(LOT 87)
1962 Topps #471 Mickey Mantle All-Star (PSA Mint 9)
After placing a bat in Mantle's hands in their prior two-year's issues, Topps decided to utilize two classic Mantle portrait images for their ultra-condition sensitive wood-grain bordered 1962 compilations. Once again, Topps issued a second All-Star Mantle subject in its prestigious set, with this "scarce for the grade" PSA Mint 9 #471 All-Star offering seldom surfacing for the taking. Always one of hobbyists favorite Mantle subjects, high-grade collectors who settle for nothing but the best, endure an on-going painstaking task in locating "PSA "Mint 9" examples.

Simply stated, the wood-grain borders and/or edging magnify even the slightest surface flaws, similar to the 1955 Bowman and 1971 Topps issues. Therefore, it comes as no surprise that only 9 of the 1,800+ PSA encapsulated examples have achieved the hallowed "Mint 9" assessment, with not a SOLE copy graded higher! The 1962 season would represent Mickey Mantle's final World Series title, with the Yankees besting the San Francisco Giants in a grueling 7-game contest. "The Mick" would claim his third and final American League M.V.P. award that season, with his 30 round trippers, .321 batting average and .605 slugging percentage paving the way for the Yankee's final championship over the next 25 years.

Mantle's stellar 1962 campaign and the extraordinary value escalation of virtually any high-grade Mantle cardboard issue all combine to elevate this offering to world-class stature. His stoic portrait image depicts brilliant facial tints, with the classic pose well projected via the immaculate sky setting. The excellent centering is only slightly compromised by an "ever so slight" favoritism towards the left edge. Pinpoint corners, glistening surfaces, and atypical super clean wood-grain borders complete this time defying keepsake that stands with eight other specimens as the undisputed "best of the rest" marvel!

MIN BID $2,500
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