Despite the famous breakthrough of Jackie Robinson in Major League in 1947, the beginnings of this quiet athlete born in Alabama are marred by racism and segregation. Playing as outfielder, his results in Negro League in 1952 and 1953 with the Indianapolis Clowns are already exceptional.
Henry enters the Major League in 1954 with the Milwaukee Braves. Topps publishes his rookie card under number 128, with a highly effective portrait. He is a good guy. The back of the card reinforces this feature by showing the player presenting to his friends his Minor League trophy watches. It may be noted from this example that Topps remains impartial with respect to racial issues.
1954-128 is not uncommon in mint condition and for this reason auction prices have not yet reached the culmination deserved from the subsequent glory of this rookie. PSA recorded 2 cards in Gem Mint 10 condition and no fewer than 22 cards in Mint 9 condition. Prices are however rising, following the trend of the rest of the market.
One of the two PSA 10 cards was sold for $ 360K by SCP Auctions in May 2012.
Two PSA 9 have already been sold in 2016 : $ 192K including premium by Mile High Card Company on January 22 and $ 360K including premium by Heritage on August 28. The card sold seven months ago remained well below the price guide currently suggested by PSA. It comes back unsurprisingly in the online sale by Goldin Auctions ending on October 1, lot 28. The tweet below refers to its January sale.
SOLD for $ 320K including premium
PSA 9 1954 Topps Hank Aaron Sells for $192,547 at @milehighcard! Auction highlights here: https://t.co/G3LgvWdFyw pic.twitter.com/15PGR5ltcp
— Collectibles Central (@CollectCentral) January 25, 2016