Lot # 1653: Extremely Rare 1960 Topps #102 Kent Hadley Unissued Team Variation Proof

Presented is an incredible and extremely rare unissued team variation of #102 Kent Hadley from the 1960 Topps set. This is part of an exciting collection of unusual 1960 Topps proof cards offered within this auction, including three legendary rarities of which only a few are known to exist. Hadley was traded from the Athletics to the Yankees prior to the 1960 season but not before Topps had printed cards featuring him with the Athletics. Topps adjusted accordingly, and the final-issue card #102 shows Hadley with a New York Yankees team logo. This hand-cut (by definition, as this card had to have been cut from a proof sheet) card is exceptionally bright and clean, with strong corners and a boldly printed reverse. For many years, the proof cards of Hadley, Faye Throneberry, and Gino Cimoli have been the subject of great research and debate by serious Topps collectors. The presence in the market of these few known examples almost certainly lead back to Topps employees, including Woody Gelman and Bill Haber, and many casual collectors are not even aware of their existence, their significance, and ultimately their great value. This is a notable Topps rarity that would be a significant addition to even the most advanced Topps collection. Total: 2 cards (one proof and one final-issue card).