A very tough regional issue of one of the hobby’s most desired and collected players. Seldom seen, this Tip Top Bread premium, issued at the beginning of The Mick’s career, has the eye appeal of a NRMT to MINT piece. The blazing red field on the front of this item exhibits virtually no wear at the edges and corners and none of the typical edge chipping that is commonly found in this issue. The normal bleed through from the back printing is very faint and does not detract form the overall eye appeal. The image of Mantle is bright and vivid with excellent contrast and registration. All eight of the corner points are in NRMT or better condition with several being closer to MINT condition, with sharp points and full color. The back exhibits a small discoloration from an album hinge that was removed without damaging the back surface. Otherwise, the back of this item borders on MINT condition! If not for several minor pressure indentations on the front surface, that happen to be very normal as the result of packaging this premium at the end of a loaf of bread, this item would grade NRMT+. There are not many of these around and this would rank near the top in any collection. Don’t hold back on bidding on this one as you may wait a long, long time before seeing another!