Lot # 5: 1911 T205 Gold Border Christy Mathewson "Cycle 1 Loss" Variation PSA VG 3

Graded VG 3 by PSA. Incredibly scarce 1911 T205 Gold Border "Cycle 1 Loss" printing variation of New York Giants Hall of Famer Christy Mathewson. This gorgeous relic would be quite a prize even if it were not for the printing mishap! This variation is a relatively new discovery that has only been recognized by The Standard Catalog and grading companies as a checklist addition to the T205 set within the past two decades. The “Cycle 1 Loss” variation error card is distinguished by the missing “1” from Mathewson's stats on the card’s reverse (Mathewson's pitching stats for the 1908 season are listed as "37-1," when in actuality he lost eleven games). This back variation appears only on T205 Mathewson cards with a Cycle Cigarettes back. This striking example has flawless colors and perfect registration. The delicate gold borders and corners show light touches of wear appropriate for the assigned grade. A slight crease ranging from the upper middle edge that ends at Matty's hairline doesn't seriously impact this cornerstone's overall presentation. The reverse is exceptionally clean with crisp, bold black printing, centered to the bottom. Both the cleanness of the reverse and the boldness of its printing, of course, are particularly desirable and ideal qualities for this important pre-war variation.