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 #262, Ellis Burton, graded MINT
9. Burton was selected in the Rule 5 draft by the Houston Colt .45s from the Milwaukee Braves on November 26, 1962. However, before ever having a chance to play a game for Houston, Burton was purchased by the Cleveland Indians on April 2, 1963, making this card a rare instance of a player being depicted as a part of a team for which he never played a single game. Note the blank uniforms in each photo and the airbrushed hat in the inset circle.
The card, itself, is in wonderful shape. Great corners and edges, bold colors. A minor registration issue with the red inset circle and some print lines running vertically the height of the card are keep it 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.