1968 Topps 3-D Bob Clemente PSA 8

1968 Topps 3-D Bob Clemente PSA 8 - The First "Refractor" and One of Clemente's Most Exclusive Cards

Among the most unique and coveted oddball issues of the 1960s, the 1968 Topps 3-D test set is a true hobby rarity—and at the center of it stands Bob Clemente, one of the most beloved and impactful players in baseball history. Known today as Roberto Clemente, the Pirates’ Hall of Fame outfielder was a 12-time Gold Glove winner, a 15-time All-Star, a World Series champion, and a proud humanitarian whose legacy transcended the game. By 1968, Clemente was at the height of his powers—still spraying line drives to all fields, still running down fly balls with grace, and still carrying the pride of Puerto Rico on his shoulders.

This 1968 Topps 3-D card is far more than a visual novelty—it’s an exceptionally scarce artifact. Released only in limited test markets and never distributed nationally, the 3-D cards were printed using a lenticular technology that gave the images a layered, almost lifelike appearance. Today, surviving examples—especially of stars like Clemente—are exceptionally hard to find in high grade. This PSA 8 is a stunning specimen, offering sharp definition, rich color, and strong structural integrity for a notoriously fragile issue prone to cracking and surface defects.

For collectors of rare Topps test issues, Roberto Clemente’s iconic cardboard, or true postwar baseball rarities, this card is a centerpiece. It represents a bold experiment in card production, a flashpoint in hobby innovation, and a striking tribute to one of baseball’s most respected figures. Clemente’s legend lives far beyond the numbers—and this card captures that greatness in unforgettable three dimensions.