I Just Nailed The Grail!!!
totallyradd
Posts: 983 ✭✭✭✭
In November, I set one goal: to grind harder than I ever had and make a run at my whale.
I flipped treasures I found at rummage sales, saved up my tips from my side gig, and sold off Hall of Fame vintage doubles I'd held onto for years, waiting for the right opportunity.
This week, I headed to the National with one mission: find the right 1948 Leaf Jackie Robinson.
On Wednesday, I scoured the entire show floor. I counted 15 or 16 copies spread across the room.
Some the back had bled through to the front. One had tape stains. One had trimmed borders. A few weren't for sale. Others were absolutely gorgeous, but well beyond my budget.
Then I found it.
It wasn't just about the grade. It was about the card. The centering was strong, the yellow background absolutely popped, and, somehow, it was within reach.
By 3:00 Thursday afternoon, I was holding a card I honestly wasn't sure I'd ever own. The hunt was worth every minute.
Here it is
Comments
Congrats on a major pickup!
Iconic card…beautiful example!
congrats. it is a wonderful feeling to accomplish a goal you were very disciplined to strive for!!
George Brett, Roger Clemens and Tommy Brady.
Congrats on such a great card.
1948-76 Topps FB Sets
FB & BB HOF Player sets
1948-1993 NY Yankee Team Sets
Very cool, nice job!
AWESOME!!!!
Congrats, that is an iconic card
Congrats....beautiful copy!
Nice pick up! Now that you have the grail....what's next?
I've been chipping away at my Hank Aaron run. Im a little over halfway there with all but one the 50s cards outta the way (1959). So Im gonna work on that, and pick up other HOF RCs. But I have no ambition to go after anything near this level for a llllong time. LOLZ
Thanks everyone for the kind words!!!
Sweet story with an awesome end. Congratulations
Beautiful card!
Nice Pick-up and Congrats on getting your White Whale
Robbie
1963 Fleer
Lou Brock Master Set
Congrats! That is a fantastic card. Super clean print and registration as well.
Some have made solid arguments that this is a 1949 card, despite PSA's notation on the flip, but that's for another discussion.
I salute you, sir.
Great card, great example!
Curious about the rare, mysterious and beautiful 1951 Wheaties Premium Photos?
https://forums.collectors.com/discussion/987963/1951-wheaties-premium-photos-set-registry#latest
Congrats Man!
I found my holy grail back in 2012 it was not a Trading Card but nonetheless I know that feeling of satisfaction.
It's the singer not the song - Peter Townshend (1972)
Not even a minute do I buy the whole buh buh buh I'm a man-child japery - Me (2025)
Yes it is. Ha! I already had his Bowman, but I feel this is the stronger of the two. And it pops better. But thats just one guys opinion. Cheers!
Congratulations!! I just got back from the National yesterday and realized that that card is also my grail!
As I leafed through the Love of the Game catalog, I found what I thought might be it! Same card in PSA 2.5. When I clicked on it, I realized it was already at a level beyond what I had hoped to pay.
It is truly a great card, and I am glad you got it!
David
Always looking for Mantle cards such as Stahl Meyer, 1954 Dan Dee, 1959 Bazooka, 1960 Post, 1952 Star Cal Decal, 1952 Tip Top Bread Labels, 1953-54 Briggs Meat, and other Topps, Bowman, and oddball Mantles.
Great card!
HOF SIGNED FOOTBALL RCS
Wow! Congratulations.
That's a card I've always wanted.
What a steal! 😎
That’s the same card on eBay for $95 sold on 7/1/2026! What?!
I did see this as well. I dunno that story, but wish I had seen it before I got home, just to ask.
https://www.ebay.com/itm/277969699426
then
https://www.ebay.com/itm/278147051162
it was not sold (or sale not consummated) for 94.99
It's the singer not the song - Peter Townshend (1972)
Not even a minute do I buy the whole buh buh buh I'm a man-child japery - Me (2025)
Figured something like that was the case
Congrats!
'48 Jackie continues to elude my collection.
Two stories:
Circa 2010, I ogled an SGC 8 on eBay for about a month; $7800 BIN. The most recent sale was $5000 for an 8.
My goal was to acquire a 6. Of course, I had a hard time justifying that much money for cardboard.
2015: At a local show, I agreed to purchase an SGC 5 for $2000. It was right in line with recent comps.
Drove to the bank, withdrew the money. Unfortunately, turned left instead of right to drive back to my house.
Again, my goal was to acquire a 6. Also, I had just purchased my house and had a hard time justifying that much money on cardboard.
Can I please have a time machine
Ouch.
We all have those stories though!
HOF SIGNED FOOTBALL RCS