(LOT 68)
1962 Topps #200 Mickey Mantle PSA 8 NM-MT
THE MICK!!!... After placing a bat in Mantle's hands in their prior two-year's issues, Topps decided to utilize another classic Mantle portrait image for their ultra-condition sensitive wood-grain bordered 1962 compilation. 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 high grade 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. With that said, presented here is a remarkable PSA 8 specimen that has only been bested by a meager sixteen example!

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 powder blue sky setting.

The illustrations relatively fine centering does exhibit some favoritism towards the lower edge between four virtually flawless brown borders. Pinpoint corners and immaculate surfaces complete this time defying marvel that has somehow managed to retain nearly all of its original factory issued attributes!

MIN BID $2,000

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