The timing of the oversized 1969 Topps tall boy set just happened to coincide with a particularly huge presence entering the league. Three-time All-America center Lew Alcindor had left UCLA to sign a 5-year, $1.25 million contract with the Milwaukee Bucks. Measuring 7'1 1/2" and 235 lbs. according to the back of his iconic card, Alcindor – who later changed his name to Kareem Abdul-Jabbar – would go on to have one of the most storied NBA careers of all time and one of the most sought-after rookie cards of all time.
In addition to the card’s age, this beloved ‘69 Topps rookie is tough to find in high grade for several reasons. One is their size. The abnormal dimensions meant the cards didn’t fit as nicely into standard-sized storage boxes, binders, and protective cases of the era. Unlike today, it wasn’t easy to get your hands on specially-sized storage solutions when the cards were released. This lack of protection options compounds the typical issues that haunt vintage sports cards – many of which stem from an overall lack of concern for preserving their condition. Another factor is the design, which highlights centering issues that plague the release. Eye appeal is readily apparent as the round inset border’s proximity to the sides of the card means miscuts and misprints have nowhere to hide. The white border also prominently wears markings and aging discoloration.
The certification number on this card has been checked against the third-party grader's online database and is active as of 11/05/24.
