Signed 1980 Charlotte O's Police Orange Border Cal Ripken Jr. Minor League Rookie BGS VG-EX 4/Auto 10

• Sold For: $29,400
• Year: 1980
• Auction: 2024 Fall
• Lot #: 7
• Auction Category: Featured

The King of Modern Minor League Cards! Graded VG-EX 4 by BGS with a "10" Auto grade. On the heels of our record-shattering August 2024 sale of a 1980 Charlotte O's Police Orange Border Cal Ripken Jr. Minor League rookie (sold for $69,000), it is not surprising that the collecting world took notice with considerable interest. While Huggins & Scott Auctions has been entrusted with other Orange Border Ripken Jr. sales in the past, the offered Kansas-based find is the first signed example we have offered! The ultimate "Iron Man" grail, less than 50 total Cal Ripken Jr., examples have been validated combined by third-party authenticators PSA, SGC and BGS (cross-over attempts notwithstanding). The 25-card Orange Border set was issued for the Charlotte Police force and then distributed randomly, one at a time to youngsters while on patrol or at other community functions. While the lion's share of Orange Borders were discarded, this example of the Baltimore Orioles legend has withstood the decades in admirable condition. Despite moderately worn corners and slightly faded edges, the "head and shoulders" portrait of Ripken Jr., standing against the seats at Crockett Field seats is crease-free. Additionally, the reverse which provides hints/tips from the Charlotte P.D. is sparkling clean. This masterpiece also crossed paths with Ripken Jr., as the Hall of Famer perfectly placed his autograph in blue Sharpie. A truly game-changing piece that serves as the unquestioned benchmark of any advanced Cal Ripken Jr. collection. Opening Bid $10,000.