T205 Christy Mathewson Cycle back with rare statistical error on back PSA VG/EX 4.
Lot 5a. T205 Christy Mathewson Cycle back with rare statistical error on back PSA VG/EX 4. To the best of our knowledge, offered at auction only once before, in our 2008 Auction. The rear of the Cycle backed card shows Mathewson having lost only one game in 1908 rather than the 11 he actually lost which is recorded on every other non Cycle back T205 Mathewson known. The card in the 2008 auction, which was a lesser grade (SGC 3). After the previous 2008 sale ($10,453), I did some research. In my archives were the detailed holdings of prominent T205 back collectors Irv Lerner, Bill Broderick and Bll Heitman, both of whom collected over many years. Neither owned the card despite having many Mathewson’s. It was also clear from these lists that Cycle backs, while not being in the category of Drum, Uzit and Lenox, are a tough back. The Mathewson card is well centered and has a clean back with very clear print, as did the one offered in 2008. There is corner wear and some edge wear accounting for the grade. The type on the back is extremely dark and clear and this is not a case of the type not coming out or a digit being rubber out. At this time the card must be considered the rarest of T205 variations along with "Hoblitzell". Winning Bid $8,577.
