Lot # 1682: 1968 Topps 3-D Uncut Sheet with Roberto Clemente and Two Unissued Proof Cards

Presented is an extraordinary 1968 Topps 3-D uncut sheet with nine different cards, including one of the most perfect and noteworthy examples of Roberto Clemente that could possibly exist and, which by chance and good fortune, happens to be in a perfectly preserved spot on the sheet. This is one of only two uncut sheets of 1968 Topps 3-D with Clemente that we know to exist. The additional players on this sheet are Jim Maloney, John O’Donogue (proof card - No Team/Player Designation. It is interesting to note that the background used on this card is completely different from the other proof examples that we have seen), Ron Fairly, Willie Davis, Tony Perez, Tommy Davis (proof card - No Team/Player Designation), Ron Swoboda and Bill Robinson. In the world of baseball-card collecting, many serious collectors revere the 1968 Topps 3-D set more than any other set of its era. Whether these cards were actually issued in stores remains a mystery, but legend has always had it that, as a test, a few boxes were distributed to select stores in the Brooklyn, N.Y., area. To the best of our knowledge, however, most 1968 Topps 3-D cards (including this sheet) can be traced back to someone who worked at Topps or Xograph (the company that produced these cards for Topps). The fragile nature of all 3-D cards (very susceptible to surface cracks) make high-grade examples all the rarer. This is a beautiful sheet! It is bright, crisp, and clean, with brilliant colors throughout. The sheet is in Near Mint condition overall. The cards on the sheet, including Clemente, are free of any noticeable creasing or cracking. The blank reverse is entirely clean. This is an extremely significant uncut sheet of 1968 Topps 3-D baseball cards, with a stunning example of key card Roberto Clemente. It is one of Clemente's most important cards and one of the most famous of all 1960s bubble-gum cards. An incredible addition to a world-class uncut sheet, Topps, or Roberto Clemente collection. Dimensions: 7.5 x 11.5 inches.