Hank Aaron Special Baseball Card 1974 Topps No. 4 - Axiom Grade 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.
Based on a physical inspection of the baseball card, here is a breakdown of the card's condition:
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Centering: The card is noticeably off-center. On the front, the bottom border is significantly thicker than the top border. On the back, it is off-center to the left and top. This is a common issue with cards from this era but will prevent it from achieving a high grade.
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Corners: The corners show clear signs of wear. They are no longer sharp and appear soft and slightly rounded, particularly the bottom two corners. This indicates the card has been handled over the years.
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Edges: The edges appear relatively clean but show some minor signs of wear and are not perfectly sharp. The bottom edge, in particular, may have some slight roughness.
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Surface: The surface on both the front and back appears to be in good condition. There are no obvious creases, wrinkles, or stains visible in the photos. The print color is still strong, and the gloss seems intact.
