1966 FD-26 Grateful Dead Avalon Ballroom Signed Mouse Poster CGC 7.5

The growth of concert posters as esteemed collectibles is intricately linked to the iconic FD-26-OP-1 Grateful Dead Avalon Ballroom poster from September 16-17, 1966. This "Skeleton & Roses" masterpiece not only captures the Grateful Dead's story in a tangible form but also serves as a vivid gauge of the evolving value trajectory of collectible concert posters.

Since the day it rolled off the press, this poster was displayed lovingly. The appeal of the image and its connection to the Dead made this artwork incredibly appealing to fans. Countless copies found their way onto walls, enduring years of admiration and ultimately decay. The allure was so compelling that reprints were produced to meet the overwhelming demand. Amidst this enthusiasm, a handful of visionary individuals preserved original copies, attesting to the poster's enduring charm.

The scarce gem-grade specimens that have survived over 58 years have set the benchmark, but for obvious reasons, they are offered few and far between. However, the slightly less pristine examples contribute to record-breaking sales, showcasing the poster's sustained demand and value. While a BG 105-OP 9.8 San Francisco concert poster recently reached a six-figure price of $175,000, a CGC 9.6 copy recently fetched $55,000, hinting at a rising trend. In contrast, the FD-26 boasts a comprehensive track record that bolsters buyer confidence.

For those considering making the commitment to own this heirloom poster, the trailblazer of the graded concert poster market,  a closer examination of this offering is warranted. Graded 7.5 by CGC, a leader in grading collectible comic books, this poster presents as clean and sharp. Its perfect registration showcases bright colors on clean paper. The passage of time is evident in the appropriate toning and faint foxing, while 5 tape pulls on the reverse and a minor nick in the bottom left corner tell of its journey. Notably, it bears the pencil signature of its creator, Stanley Mouse.

This poster embodies a legacy that extends beyond its physical form, representing a cultural movement, a musical milestone, and an artifact of enduring allure.
 

--CRITICAL DETAILS--
--TITLE: FD-26
--GRADE: 7.5
--PERFORMERS: Grateful Dead, Oxford Circle
--VENUE: Avalon Ballroom
--CITY: San Francisco
--DATE: 09/16/66
--PRINTING: OP-1; Original Pre-Concert First Printing Poster
--SIZE: 14.13 x 20

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