This week we are offering a card that is on the want lists of a lot of collectors. It’s a PSA 8 Joe DiMaggio Callahan Hall of Fame Tribute card. Callahan cards were printed from 1950-55, and showcased the players in Baseball’s Hall of Fame. The ‘living set’ was updated with new players each year as they were elected to the Hall of Fame. When production ceased on the cards in 1955, DiMaggio was one of the last printed since he had just been inducted and only a small number have survived. The DiMaggio card we’re offering this week is one of only 79 ever graded by PSA. It’s already been discovered by collectors who know they rarely come up for sale, especially in near mint-mint condition. As we've written here in the blog before, the Callahan cards have become red hot in the hobby. They were created by B. E. Callahan, who was the publisher of the annual Who’s Who in Baseball publication. Artist Mario DeMarco created the illustrations that were used on the cards through his unique ‘dot method’ in which thousands of small dots were used to create a black and white portrait. Clearly, he was very skilled as the artwork on the cards is nothing short of remarkable. The scarcity and quality—not to mention the star power—are what have given Callahans the enormous respect they are now earning. The Callahan cards are small—each measures 1 ¾” by 2 ½”. The backs contain a player’s biography and are unnumbered. Originally sold through the Baseball Hall of Fame and select ballparks in small collectors boxes, they were no longer available by the late 50s. Compared to their bubble gum card counterparts, this 82-card set is remarkably scarce and DiMaggio is a key to the set. We believe our auction will help set the market for this scarce and desirable issue. Bidding closes Sunday evening.
