Hank Aaron Braves Baseball Card 1974 Topps No. 5 - Axiom Graded Excellent Condition, See Photos ... Includes FREE SHIPPING. Note sports memorabilia market hit $16 billion in 2023. Projections indicate it will reach $52 billion by 2032, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of nearly 14% during the forecast period (2024-2032).
Henry "Hank" Aaron's life was a testament to quiet greatness and unwavering perseverance, defining him as not just a baseball icon but an American hero. Rising from the segregated South and the Negro Leagues to superstardom with the Milwaukee and Atlanta Braves, Aaron established himself as a model of consistent excellence. While famous for shattering Babe Ruth's hallowed home run record, his legacy is built on being a complete player, as he remains Major League Baseball's all-time leader in Runs Batted In (2,297) and Total Bases (6,856). The historic pursuit of home run number 715 was not merely a celebratory countdown; it was a trial of character, as he endured an avalanche of racist hate mail and death threats with immense dignity and grace. By the time he retired with 755 home runs, "Hammerin' Hank" had transcended the sport, becoming a beloved ambassador for baseball and a powerful symbol of courage in the face of bigotry.
Here is a breakdown of the card's condition based on physical examination by Axiom. The four key grading criteria:
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Corners: The corners show noticeable wear. They are softened and blunted, with visible whitening and slight "fuzziness," particularly on the top-right and bottom-left corners. They are not severely rounded or creased, but they lack the sharpness of a high-grade card.
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Edges: The edges appear to have some minor wear and slight chipping, which is common for this set due to the colored borders on the back. The left front edge shows some roughness against the white border.
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Surface: The surface on both the front and back appears to be in good condition. The colors are bright, and there are no obvious creases, wrinkles, major scratches, or stains visible in the photos.
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Centering: This is the most significant condition issue. The card is significantly off-center from left to right. The left border is much thicker than the right border. Poor centering is a major factor that will lower the professional grade.
