Long Lost Reggie Jackson Orioles Card Surfaces

Topps recently discovered an extremely rare 1977 Reggie Jackson proof card picturing Mr. October in an Orioles uniform. Topps Vault (www.toppsvault.com), which specializes in rare Topps items such as proof cards and uncut sheets, sold the card in conjunction with eBay for $6,101 last month.

As soon as Jackson signed with the Yankees prior to the 1977 season, Topps quickly airbrushed its original photo, covering the Orioles home uniform and multi-colored hat with Yankee pinstripes and traditional cap. Jackson's first official Yankees card (#10) became a key part of the '77 Topps set and currently sells for $8 in mint condition. A few original blank-backed proofs escaped the Topps shredders and found their way into the marketplace. Because of its scarcity and Jackson's October heroics, this proof card is among the hobby's most sought-after commodities. The proof card does not have a facsimile autograph commonly featured on '77 Topps cards.

According to published reports, television commentator, baseball historian/hobbyist Keith Olbermann owns two versions of this almost singular collectible. One is an actual card, the other is part of an uncut proof sheet that he purchased at a 1989 Topps/Guernsey's auction for an undisclosed price.

Although Jackson played the 1976 season with the Orioles, he is pictured in an Oakland A's uniform because Topps did not have time to doctor the photo before the series was released. Later that season, Star Co. finally released a card with Jackson wearing an Orioles uniform. Nearly a decade later Upper Deck released the first memorabilia cards sporting Jackson
in an Orioles uniform.