full view of the front of the Phillies uniform, while a teammate in the background with his back to the camera also shows the full back with the oversized numbers, serving as a wonderful historical document. The Philadelphia outfielder finished 12th in MVP voting in 1962, and followed it up with another terrific year in 1963, finishing 21st.
This example of his 1963 Topps entry exhibits great corners and sharp edges. Centering is slightly east on the canvas. A minor registration issue with the green bottom border, along with some color loss along that portion's lower edge and a fisheye keep this card from grading even higher than it already has.
You
won't find a nicer example of this card. And that isn't hyperbole. Not a
single example ever seen by PSA has received a higher grade than the
card offered here.