(LOT 4)
1953 Topps #82 Mickey Mantle (PSA 8.5) - One of Only 3 Masterpieces at this High Grade
Most would agree that Mickey Mantle's 1952 Topps subject as well as the T206 Wagner are the cornerstones of card collecting. However this mystique was established, no one will argue that Mantle's 1952 Topps image will forever be embedded in hobby folklore, and is one of the few post WWII cards that supersedes almost all of the high-end pre-WWII cards. Unfortunately, a considerable number of advanced collectors simply cannot afford the stratospheric price tags of a high grade 1952 Topps Mantle rookie card. While not the hallowed Topps rookie card, the Mick's 2nd year 1953 Topps subject has gained considerable prestige over the years via its incredible stoic lithographic Mantle portrait image as well as being the 1952 rookie card successor.

With that in mind, presented here is a truly breathtaking 1953 Topps 2nd- year Mantle in a PSA 8.5 holder; one of only three examples at this sanctified tier with a mere 10 examples graded higher! No baseball player could possibly equal Mickey Mantle's post-WWII popularity. Without question, his mystique remains unparalleled in the card market, yet considering that his lifetime batting statistics were not overwhelming, you sometimes ponder as to the root of Mantle's unequivocal fame. Characteristics such as his inconceivable power, long tape measure home runs and overall love for the game have, undoubtedly, elevated his godly stature. He was Goliath, Davey Crockett, John Wayne and Joe DiMaggio all rolled up into one super icon, the ultimate embodiment of a National hero.

Worshiped by millions of young American boys, Mantle's legacy continues to steamroll ahead, and it is no secret that his early 1950's cards continue to realize record breaking prices with each and every sale. The term "rare for the grade" certainly applies to this "1 of 3" masterpiece that has NOT been publicly sold at the stratospheric PSA 8.5 assessment for some 18 months! This outstanding 2nd year Topps specimen portrays a truly flawless lithographic pose of the "Mick", bursting with vitality and a pristine array of colored hues that place it as "pack fresh" quality. Atypical for this issue, the image is extremely well-centered between clean white borders, with corners so blistering sharp they could essentially draw blood.

Even more impressive is the nearly flawless lower red border that typically reveals serious chipping near the edges. The verso reveals no glaring flaws, whatsoever, the final compliment to a card that appears pristine in every conceivable way. As previously stated, it has been quite some time for any recorded public sale of such an extremely high PSA graded 1953 Topps Mantle, justifying why the most meticulous Mantle enthusiasts should wage a fierce battle to capture this seldom surfacing cardboard wonder!

MIN BID $17,500
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