Lot # 88: c. 1960 Uncatalogued Maruhachi Seika All Star Gum Card--Nakata--Only Example

Category: Baseball Cards

Starting Bid: $40.00

Bids: 18 (Bid History)

Time Left: Auction closed
Lot / Auction Closed




This lot is closed. Bidding is not allowed.

Item was in Auction "Auction 61: Ended 6/27/2021",
which ran from 6/9/2021 8:00 PM to
6/26/2021 11:00 PM



This obscure issue, produced by Maruhachi Confectionery in Nagoya, Japan, was found in packages of a product called Lithion All Star Gum. This is the only example of any card from this set that we have ever seen.

Given the information printed on the reverse, we assume that nearly all cards were eventually redeemed for various prizes, ranging from cameras, to transistor radios, to softballs. We think that there may have been 20 cards in the set, as it states that if one turns in the 10 cards of players from each league, that person will receive a Yamaha organ, which appears to be the grand prize.

Thirteen players who appear in the set are mentioned on the card back by name, as groups of cards containing these specific players could be redeemed for various prizes. The company still exists, but it is doubtful that we will ever found out the exact story behind these cards. In any case, this card will enhance any type card collection.

After a stellar career at Keio University, Yoshihiro Nakata, a right handed outfielder, played for the Hankyu Braves from 1957 to 1968, batting .238 lifetime with 154 home runs.

Size: Approximately 1 3/8" square

Condition: The front is Vg/Ex, but there is some rust on the back in the lower left corner.

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